DFW to Love Field Airport Shuttle
Explore other routes: DFW to Abilene Shuttle, DFW to Aledo Shuttle, DFW to Allen Shuttle, DFW to Aloft Fort Worth Downtown Shuttle, DFW to American Airlines Center Shuttle.
Round Trips Save You 10%
How is Your Service Different?
- Any Address - We pick up and drop off at your home, business, hotel or any airport.
- Better - most rides are non-stop and no sharing in a Nice Car, SUV or Shuttle.
- Flexible - we pick you up on your schedule 24/7. It's also always free to change the date or time if your flight changes.
- Safer - we don't leave you at a bus stop, and all our drivers go through nationwide fingerprint background checks.
- Faster - most rides take half the time, because it's just you in the vehicle. No need to stop and wait everywhere.
- Convenient - Door to Door means no need to arrange or pay for a Taxi or Lyft to get home.
- Affordable - once you add it all up, it's the same price or less than other shared ride shuttles for two or more people, or less than Uber with just one person.
Our Great Company
With more than 50,000 customers and 5 years in business, Texas Shuttle LLC owns DFW to Love Field Shuttle, and has shuttle drivers all over the State of Texas. Our main office is 10 minutes from DFW and Love Field in the Dallas Fort Worth area. Looking for a SuperShuttle replacement at Dallas Love Field? See our SuperShuttle alternative at Love Field page for door-to-door service between Love Field and the rest of Texas.
Main Office
320 Decker Drive
Irving, TX 75062
Travel and Hospitality Award Winner - 6 Years in a Row
Testimonials and Reviews
Click here to read lots of excellent DFW to Love Field Shuttle reviews.
DFW to Love Field: Complete Ground Transportation Guide (2024)
Whether you're connecting between Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and Dallas Love Field for a business meeting or catching a departing flight, this guide covers every viable transportation option with real-world timing, estimated costs, and insider tips to help you choose the fastest or most budget-friendly route for your specific situation.
Understanding the DFW to Love Field Distance
Dallas Love Field (DAL) and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) are located approximately 17 miles apart in opposite directions from downtown Dallas. If you're driving, the most direct route typically uses IH 35E North from the DFW area toward Love Field, connecting with Loop 12 (Northwest Highway) for the final stretch. Under normal traffic conditions, this drive takes 25-40 minutes depending on your starting terminal and time of day.
The challenge isn't just distance—it's navigating Dallas' complex highway system while potentially managing luggage, checking flight times, and dealing with unpredictable traffic patterns on IH 30 and IH 35E during peak hours.
DART Rail: The Budget-Friendly Option
How DART Connects DFW and Love Field
The Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) system offers the most economical way to travel between the two airports, though it requires careful timing and multiple connections. According to dart.org, the journey uses a combination of bus and rail services.
Step-by-step DART Directions:
- Board DART Bus Route 5 Love Link at your DFW terminal (check displays for the correct pickup location)
- Ride Route 5 to Inwood/Love Field Station
- Transfer to the DART Rail Green Line or Orange Line at the station
- For Love Field: Take Route 524 (free Love Field Shuttle) from Inwood/Love Field Station directly to the terminal
DART Schedule and Frequency
Trains operate every 15-20 minutes throughout most of the day, with service decreasing to approximately every 30 minutes during late evening hours. The shuttle (Route 524) runs every 10-15 minutes between the station and terminal.
Key DART Details
- Estimated Total Time: 50-65 minutes door-to-door
- Estimated Cost: Approximately $2.50 using DART passes or correct fare
- Operating Hours: DART service ends around 11:30 PM on weekdays; the Love Field shuttle operates until approximately 10:30 PM on Sundays
- Luggage Consideration: During peak hours, trains can become crowded—if you have three or more large suitcases, consider an alternative transport method
If you arrive at Inwood/Love Field Station after the last shuttle departs, a taxi from the station to the terminal typically costs approximately $8-$12.
Taxi and Rideshare: The Fastest Door-to-Door Service
When to Choose Rideshare or Taxi
If reliability and speed are your priorities—and especially if you're making a tight flight connection—a taxi or rideshare service like Uber or Lyft provides the most predictable experience. These services operate 24/7, offering direct transportation without transfers or schedule concerns.
Rideshare Options and What to Expect
Standard rideshare vehicles (UberX, Lyft Standard) typically provide the most cost-effective option among rideshare tiers. During high-demand periods or surge pricing events, expect higher estimates. You can schedule rides up to 30 days in advance through most apps for a fixed price, eliminating surge pricing concerns for early planners.
For larger groups or those with significant luggage, consider scheduling a larger vehicle (UberXL, Lyft XL) in advance.
Key Taxi/Rideshare Details
- Estimated Travel Time: 20-30 minutes under normal traffic conditions
- Estimated Cost Range: $32-$60 depending on vehicle type, time of day, and demand (labeled as estimates)
- Availability: 24 hours daily, 7 days per week
- Best For: Early morning or late-night flights, tight connections, travelers with significant luggage
The metered taxi fare to Love Field typically falls within a similar range, though prices can vary based on specific pickup locations within DFW and exact destinations at Love Field.
Shared Shuttles: Balance of Cost and Convenience
How Airport Shuttles Work
Shared shuttle services provide door-to-door transportation between DFW and Love Field, typically requiring advance booking. These services pick up and drop off multiple passengers heading in the same direction, which keeps per-person costs lower than private rides while still offering more convenience than public transit.
Shuttle Scheduling Recommendations
Book your shuttle at least 2 hours ahead to guarantee a spot, especially during peak travel periods. During holidays and weekends, shuttle services may experience higher demand, so advance booking becomes even more critical. Some shuttle services like Wingz operate until 1 AM, providing options for late-night arrivals when DART has stopped running.
Money-Saving Tip for Groups
If you're traveling with a group of three to four passengers, a shared shuttle often becomes more cost-effective per person than DART when factoring in the convenience of door-to-door service and no transfer requirements. This option also eliminates navigation concerns and luggage management across multiple transit modes.
Complete Comparison: DFW to Love Field Transport Options
| Transport Mode | Estimated Time | Estimated Cost | Transfers | Luggage Friendly | 24/7 Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DART Rail + Bus | 50-65 minutes | ~$2.50 | 2 (Bus + Rail) | Moderate | No (ends ~11:30 PM) |
| Taxi | 20-30 minutes | $35-$60 (estimate) | None | Yes | Yes |
| Rideshare (Standard) | 20-30 minutes | $32-$60 (estimate) | None | Yes | Yes |
| Shared Shuttle | 30-45 minutes | $60-$100 (estimate) | None | Yes | Limited (check service hours) |
| Driving Yourself | 25-40 minutes | Parking fees + fuel | None | Best | N/A |
All costs are estimates and may vary based on traffic, time of day, and specific pickup/drop-off locations.
Making Tight Connections: DFW to Love Field Timing Guide
Minimum Connection Time Requirements
If you're booking a connecting itinerary that requires traveling between DFW and Love Field, planners recommend allowing a minimum of 3.5 to 4 hours between your DFW arrival and Love Field departure. This buffer accounts for:
- Customs/Immigration clearance: 30-60 minutes (if arriving internationally)
- Transit time: 20-65 minutes depending on chosen transport method
- Love Field security screening: 15-30 minutes with TSA PreCheck; 20-45 minutes for standard lanes
Recommended Transport for Tight Connections
For travelers with limited buffer time between flights, a taxi or rideshare provides the most reliable timing. While DART offers significant cost savings, its variable run times and potential crowding during peak hours make it risky for connections under 4 hours. The fastest options (taxi/rideshare) take 20-30 minutes, while DART can require 50-65+ minutes.
Security Tips for Love Field
Love Field offers non-stop service to over 70 U.S. destinations, making it a busy airport. Average security wait times are 15-20 minutes for standard screening lanes and 5-10 minutes for TSA PreCheck passengers. If you're flying Southwest Airlines, utilize the Southwest curbside check-in service, available starting 4 hours before departure, to save time inside the terminal.
Special Situations: Late Night, Early Morning, and Beyond
Late-Night Arrivals
No 24-hour public bus route exists between DFW and Love Field. DART service concludes around 11:30 PM on weekdays and earlier on Sundays. If your flight lands after 10 PM, your best options are:
- Pre-booked shuttle service (verify operating hours)
- Taxi or rideshare (available 24/7)
- Scheduled rideshare pickup (recommended to secure pricing)
Early Morning Travel
For early morning flights, taxis and rideshares are widely available. DART service begins around 5:00 AM with the first trains and buses, but timing your arrival at the station requires careful planning. If using DART for early morning travel, check first-bus schedules in advance and build in extra buffer time.
What About Driving Yourself?
If someone is driving you or you're picking up a rental car, the route uses IH 35E North from the DFW area. Be aware that parking at Love Field is limited and expensive—consider curbside pickup or drop-off to avoid parking hassles. Long-term parking at Love Field fills quickly, so alternative airports or remote parking lots may be necessary during peak travel periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Dallas Love Field from Dallas DFW Airport?
Dallas Love Field and DFW International Airport are approximately 17 miles apart. The driving distance varies between 17-23 miles depending on your specific starting and ending terminals and the route taken.
Can I take a bus directly from DFW to Love Field?
No single direct bus route connects the two airports. DART Bus Route 5 Love Link connects DFW terminals to Inwood/Love Field Station, where you transfer to the rail system or free Route 524 shuttle. The journey requires at least one transfer.
What is the cheapest way to get from DFW to Love Field?
DART public transit offers the most economical option at approximately $2.50 per trip using proper fare. However, this option requires the most time (50-65 minutes) and involves transfers. If traveling with three or more people, shared shuttles may provide comparable per-person value when accounting for convenience.
Is there a shuttle between DFW and Love Field?
Several private shuttle services operate between the airports, including pre-booked shared rides and scheduled services like Wingz. These require advance booking and operate during specific hours. There is no free or public airport shuttle directly between DFW and Love Field.
How long does it take to get from DFW to Love Field by taxi?
Under normal traffic conditions, a taxi or rideshare takes 20-30 minutes. During peak traffic hours (typically 7-9 AM and 4-7 PM on weekdays), allow additional time—potentially 35-50 minutes. Construction on IH 35E and IH 30 can also impact travel times.
What happens if I miss my connection because of transit delays?
If using DART for an airport-to-airport connection, build in at least 4 hours between flights. For tight connections, always choose the fastest transport (taxi/rideshare) and monitor traffic conditions via navigation apps before departing. If you miss a connection, contact your airline immediately—some may rebook on the next available flight, especially for mechanical or delay-related issues.
Are children allowed on public transit between the airports?
Yes. Children under 5 years old ride DART services free when accompanied by a paying adult. Children of all ages can use taxi and rideshare services. Always confirm car seat requirements with your rideshare provider if traveling with young children.
Final Recommendations
For most travelers, the choice between DART and taxi/rideshare comes down to budget versus time. If you have 4+ hours between flights and want to save money, DART is reliable and inexpensive. If time is tight or you have significant luggage, the estimated $35-$60 for a taxi or rideshare provides peace of mind and direct service.
During holidays and peak travel periods, all transport options experience higher demand. Book shuttles and scheduled rides in advance, check real-time traffic before departing, and consider that security lines at Love Field may be longer than average during busy travel periods.
For the most up-to-date DART schedules and route information, visit dart.org before your trip, as service changes periodically.
How Far Is Dallas Love Field From DFW?
Travelers search every day for the distance from DFW to Love Field, and the honest answer is that it depends on your route: about 17 to 18 miles point to point. The most direct drive runs south on TX-121 and west on TX-183, covering roughly 18 miles in about 30 minutes under normal traffic. Our tracked trip data for this corridor shows a typical drive of 26 minutes, with most rides falling between 20 and 41 minutes depending on the hour and which terminal you leave from.
The distance between DFW and Love Field is short enough that a connection between the two airports is realistic — but tight. Unlike some multi-airport cities, there is no direct rail line between them: the DART Orange Line gets you close but requires a transfer to bus 524, stretching the trip past an hour. Door-to-door ground transportation covers the whole distance in one ride, which is why most connecting travelers choose a car service, taxi, or rideshare over public transit when timing matters.
Distance also varies with your starting point inside DFW. Terminal A to Love Field runs a little shorter than Terminal D or E on the south side, and construction on TX-183 or the airport's entrance roads can add a few minutes. Plan around 30 minutes of drive time plus a buffer, and check live traffic on your travel day.
The Fastest Transfer Between Dallas Airports (DFW ↔ DAL)
DAL is the airport code for Dallas Love Field, so a search for "DFW to DAL" is really a search for the DFW to Love Field connection — the same 17-to-18-mile corridor covered above. For travelers asking which option is the faster transfer at Dallas airports, the ranking is straightforward:
- Pre-booked private shuttle or car service: the fastest door-to-terminal option. The driver picks you up curb-side, takes the most direct route, and typically covers the corridor in 25 to 35 minutes. Booking ahead removes the airport-side wait entirely.
- Taxi or rideshare: comparable drive time when a car is available immediately, but taxis and rideshares can surge in price during peak arrival waves, and the pick-up queue at DFW adds 10 to 20 minutes after landing.
- Shared shuttle van: per-seat pricing with a possible intermediate stop; total time runs 45 to 60 minutes depending on passenger load.
- DART public transit: the slowest option at roughly an hour with a rail-to-bus transfer, but the cheapest for travelers with light luggage and flexible timing.
If you are connecting between flights at the two airports, aim for at least three hours of buffer on the ground: deplaning and walking to the pick-up zone takes 15 to 25 minutes at DFW, the drive runs about 30 minutes, and Love Field recommends arriving 90 minutes before a domestic departure. Travelers heading the opposite direction can use the same service in reverse for Love Field to DFW transfers, and our Dallas airport shuttle routes page covers every city pair we serve.
From DFW to Love Field, door to door
The hop between Dallas's two airports is short on paper but easy to get wrong on the ground. The direct highway route across the Mid-Cities — through Irving and the tail end of the Trinity River bottoms — can take well under half an hour at mid-morning, yet stretch closer to an hour when evening traffic funnels toward downtown Dallas. Our drivers run this corridor daily and time pickups around it, whether you're landing at DFW after an international connection or leaving Love Field on a Southwest flight and heading out for a long-haul departure.
This route draws a particular kind of traveler: folks who booked separate tickets into DFW and out of Love Field, airline crews repositioning between hubs, and business visitors staying in Uptown or Preston Hollow who prefer Love Field's smaller, quicker terminals over the sprawl of DFW. Rather than juggling rental cars or rideshares with unpredictable availability at two airports, you get a private pickup at your curb — we monitor your flight and adjust if your arrival slips, then take you straight to the Love Field departure level.
How much time should I leave between DFW and my Love Field departure?
Most travelers on this route plan for at least three hours between landing at DFW and their Love Field departure — enough to cover baggage claim, a comfortable drive, and Love Field's security line. That said, the two airports sit on opposite sides of Dallas, and midday traffic near the Trinity can move slower than the map suggests. When you book, share your flight details and we'll help you plan a pickup that accounts for the drive and your airline's check-in cutoff.