Car rental at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is available at a consolidated Rental Car Center located near the airport’s south entrance. Major rental car companies operate counters and vehicle pickup and return areas within this facility, connected to Terminals A, B, C, D, and E by free shuttle buses operating 24 hours a day.
The essentials in 30 seconds- Rental car center: Rental Car Center, 2424 E. 38th Street, near the airport’s south entrance.
- Rental counters: lower level of the Rental Car Center, separate from the terminals.
- Shuttles: free service from the lower level of Terminals A, B, C, D, and E, operating 24 hours a day.
- Travel time: approximately 7–10 minutes, excluding waiting time.
- Returns: at the Rental Car Center; shuttles back to the terminals depart from the upper level.
- Refueling: Shell, 2344 Rental Car Drive, open 24 hours a day.
Book in advance
During busy travel periods, booking your rental car in advance is recommended. Check your rental company’s pickup hours, return conditions, and total rental price, including security deposits and possible additional charges.
Where to rent a car at Dallas Fort Worth Airport
DFW has a Rental Car Center that brings together the counters and vehicle facilities of its major rental car companies.
The center is located separately from the passenger terminals, near the airport’s south entrance.
- Address: 2424 E. 38th Street, DFW Airport, TX 75261, United States.
- Rental counters: lower level of the Rental Car Center.
- Vehicle pickup: designated areas operated by each rental company within the facility.
- Terminal access: free airport rental car shuttle.
- Travel time: approximately 7–10 minutes, depending on the terminal.
- Center and shuttle operations: 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Counter hours: vary by rental company.
Unlike airports where individual companies operate from separate facilities, DFW’s major traditional rental car companies use the same rental car complex.
How to reach the Rental Car Center from the terminals
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport provides a centralized free Rental Car Center shuttle service from all five terminals.
Passengers do not need to look for a separate shuttle for each rental company. All customers renting vehicles at the center use the airport’s shared shuttle service.
From Terminals A, B, C, D, and E
After collecting your luggage, follow the Rental Car signs to the designated shuttle pickup area on the terminal’s lower level.
- Collect your luggage at baggage claim.
- Follow the Rental Car Center signs to the lower level.
- Proceed to the designated rental car shuttle stop.
- Board the airport’s free rental car shuttle.
- When you arrive at the Rental Car Center, enter the lower level and locate your rental company’s counter.
Shuttles operate 24 hours a day. The ride typically takes 7–10 minutes, although waiting times and travel times may vary depending on the terminal and traffic conditions within the airport.
The airport publishes different estimated shuttle frequencies, so travelers should consult the tracking service rather than rely on a fixed departure interval.
You can check rental car shuttle locations and tracking information on the airport’s official website.
One shuttle service for all rental companiesPassengers using the major rental car companies share the Rental Car Center shuttle service. It is free, operates 24 hours a day, and provides accessible transportation. Follow the Rental Car signs rather than signs for other transportation services.
Rental car companies at DFW
The airport’s official directory lists 12 traditional rental car brands serving the airport’s rental car facilities.
Depending on the company and reservation dates, available vehicle categories may include economy cars, compact cars, sedans, SUVs, minivans, and premium models.
Rental car companies at the Rental Car Center
The following rental car brands appear in DFW’s official directory.
Some rental companies offer loyalty programs, expedited vehicle pickup, and special procedures for collecting rental vehicles.
The airport also lists Turo in its directory, although it is a peer-to-peer car-sharing platform with procedures that differ from traditional rental counters.
For the current list of rental providers and contact numbers, visit the official DFW Airport rental car directory.
Rental counter and pickup hours
The Rental Car Center operates 24 hours a day, but this does not mean that every rental counter remains open around the clock.
Some companies provide 24-hour service, while others have specific pickup hours or procedures outside regular counter hours.
Verified operating conditions include:
- Avis: publishes 24-hour service.
- Budget: 24-hour service and vehicle returns.
- Enterprise: offers after-hours vehicle returns.
- SIXT: counter hours from midnight to 1:30 AM and from 5:30 AM to midnight; vehicle returns are available 24 hours a day.
Operating hours for other providers should be checked when making a reservation.
️ Late-night vehicle pickupsAlthough the Rental Car Center and its shuttles operate 24 hours a day, counter hours depend on the rental company. If your flight arrives overnight, confirm that vehicle pickup will be available and provide your flight number when the company allows it.
Returning your rental car
Vehicles rented from DFW’s major rental companies are returned to their designated areas within the Rental Car Center.
The facility is located near the airport’s south entrance, separately from the passenger terminals.
Before driving to DFW, check the return address provided in your reservation, especially when using GPS navigation.
How to return your vehicle
- Drive toward Dallas Fort Worth International Airport using the appropriate access road.
- Follow the Rental Car Return signs to the consolidated rental car facility.
- Locate your rental company’s designated return area.
- Park the vehicle where instructed and complete the return procedure.
- Remove all your belongings and keep your return receipt.
- Go to the upper level of the Rental Car Center to board a shuttle back to your departure terminal.
Some companies may provide specific navigation instructions for reaching their return areas within the facility.
For example, SIXT lists 2500 S. Garage Drive, Dallas, TX 75261 as the address for its rental location and return area.
Getting back to the terminals after returning your car
DFW’s free shuttle buses pick up passengers on the upper level of the Rental Car Center.
Shuttle stops are marked with the corresponding terminal letters.
After returning your vehicle:
- Proceed to the upper-level shuttle area.
- Find the stop corresponding to your departure terminal: A, B, C, D, or E.
- Board the free shuttle to your terminal.
- Continue to your airline’s check-in area or security checkpoint.
The ride usually takes approximately 7–10 minutes, but you should also allow for shuttle waiting time.
Construction and possible delays
The airport advises that ongoing construction may affect shuttle travel times between the terminals and the Rental Car Center.
Travelers should allow enough time to complete the vehicle return and reach their departure terminal.
️ Allow extra time for your rental car returnThe Rental Car Center is located separately from the terminals. Allow additional time to refuel, return your vehicle, wait for the shuttle, and reach your terminal. Airport construction may affect normal travel times.
After-hours vehicle returns
Some rental companies allow vehicles to be returned outside their regular counter hours.
Procedures may include designated return lanes, key drop boxes, or specific instructions.
Enterprise and SIXT publish after-hours return options for their DFW locations.
Before using an after-hours return service, confirm your rental company’s instructions and when your responsibility for the vehicle officially ends.
Where to refuel before returning your rental car
If your agreement includes a full-to-full fuel policy, you will generally need to return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid refueling charges.
A Shell gas station near the Rental Car Center may be convenient before returning your vehicle.
Shell on Rental Car Drive
- Gas station: Shell.
- Address: 2344 Rental Car Drive, Euless, TX 76039.
- Fuel pump hours: 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Phone: +1 972-574-3042.
- Fuel types: regular, midgrade, and premium gasoline, plus diesel.
The station is located near the access roads to the rental car complex. Its convenience will depend on your approach route and return facility.
You can consult the official Shell station listing on Rental Car Drive to check its services and operating hours.
Refuel before returning your vehicleIf your rental agreement requires a full tank, consider using a gas station near the Rental Car Center. Keep your fuel receipt and check the fuel gauge before returning the car. Make sure the station is conveniently located along your route to the rental return facility.
Requirements for renting a car at Dallas Fort Worth Airport
To rent a vehicle at DFW, you must meet the rental company’s age, identification, and payment requirements.
Generally, you may need:
- Driver’s license: valid throughout the rental period.
- Passport or photo identification: to verify the driver’s identity.
- Accepted payment method: subject to the rental company’s security deposit requirements.
- Minimum age: some companies allow standard rentals from age 21, with possible surcharges for drivers under 25.
- Reservation confirmation: recommended to verify the vehicle category, pickup time, and rental conditions.
International drivers
Texas recognizes certain valid foreign driver’s licenses for temporary driving, subject to applicable legal requirements and reciprocity agreements.
Recognition may extend for up to one year, or end sooner if the driver establishes residency in the state.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) can help explain a foreign driver’s license but does not replace the original document.
Rental companies may impose additional requirements.
For example, Enterprise recommends an IDP when a license uses the Latin alphabet but is written in another language and may require one when the license uses a different alphabet.
Before booking, verify that the rental company accepts your driver’s license and check which supporting documents are required.
Can you rent a car with a debit card?
Some rental companies accept debit cards, although additional conditions may apply.
These may include:
- Minimum age: some providers impose higher age requirements for debit card rentals.
- Return travel itinerary: certain companies require proof of a ticketed return journey.
- Identity verification: additional documentation checks.
- Security deposit: a temporary hold on funds in your account.
- Vehicle restrictions: limitations on certain rental categories.
Enterprise, for example, requires a ticketed return travel itinerary when a debit card is used to collect a rental vehicle at its DFW airport location.
Check your debit card before bookingConfirm that your rental company accepts your card when collecting the vehicle, not just for online reservations. Review documentation requirements, security deposits, and the expected time for releasing held funds.
Insurance, deposits, and additional charges
The final rental price may include taxes, airport fees, insurance products, and optional services.
Before confirming a reservation, review the following:
- Security deposit: a temporary authorization hold or deposit required by the rental company.
- Damage protection: responsibilities, exclusions, and possible deductibles.
- Third-party liability: available coverage and applicable limits.
- Drivers under 25: possible daily young-driver surcharges.
- Additional drivers: fees or exemptions depending on the company.
- Airport fees: charges associated with using airport facilities.
- One-way rentals: possible fees when returning the vehicle to another city.
- Optional equipment: child safety seats, navigation devices, and other accessories.
- Electronic tolls: possible administrative charges imposed by the rental company.
Review the total price and included coverage to avoid unexpected charges.
️ Toll roads and driving around Dallas-Fort Worth
The Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area has an extensive network of highways, beltways, and toll roads.
Major routes include:
- President George Bush Turnpike: a toll road connecting several parts of the metropolitan area.
- Dallas North Tollway: a major toll corridor serving destinations north of Dallas.
- Sam Rayburn Tollway: a toll road connecting communities across the northern metropolitan area.
- SH 183: a major corridor between Dallas, Irving, and Fort Worth, with certain toll-managed lanes.
TollTag, ZipCash, and electronic tolls
In North Texas, tolls may be collected electronically through systems such as TollTag and ZipCash, depending on the road and its operator.
Rental vehicles may be enrolled in electronic toll payment programs managed by the rental company.
Depending on your agreement, the rental provider may charge:
- The toll amount for the route traveled.
- Administrative fees for processing toll payments.
- Additional fees associated with optional toll payment programs.
Charges may appear after the rental period has ended.
For official toll road information, visit the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA).
️ Watch for additional toll chargesBefore using toll roads, check how toll payments are handled for your rental vehicle. Some companies charge administrative fees in addition to the toll amount, and these charges may be billed after you return the car.
️ Is renting a car worthwhile for visiting Dallas and Fort Worth?
DFW is located between two major cities, Dallas and Fort Worth, and provides access to a large metropolitan area.
Having a vehicle can be especially convenient for traveling between communities, visiting attractions away from rail connections, or exploring different parts of Texas.
Destinations where a rental car may offer greater flexibility include:
- Dallas: convenient for traveling between different districts, shopping areas, and metropolitan attractions.
- Fort Worth: useful for visiting the Stockyards Historic District, museums, and other attractions.
- Arlington: a city between Dallas and Fort Worth known for its sports and entertainment venues.
- Grapevine: a city near the airport with a historic downtown and various attractions.
- Other Texas destinations: a vehicle allows greater independence when planning regional road trips.
The benefits of renting a car will depend on your itinerary, accommodation, and travel needs.
Public transportation alternatives from DFW
The airport provides several rail connections to Dallas, Fort Worth, and other communities across the metropolitan area.
- DART Orange Line: connects Terminal A with Dallas and other destinations served by the DART network.
- DART Silver Line: connects Terminal B with northern metropolitan communities, including Coppell, Carrollton, Addison, and Richardson.
- TEXRail: connects Terminal B with downtown Fort Worth and intermediate stations.
- Trinity Railway Express (TRE): provides rail service between Dallas and Fort Worth, accessible from the airport using the TRE Link service.
If your visit focuses mainly on downtown Dallas or Fort Worth and your accommodation has convenient transit connections, public transportation may be a practical alternative to renting a car.
However, a vehicle may provide greater flexibility for itineraries involving multiple destinations or frequent suburban travel.
Frequently asked questions about car rental at DFW
️ Official information
For rental car companies, contact numbers, and access directions, visit the official Dallas Fort Worth International Airport rental car page.
You can also consult the Rental Car Center shuttle tracking service, the airport’s public transportation information, and the North Texas Tollway Authority for toll road information.