Guide To DFW's Public Transportation
Who needs a rental car? There are plenty of ways to meander the streets of the metroplex accessible to the public. From buses to trains to trolleys, this urban wonderland has as many public transportation options as there are riders. For a more eco-friendly and stress-free way to navigate these cities, try one of these options on for size.
TRE (Trinity Railway Express)
4801 Rock Island Rd
Irving, TX 75061
(214) 979-1111
www.trinityrailwayexpress.org
Trinity Railway Express connects downtown Dallas Union Station and the nearby city of Fort Worth, as well as towns in between, making everything accessible including the DFW International Airport, the city of Irving and other metro top spots. Seasonal events and activities, like the Winter Whistler Express ride, are also popular amongst riders.
1401 Pacific Ave.
Dallas, TX 75202
(214) 979-1111
www.dart.org
The DART system is more than just a typical bus system that's limited to downtown and nearby areas in other major cities. The Dallas Area Rapid Transit system is comprised of both a bus system and connecting train system that bring both downtown and suburbs together. Several train lines have been added in recent years, connecting outer urban areas that had no public transportation with easy access to all areas of the Dallas metro area. Day passes and monthly passes can be purchased to make unlimited transfers and commutes simple and easy.
McKinney Avenue Trolley
3153 Oak Grove Ave.
Dallas, TX 75204
(214) 855-0006
www.mata.org
A favorite among options for recreational public transportation, the McKinney Avenue Trolley combines history and modern Uptown life. Stretching from one end of Uptown to the other and running round trip, this free-fare option is easy to jump on and off to make the most of a shopping and dining spree. All trolley operators are volunteers who donate their time because they believe in keeping this local historical treasure a place in modern Dallas. Trolley cars are authentic and open, allowing for fantastic views of the city along the way.
MAX (Metro Arlington Xpress)
1401 Pacific Ave.
Dallas, TX 75202
(214) 979-1111
www.ridethemax.com
Connecting to the TRE and DART transit systems, the MAX is the newest option for local public transportation. This express bus ride lasts about 25 minutes from beginning to end. The MAX runs Monday through Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., catering mostly to commuters, but also convenient to those coming in from DFW Airport and other major destinations who prefer to avoid traffic. In fact, the MAX just might be the only ride that will actually alter a route (without skipping stops) to avoid traffic and respect the timely schedules of riders.
Arlington Trolley
P.O. Box 941
Arlington, TX 76004
(817) 504-9744
www.arlingtontrolley.com
A free service provided to registered hotel guests in the Arlington area, the Arlington Trolley ties major local attractions together to make it easier for visitors to enjoy the city. Red, blue, yellow and green line routes run daily to take hotel guests to major attention-getters like the Cowboys Stadium/AT&T Stadium, the Rangers Ballpark, Hurricane Harbor, The Visitors Center and the International Museum of Bowling. Arlington just might be the only place to provide such a an amenity with a paid hotel room.