DFW vs. Love Field: Parking Comparison

Explore parking options at DFW and Love Field airports to find the best rates, convenience, and savings for your next trip.

If you're deciding where to park at Dallas airports, here's the quick breakdown:

  • DFW International Airport offers more parking options but requires longer walks or shuttle rides due to its size. On-site parking ranges from premium terminal garages (most expensive) to remote lots (budget-friendly). Pre-booking can save up to 50%, and third-party services like The Parking Spot provide additional discounts.
  • Dallas Love Field is smaller, with parking closer to the terminal. On-site options include three garages, with prices starting at $18/day for uncovered spots. Off-site parking is cheaper, with some lots as low as $5.75/day. Mockingbird Lane construction (through December 2025) may cause delays.

Quick Comparison

Feature DFW Airport Love Field Airport
On-Site Parking Rates $13–$36/day $18–$35/day
Off-Site Parking Rates $5–$15/day $5.75–$10/day
Distance to Terminal Longer walks/shuttles Short walks, skybridges available
Valet Parking Third-party providers, $40+/day Airport-managed, $35/day
Pre-Booking Discounts Up to 50% off Limited to Garage C
Construction Impact Terminal A detours Mockingbird Lane delays

Key Takeaway: Choose DFW for more options and potential savings with pre-booking, or Love Field for convenience and closer parking. Off-site lots are the most affordable at both airports.

Directions: Parking Garages A & B at Dallas Love Field

DFW Parking Options and Pricing

Let’s dive into the parking options available at DFW International Airport and what they’ll cost you. Whether you’re looking for convenience or trying to save a few bucks, DFW has both on-site and off-site parking solutions to meet different needs.

On-Site Parking at DFW

DFW’s on-site parking is divided into several categories, each catering to different preferences:

  • Terminal Parking: These spots are located right next to each terminal, often in covered garages. If you’re looking for convenience - especially during bad weather - this is your best bet. Just keep in mind, it’s one of the pricier options.
  • Express Parking: A middle-ground option, Express Parking is less expensive than terminal parking but requires a short shuttle ride to the terminals.
  • Remote Parking: For those on a budget, remote parking offers the lowest rates among on-site options, with shuttle service included.
  • Valet Services: If convenience is your top priority, valet parking is available at select terminals. However, discounts for valet services aren’t typically offered for pre-booking.

Off-Site Parking at DFW

If you’re open to parking off-site, third-party providers like The Parking Spot offer competitive rates and additional perks. These include free shuttles to the terminals, covered parking, vehicle care options, loyalty rewards, and even Park, Stay, Fly packages that combine parking with hotel stays for added savings.

DFW Pre-Booking and Discounts

Planning ahead can save you some serious cash. When you pre-book your parking through DFW’s official website or mobile app, you could save up to 50% off standard rates. Keep an eye out for promotional codes, like “SCORE10,” which gives you an extra 10% off daily rates.

Third-party platforms also offer discounts. For example:

If you frequently park at DFW, loyalty programs like The Parking Spot’s “Spot Club” can be a game-changer. Members enjoy faster entry, exclusive discounts, and promotional rates. New members can snag deals as low as $10.95 per day using the code FALLCUT25.

A few things to keep in mind:

  • Only one discount code can be applied per reservation.
  • Pre-booking is available exclusively for terminal parking.
  • Pre-paid deposits may earn you 150 American Airlines AAdvantage miles, but those miles can’t be combined with other offers.

With so many options, planning your parking at DFW doesn’t have to be a hassle - you just need to pick what works best for your trip and budget.

Love Field Parking Options and Pricing

Dallas Love Field may be smaller than DFW, but it still offers plenty of parking choices to suit different budgets and preferences. With three main parking garages and several off-site alternatives, you’ll have no trouble finding an option that works for you.

On-Site Parking at Love Field

Love Field’s on-site parking includes three main garages - A, B, and C - each with its own pricing and convenience levels. The biggest perk? Direct access to the terminal, so no need for shuttle rides. You can either walk or use the covered skybridges.

  • Garage A: This mid-range option costs $24 per day for covered parking. It’s a good pick if you want protection from the elements without splurging.
  • Garage B: The most budget-friendly on-site choice. Covered levels are $21 per day, while the uncovered rooftop is just $18 per day - the cheapest on-site rate.
  • Garage C: Offers a mix of premium and standard options. The premium level, closest to the terminal, costs $30 per day. Covered parking is $21 per day, and the uncovered rooftop is $20 per day.

If you’re in a rush or have heavy luggage, valet parking is available for $35 per day, making it the most convenient option.

For quick trips, garages A and B offer 30 minutes of free parking, while Garage C allows 59 minutes free - perfect for pick-ups or drop-offs.

Off-Site Parking at Love Field

Off-site parking near Love Field can save you a lot of money, especially if you don’t mind being a bit farther from the airport. Here are some options:

  • Comfort Inn & Suites DAL Airport: Just $5.75 per day, but it’s 2.6 miles away and doesn’t include a shuttle.
  • Sleep Inn DAL Airport: Charges $6.99 per day and is 3.0 miles from the terminal, also without shuttle service.
  • Aloft & Element DAL Airport: Costs $7.25 per day and includes a free shuttle, located just 1.7 miles away.
  • Hampton Inn and Suites Dallas Market Center: Offers parking for $10 per day at 1.5 miles out, though shuttle service isn’t included.

The Parking Spot offers two locations near Love Field - one just 1.0 mile away and the other 1.6 miles out. Both provide shuttle services and loyalty perks like the Spot Club, which offers faster entry and member discounts.

Off-site facilities often offer pre-booking discounts, so it’s worth checking online for deals.

Love Field Pre-Booking and Discounts

Pre-booking at Love Field is available but works a little differently than DFW. You can reserve a spot in Garage C up to 30 days in advance, though the reservation guarantees a spot on the 3rd floor rather than a specific space. While this doesn’t always mean lower rates, it does ensure you’ll have parking during peak travel times.

For faster entry and exit, you can use an NTTA TollTag, though note that TxTag isn’t accepted.

If you’re planning a longer trip, weekly rates offer better value. For example:

  • Garage B’s rooftop: $70 per week (about $10 per day)
  • Valet parking: $196 per week
  • Garage C premium spots: $175 per week
  • Covered levels in Garages A and C: $112 per week

Off-site lots often provide even deeper discounts for pre-booking, along with loyalty benefits. Don’t forget to check for AAA discounts or membership deals, which can knock 10-15% off your daily rate.

Lastly, be aware that a roadway improvement project on Mockingbird Lane began on October 6, 2025, and is expected to last about eight weeks. Construction will bring lane reductions and temporary closures, so plan for extra travel time to reach both on-site and off-site parking areas during this period.

Convenience and Access Comparison

When it comes to convenience, Love Field and DFW offer very different experiences based on their layouts and the digital tools they provide.

Distance to Terminals

Love Field offers a more seamless journey from parking to terminal. On-site garages are connected directly to the terminal via covered skywalks or short walking paths, making it easy to get from your car to the gate. At DFW, the larger and more spread-out layout means that even with terminal parking, you might face a longer walk or need to take a shuttle to reach the gate.

These differences in proximity also influence how digital tools come into play for parking.

Parking Navigation and Apps

DFW has a digital edge with its official mobile app, which allows travelers to pre-book parking and use QR codes or TollTags for smooth entry and exit. However, it doesn't provide live parking availability updates. Love Field doesn't have an official parking app, but its website offers "Video Directions" to guide travelers through its parking garages.

Third-party apps like The Parking Spot, SpotHero, Airport Parking Reservations, and Rightway Parking are available for both airports. These platforms make it easier to book parking and track shuttles, earning positive reviews for simplifying the process.

Construction and Access Issues

Each airport has its own challenges when it comes to physical access. Love Field's compact layout generally means a direct path from parking to the terminal, which can save time. On the other hand, DFW's sprawling network of access roads and entry points can make navigation more complex, though the multiple routes help reduce delays.

Parking Amenities and Services

Valet parking is one of the areas where Love Field sets itself apart from DFW. Let’s take a closer look at how each airport handles this service.

Additional Services

Valet Parking
At Love Field, valet parking is managed directly by the airport. This means you can drop off your car right at the terminal and enjoy a consistent, airport-supervised experience. On the other hand, DFW relies on third-party valet providers, which can lead to differences in service quality and pricing.

DFW vs Love Field Parking Comparison Table

Here's a detailed comparison of parking options at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Dallas Love Field to help you pick the most convenient choice for your trip:

Feature DFW Airport Love Field Airport
On-Site Parking Options Terminal parking, Express North parking Garages A, B, C, and Contactless Valet
Walking Distance to Terminal Direct access from terminal parking Garage A: 5 minutes; Garage B: 8 minutes; Garage C: 4 minutes
Skybridge Access Not specified Yes – connects Garages A and B on level 3; Garage C bypasses the ticketing wing
Valet Service Available through third-party providers Airport-managed Contactless Valet with direct access to the ticketing hall
Closest Off-Site Option Varies by terminal The Parking Spot 1: 0.4 miles from the terminal
Off-Site Shuttle Service Offered by various providers Free shuttle service included
Current Access Issues Roadway detours at Terminal A; new access at Terminal B Mockingbird Lane construction (through December 2025)
Pre-Booking Discounts Available through multiple platforms Available with potential savings
Airport Size Impact Larger airport with more distance between terminals Smaller layout with shorter walking distances

Love Field's smaller size and convenient skybridges make for shorter walks compared to DFW's sprawling layout. If minimizing walking is a priority, Love Field may be the better option.

Off-site parking at Love Field is also closer, with options as near as 0.4 miles from the terminal, resulting in quicker shuttle rides. Meanwhile, DFW is currently dealing with roadway detours near Terminal A, while Love Field faces Mockingbird Lane construction through late 2025.

Another standout feature at Love Field is its airport-managed Contactless Valet, offering a direct connection to the terminal. In contrast, DFW relies on third-party valet services, which vary by terminal.

Conclusion: Best Parking Choice for Your Trip

When deciding where to park, consider the length of your trip, your budget, and how much convenience matters to you. If saving money is your top priority, off-site parking is the way to go. At Love Field, off-site options can save you around 60% compared to on-site parking rates. Over at DFW, pre-booking your parking can slash costs by up to 50%, especially when you use promotional codes. For longer trips, these savings really add up, making off-site parking the best choice. On the other hand, for shorter stays, the convenience of on-site parking might be worth the extra cost.

Love Field stands out for its simpler parking setup, with on-site lots located close to the terminal. Meanwhile, DFW’s sprawling terminal areas often require additional transit time from parking lots to your gate. Pre-booking at DFW is highly recommended to guarantee a spot and snag discounts, while Love Field's on-site parking operates on a first-come, first-served basis. This can be tricky during peak travel times, like the busy summer months (July–September), when demand and prices tend to rise. Also, keep an eye on construction updates or traffic advisories at both airports, as these can impact your travel time.

For those prioritizing savings, off-site parking with advance booking is your best bet at either airport. If convenience is key, Love Field’s on-site parking offers direct access to the terminal. Use these tips to pick the parking option that best suits your travel needs.

FAQs

What are the best ways to save money on parking at DFW or Love Field?

If you're looking to cut down on parking costs at DFW or Love Field, reserve your parking spot ahead of time. Many parking lots offer discounted rates for prebooking, so planning in advance can save you a decent chunk of change. Another smart option is to use off-site parking facilities. These often cost less than on-site parking and typically include free shuttle services to the terminals.

For extended trips, consider economy or uncovered parking. At DFW, rates start at about $10 per day, while Love Field offers options as low as $5.75 per day. Taking a little time to compare your choices can help you stick to your budget without sacrificing convenience.

What are the most convenient and affordable off-site parking options near DFW and Love Field?

Off-site parking near DFW and Love Field strikes a great balance between cost and convenience, with prices starting at just $3.50 per day. Many of these lots also offer free shuttle services to the terminals, making them an easy and stress-free option for travelers. Depending on the location and amenities, daily rates usually fall between $4 and $13.

To make your trip smoother, it’s a smart move to reserve your parking spot ahead of time. Booking in advance not only guarantees your space but can also unlock discounts and save you the hassle of searching for parking during busy travel times.

How does airport construction affect parking and travel times at DFW and Love Field?

Construction work at DFW and Love Field airports can affect both parking options and travel times. With road closures, detours, and fewer parking spaces, you might face longer waits for parking and delays getting to the terminals - especially during peak travel seasons.

To stay ahead of potential hassles, allow extra time for your trip and check for the latest construction updates before leaving for the airport.

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