If you’re flying in and out of Dallas-Fort Worth Airport and plan on parking your car, there are a variety of options both at the airport and in nearby off-airport lots. Depending on your needs (covered v. open lot, 24-hour security v. unsecured lot) a little advanced planning and parking service comparison can save you significant cash.
There are four main DFW airport parking options: valet parking, terminal parking, express parking and remote parking.
If you’re dropping a friend off and want to go inside with them, or wish to wait inside for an arriving family member, terminal parking is your best option. Your car will be just a quick walk from the terminal, and short-term terminal parking is very affordable. The first 30 minutes are $1 and you can park for up two hours for only $2.
However, daily short-term parking can add up. While you’ll be just minutes from the terminal (no shuttle required!) be prepared to pay; a week in short-term parking may cost more than your flight! Each day is $19 or $18 with a TollTag.
If you’re running late for a flight and absolutely have to leave the car immediately, valet parking is your best option. No advance reservation is required and valet parking is available at all terminals.
You can leave your car at any Valet Parking stand located in the one-hour zone at Terminals A, B, C and E or at the curbside departure level at Terminal D. Your car will be parked in a covered garage on airport property, and it will be waiting in the one-hour parking area upon your return.
However, be prepared to pay some serious cash for valet parking. Each day is $22, in addition to tax. Cash and major credit cards are accepted as payment. If you plan to valet your car in advance, consider making a reservation. You can do so by calling 972 574 2407. A reservation made with a credit card allows you to quickly exit with your car using the ‘scan and go’ departure service.
Express DFW Airport parking is available for $12 per day and includes perks such as bottled water, luggage assistance and direct terminal-to-car service. A shuttle provides pick-up and drop-off services from the lower level of all terminals and takes you directly to your car. Express parking lots are located at the north and south ends of DFW and include 7,000 spaces.
Remote parking is DFW’s most economical parking option at $8 per day. There are two parking lots located at the north and south ends of DFW with 4,800 parking spaces. Continuous shuttle service is provided to the lower level of each terminal from the remote parking lots.
Cash, major credit cards and NTTA TollTags with a credit card on file are accepted as payment for both Express and Remote parking.
In addition to parking at the airport, you can also park at nearby, off-airport parking lots for lower rates.
Platinum Parking, located 4 miles from the airport at 2450 Valley View Lane, offers covered self-parking for $8.50 per day, including taxes. Platinum Parking lots have 24-hour surveillance and free, continuous shuttle service. An advance reservation is required, as Platinum Parking organizes drop-off and pick-up shuttle service based on passengers’ itineraries. For more information, call Platinum Parking at 1-877-471-4111.
Another option for passengers is FastTrack located at 5100 W. John Carpenter Freeway, just north of DFW. You can chose from indoor or outdoor valet parking as well as outdoor self-parking and a covered, self-park garage. All parking includes an attendant on duty 24 hours a day. Free shuttles to the airport run every five to seven minutes, 24 hours a day. If you sign up online, you can also receive special parking coupons and discounts.
While outdoor parking prices are comparable to the airport (they start at $6.95 per day, with an additional 10% airport access fee and 8.25% tax), indoor self-park and indoor valet (starting at $10.75 and $12.75 respectively) are far less expensive than DFW’s daily covered parking and valet service. You can reserve a space online and bring a pre-paid, printed coupon to FastTrack for a quick exit.
Some of the lowest parking rates can be found in the outdoor, self-park lot at the Days Inn DFW North. With online prepayment, you can park for up to 7 days for a total of only $12. There is a free shuttle to and from DFW, although it can take 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic.
A great website for comparing costs and checking parking availability is www.bestparking.com/dfw-parking/. You can enter your trip dates and compare parking costs for options both at DFW Airport and nearby off-site parking, and make a reservation. Never pay too much for airport parking again!
Related: