Dallas Fort Worth Airport Terminal Transportation
Moving between terminals at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is relatively easy thanks to two free transportation systems designed to help passengers transfer quickly across the airport’s five terminals (A, B, C, D and E).
Because DFW is one of the largest airports in the world, these transport systems are essential for passengers making connections, moving between airlines, or reaching ground transportation stations.
Travelers have two main options depending on whether they are inside the security area (airside) or outside security (landside):
- SkyLink – airside automated train connecting all terminals
- Terminal Link – landside shuttle bus connecting terminals and transportation areas
If you already passed security and need to change terminals for a connecting flight, always use SkyLink, since it is much faster than exiting and taking the shuttle.
SkyLink (Airside Connection)
SkyLink is the airport’s automated light rail train system operating inside the secure area of the terminals. It connects all terminals in a continuous loop and allows passengers to transfer between gates without leaving security.
The train runs on an elevated track above the terminals and offers panoramic views of the airfield during the ride.
Key Features
- Free service
- No ticket required
- Operates 24 hours a day
- Trains arrive approximately every 2 minutes
- Average ride time between terminals: about 5 minutes
- Full loop around the airport: about 9 minutes
Because trains run every few minutes, there is usually no need to rush to catch one. Another train will arrive shortly.
Where to Take the SkyLink
Each terminal has two SkyLink stations located inside the secure area.
Terminal A
- Between gates A13 and A16
- Between gates A29 and A34
Terminal B
- Between gates B9 and B12
- Between gates B28 and B31
Terminal C
- Between gates C8 and C12
- Between gates C27 and C32
Terminal D
- Between gates D11 and D20
- Between gates D24 and D34
Terminal E
- Between gates E8 and E11
- Between gates E31 and E32
If your connecting flight departs from another terminal, taking SkyLink immediately after landing is often the fastest way to reach your next gate.
Terminal Link (Landside Shuttle)
Terminal Link is a free shuttle bus service operating outside the security area. It connects all terminals as well as several ground transportation locations, including rail stations and parking areas.
The buses are easy to recognize because they are orange vans, and they stop near the passenger pickup and drop-off zones at each terminal.
Service Details
- Free service
- Operates daily from 5:00 AM to 12:00 AM
- Stops at all five terminals
- Also connects to rail stations and parking areas
Terminal Link is useful if you need to move between terminals before passing security, such as when dropping off passengers or accessing a different airline check-in area.
Where to Take Terminal Link
Shuttle stops are located near the upper-level departures areas of most terminals and the lower level of Terminal D.
Terminal A
- Entry A10 serving gates A1–A20 and the DFW Airport DART Rail Station
- Entry A29 serving gates A21–A39
Terminal B
- Entry B9 serving gates B1–B25
- Entry B46 serving gates B26–B49 and the DFW Airport TEXRail Station
Terminal C
- Entry C4 serving gates C1–C20
- Entry C30 serving gates C21–C39
Terminal D
- Lower level D17 serving gates D1–D22
- Lower level D24 serving gates D23–D40
Terminal E
- Entry E12 serving gates E2–E18
- Entry E34 serving gates E20–E38
Which Inter-Terminal Transport Should You Use?
| Situation | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Connecting flights | SkyLink |
| Already past security | SkyLink |
| Changing terminals before check-in | Terminal Link |
| Traveling to rail stations | Terminal Link |
| Dropping off passengers | Terminal Link |