Getting Around in Dallas

Public transport in Dallas is primarily managed by the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) system. DART offers a comprehensive range of services including buses, light rail, commuter rail and paratransit services. In 2022, the system had a ridership of over 41 million trips. Despite the bus and rail services available to the city's population, most residents opt to purchase and drive a car for their daily commutes. Even weekday public transport commuters are likely to invest in a car, as it comes in handy for exploring the surrounding areas at weekends or travelling during vacations.

Public transport in Dallas

The DART system is designed to facilitate easy movement within the city and its surrounding suburbs. With its extensive network, DART ensures that residents and visitors have a reliable mode of transportation, reducing the need for private vehicles and contributing to a more sustainable urban environment.

Explore DART Fares and Passes.

Light rail

Dallas's light rail network serves most of the city's suburbs and comprises 93 miles (5km) between four colour-coded lines. Trains operate from 5am to 12am daily, with trains arriving every seven to 15 minutes during rush hours and every 20 to 30 minutes at off-peak and late-night hours.

Train

There is a single commuter train line, known as the Trinity Railway Express or TRE. The TRE has connections with all four light rail lines and covers areas west of the services provided by the light rail system.

Discover the Trinity Railway Express.

Buses

The bus network in Dallas is extensive and accounts for most of DART's trips. DART's bus network boasts over 90 routes that operate daily from 5.30am to midnight. One can get almost anywhere using the city's buses, although most bus journeys will require multiple transfers that lengthen travelling times.

Streetcars

DART operates a free modern streetcar service which runs from the Bishop Arts District to Union Station, the central transport hub downtown. Streetcars run from 5.30am to midnight and arrive every 20 minutes.

There's also a historic tram service known as the M-Line Trolley, which is also free. There are several attractions along the single route it travels daily, including restaurants, shopping districts and hotels.

Experience the M-Line Trolley.

Taxis in Dallas

Various taxi firms operate in the city. While taxis are readily available in downtown Dallas, locals don't generally use them on a regular basis.

It's possible to hail a taxi from the side of the road in the downtown area of Dallas, but it's best to pre-book a vehicle if travelling from the suburbs. Taxis use a metered system and are quite expensive. A silver lining to the metered system is that they don't use surge pricing. Ride-hailing applications such as Uber and Lyft are also operational in Dallas.

Useful links

• Find a taxi with Yellow Cab Dallas

Driving in Dallas

The easiest way to get around Dallas is by car. The road networks are sophisticated, making it possible to get across town relatively quickly. Petrol in Texas is quite cheap due to its proximity to oil production, and petrol stations are plentiful, making life convenient for drivers. Road conditions in Dallas are also excellent, and signage is clear.

Expats with residency in Dallas and newcomers from other states can drive on their foreign licence for up to 90 days before they have to get a local one. After this, they're required to obtain a Texan driving licence. Certain countries have a reciprocal agreement with the state of Texas, allowing a foreign licence to be exchanged without taking a local driver's test.

Those from nations without such agreements will need to complete both knowledge and skills tests before being granted a Texan licence. As with other states, if one's foreign driving licence isn't in English, it's advisable to also have an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside the original while driving in Dallas.

Useful links

• Learn about Dallas County's Driving Licence Procedures
• Check out Texas State's Road Laws

Cycling in Dallas

Dallas is not known for being a particularly cycling-friendly city. As the population becomes increasingly health-conscious, there have been demands for improved cycling infrastructure, with the city adding both dedicated and shared bike lanes in selected areas. Cyclists will still likely find themselves having to ride on the road or sidewalk though. All in all, residents will probably want to opt for another form of commute, though there are numerous parks and trails that are great for recreational cycling.

Useful links

• Discover Dallas City's Bike Plans
• Explore Dallas County Trails