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| Location Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| DFW International Airport | • Immediate access (adjacent to Grapevine) • All major rental companies present • 24/7 availability • Largest vehicle selection |
• Airport fees (approximately 10-15% surcharge) • Potential wait times during peak periods • More complex pickup/return process |
| Grapevine Local Offices | • No airport fees • Often less crowded • Simple pickup/return process |
• Limited business hours • Usually closed Sundays • Smaller selection of vehicles |
| Hotel Rental Desks | • Some Grapevine hotels have on-site rental counters • Convenient for hotel guests |
• Limited vehicle selection • May require advance reservation • Higher base rates in some cases |
Airport Rental Process:
Getting to Grapevine Rentals:
On average, car rentals in Grapevine cost around $87 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $30 per day.
Compare DFW Airport vs. Grapevine pickups Airport counters add ~10-15 % in surcharges. If your hotel offers a free shuttle or you're already in town, a downtown Grapevine office can be cheaper even after a rideshare over.
Play with pickup and return times Rates in DFW swing by the hour. Shifting your booking a few hours earlier or later (or grabbing a full-week rate) sometimes beats daily pricing. Our search lets you test combos fast.
Lock early for festivals, re-shop later for slow weeks Prices spike around GrapeFest and Christmas events. Grab a free-cancellable deal months ahead, then check back—if rates dip, just rebook and pocket the difference.
Skip the unlimited toll package unless you'll live on the Turnpike Most Grapevine sightseeing sits on free roads. Pay-as-you-go tolls plus the admin fee can still be cheaper than the flat daily bundle.
| Area | Parking Information | Local Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Grapevine | • Free street parking and public lots • Time limits may apply on Main Street |
• Can be challenging during festivals • Extra spots at Train Station and City Hall |
| Grapevine Mills | • Abundant free parking • Designated areas near main entrances |
• Remember your entrance number/location • Follow directional signs in larger lots |
| Grapevine Lake Parks | • Designated parking at marinas and parks • Some areas require entrance fees |
• Limited spaces on summer weekends • Arrive early for best spots at popular parks |
| Great Wolf Lodge/Gaylord Texan | • On-site parking available • Fees may apply for non-guests |
• Self-parking and valet options available • Validate when dining at resort restaurants |
| Grapevine Vintage Railroad | • Free parking at Cotton Belt Railroad District | • Limited spots during popular train departures • Consider nearby public lots |
Local Driving Rules:
Toll Roads:
Several toll roads surround Grapevine, including:
Rent a car to see:
Downtown Grapevine – Main Street shops, wineries
Grapevine Lake – parks, marinas, trails
Grapevine Mills Mall – outlets, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, SEA LIFE aquarium
Dallas – museums, Dealey Plaza, Arts District
Fort Worth – Stockyards, Cultural District, Sundance Square
Arlington – AT&T Stadium, Six Flags Over Texas

What's the best vehicle type for a visitor to Grapevine?
A midsize sedan works well for most visitors. It offers a good mix of comfort, gas mileage and easy parking. If you're bringing your family or planning big shopping trips to Grapevine Mills, you might want an SUV for more room.
How early should I arrive at DFW Airport when returning a rental car?
You should get to DFW Airport at least 2.5 to 3 hours before your flight leaves. You'll need about 30 minutes to return the car and ride the shuttle to your terminal, plus the usual 2 hours for check-in and security. DFW is a huge airport, so getting between terminals can take a while.
Is it difficult to navigate around DFW Airport?
The roads around DFW can confuse first-time visitors because of construction and tricky interchanges. We recommend you use a GPS and watch the airport signs carefully. International Parkway goes in a circle around the whole airport, so you should know your terminal ahead of time.
What's the parking situation in downtown Grapevine?
You can find free parking in public lots and on side streets in downtown Grapevine. Main Street has some spots with time limits. When it's busy for events like GrapeFest or Christmas, you should arrive early. Or you can use other lots at the Convention Center or Train Station, which are a short walk from Main Street.
How do toll roads work with rental cars in the Grapevine area?
All toll roads in the DFW area are cashless. When you drive on one, a camera reads your license plate and the rental company bills you for the toll plus a service fee. Some rental companies let you buy an unlimited toll package for a set price per day. This can save you money if you plan to use toll roads a lot.
Are there any driving restrictions I should be aware of in Grapevine?
In Grapevine, you must use a hands-free device for your cell phone while driving. You have to slow down in school zones when lights are flashing. During big festivals, the city may close some streets around Main Street. Always pay attention to parking signs, especially the time limits downtown.
What should I do if I encounter severe weather while driving?
If you're driving in a thunderstorm, you should slow down and leave more space between you and the car in front. If you hear warnings for hail or tornadoes, find a strong building for shelter. For flash-flood warnings, stay away from low roads and never drive through floodwater. Texas weather can change fast, so you should check the forecast often during storm seasons.
Is Grapevine a good base for exploring the Dallas-Fort Worth area?
Yes. Grapevine is in a central spot, which makes it a great home base for exploring the area. Without traffic, you can get to downtown Dallas and Fort Worth in about 25 minutes. Places in Arlington like Six Flags and AT&T Stadium are about 20 to 30 minutes south. You'll also find big shopping centers and business hubs nearby. Plus, Grapevine has plenty of its own restaurants and fun things to do.