Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is one of the world’s most popular airports. Therefore, parking becomes an integral part of travel. The airport provides Terminal, Express, Remote, and Valet parking, as well as free cell phone parking for pick-ups. It depends on the length of your stay, budget, and your tolerance for the walk. Here are details about each type of parking, rates applicable from October 1, 2026, and the options to save money.
Parking Options at Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW)
As DFW airport parking is located all over the property, it makes sense to understand its layout.
- Terminal Parking: parking garages located next to terminals, the closest to your boarding point.
- Express Parking: a combination of covered and uncovered parking lots and a short shuttle ride.
- Remote Parking: the cheapest option among parking facilities located on airport grounds.
- Valet Parking: the premium service provided by the airport.
- Cell Phone Parking: free lots where you can wait for passengers coming from flights.
DFW Parking Rates (Starting October 1, 2026)
| Parking Type | Daily Rate with TollTag | Daily Rate by Credit Card at Exit | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terminal | $37 | $40 | Short trips, best convenience |
| Express Covered | $23 | $25 | Medium-length trips, sun and hail protection |
| Express Uncovered | $20 | $22 | Medium-length trips, budget-minded traveler |
| Remote | $14 | $16 | Long trips, cheapest price |
| Valet | $55 | $55 | Travelers seeking a hassle-free drop-off |
This table shows daily maximum rates for drive-up parking. Check the official DFW website for the latest rates, as they are subject to change.
Terminal Parking: Right Outside Your Terminal
Terminal Parking places your car in the garage adjacent to your terminal of departure. This parking option is the most convenient one. It also happens to be the most expensive self-parking choice, with a rate of $37 per day with a TollTag and $40 using a credit card.
You may view live space availability for each terminal on the DFW website and mobile app. This is helpful during peak times since garages might become full.
Construction of Terminal C: Normally, Terminal C has three garages. The south garage that services gates C26 to C39 is under construction due to the construction of a bigger garage. The northern and central garages are open. If you are boarding at Terminal C, check the availability of spaces before coming to the airport.
Express Parking: The Best of Both Worlds
Express parking is cheaper than the terminal garages and still has a shuttle service included. It will take about 4 to 5 minutes to arrive at the terminals using the shuttle.
- Express Covered: $23 TollTag and $25 cash/card.
- Express Uncovered: $20 TollTag and $22 cash/card.
Having covered spots will save your car from sun and hail storms that occur during storm season. The Express South is now closed due to construction of Terminal F, the sixth terminal of the DFW airport.
Remote Parking: Budget Winner
The cheapest form of parking at DFW Airport is the Remote Parking service in the North and South lots. It is $14 a day using a TollTag or $16 via a credit card. Buses provide continuous transportation to all terminals. Here, you pay the least but have to travel a bit longer.
For trips that span several days, Remote Parking is clearly the best option. For example, parking there for three days costs around $48 at the credit card rates. On the other hand, the same period in a terminal garage would cost you around $120.
Valet Parking
The Valet Parking service has a flat rate of $55 a day. You can make a reservation in advance. The agents will be waiting for you at Level 3 of Terminals A, B, C, and E or at the curbside of Terminal D’s Level 2 (Departures). You can choose any terminal to drop off and pick up your vehicle.
Cell Phone Lots: Waiting for Free
Going to pick someone up? No need to drive around the terminals or pay extra for parking. DFW offers you two free cell phone lots:
- North Cell Phone Lot: located at the northern end of the airport, before the North Toll Plaza.
- South Cell Phone Lot: located at the southern end of the airport, near Rental Car Drive and Southgate Avenue.
Wait there until your friend arrives and gets their baggage, and pick them up from the terminal. If you pull over at the curb to either drop off or pick up a passenger, an 8- to 30-minute stay will cost you $1 in case of TollTag or $3 using a credit card.
How to Save on Parking at DFW
There are several things that can be done to save on parking fees at DFW. Here are some tips that may be helpful.
- Pre-book online. According to DFW, pre-booking online allows saving up to 50% on drive-up prices. This is the cheapest option of all offered by the airport.
- Use a TollTag. Starting from October 1, TollTag users pay $2 to $3 less per day compared to credit card users at the Terminal, Express, and Remote lots.
- Choose the right lot for your trip. It is logical to park in the Terminal lot for several hours or one night, and in the Remote lot after some days have passed since the beginning of the trip.
- Find out about the available lots. There is live information about the filling rate of every lot available on the DFW website and in the app. This will help you choose an empty lot.
- Consider alternatives to airport lots. Private parking lots and packages of parking and shuttle services provided by hotels close to the airport are usually cheaper for longer-term parking.
- Plan to arrive in advance. If you use the Remote and Express lots, remember that there is extra time for getting to your terminal because of shuttles. Also, construction may have changed the roads and drop-off points.
Things to Know Before Parking
It is always better for you to be aware of certain things that will not only make your journey easy but will also save you from being surprised at the time of boarding or exiting.
- 90-day limit: If you park your car at the airport for more than 90 days, it will be removed from the airport grounds.
- Payment: The airport allows you to pay using credit cards and NTTA TollTags while leaving the parking facilities.
- Construction: Terminal C garage construction and the Terminal F expansion are being constructed. For the latest updates regarding parking, refer to the construction page of the airport.
Conclusion
The parking process at DFW is easy to navigate once you learn about all the parking options. Terminal parking garages bring you closest to the gates and have the highest prices, ranging from $37 to $40 per day. Express offers an average price per day ranging from $20 to $25, whereas Remote is cheaper at $14 to $16. Valet parking is the most expensive and easiest parking option at a price of $55 per day. Cell phone lots are the best option for those picking up passengers without charging them anything. Book online, pre-pay via TollTag, and check availability in real-time, especially for Terminal C.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The most affordable on-site parking is Remote Parking, which costs $14 per day with TollTag or $16 per day via credit card. Buses transport vehicles to all terminals.
Starting from October 1, 2026, the daily rate of terminal parking is $37 with TollTag and $40 with a credit card.
Yes. Pre-book your parking spot on the DFW website. DFW claims that making reservations online may help you to save up to 50% compared to drive-up rates, and valet parking may also be booked.
Only the two cell phone lots are free parking options. These are intended for people waiting for incoming passengers only.
The parking period is limited to 90 days. Vehicles that remain on the airport property longer will be towed away.