DFW vs Love Field: Costs, Airlines & More

Choosing between Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Dallas Love Field can significantly impact your travel experience — from how long you spend in transit to how much you pay for ground transportation. As a Dallas-based transportation provider serving both airports daily, we see firsthand how the right airport choice saves travelers time, money, and stress.

The short answer: DFW International handles 28 airlines and 260+ destinations but sits 24 miles from downtown Dallas. Love Field serves 3 airlines on 65+ domestic routes but is just 7 miles from the city center with shorter security lines.

The full comparison below covers everything you need to decide.

Quick Comparison Overview

Factor	DFW International	Love Field
Size	26.9 square miles	1,300 acres
Distance to Downtown	24 miles (30-45 min)	7 miles (15-20 min)
Airlines	28 carriers	3 carriers
Destinations	260+ worldwide	65+ domestic
Terminals	5 terminals	1 terminal
Annual Passengers	62+ million	16+ million
Parking Cost	$10-40/day	$10-25/day

Which Dallas Airport Is Closer to Downtown?

DFW International Airport

Located between Dallas and Fort Worth, DFW International serves as a central hub for the entire metroplex but requires longer travel times to most Dallas destinations.

Best for travelers heading to:

• Fort Worth (20 minutes)
• Arlington/Grand Prairie (15 minutes)
• Grapevine/Southlake (10 minutes)
• North Dallas suburbs (30-40 minutes)

Transportation costs to downtown Dallas:

• Luxury black car service: $145-185
• Rideshare: $45-120 (surge pricing common late at night)
• DART Orange Line: $3

Love Field Airport

Nestled just 7 miles northwest of downtown Dallas, Love Field offers unbeatable convenience for city-centered trips.

Best for travelers heading to:

• Downtown Dallas (15 minutes)
• Uptown/Oak Lawn (10 minutes)
• Highland Park (12 minutes)
• Medical District (10 minutes)

Transportation costs to downtown Dallas:

• Luxury black car service: $85-115
• Rideshare: $25-65 (surge pricing common during rush hour)
• DART Orange/Green Line: $3

What Airlines Fly Out of DFW vs Love Field?

DFW International — The Global Gateway

Major Airlines:

• American Airlines (largest hub — hub details)
• United Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• International carriers (Emirates, Lufthansa, British Airways, Qatar Airways, and more)

Destination Advantages:

• 193 domestic destinations
• 67 international destinations
• Direct flights to Europe, Asia, South America, and the Middle East
• More flight options and departure times
• Essential for international connections

Love Field — The Southwest Stronghold

Airlines:

• Southwest Airlines (90%+ of flights)
• Alaska Airlines
• Delta Air Lines (limited service)

Destination Advantages:

• Focus on major US cities
• Frequent flights to popular business destinations
• No international flights (except select Mexico routes)
• Limited but efficient route network
• Ideal for Southwest Rapid Rewards members

How Does Ground Transportation Compare?

As professional chauffeurs who navigate both airports every day, we can share what most comparison guides skip: the real ground transportation experience.

Getting From DFW to Dallas

DFW’s size means your ground transportation choice matters more than at any other Texas airport. The 5-terminal layout spans 26.9 square miles, so even finding your pickup spot takes planning.

Professional car service pickup: Your chauffeur monitors your flight in real time and meets you at baggage claim in the specific terminal you arrive at — no walking to a central pickup zone. At DFW, this saves 15-20 minutes compared to rideshare, where you must walk to the designated pickup area on the departure level.

DART TEXRail: The TEXRail line connects Fort Worth to DFW Terminal B. The Orange Line connects DFW to downtown Dallas in about 50 minutes for $3.

Rideshare: Pickup is on the departure level (Level 2) of each terminal. During peak hours and late nights, expect surge pricing — we regularly see travelers paying $80-120 from DFW to downtown.

Getting From Love Field to Dallas

Love Field’s compact single-terminal layout makes ground transportation straightforward.

Professional car service pickup: Curbside pickup on the arrivals level. With one terminal, your chauffeur is always within 50 yards of where you exit.

DART Love Link: The free Love Link shuttle connects the terminal to the Inwood/Love Field DART station. From there, the Orange or Green Line reaches downtown in about 25 minutes.

Rideshare: Pickup from the designated area at Garage C, Level 1. Shorter wait times and lower fares than DFW — typically $15-25 to downtown.

Planning your airport ride? Book your DFW or Love Field transfer with fixed-rate pricing — no surge surprises.

“I’ve had the pleasure of using Arise Transport for several airport pick ups and drop offs. The service has been consistently excellent with professional drivers and clean, comfortable vehicles.” — Casey Wilcox, Google Review

Which Airport Has a Better Terminal Experience?

DFW International

Highlights by Terminal:

• Terminal A: Pappasito’s Cantina, Whataburger, Cowboys Pro Shop
• Terminal B: The Mudsmith (craft coffee), XpresSpa
• Terminal C: Cantina Laredo, Dickey’s BBQ
• Terminal D (International): Wine bar, art walk, DFW’s best dining selection
• Terminal E: Gameway gaming lounge, Salt Lick BBQ

The free Skylink automated train connects all 5 terminals in under 10 minutes. Other amenities: multiple airline lounges (Admirals Club, Centurion, Delta Sky Club), Global Entry enrollment center, children’s play areas, nursing rooms in all terminals, and rotating art exhibitions.

Drawbacks:

• Long walks between gates (even within terminals)
• Can be overwhelming for first-time visitors
• Terminal transfers take 20-30 minutes without Skylink
• Economy parking requires shuttle rides

Love Field

Highlights:

• Compact layout — most gates within 5 minutes of security
• Recently renovated terminal (completed 2024)
• Local Dallas restaurants including Dickey’s BBQ and La Madeleine
• Outdoor observation deck for plane watching

Amenities: TSA PreCheck at main checkpoint, CLEAR available, free WiFi throughout.

Drawbacks:

• Limited dining options after security
• Fewer lounge choices (Southwest doesn’t operate lounges)
• Can get crowded during peak travel times
• Limited shopping

Is Love Field or DFW Cheaper Overall?

Total Trip Cost Analysis (Downtown Dallas Hotel)

Via DFW International:

• Round-trip luxury car service: $290-370
• 3-day parking (if driving): $54-120
• Average meal cost: $15-25
• Total time investment: 2-3 hours each way

Via Love Field:

• Round-trip luxury car service: $170-230
• 3-day parking (if driving): $30-75
• Average meal cost: $12-20
• Total time investment: 1-1.5 hours each way

Potential Savings with Love Field: $120-140 per trip

How car service compares to rideshare from DFW: Rideshare from DFW runs $45-120 depending on time and surge — and you walk 10-15 minutes to the pickup zone. A professional car service is $145-185 with your chauffeur waiting at baggage claim, flight tracked in real time. For late-night arrivals when surge pricing peaks, the difference shrinks to $25-40 while the experience gap widens.

“Picked up from DFW and the driver was timely and personable. 5 stars for sure.” — Jackie Washington, Google Review

Want fixed-rate pricing with no surge? Get a quote for your airport transfer →

Parking Comparison

DFW Parking Options (reserve online):

• Terminal Parking: $40/day (closest to gates)
• Express Parking: $18/day (shuttle required)
• Economy Parking: $10/day (15-20 min shuttle)
• Valet Parking: $45/day
• Remote Parking: $7/day (20-30 min shuttle)

Love Field Parking Options (reserve online):

• Garage A (Covered): $25/day
• Garage B (Covered): $22/day
• Economy Lot: $10/day
• Valet Parking: $35/day
• Remote Economy: $8/day

Pro Tip: Both airports offer online parking reservations for guaranteed spots and discounted rates.

How Long Are Security Lines at Each Airport?

DFW International

Recommended arrival times:

• Domestic flights: 2 hours early
• International flights: 3 hours early
• TSA PreCheck available at all checkpoints
• CLEAR available in Terminals A, D, E

Peak congestion times:

• Monday mornings (5-8 AM)
• Friday afternoons (3-7 PM)
• Sunday evenings (5-9 PM)

Love Field

Recommended arrival times:

• All flights: 90 minutes early
• TSA PreCheck at main checkpoint
• CLEAR available

Peak congestion times:

• Monday mornings (6-9 AM)
• Thursday/Friday afternoons (4-7 PM)
• Sunday evenings (5-8 PM)

Love Field’s single-checkpoint layout means security lines move predictably, though the smaller footprint means delays compound faster during holidays.

Which Airport Is Better for Business Travelers?

Choose DFW if you need:

• International connections for global meetings
• Multiple daily flight options for schedule flexibility
• Full-service airline amenities and premium cabins
• Premium lounge access (Admirals Club, Centurion)
• Same-day rebooking options across 28 airlines
• Proximity to Las Colinas, Grapevine, or Fort Worth corporate campuses

Choose Love Field if you value:

• Quick airport access from Uptown, Downtown, or Highland Park
• Streamlined, efficient experience (in and out faster)
• Lower ground transportation costs
• Southwest Companion Pass benefits
• Minimal connection times between flight and meeting

Which Airport Is Better for Families?

DFW International

Family-Friendly Features:

• Nursing rooms in all terminals
• Children’s play areas (Terminal D)
• Family restrooms throughout
• Wide variety of dining options for picky eaters
• Observation areas for plane watching
• Gameway gaming lounge (Terminal E — teenagers love this)

Challenges:

• Long distances between gates with strollers
• Complex navigation with young children
• More overwhelming overall

Love Field

Family-Friendly Features:

• Compact layout (less walking with kids)
• Quick bathroom access
• Easier to manage children in a single terminal
• Outdoor observation deck

Challenges:

• Limited dining variety
• Fewer entertainment options during delays
• Can feel crowded with families during peak times

Weather and Delay Considerations

DFW International

• Better equipped for severe weather (7 runways)
• Multiple runways reduce cascading delays
• More rebooking options during cancellations
• Average on-time rate: 78%

Love Field

• More susceptible to weather delays (2 runways)
• Limited gates can cause backups
• Fewer alternative flights during disruptions
• Average on-time rate: 75%

During North Texas thunderstorm season (April-June), DFW’s larger infrastructure handles delays better. Love Field flights are more likely to face gate holds during severe weather.

The Verdict: Which Airport Should You Choose?

Choose DFW International When:

• Flying internationally
• Need a specific airline (not Southwest)
• Staying in Fort Worth, Arlington, or the mid-cities
• Require multiple flight options or flexible rebooking
• Connecting to another flight
• Using airline status or lounge benefits

Choose Love Field When:

• Staying in Dallas proper (Downtown, Uptown, Highland Park, Park Cities)
• Flying Southwest Airlines
• Prioritizing convenience and speed over options
• Making quick business trips
• Prefer smaller, easier-to-navigate airports
• Want to minimize ground transportation costs

Frequently Asked Questions

Which airport is closer to downtown Dallas? Love Field is approximately 7 miles from downtown Dallas, reachable in 15-20 minutes. DFW International is 24 miles northwest of downtown, requiring 30-45 minutes depending on traffic. For travelers staying in Uptown, Highland Park, or the Medical District, Love Field saves significant travel time.

What airlines fly out of Love Field? Love Field is served by three airlines: Southwest Airlines (which operates 90%+ of flights), Alaska Airlines, and Delta Air Lines (limited service). Southwest flies to 65+ domestic destinations. For international flights or carriers like American, United, or Emirates, you need DFW International.

Is Love Field or DFW cheaper for parking? Love Field parking ranges from $8-35/day, while DFW ranges from $7-45/day. The cheapest options at both airports are remote economy lots at $7-10/day. For the closest covered parking, Love Field is cheaper ($22-25/day vs $40/day at DFW). Both offer online reservation discounts.

How do I get from DFW Airport to downtown Dallas without a car? Three main options: the DART Orange Line train ($3, ~50 minutes), rideshare services ($35-80 depending on time and surge pricing), or a professional airport car service (from $145 with fixed pricing and no surge). The DART train connects to DFW Airport Station at Terminal A.

Which Dallas airport has shorter security lines? Love Field generally has shorter, more predictable security lines thanks to its single-checkpoint layout. DFW has more checkpoints across 5 terminals, which spreads crowds but can still have lengthy waits during Monday mornings and Friday afternoons. Both airports offer TSA PreCheck and CLEAR.

Which airport is better for business travelers? It depends on your priorities. Love Field is better for speed — you can be from the gate to downtown Dallas in 30 minutes. DFW is better for flexibility, with more airlines, more flights, more lounges, and international access. For corporate travel, many Dallas executives use Love Field for domestic day trips and DFW for everything else.

Quick Decision Checklist

Love Field is your best choice if:

• Staying in Dallas city limits
• Flying domestic only
• Southwest Airlines member
• Value time over flight options
• Prefer smaller airports

DFW is your best choice if:

• Flying internationally
• Need a specific airline
• Staying in Fort Worth area
• Want maximum flight flexibility
• Require premium lounges

Book Your Airport Transfer

Whatever airport you choose, the ride to your destination should be the easy part. Arise Transit provides luxury black car service to both DFW International and Love Field — CDL-licensed professional chauffeurs, real-time flight tracking, and fixed-rate pricing with no surge surprises.

“After a long flight from San Diego, we were warmly greeted by the owner herself, who was incredibly friendly and welcoming.” — Trevor Greenberg, Google Review

Three ways to book:

• Get a quote — we’ll respond with pricing and terminal-specific pickup instructions
• Book your ride online — instant confirmation for DFW or Love Field
• Call 469-401-1564 — speak with our team directly