DFW Airport Rental Car Guide Dallas Fort Worth Airport

About Car Rental at Dallas Airport

One of the busiest international airports in the world, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is a powerhouse in the southern state of Texas. The airport is spread across such a vast expanse of land that it's not only larger than Manhattan but also has its own zip code. In 2023, DFW airport connected the Dallas-Fort Worth region to 260 destinations across 70 international and 200 domestic destinations, one of the very few airports worldwide to cross the 200-destination threshold. If you are landing at the Dallas airport, driving is the best way to move around the city and the state of Texas. 

The Car Rental Facility is located by the south entrance of the airport. If you want to rent a car, follow the signs from the terminals that will take you to the shuttle bus pick-up area. The shuttle buses run 24/7 with an interval of 10-15 minutes between each departure. It takes 10 minutes to reach the Car Rental Facility, and there are several well-known agencies that you can choose from, such as Alamo, Sixt, Enterprise, etc. The location of the Rental Car Center is 2424 E. 38th Street, DFW Airport, TX.

Downtown Car Rental in Dallas

Dallas is often referred to as "a car city" because public transport is extremely limited beyond downtown. Whether you are here for business or pleasure, having your own car lets you travel at your own pace. This would save time that you would otherwise spend waiting to catch a bus or figuring out which train to take. With the convenience of a car, you can visit all the attractions that the city has to offer at your convenience, or go on a road trip to explore the best of the southern United States. If you didn't rent a car at Dallas Airport, doing so in downtown Dallas may save you some money. However, pre-booking your Dallas car rental ensures that you can consider all the best options and deals before making your decision. If you are in the city for a business trip and want to show up in style, consider getting a luxury sedan or a muscle car. If you're here to spend a good time with friends and family, opt for a minivan or SUV that has enough room for everyone along with their luggage. You will find many on-street parking meters, and the prices range between $0.50-2.00 per hour.

Driving in Dallas

Dallas may have an extensive road network system and numerous highways, but that doesn't mean there is no congestion. Rush hour is between 6.30 - 9.00 a.m. and 4.00 - 7.00 p.m and Dallas North Tollway and Highway 66 are particularly congested during those times so make sure to plan in advance. If you are driving in Dallas, you will need to keep the following in mind.

• Everyone must wear a seatbelt regardless of whether they are in the front or back seats.
• Children under 8 must be in a child safety seat.
• The speed limits vary. If you're driving in a residential area, the speed limit will be 25-30 mph, whereas, in freeway city limits, you can go at 75-85 mph.
• You will be fined if you drive through a red light.
• You need to be 21 years old if you want to rent a car.

Car Rental Agencies in Dallas

Dallas Airport gives you the convenience to rent a car right after you land. A shuttle bus will take you to the Rental Car Center, where there are several renowned car rental companies to choose from, like Alamo, Enterprise, Sixt, Hertz, and many others. Car rental agencies are also located throughout Dallas. If you’re not sure what car to rent, the economy car is the most popular car rental class in Dallas.

Top Road Trips from Dallas

Road trips are a quintessential American tradition, and Texas's wide roads (they do say everything is bigger in Texas!) make for an enjoyable driving experience.

A 3 hours' drive from Dallas brings you to Ouachita National Forest, just across the Arkansas border. Perfect for a day trip with your family, the national park offers high-quality outdoor recreation experiences such as hiking trails, horseback riding, camping spots, fishing, and mountain biking, among others. If you rented an RV, then the park offers full-service RV hookups. Ouachita is particularly famous for its pretty lakes and streams.

White Sands National Park is an incredible natural wonder with unique dune fields of white sands made of gypsum crystals. Visitors can hike up and then sled down the dunes. The park protects unique species such as roadrunners, toads, etc. Located in New Mexico, this is a 9.5-hour drive from Dallas.

Visit the Longhorn Cavern State Park if you want to explore the underground side of Texas. Only about a 3.5-hour drive from Dallas is a cave system that goes 130 feet below the surface. The guided tour lasts about 90 minutes, and you can watch and learn about the geological wonders along the way. Make sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes with good traction as the trails may be slippery after rainfall.

Want a break from fast-paced life? Visit Marfa, a peaceful desert nestled between the Davis Mountains and Big Bend National Park. Art lovers will love this town because of its world-renowned minimalist art galleries. Although the town only has around 2000 residents, they host numerous film festivals, live music gigs, and more. It's a 7.5 hours drive (520 miles) from Dallas that lets you take a step back from the big city life and enjoy the simple things in life.

What other travelers are asking about renting a car in Boston:

Q: How old do you need to be to rent a car in Dallas?

A: All drivers must be a minimum of 21 years old to rent a car in Dallas (and all of Texas), but there is a surcharge placed on drivers under 25 years old.

Q: How much does it cost to rent a car in Dallas?

A: Car rental prices in Dallas start from an average of $45 per day.

Q: Is driving in Dallas difficult?

A: No, because most roads are multi-laned and straight. As long as you drive safely and take note of speed limits, then you should be fine. Take extra caution when joining the highways because the speed limit is much higher than for inner-city roads.

Q: Is there a Zipcar in Dallas?

A: Yes, there is Zipcar in Dallas, however it often works out cheaper to rent a car longer than one day.

Q: Can I have additional drivers on the rental agreement in Dallas?

A: Yes, in general it is allowed to have additional drivers on your rental agreement in Dallas.