I have a 5 hour layover in Dallas - what should I check out while I am there to pass the time?

Question

I am going to the Bahamas, but have a 5 hour layover in Dallas. I figure this is a good time to explore the town since I have never been. What should I make a point to see?

Answer 1

You have plenty of time to explore Grapevine Mills, however, if you've seen a big shopping area, you've already seen this here.

If you could only see one thing and you really believe that you have enough time to go and make it back, take a cab (might be costly but will be worth it historically) to the 6th Floor Museum in Downtown Dallas. This is the site of the Kennedy assasination. It will take about a half hour to get there and a half hour back but it's about the only reason you'll want to leave the airport. It's pretty much what Dallas has to offer as far as a single destination that you can't find anywhere else.

I spend about half of each month on the road as a corporate presenter so I know a lot about traveling. You'll be able to make it back in time if you really want to try it. The airport is in between Dallas and Fort Worth so it's not very convenient for sight-seeing. However, if you don't feel like coughing up the cash, be sure to check out the newest terminal, Terminal D. They have several bars/restaurants inside that are also chains in the Dallas area (Cool River, Chammps, etc.). There are several ways to get from terminal to terminal including the newest monorail which is great!

Or you could just let me know when your layover is and I could be your personal tour guide. All that I ask is that you pack me in your suitcase on the way to the Bahamas :)

Answer 2

Depending on what time of day, and date you are coming through, 5 hours is quite a bit of time if you are well planned. I would plan on being back to security by 90 minutes prior to departure. That gives you 3 1/2 hours.

1) The Gaylord Texan is about 15 minutes north-northwest of the airport. Good food, nice views, a cool place just to hang.
2) Grapevine Mills mall is 5 minutes north of the airport if you're into shopping.
3) If you're adventerous and traveling light, or can find someplace (Admirals Club) to stow your gear for a few hours, you could take a cab ride ($20, 20 minutes) into downtown Dallas and see Dealy Plaza where JFK was asassinated. The only real tourist spot in Dallas. There is a museum you can walk through in about an hour if you blow through quickly.
4) American Airlines has the CR Smith Aviation Museum just at the south end of the airport grounds. Free admission and only 10 minutes back to any gate.

DFW Yellow cab phone number is 214.426.6262 when you need a ride back from wherever you go.

Answer 3

5 hours isn't long at all when it comes to flying. By the time you land and find your way out of the airport you would need to come back. You have to be back 2 hrs before you check in, plus you are on an international flight so you should be there 3 hrs before according to the rules. I suggest you hang out in the bar or take a nap. Dallas is a huge area and the airport is crowded for the most part. One day layover would get you a few hours to do things but not 5hr.

Answer 4

I have to disagree with a few things said - DFW is not way out of town. It is pretty far from downtown but downtown isn't really worth going to see unless you are interested in corporate buildings.

Grapevine Mills, is a viable possibility but I would look up the stores in the mall ahead of time and find out what location (they are in neighborhoods) that store is. You can then direct your driver to take you to Neighborhood 2 or whatever.

There are also several stores near the airport - Fry's Electronics, Kohls, and many many restaurants

If you check your bags straight through to the Bahamas you will not need to return to the airport 3 hours early you can go straight to the security line with your carry on and not have to check into the other area.

Answer 5

Obviously, the people who have answered are not from the DFW area. There is a place called Grapvine Mills just a couple of miles north of the airport. Try the Dickey's BBQ Pit there for some authetic Texas BBQ. Check out www.grapevinemills.com. You might want to contact their customer service and see what kind of transportation is available for you to get there and back to the airport.

As the others have said, you don't really have the full 5 hours. But, DFW is very fast with their security checks and the gates are fairly close to the entrances. I'd say you only have about 2 hours to burn.

Answer 6

The airport is way out of town, so you will lose at least 2 hours in commuting. And 3 hours is not enough time to see anything except to stay in the cab and see the downtown skyline, which is prettiest at night. Get a book, read a magazine, or catch up on other stuff and stay at the airport. Just enjoy a forced break from your routine and relax, get ready for your vacation. Enjoy!

Answer 7

I fly in and out of DFW all the time, and with five hours you may have an hour or two to go explore Grapevine Mills mall, but not much more. Especially if your plane is delayed coming in (which all of mine have been lately). If you want to try it, go for it. But my suggestion would be to hang out in the airport. Go exploring. Bring several good books. I've done longer layovers in other cities due to delayed planes, and it's as boring as hell but can be survived.

Answer 8

that's purely my own opinion - yet i does not danger it. throughout the time of the week site visitors into Paris would desire to be very heavy. additionally whilst they come again to CDG they'd have risk-free practices and extra. Then in the event that they pass over their flight, there may well be a situation with the unaccompanied bags whilst it arrives in Singapore.

Answer 9

Five hours isn't enough time to see anything but the inside of the airport. Your best bet is to find your departure gate and explore the area around it, you really don't have time to leave the airport.

Answer 10

It takes 5 hours to get from American Airlines Gate # 1 to AA Gate # 47