Trains run roughly every 20–30 minutes on the TRE line
The TRE Trinity Railway Express is a commuter rail link between Dallas/Fort Worth Airport and downtown Dallas and Fort Worth, with most weekday trains every 20–30 minutes during peak periods and reduced service on Saturdays. The line runs between Dallas Union Station and Fort Worth T&P Station, with a stop at CentrePort/DFW Airport Station, which is the access point for the airport itself. There is no TRE service on Sundays or major holidays, so check the schedule before you commit.
The airport connection uses CentrePort/DFW Airport Station on the TRE, then a shuttle bus to the terminals. From CentrePort, a free DFW Airport shuttle runs to Terminals A, B, C, D, and E, but you should budget at least 20–30 minutes from train arrival to terminal drop-off. Trains typically operate from early morning into the evening, with first departures often before 6:00 a.m. and last trains around 10:00–11:00 p.m., depending on direction and day.
Base adult fares on TRE are usually under $10 for a regional day pass that covers both TRE and DART or Trinity Metro buses and light rail, which can be cheaper than a $40–$60 rideshare during peak times between DFW and downtown. You buy tickets from platform vending machines at stations like Dallas Union or Fort Worth T&P, or via the DART GoPass or Trinity Metro apps, which show zones and current prices. Kids, seniors, and some groups often get discounted fares, but the exact dollar amounts vary by agency updates.
From downtown Dallas, many riders board at Dallas Union Station, which connects to DART Red and Blue Lines on the same block, then take TRE about 25–30 minutes to CentrePort/DFW. From downtown Fort Worth, TRE starts at Fort Worth T&P Station and also serves Fort Worth Central Station, with trips to CentrePort/DFW usually taking 20–25 minutes. Total train plus shuttle time from city center to your terminal often lands in the 45–75 minute range, depending on wait times and traffic for the shuttle buses.
Step-by-step from downtown Dallas to DFW via TRE
- 1. Go to Dallas Union Station at 400 S Houston St and find the TRE platforms on the west side of the tracks.
- 2. Buy a regional pass from the ticket machine or GoPass app before boarding; expect to pay under $10 for an all-day ticket.
- 3. Board the westbound TRE toward Fort Worth and ride about 4–5 stops to CentrePort/DFW Airport Station, roughly 25–30 minutes.
- 4. Exit at CentrePort/DFW Airport Station and follow signs to the free DFW Airport shuttles waiting in the bus loop next to the platforms.
- 5. Board the shuttle marked for your airline’s terminal (A, B, C, D, or E) and allow 10–20 minutes to reach the correct departure curb.
- 6. Once at the terminal, head inside to security; if you arrive at the wrong terminal you can transfer using the free Airside Skylink train between terminals A–D and part of E.
Build in at least a 30-minute buffer beyond the printed TRE schedule if you are catching a flight from DFW, especially for evening trains when frequencies drop and a missed departure can cost you another 60 minutes.