A long layover in Dallas is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at NAS Fort Worth JRB/Carswell Field for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 40 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
A few things to sort out before you leave FWH:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for United States. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Dallas takes about 40 minutes by Taxi/Rideshare. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is USD. You’re in USD territory, so no currency conversion needed.
Getting to Dallas from the Airport
| Option | Approximate Time | Cost Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi/Rideshare | ~40 min | $ | Recommended for layovers |
| Taxi / Ride-share | ~60 min | $$$ | Convenient but traffic-dependent |
For a layover, the Taxi/Rideshare is usually the way to go. It’s predictable, which matters when you have a flight to catch. Taxis can be faster in ideal conditions but slower when traffic builds up.
How to Spend Your Time in Dallas
If you head into Dallas, here are two things worth checking out:
Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. History buffs will appreciate this, and it doesn’t take long to explore the grounds.
The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. Worth a stop if you have at least an hour to spare.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside FWH, you can spend time at The Centurion Lounge DFW or try DFW Airport Art Program. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Where to Eat
- In the city: Babe’s Chicken Dinner House and Joe T. Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Dallas.
- At the airport: Pappasito’s Cantina and Reata Grill will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Planning Your Layover Spending
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Dallas, budget roughly $40 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $20 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $10 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
Luggage Storage Options
Luggage storage is available at No public luggage storage facilities are known to be available at this military base.. Drop your bags off early so you can explore hands-free.
Alternatively, third-party services like Bounce or Stasher can connect you with storage locations closer to wherever you’re headed in Dallas.
Staying Connected
WiFi at FWH should cover you while you’re in the terminal. Once you step outside, you’ll want your own data connection for maps, translating, and getting around. An eSIM is the simplest solution — set it up on your phone before landing in United States and you’re good to go.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
Long overnight layover? Your options at FWH include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in United States also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Dallas with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Dallas may not have been on your original itinerary, but sometimes those surprise stops become the best part of a trip.
Just remember: set an alarm, know your gate, and leave time for security. Everything else is an adventure.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.