Service Overview
DFW is one of the easiest big U.S. airports to use by rail. You can ride DART Orange Line into downtown Dallas, take TEXRail to Fort Worth, connect via TRE at CentrePort, and (newer) use the DART Silver Line from the north side of the Metroplex. Trains are generally reliable, avoid highway traffic, and are a smart value compared with rideshare or taxis.
Best for: solo travelers and couples, budget-minded riders, and business travelers headed to downtown Dallas/Fort Worth without needing a car. Families with lots of bags can do it, but curb-to-curb services may be easier if you have multiple suitcases or a tight connection.
Route & Destinations
- DART Orange Line: Primary one-seat ride toward downtown Dallas. Expect about 50 minutes to West End Station (Downtown Dallas).
- DART Silver Line: A newer line that originates in Plano and serves Terminal B, providing a useful north-side corridor (it does not function as the main downtown Dallas route).
- TEXRail: From Terminal B toward Fort Worth. Great if your destination is Fort Worth; for downtown Dallas you’ll typically need additional transfers.
- TRE (Trinity Railway Express): Board at CentrePort/DFW Airport Station (not inside the terminals). Use the TRE Link shuttle for terminal connections.
Coverage is strongest for Dallas (DART) and Fort Worth (TEXRail/TRE), with convenient transfer opportunities to other DART light-rail lines and regional services once you’re in the network.
Pricing & Tickets
- DART Orange Line: $3 single ride or $6 day pass.
- TEXRail: $2.50 standard fare (reported reduced fare $1.25 for seniors).
- TRE: Fare depends on your trip; purchase before boarding via TRE/Ticketing options at stations or mobile ticketing where available.
Buy tickets from station vending machines and/or official transit mobile apps (commonly used locally: GoPass for DART/TRE and Trinity Metro/GoPass for TEXRail). Keep your ticket accessible for fare checks. Day passes can be a bargain if you’ll take multiple rides after arriving.
Schedule & Frequency
- DART Orange Line: Runs roughly 3:50 a.m. to 1:20 a.m. on weekdays and about 3:50 a.m. to 1:19 a.m. on weekends.
Frequency varies by line and time of day; expect more frequent service during commute periods and longer waits late evenings. If you land very late (after rail service ends), plan on a taxi or rideshare as the practical fallback.
Practical Tips
- Finding the station: The DART Orange Line station is at Terminal A, Lower-Level Curb, Entry A-10. If you arrive at another terminal, use Skylink (inside security) or the free Terminal Link shuttle (outside security) to reach Terminal A.
- Terminal B rail access: TEXRail and the DART Silver Line serve Terminal B.
- Luggage: Light-rail and regional rail are luggage-friendly, but there are no airline-style bag drops—keep bags with you and avoid blocking aisles.
- Accessibility: Stations and trains are generally step-free with elevators/ramps; allow extra time if you need elevator access between terminal levels.
- Real-time info: Check live arrivals and service alerts in the official apps (DART/GoPass; Trinity Metro for TEXRail).
- Best alternatives: If you’re traveling with heavy luggage or late at night, Uber/Lyft (often ~$35–46) or taxis (often ~$45–67) can be faster door-to-door depending on traffic.