Dallas Layover Guide (DFW)

What are you looking for in DFW?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is the main international airport located in between Dallas and Tarrant counties, Texas, United States of America. It is located 19 km (12 miles) from the center of Dallas. The airport has had international flights since it opened in 1973 and it serves not only Dallas but the cities Fort Worth and Arlington as well. Dallas has become a cosmopolitan city known for its history in ranching, farming, and American football as well as its transport, culture, commerce, and technology.

Can you leave Dallas Airport (DFW) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Some travelers can visit Dallas during a layover but others require a visa depending on nationality. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Dallas Organized Tours

Dallas: JFK Assassination and Sixth Floor Museum Tour

The story of John F. Kennedy’s assassination is a fascinating and a pivotal one in history. The incident happened as the former president drove across the Grassy Knoll in Dallas. This is an opportunity to visit Dealey Plaza Sixth Floor Museum and the John F. Kennedy Memorial. Learn about the history and the world of conspiracies around the tragic assassination of former President John F. Kennedy. You can get to the end of your tour by visiting the home of Lee Harvey Oswald. » book this tour

Dallas Uptown: Foodie Walk

Get your ready taste buds ready for a flavourful experience. The tour starts at Dallas’ trendy and affluent West Village, which is a dining and shopping district. This is one of the most pedestrian friendly neighborhoods in Dallas. Experience board flavors of different varieties such as Hispanic, Mediterranean, French, and Southern dishes. The tour often ends in the new Klyde Warren Park in the Dallas Arts District or choose to explore the West Village’s one of a kind shops and boutiques. » book this tour

3-Hour Small-Group Dallas Cowboys Stadium Tour

Experience a guided tour of the Dallas Cowboys’ new and impressive football stadium. The Cowboy Stadium is one of the most expensive sports venues ever built with estimated costs in the billions. The tour includes these impressive areas including the radio box, the press boxes, the private suites, the Cotton Bowl offices, Dr. Pepper Star Bar, and the Ford Motor Company Fountain. This three-hour tour makes you feel like a star. » book this tour

Dallas Things to do / Sightseeing

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens

Ornamental shrubs, seasonal flowers trees and other plant collections that will keep you in awe for a moment are located here on a 66 acre land along the southeast shore of White Rock Lake. Before 1984, the park was laid out on the grounds of a mansion built-in 1939. You can take advantage while you’re here and enjoy a walk along the shores of the white rock lake.

Time required: 2 hours.

Airport to here: it usually takes about 20 minutes to get here by taxi or an hour by bus.

Dallas Museum of Art

Opened since 1903, the Dallas Museum of Art has been a long standing institution and boasts as one of the largest Museums in the United States of America. Its collection exceeds 24000 from America and many parts of the world consisting of ancient art to contemporary art.

Time required: 2 hours.

Airport to here: It usually takes 25 minutes to get here by tram or 30 minutes by taxi.

Dallas Zoo

Most tourist destinations have at least one zoo and it’s nothing to be surprised about, but the Dallas zoo stands out in the sense that over here, there are over 2000 exotic animals from as many as 406 species in a variety of different habitats. The 106 acre-park was built in 1888 thereby making it one of the oldest zoos in the United States. Your family and your loved ones will certainly have fun here with memories.

Time required: 3 hours.

Airport to here: It takes just 15 minutes to get here by taxi or 30 minutes by bus.

Reunion Tower

The tower is the most recognizable and most distinguished tower in the city even though it does not pass for the tallest building. Completed in 1978, and it appears as a geodesic ball perched on top of five cylindrical concrete poles, its 560-foot length is lit up at night, showing its unique outline. After renovations a few years back, the Reunion Tower also boasts of a revolving restaurant with 360-degree views over Dallas. Fancy that!

Time required: 2 hours.

Airport to here: It usually takes 30 minutes to get here by tram or 10 minutes by taxi or bus.

Nasher Sculpture Center

With a collection of modern and contemporary sculptures, the Nasher Sculpture Center located in the heart of Dallas Arts District was opened in 2003. The Museum and Sculpture Park is also known for hosting events like lectures and concerts. Heads up! The art you’ll see here is completely unique and will be worth your time!

Time required: 1 hour.

Airport to here: It takes about 10 minutes by taxi to get here or 25 minutes by tram.

Perot Museum of Nature and Science

With sustainability as the number one goal,this huge architectural wonder was designed by Thom Mayne and is most certainly a major attraction to curious tourists and all who go here. The massive museum is divided into various thematic areas that have interactive educational stations, games, and also high-tech displays. Some of the themes are engineering and innovation, energy, evolution, earth sciences, and many others.

Time required: 2 hours.

Airport to here: It takes about 25 minutes to get here by tram or 10 minutes by bus or taxi.

Dallas World Aquarium

A wide variety of sea creatures have the Dallas Aquarium to call their home. From sea dragons, sea turtles, jellyfish, stingrays to giant groupers and the like make the Aquarium a wonderful destination for both young and old alike as these vast arrays of sea life enjoy their lives in a natural reef setting. Come and have a great time here and take in the wonders of nature.

Time required: 1 hour.

Airport to here: In a short period of 10 minutes,one can get here by taxi or by tram in 20 minutes.

African American Museum

References to African cultural icons and motifs where the museum shows so many pieces of artwork makes the African American Museum a great place to be on any day as it educates and entertains tourists to art historical and cultural materials. It was founded in 1974 and has since proven its worth by making art stand out in all the ways it can.

Time required: 2 hours.

Airport to here: Someone can get here in 15 minutes by taxi or 30 minutes by tram.

Things to Do in Dallas Airport (DFW)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
There are many lounges in each terminal. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
There are many options for hotels close to the airport. » view all or book an airport hotel online

Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
There are designated rest areas within Gates B28 where there is a cozy atmosphere with lounge chairs, power outlets and workstations. At Gate D28 there is a theatre area that features comfy media chairs and 10 screens. Sleeping pods that can also be booked in advance in the airport.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Connect to the “DFW Airport Complimentary WiFi” for free wifi.

SIM Card: There are several shops within the airport that sell SIM cards. » buy a global sim card for Dallas, United States that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Taxi stands are located on the lower levels of each of the terminals.

Train: There are Dallas Area Rapid Transit, TEXRail, and TRE light rail services connections at the airport. (more info).

Bus: There are charter buses located at the lower level curbside of each terminal. (more info).

Shuttle: There are hotel shuttle services at the airport.

Car rentals: There are car rental options that can be booked online. » view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: A safe and secure parking facility is available. You can book your parking slot online.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

There are no designated luggage storage and lockers. » book a luggage storage or locker at Dallas Airport (DFW) online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Dallas Airport (DFW) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks