Finding a car rental at DFW Airport is simple with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of suppliers around Texas with no reservation fees. See transparent total costs for the 24/7 on-airport Rental Car Center and lower-rate off-airport branches in Irving, Euless or downtown Dallas, then reserve with free cancellation and be on TX-114 or I-35 in minutes.
DFW Airport houses a dedicated 24-hour Rental Car Center that includes all major rental companies in one location.
Location | Pros | Cons | Notes |
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DFW Airport Rental Center |
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Located on the south end of the airport; approximately 10-15 minute shuttle ride from terminals |
Off-Airport Nearby Locations |
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Locations in Irving, Euless and Grapevine near airport; some offer airport pickup |
Dallas City Locations |
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Best for travelers staying in Dallas first and not needing immediate transportation |
Fort Worth City Locations |
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Best for travelers staying in Fort Worth first and not needing immediate transportation |
Shuttle Information: After collecting your luggage, follow signs for "Rental Car" or "Ground Transportation." The blue Rental Car Center shuttle buses depart from designated areas outside each terminal's lower level. The shuttle ride takes approximately 10 minutes to reach the Rental Car Center.
On average, car rentals at Dallas Fort Worth Airport cost around $94 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $17 per day.
Compare on-airport vs off-airport quotes: DFW's Rental Center prices carry an extra 18-25 % in concession fees. An Uber to Irving, Euless or Grapevine shops can pay for itself on rentals of 3+ days.
Book refundable, then stalk the rate: Lock in a free-cancellation deal early, set a price alert and rebook if costs dip. At DFW, last-minute bargains pop up outside peak holidays.
Pick the smallest ride that works: Economy/compact cars beat SUVs by 20-30 % and handle Dallas traffic just fine. Skip "upgrade" offers unless you truly need the cargo space.
Join the free loyalty club before you land: Member codes shave a few bucks off the daily rate and often add a free extra driver (normally $10-15/day) while letting you bypass the counter line.
Refuel off airport: Stop at the QT or Shell on TX-114, 5-10 minutes from the Rental Car Center, and dodge the $9-per-gallon refill fee.
Plot toll-free routes: If you can avoid the Dallas North Tollway and TEXpress lanes, decline the $4-10/day toll package and keep that cash in your taco fund.
Returning your rental to DFW Airport is straightforward, thanks to clear signage to the Rental Car Center. Be aware of these regulations:
Regulation | What You Need to Know | Additional Info |
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Speed Limits |
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Reduced speeds in terminal areas are strictly enforced |
Toll Roads | Several toll roads connect to DFW Airport: - International Parkway (within airport) - TX-114, TX-121, TX-183 (portions) |
Rental companies may charge daily convenience fees plus toll amounts |
Fuel Options | Multiple gas stations within 5-10 minutes of the Rental Center: - RaceTrac and Shell on TX-114 - QT and 7-Eleven near the north entrance |
Fill up before returning to avoid rental company refueling charges, which are much higher |
Return Procedures |
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Some companies offer return status updates via text message |
Get a car so you can easily:
Do I need to refill the gas tank before returning to DFW?
Yes, you need to return the car with the same amount of gas it had when you picked it up (usually full). If you don't, the company will charge you a higher price of about $9–10 per gallon to refuel it.
How early should I arrive at the Rental Car Center before my flight?
You should get to the Rental Car Center at least 3 hours before international flights and 2 hours before domestic flights. Returning the car takes about 15 minutes and the shuttle ride to the terminals takes about 10–15 minutes.
Can I return my rental to a different location than DFW Airport?
Yes, most companies let you drop off the car at other places, like Dallas Love Field (DAL) or their city offices. They might charge a one-way fee if you return it outside the main city area.
What happens if my flight is delayed and the rental counter is closed?
The Rental Car Center at DFW is open 24/7, so you can still pick up or return your car even if your flight is delayed.
Is it worth paying for the rental company's toll program?
If you think you'll use toll roads more than once, paying the daily fee (about $3.95–9.99) might be a good idea. If you hardly plan to use them, you can find routes that avoid tolls instead.
How do I access the Rental Car Center if I'm arriving at DFW?
After you get your bags, follow the signs for "Ground Transportation" or "Rental Cars." You can get on the blue Rental Car Shuttle bus at the marked spots outside the terminal. The shuttles come about every 10–15 minutes.
What's the largest vehicle I can rent at DFW Airport?
Most big rental companies at DFW have full-size SUVs that fit 7–8 people and minivans. If you have a larger group, they usually have 12- or 15-passenger vans, but you need to reserve one in advance.