Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) had over 81.7 million people travel through its terminals in 2023 alone. This amount of people can make finding parking a traveling nightmare.
This airport has five different parking options, ranging from terminal parking to cell phone lots. However, this abundance of parking options doesn’t always mean there is an abundance of available spots, especially with the large number of people traveling every day.
Luckily, with an idea of where to park and how much you’ll pay, this parking nightmare should be slightly less daunting.
Short-Term Parking
When it comes to short-term parking, you have quite a few options. Here are the parking rates you can expect for short-term parking.
Note: Terminals A, D, and E have parking guidance systems, which is helpful when searching for open spots.
| Lot | Hourly Rate | Daily Maximum Rate |
| Terminals A through E | 0-8 minutes: $9.00 | $32.00 |
| 8-30 minutes: $2.00 | ||
| 30 minutes-2 hours: $3.00 | ||
| 2-4 hours: $10.00 | ||
| 4-6 hours: $12.00 | ||
| 6+ hours: $32.00 | ||
| Express North and South | 0-2 hours: $3.00 | $18.00 – $21.00 for a covered spot |
| 2-4 hours: $4.00 | ||
| 6+ hours: $18.00 |
DFW terminal parking is highly recommended for travelers who need parking for just a few hours. These parking garages are located within walking distance of the airport, offering quick and easy access. That way, you don’t have to drag your heavy luggage around. However, terminal parking can get a little expensive over time, with a daily maximum of $32.00.
Express parking is slightly cheaper, but this is because these lots are farther away from the terminals. Luckily, DFW offers a complimentary shuttle service that can take you to and from the terminals so you don’t have to walk.
There is an express lot on both the northern and southern ends of the airport. Hourly parking is just a few dollars, and the daily maximums for a covered spot are $18.00 and $21.00.
Long-Term Parking
If you don’t have anyone picking you up or dropping you off, you’ll most likely need long-term parking. Here are your options, along with their rates, if you plan on leaving your car behind for hours or days at a time.
| Lot | Hourly Rate | Daily Maximum Rate |
| Terminals A through E | 0-8 minutes: $9.00 | $32.00 |
| 8-30 minutes: $2.00 | ||
| 30 minutes-2 hours: $3.00 | ||
| 2-4 hours: $10.00 | ||
| 4-6 hours: $12.00 | ||
| 6+ hours: $32.00 | ||
| Express North and South | 0-2 hours: $3.00 | $18.00$21.00 for a covered parking spot |
| 2-4 hours: $4.00 | ||
| 6+ hours: $18.00 | ||
| Remote North and South | 0-2 hours: $2.00 | $14.00 |
| 2-4 hours: $3.00 | ||
| 4-6 hours: $4.00 | ||
| 6+ hours: $14.00 |
Terminal and express parking are ideal for both short and long-term parking at DFW International Airport. But if you want other long-term options, you can utilize the remote lot or use valet.
The remote lot is the best option for travelers who will be away for multiple days to weeks due to the affordable price. This lot’s maximum price is $14.00 per day, which is the cheapest of all the parking options offered at DFW.
While the remote lots are the farthest away from the terminals, they offer bussing and a free shuttle service to your terminal.
Remember that long-term parking in all of these airport lots is limited to 90 days. So, don’t leave your car unattended for longer than three months.
Valet Parking
If the thought of searching for a parking spot before traveling spikes your stress levels, you can let someone else handle it for you. Valet parking at DFW is available at all terminals, so you can drop off your vehicle and be on your way.
The following airport terminal parking sections have valet areas, and they all charge $45.00 per day:
- A15, A20, and A29
- B9 and B30
- C7 and C21
- D18 and D30
- E7, E17, and E28
Valet services at DFW also provide customers with the option of having their vehicles washed and detailed while parked for an added charge. You can even get your electric vehicle charged for free while you’re away, so you’re ready to go when you get back!
Free Parking
If you’re getting picked up from the airport and don’t want to pay for parking, DFW offers two small cell phone lots at the northern and southern ends of the airport. You can stay in these free airport parking lots for a limit of up to two hours, and the driver must stay inside the vehicle at all times.
Accessible Parking
All airport terminals and parking lots offer accessible parking spots for those who may need them. To use an accessible parking spot, you’ll simply need to display your placard or ensure your accessible license plate is visible.
The shuttle buses are also wheelchair accessible, ensuring all travelers can get to their gate on time.
EV Charging
Electric vehicles are surging in popularity. In turn, charging stations are becoming even more prevalent in places like airports. The DFW Airport offers charging stations on level three of terminals A and E near the valet service sections.
Tips to Save on DFW Airport Parking Rates
If you want to save some money, here are some things to keep in mind before you arrive at the airport.
Try Out Online Reservations
Utilizing online reservations can lead to significant savings and ensure you have a parking spot in your preferred lot by the time you arrive. Luckily, DFW offers online reservations for all lots except valet. Reserving your parking spot in advance can even cut your parking price in half!
You can still pay in person if you’d like with cash or card, but you won’t get a discount.
Use Discount Codes
You can save a significant amount if you discover discount codes for DFW parking as well! Sometimes you’ll find promotion codes through the airport website or on various coupon websites. Simply search for codes online, type it in at check-out, and see what you’ll save!
Final Thoughts
Dallas Fort Worth Airport is the second-largest airport in the United States. High demand means high costs.
Pre-booking parking at the airport can help you be prepared. But if you’re staying for long periods, you may want to look elsewhere to store your car and save a little more money. A peer-to-peer car storage marketplace called Neighbor is a good place to look, as you can find nationwide car storage options that are up to 50% cheaper.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Park at DFW Airport for a Week?
If you need to park at DFW Airport for a week, your best option is the remote lot due to it being the cheapest option.
Does DFW Take Cash Payments for Parking?
DFW Airport accepts cash, credit card, and TollTag payments. The remote lot also accepts contactless payments with your phone’s virtual wallet for convenience.
