Hertz Car Hire
Dallas

Once you’ve got off the aircraft at any DFW terminal, follow the overhead signs for "Ground Transportation" and "Rental Car". All rental companies, including Hertz, are based in one consolidated Rental Car Center. Head down to the lower level to exit the terminal and look for the clearly marked shuttle-bus pick-up area. These complimentary blue-and-white buses run continuously, calling at each terminal before going to the Rental Car Center, so the transfer is straightforward wherever you arrive.

After an international arrival, there are a few key steps to allow for. After disembarking at Terminal D, you’ll go through immigration, collect your luggage, and then clear customs. Times vary significantly depending on passenger volume. Once you’re through, follow signs to the rental-car shuttle stop. The ride to the consolidated Rental Car Center takes about 10 minutes. Allowing for possible queues at the rental desk, a realistic timeline from clearing customs to driving away is typically 60 to 90 minutes.

A practical meeting point is the baggage-claim area for the last person due to land, so everyone can gather with luggage in one place. An even simpler option is for each person to take the shuttle from their own terminal to the Rental Car Center. You can then meet at the Hertz counter inside the facility, which is a central, easy-to-find spot for the whole group before collecting the car.

The most convenient place to wait is the baggage-claim area in the arrival terminal. It keeps everyone indoors with seating and toilets, while keeping luggage together. Once the designated driver has collected the Hertz vehicle from the Rental Car Center, they can drive back to that terminal’s arrivals level and pick the group up at the kerb, making departure efficient and organised.

For the most accurate routing, set your destination to "DFW Rental Car Center". Hertz and the other agencies are inside this large consolidated facility. Searching for the centre itself (rather than the brand) helps your sat-nav take you to the main public entrance. Once you arrive, you’ll see clear overhead signs directing you to the designated entrance for Hertz vehicle returns.

On a typical weekday afternoon, plan on roughly 45 to 75 minutes for the full process. This includes walking from the gate to baggage claim, collecting luggage, taking the shuttle to the Rental Car Center, completing the rental at the Hertz counter, and finding your car in the garage. Timing varies depending on how busy the airport is and how many flights arrive at the same time.

Late-night arrivals at DFW are generally straightforward. The airport, including the Rental Car Center, is well lit and set up for 24/7 operation. Complimentary shuttles continue to run frequently between terminals and the rental facility. Inside the Rental Car Center, clear directional signage points you to the Hertz counter. With fewer travellers around, the process can often be quicker and simpler than during the day.

After you’ve completed the paperwork at the Hertz counter, your rental agreement will usually list the exact bay number or zone where your vehicle is parked. The garage at the DFW Rental Car Center is organised with large, clear signs for rows and sections. Match the details on your agreement to the ceiling or pillar signage to go straight to your assigned car without unnecessary searching.

A good option is one of the airport’s cell phone lots, designed for short-term waiting and located just outside the main airport loop. They provide a safe, convenient place to stop. Alternatively, there are petrol stations or convenience stores a minute or two from the Rental Car Center exit. Parking there lets you set up your sat-nav, connect your phone to the infotainment system, and adjust luggage without feeling pressured by traffic.

When leaving the DFW Rental Car Center, drivers heading for Fort Worth need to pay close attention. The main exit road, International Parkway, splits to connect with several motorways. The most common confusion point is the interchange with TX-183 and TX-114. For Fort Worth, you’ll typically want TX-183 West. It’s easy to follow signs towards Dallas via TX-183 East or TX-114 East, so watch the overhead signs carefully for the correct route number and direction.

A straightforward route to Downtown Dallas is to take the south airport exit and follow signs for TX-183 East. It later merges directly with I-35E South, which goes into central downtown. This route is well signed and avoids some of the more complex interchanges, such as the High Five. Using a GPS with lane guidance can make it even easier by warning you well ahead of exits and lane changes.

If you’re driving to a hotel in Uptown Dallas, it’s wise to review the final approach on your map before you set off. The area has many one-way streets, and hotel entrances are sometimes on side streets rather than the main road. Many hotels provide specific instructions for valet or self-parking garage access. Keep your GPS active so you can navigate the street grid and avoid missing a critical turn right near your destination.

To avoid the hassle of limited on-street parking in Deep Ellum, most visitors use the larger paid surface car parks or multi-storey garages on the edges of the main entertainment area. You’ll typically find these along routes such as Good-Latimer Expressway or Canton Street. Parking in a designated lot lets you leave the car securely and explore the music venues, restaurants and shops on foot.

The most direct drive from DFW to the Dallas Arts District is TX-183 East to I-35E South, then exit onto Woodall Rodgers Freeway (Spur 366), which runs alongside the district. For easy parking, use the underground garages linked to major venues such as the Dallas Museum of Art or the Winspear Opera House. They put you right in the centre, making it easy to walk between museums and performance venues.

The most direct route to the Galleria Dallas area is to take the north airport exit and follow signs for I-635 East. Then take the exit for the Dallas North Tollway North and the Galleria will be immediately visible. Parking is generally plentiful, with large free garages surrounding the mall. It’s worth noting which garage and level you used (for example near a particular department store) so you can find the car easily later.

A relatively low-stress route to Addison is to take the north airport exit to I-635 East, then connect to the Dallas North Tollway heading north. This is more direct and usually has clearer lane assignments than weaving through surface streets. Exit at Belt Line Road and you’ll be in the heart of Addison’s dining and entertainment area, where most venues have their own car parks.

The simplest drive to Arlington’s entertainment district is to take the south airport exit and use TX-360 South, which leads to exits for both AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field. On event days, expect heavy delays, so leave DFW much earlier than your GPS estimate. Parking is handled in large official lots around the venues, and it’s sensible to pre-purchase a parking pass online if possible.

For an easy day trip between Dallas and Fort Worth, use Interstate 30 (I-30), which directly links the two city centres. To keep the drive smooth, stay in the middle lanes for most of the journey. This helps you avoid right-hand lanes that turn into exit-only lanes and the faster traffic on the left, reducing last-minute lane changes as you approach your exit.

The most notorious interchanges are the "Mixmaster" (where I-30 and I-35E meet near downtown Dallas) and the "High Five Interchange" at I-635 and US-75. The best strategy is preparation: use a GPS app with lane guidance so you know exactly which lane you need. Review your route before driving and get into your target lane one to two miles before the interchange to avoid stressful last-second moves.

Visitors often find that the general motorway traffic flow is faster than the posted limits. Merging is also fairly assertive, so maintain your speed when joining. Another common surprise is how often the right-hand lane becomes an exit-only lane on major roads. Watch overhead signs closely to avoid being forced off before your intended exit.

For calmer driving, avoid peak rush hours. The morning commute is typically busiest from about 7:00 to 9:30, and the afternoon peak from 16:00 to 18:30. The most relaxed window is late morning to early afternoon, roughly 10:00 to 14:30. Driving later in the evening after about 19:30 is also usually much less congested.

Frontage (access) roads run parallel to major motorways and provide access to shops, restaurants and cross streets. The most common mistake is leaving the motorway too late. You often need to exit well before the business you’re aiming for appears. Follow your GPS and watch for your specific exit signs, as missing one may mean continuing for a mile or more before you can turn around.

Before you drive away from the DFW Rental Car Center, check your navigation settings. In apps such as Google Maps, Waze or Apple Maps, go to route options/settings and turn on "Avoid tolls" or "Avoid toll roads". That ensures your route uses non-tolled roads and motorways. It’s a quick check that can help you stick to your travel plan.

A practical first stop is a supermarket in a suburb right next to the airport, such as Irving, Grapevine or Euless. These areas are only a few miles from the Rental Car Center and have plenty of stores with large, easy car parks. By choosing a location slightly away from the airport’s immediate exits, you can shop and then continue to your final destination without getting caught up in complex airport traffic patterns.

Before you commit to the vehicle, inspect the cargo area in person. Open the boot or rear hatch to check not just total space but also the shape. Some vehicles, especially certain SUVs, have wheel-arch intrusions or a sloping rear window that reduces usable height. Look for a low loading lip to make heavy bags easier to lift in. This quick check helps ensure everything will fit comfortably.

Once you’ve found your assigned car in the garage, pull forward into an empty parking bay off to the side if one is available nearby. This keeps you out of the main pick-up traffic. You’ll have more room and time to install car seats properly, adjust mirrors, and settle everyone in safely and comfortably, instead of trying to do it in a busy pick-up aisle.

Before you leave the bay, make a few key adjustments: set your seat position, steering wheel and mirrors; pair your phone with Bluetooth for hands-free calls and audio; and locate the headlight and windscreen-wiper controls. Finally, do a brief walk-around to note the vehicle’s general condition so you can start your trip confidently.

Test the connection before you set off. Make sure you have a compatible USB cable, as these systems usually require a wired connection. Plug your phone into the car’s designated USB port and check that the Apple CarPlay or Android Auto icon appears on the infotainment screen. Confirm your preferred navigation app launches correctly to avoid technical frustrations once you’re on the road.

A few Texas driving rules are especially helpful for international visitors. Turning right on a red light is legal after coming to a complete stop, unless a sign specifically forbids it. You’ll also see dedicated U-turn lanes under many motorway overpasses, which are common and legal to use. Motorway signs are generally clear, but it helps to know your route number (for example I-35E, TX-183), as signs often prioritise numbers over city names.

In heavy Texas rain, visibility can be difficult anywhere, but it’s often worst on wide, multi-lane motorways. Routes such as I-635, I-35E and the Dallas North Tollway can be challenging because spray reduces visibility. Faded lane markings can become very hard to see on wet roads. In these conditions, slow down, increase following distance, and stay in the centre or right lanes if you’re uncomfortable.

When hail is forecast, the best protection is covered parking. Many hotels, shopping centres such as Galleria Dallas, and downtown attractions offer multi-storey garages. Parking in one of these provides peace of mind. If you must park outside, avoid parking under trees, as branches can fall in severe storms. Prioritising covered parking is the most effective approach during hail season.

For an easy day trip, visit historic Main Street in Grapevine, very close to DFW. It’s walkable and has plenty of free public parking. Another good option is Denton, north of Dallas, known for its lively courthouse square. Both destinations have a relaxed feel, simple grid streets and ample parking, making them ideal for a low-stress outing.

Timing matters for a pleasant drive to Waco. The route mainly uses I-35E South, a major commuter corridor. To avoid the heaviest southbound traffic, plan to depart after about 9:30 on a weekday so the morning peak has cleared. On the return from Waco, aim to reach the Dallas metro area before about 15:30 to beat the northbound afternoon rush.

A simple, reliable return route is I-35E North, then exit onto TX-183 West, which leads to the airport’s south entrance. As you approach airport property, large overhead signs will guide you into the lanes for "Rental Car Return". Following those signs early helps you avoid terminal lane splits and get directly to the return facility without confusion.

The most common mistake is missing the dedicated Rental Car Center exit from the main airport road. Drivers often focus on terminal signage and inadvertently pass the rental return turn-off. To avoid this, move into the lanes marked "Rental Car Return" as soon as you see them. This is particularly important at night when visibility is lower and you have less time to react.

Several convenient petrol stations sit just outside the DFW airport boundary and work well for a final fill-up. You’ll find clusters along John W. Carpenter Freeway (TX-114) and Airport Freeway (TX-183), the main approaches to the airport entrances. They’re geared towards traveller traffic with easy in-and-out access, so you can refuel and head to Rental Car Return without awkward U-turns or detours.

First, follow airport signs to your departure terminal and go to the upper-level "Departures" kerb. After dropping off passengers and luggage, re-join the main airport road and immediately follow the large signs for "Rental Car Return". This takes you on a simple loop to the return facility without needing to leave and re-enter the airport.

The DFW Rental Car Center is set up for easy terminal access. After you return the vehicle and complete the Hertz check-in, go to the shuttle-bus lobby in the same building. Complimentary dedicated shuttles run 24/7 and stop at every terminal. Board the next bus and it will take you directly to your terminal’s departures level.

For early-morning departures, allow extra time for two things: the shuttle from the Rental Car Center to your terminal (often 10–15 minutes depending on the terminal), and the security queues, which can be longest during the early peak. Add at least 30 extra minutes to cover these steps and avoid last-minute stress.

A manageable first-day leg is DFW to Waco, roughly a 90-minute to two-hour drive, which breaks up the longer run to Austin or San Antonio. If you leave the DFW area in late morning, around 10:00, you’ll miss the worst of rush-hour traffic. Arriving in Waco in early afternoon gives you time to explore before continuing or stopping overnight, setting up a more relaxed drive the next day.