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Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Dallas, Texas for the first time. Given that it was my first time, I was keen on trying the public transport options from DFW to downtown Dallas. A quick search and I knew that DFW had a direct train (DART) option to downtown Dallas. To be honest, I knew getting an Uber would be the quickest way into the city, but I do prefer a train ride over a boring highway ride into a new city.
I flew from Montreal (YUL) to Dallas (DFW) and had a checked bag with me. The checked bag turned out to be a mistake, read on to learn why…
DART Rail from DFW to downtown Dallas
Dallas under my wings
The DART train service at DFW (orange line) is located in Terminal A (lower level). Upon arrival in Terminal E, I noticed several signs for the Skylink train that connects all the terminals. Found the airport map on the DART website very helpful in understanding the options;
Image Credit: DART
I could have simply taken the Skylink option from terminal E to A and connected to the DART orange line, BUT the baggage belt was located outside the secure area of the airport. The only option to the DART train after collecting luggage was to use the bus shuttles that connect the terminals.
Baggage belt at terminal E (DFW)
After collecting my bag, I proceeded to the exit gates and used the Terminal Link/Rail signs to guide me to the buses.
Once curb-side, the Rail information on the pillars was very helpful, and precise.
DFW curb-side, Rail information
Terminal Link pickup area at Terminal E, DFW
I took the orange bus shuttle from terminal E to terminal A, the ride was comfortable and about 15 minutes. Once at terminal A curb-side, I followed the signs for ‘RAIL to Dallas’ which guided me to the lower level and a short walk to the platform.
Rail to Dallas – Terminal A DFW
Lower level of Terminal A, short walk to DART platform
At the DART platform, the ticket kiosk was easy to navigate and accepted all forms of payment. The ride DART ride from DFW to Dallas downtown (Orange Line) cost $3 and the pass was valid until midnight. The ride itself was fine, a bit long for my liking. The DART ride from DFW to Downtown Dallas was about an hour. I did not see dedicated space for luggage in the cabin I was in, was glad I only had a small roller bag with me.
Passengers looking to connect to Dallas Love Field airport (DAL), got off at Inwood/Love Field Station (8th stop on the Orange line from DFW) and took the bus shuttles.
An hour and several stops later, I disembarked at St. Paul station (14th stop on the Orange line from DFW), a stones throw from the Sheraton Dallas;
Take Away
DART train from DFW to Dallas downtown is a good option for passengers that are looking to save money and don’t mind spending an hour and half commuting from airport to downtown. At $3, its hard to beat the value but for those that would rather get into the city in 20-25 minutes, my uber ride on the return leg was $32.
