Are you planning to fly out of the Dallas/Fort Worth airport? Before you even think about which gate you’re headed to, there’s one thing that tends to sneak up on travelers — parking. DFW is a massive airport, and parking here is not one-size-fits-all. The good news is the airport has done a solid job of building out options for pretty much every type of traveler, whether you’re on a tight budget, short on time, or just don’t want to haul a suitcase across a parking lot.
This guide pulls everything together for parking at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, with no guesswork. What you read here reflects what the airport itself says about each parking product, the rates they charge, and what you should know before you roll in.
The Parking Landscape at DFW
DFW Airport features five different types of parking, each one tailored to suit a different kind of traveler. They include:
- Terminal Parking – It is closest to the gate and the most convenient of all.
- Express Parking – It provides covered and uncovered parking spaces with shuttle services.
- Remote Parking – This is the most budget-friendly option with free shuttle services.
- Valet Parking – premium, hands-off experience
- Cell Phone Lots – free waiting areas for those picking up passengers
Each option has its own pricing structure, location, and set of perks. Let’s walk through every single one.
1. Terminal Parking
If walking distance matters more to you than the daily rate, Terminal Parking is where you want to be. The garages sit directly next to each of DFW’s five terminals — A, B, C, D, and E — meaning once you park, you’re already right there—no shuttle, no waiting, no guessing. Just grab your bags and head inside.
This is especially useful if you’re running a little short on time or traveling with kids, elderly passengers, or a mountain of luggage. The less distance between the car and the terminal, the better.
What’s Included
Here is what is included in it:
- Parking directly next to all five DFW terminals
- State-of-the-art Digital Parking Guidance systems in Terminals A, D, and E to help you find open spots faster
- ADA-accessible spaces on Levels 1 and 3 provide direct access to the terminal.
- Contactless payment options are available (note: no cash accepted)
- EV Charging Stations available in select locations in Terminals A and E (also available for Valet customers in every terminal)
- Terminal Link shuttle available for travel between terminals when outside the secure area
Terminal Parking Daily Rates
| Duration | Daily Rate |
| 0 – 8 minutes | $9.00 |
| 8 – 30 minutes | $2.00 |
| 30 minutes – 2 hours | $3.00 |
| 2 – 4 hours | $10.00 |
| 4 – 6 hours | $12.00 |
| 6 – 24 hours | $32.00 |
The south part of the parking garage at Terminal C has been closed for construction since September 14, 2024. The central and north parts are still open, so make sure to plan accordingly if you are flying from Terminal C.
Why Prebook?
DFW lets you prebook Terminal Parking online, and it pays off. The airport says you can save up to 50% on the daily rate when you book in advance. Promotional offers can push savings even deeper. If you already know your travel dates, there’s really no reason not to lock them in early.
2. Express Parking
This is somewhere in between, neither too close, like the terminal parking, nor too far, like the remote parking. Located near the North entry/exit of the airport, Express offers both covered and uncovered parking spaces, and shuttles run directly to all terminals.
The defining feature of Express is the shuttle pickup. Attendants meet you right at your vehicle’s trunk — which means you don’t have to haul your luggage very far at all. That’s a pretty nice touch when you’ve packed heavily.
Key Benefits
- Located conveniently near the airport’s North entry or exit points
- Both covered and uncovered parking are available (covered costs slightly more)
- Shuttle service takes you directly to all terminals for arrivals and departures.
- You will find the pick-up and drop-off areas at each terminal’s lower level
- Contactless payment accepted (no cash)
- ADA-accessible shuttle options available
Express Parking Daily Rates
| Duration | Daily Rate |
| 0 minutes – 2 hours | $3.00 |
| 2 – 4 hours | $4.00 |
| 4 – 6 hours | $5.00 |
| 6 – 24 hours (Uncovered) | $18.00 |
| 6 – 24 hours (Covered) | $21.00 |
Shuttle Ride Times from Express North
According to DFW’s official site, average shuttle ride times from Express North to each terminal are:
| Terminal | Average Ride Time* |
| Terminal A | 4 minutes |
| Terminal B | 4 minutes |
| Terminal C | 5 minutes |
| Terminal D | 5 minutes |
| Terminal E | 5 minutes |
*These times reflect average ride time only and do not include the wait for the shuttle itself.
Express South has been closed since September 9, 2024. Currently, only Express North is operating. Guests needing assistance between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. should call +1-972-574-7500.
3. Remote Parking
Remote Parking DFW’s most budget-friendly parking option. It is ideal for those going on longer trips who are looking for a less costly option to park their vehicles.
There are two Remote lots, one at the north end of the airport and one at the south. Both offer non-stop bus service directly to your terminal, so you’re not making multiple stops.
Key Benefits
- Best value on-airport parking option
- Non-stop bus service directly to your terminal — no multiple stops
- Remote North and Remote South locations available (near the airport’s North and South entry/exits)
- Contactless payment accepted (no cash)
- Prebooked parking is available for additional savings
- ADA-accessible shuttles available
Remote Parking Daily Rates
Check out the table to know the rates:
| Duration | Daily Rate |
| 0 – 2 hours | $2.00 |
| 2 – 4 hours | $3.00 |
| 4 – 6 hours | $4.00 |
| 6 – 24 hours | $14.00 |
At $14/day for the full day rate, Remote Parking is considerably cheaper than Express ($18–$21) and Terminal ($32). For a week-long trip, that difference adds up fast.
If you need assistance between midnight and 5 a.m., call +1-972-973-3838. As with other lots, prebooking can knock up to 50% off the daily rate.
4. Valet Parking
If you are one of those travelers who like a perfectly smooth experience, then Valet Parking at DFW Airport will take the hassle out of parking. You drive your car up to the terminal, a valet agent collects your car, and you just enter the terminal. Nothing more!
DFW’s valet service runs a ‘scan and go’ drop-off model, which speeds things up considerably. Valet agents are positioned at specific locations across all five terminals, so no matter which one you’re flying from, you’re covered.
Valet Parking Locations
It is at level three of the arrivals level at the following locations:
- Terminal A: Spots A15, A20, A29
- Terminal B: Spots B9, B30
- Terminal C: Spots C7, C21
- Terminal E: Spots E7 (reservation drop-off only), E17, E28
- Terminal D: Curbside on the Departures level at D30 and D18
Valet Benefits
Here are some of the advantages of availing of the valet parking options:
- Pick up and drop off at any terminal — full flexibility
- Car wash and detail services available while you’re away
- EV Charging Stations are available in every terminal for valet customers.
- Contactless payment only (as of May 10, 2025, cash is no longer accepted)
Valet Daily Rate
Check out the valet parking rates in the table below:
| Valet Parking | Rate |
| Per Day | $45.00 |
You’d better make reservations in advance. You may do it through the DFW Valet reservations portal at dfwvaletreservations.com. In case you need help with bookings, dial +1-972-574-2407.
5. Cell Phone Lot
These lots exist specifically to reduce congestion around terminal curbsides. Instead of circling endlessly or idling at the curb, you wait comfortably in a real parking spot. Customers can use these lots at their convenience and await their traveler’s arrival. What’s more, they can park for two hours without paying any fee.
Understanding the Two Main Lots for Parking at DFW
Here is what you must note:
- North Cell Phone Lot: Located at the airport’s north end, near the north toll plaza, with around 53 spaces available.
- South Cell Phone Lot: Located at the airport’s south end, close to the Rental Car Drive- Southgate Avenue intersection, with 60 spaces available.
Rules and Details
Check out the rules and regulations that follow:
- Complimentary parking for up to two hours
- No cost — completely free to use
- Both lots are open 24/7
- Vehicles must be attended by a driver at all times — you cannot leave your car unattended.
- Vehicles are not permitted to park overnight in these lots
The idea is simple: wait here, keep your phone close, and when your person calls to say they’re out front, you head over to the terminal curb. Quick, easy, and free.
What to Know About Payment, TollTags, and Parking Rules at DFW
A few things apply across all DFW parking options, regardless of which product you choose. Here’s what you need to know before you arrive:
Payment Methods
Every parking facility at DFW accepts major credit cards and NTTA TollTags (with a credit card registered). Cash is not accepted for parking at DFW Airport. This also covers Valet, which stopped accepting cash as of May 10, 2025.
TollTag Use at DFW
If you already have an NTTA TollTag, you can use it at Terminal, Express, and Remote parking for automated entry and exit. Your TollTag account must be current and linked to a valid credit card — cash accounts won’t work here. If you’d rather not use your TollTag at DFW, enter through the ‘Ticket Only’ lane on the right side of the entry plaza to get a traditional ticket.
Oversized Vehicles
Yellow signs indicate wide lanes that can accommodate very large vehicles, such as RVs, 18-wheelers, and buses. There are two wide lanes at each toll plaza. Wide lanes accept all forms of payments, except TollTag-only lanes.
Maximum Parking Duration
You can park for a total of 90 days. Any vehicle left at the airport premises for more than 90 days will be towed.
Parking Guest Relations
For any questions about your parking experience, billing issues, disputes, or anything else, you can reach the Parking Guest Relations team at +1-972-973-3112 or by email at finparkingrev@dfwairport.com. They’re available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Military Parking Benefits At DFW
DFW still recognizes a few parking fee waivers for some specialty military license plates. People with disabled veteran plates may also receive additional benefits under Texas Senate Bill 792. The airport’s official website provides complete information on both programs. Here is a list of a few license plates that are eligible for a parking fee waiver. For the complete list, check DFW’s official website:
- Air Medal
- Coast Guard Medal
- Soldier’s Medal
- Purple Heart
- WWII Veteran
- Legion of Merit
Save Up to 50% — Prebook Online
Here’s a tip that DFW’s own website repeatedly drives home: book your parking in advance. Prebooking through DFW’s online portal can save you up to 50% off the standard drive-up daily rate. On top of that, the airport periodically runs promotional offers that can take savings even further.
Prebooking is available for Terminal, Express, and Remote lots. (Valet has its own separate reservation system through dfwvaletreservations.com.) The process is straightforward: enter your travel dates, pick your product, and lock in a rate. If your plans change, the airport offers a way to view or modify your booking using your confirmation number.
If you’re a frequent traveler through DFW, creating a MyDFW account also speeds up future bookings and lets you manage reservations in one place.
Accessibility Services at DFW Parking
Accessible parking is available throughout DFW’s facilities. Here’s the quick rundown:
- Terminal Parking: ADA spaces are available on Levels 1 and 3 for direct terminal access
- Express Parking: It is served by accessible shuttles
- Remote Parking: You will find accessible shuttles
- Valet: Available at all terminals and can accommodate guests with mobility needs
If you have disabled veteran license plates, Senate Bill 792 offers you a chance to get additional parking privileges. You can find complete information on the DFW site, or you may also contact the Texas DMV in person.
Quick Comparison: Which Parking Is Right for You?
Check out the table for a clearer insight:
| Parking Type | Daily Rate (Drive-Up) | Getting to Terminal | Best For |
| Terminal | $32/day | None — walk to terminal | Best for short stays, convenience is king |
| Express | $18–$21/day | 4–5 min shuttle ride | Balance of cost and convenience |
| Remote | $14/day | Shuttle (non-stop) | Best for long trips, budget-focused |
| Valet | $45/day | Drop off at the curb | Best for a premium, hands-free experience |
| Cell Phone Lots | Free (up to 2 hrs) | N/A — for pickups only | For those picking up arriving passengers |
Conclusion
Parking Choices at Dallas/Fort Worth Intenational Airport are tailored for every kind of traveler, including handy Terminal Parking and inexpensive Remote and Express lots. For those looking for a touch of luxury, Valet service is also available. At the same time, free Cell Phone Lots make it easy for people to pick up passengers. It is always better to book in advance so you can save some money and get a parking place. Of course, during the times when the airport is busiest, parking areas can fill up fast.
FAQs
Yes, DFW Airport permits visitors to reserve their parking spaces in advance via its official parking platform.
DFW Airport provides free Cell Phone Lots for drivers to wait for passengers for up to 2 hours.
Terminal Parking is located directly next to each terminal and is the closest parking option available.
Yes. Complimentary shuttle service is available for Express and Remote parking areas.
Yes. You can. For live updates, check DFW’s official website and know the parking lot availability.
For pre-booked parking, your stay shouldn’t exceed 45 days.
You can check the daily parking rates for terminal, express, and remote parking on their official website.