Overview
Fort Worth is the warmer, more easy-going half of the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex in north Texas. Nicknamed 'Cowtown', it grew up on the cattle trade and still stages a twice-daily longhorn drive through its historic Stockyards, yet it also holds one of the finest clusters of art museums in the United States. Friendly, walkable and reliably sunny, it rewards a visit in its own right as well as being a handy gateway to the wider Lone Star State.
Best time to fly to Fort Worth
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the sweet spots: warm days, cooler evenings and, in April, roadsides full of Texas bluebonnets. July and August are very hot, often above 35°C, while winters stay mild and fares tend to dip. Prices climb around the UK summer holidays and Christmas, so use the When to book chart above and aim for a shoulder-season midweek departure.
Airlines and routes
Nearly all UK travellers fly into Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), the region's main gateway and a major American Airlines hub, about 20 miles from central Fort Worth. American Airlines and British Airways run year-round non-stop flights from London Heathrow, with a typical flight time of about 10.5 hours outbound and a little under 9 hours on the way home. From other UK airports you will usually connect via Heathrow, Dublin or a US hub such as Chicago. Fort Worth Meacham (FTW) handles private aviation only, so it is not an option for scheduled services.
Things to do in Fort Worth
The city splits into a handful of walkable districts, each worth half a day:
- Fort Worth Stockyards: cobbled streets, rodeo and a longhorn cattle drive staged every morning and afternoon.
- Kimbell Art Museum: a world-class collection housed in a celebrated Louis Kahn building, with free general admission.
- Fort Worth Zoo: consistently rated among the best in the country and a great day out for families.
- Sundance Square: the lively downtown grid of restaurants, bars and the acclaimed Bass Performance Hall.
- Billy Bob's Texas: billed as the world's largest honky-tonk, with live country music and indoor bull riding.
At Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
DFW sits about 20 miles north-east of Fort Worth, a 30 to 45 minute drive depending on traffic. The TEXRail commuter train is the easiest budget option, running from Terminal B to downtown Fort Worth in roughly 50 minutes for a few pounds. Taxis and rideshares are plentiful, and car hire is available on-site, which is worth considering given how spread out Texas is.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Fort Worth
- Book roughly two to five months ahead for the best fares, and use the price charts on this page to time it.
- Fly midweek and avoid Texas school holidays, peak summer and the Christmas period.
- Keep your dates flexible — moving by a day or travelling in shoulder season often cuts the cost noticeably.
- Compare the direct Heathrow flights from American Airlines and British Airways against cheaper one-stop routings.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders travel under the US Visa Waiver Programme: apply online for an ESTA before you fly, valid for tourism stays of up to 90 days, and carry a biometric passport valid for your trip. The currency is the US dollar; cards work almost everywhere and tips of 15 to 20% are expected. No vaccinations are required, but comprehensive travel insurance is strongly advised, as US healthcare is costly. Fort Worth keeps US Central Time, six hours behind the UK.