Getting Around Dallas

Dallas is a car-centric metro, but transit options are expanding. Here's what you need to know about getting around the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.

DART — Dallas Area Rapid Transit

Dallas's public transit system includes light rail, buses, commuter rail, and regional rail. The DART light rail network has 93 miles of track, and the Silver Line regional rail adds another 26 miles for roughly 119 rail miles total. Trains connect major employment centers including downtown Dallas, UT Southwestern Medical Center, DFW Airport, and suburban hubs in Plano, Richardson, and Garland.

Rail Lines: Red, Blue, Orange, Green (light rail) + Silver Line (regional, opened Oct 2025) + Trinity Railway Express (commuter)
Monthly Pass: $126 for local, $192 for regional (includes TRE and the Silver Line)
GoPass App: Buy tickets and plan routes via the GoPass mobile app

The Silver Line — Airport Rail for the Northern Suburbs

DART's newest line opened October 25, 2025 on the Cotton Belt corridor: 26 miles and 10 stations from Shiloh Road in Plano to DFW Airport Terminal B, linking seven cities (Plano, Richardson, Dallas, Addison, Carrollton, Coppell, and Grapevine) without going through downtown. Addison to the airport takes about 32 minutes; the full run is roughly an hour. Trains run once an hour off-peak and twice an hour during weekday peaks (6–9 AM and 4–7 PM), and the Regional Day Pass that covers it dropped from $12 to $9 on March 1, 2026.

For newcomers, the practical takeaway is that northern-suburb living no longer means driving to every flight. If rail access is shaping where you live, see our neighborhood picks by DART line in the Dallas neighborhoods guide.

Driving & Toll Roads

Most residents drive. The DFW highway system is extensive but gets congested during rush hours (7-9 AM and 4-7 PM). Key commute corridors include I-35E, US-75 (Central Expressway), I-635 (LBJ), and the Dallas North Tollway.

A TollTag is essential — see our Texas Toll Roads Guide for setup instructions and pricing.

Ride-Share & Car Services

Uber and Lyft are widely available throughout DFW. Average costs:

Airport to Downtown: $25-40
Uptown to Deep Ellum: $10-15
Dallas to Plano: $30-45

Biking

Dallas is investing heavily in bike infrastructure. The Katy Trail (3.5 miles) runs through Uptown, Oak Lawn, and Victory Park. The Santa Fe Trail connects downtown to South Dallas. Lime and Bird scooters are available in urban neighborhoods.

DFW Airport

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is the 3rd busiest in the nation. It's located between Dallas and Fort Worth, about 20-30 minutes from downtown Dallas. Two DART lines reach it: the Orange Line light rail serves Terminal A, and the Silver Line regional rail serves Terminal B from the northern suburbs.

Dallas Love Field (DAL) is the Southwest Airlines hub, located just 7 miles from downtown Dallas in the Love Field neighborhood.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a car in Dallas?

For most residents, yes. Dallas is a car-oriented metro and having your own vehicle provides the most flexibility. A few urban neighborhoods offer walkable, transit-connected living, but suburban areas generally require a car for daily errands and commuting.

How does public transit work in Dallas?

The Dallas area has bus routes and light rail lines operated by the regional transit authority. Monthly passes are available and offer savings for regular commuters. Coverage is most comprehensive in the urban core and along major corridors.

How do toll roads work in Texas?

Texas toll roads use electronic tolling, but the transponder brand depends on the metro: EZ TAG (Harris County Toll Road Authority) around Houston, TollTag (NTTA) in Dallas-Fort Worth, and TxTag statewide. All three are accepted interchangeably on Texas toll roads. Without a tag, tolls are billed by mail at a higher rate. Budget $50-$200 per month if your commute uses toll roads.

Is traffic bad in Dallas?

Rush hour congestion is a reality in Dallas, particularly on major highway corridors between 7-9 AM and 4-7 PM. Many employers offer flexible schedules or remote work options. Choosing a neighborhood close to your workplace can significantly reduce commute stress.

Are there rideshare and bike options in Dallas?

Uber and Lyft are widely available throughout the Dallas metro. Bike-share programs and scooter rentals operate in several urban neighborhoods. Dedicated bike lanes are expanding but remain limited compared to cities like Portland or Minneapolis.

What should I know about driving in Texas?

You must get a Texas driver's license within 90 days of establishing residency. Texas requires liability insurance with minimum coverage of 30/60/25. Right turns on red are permitted unless posted otherwise, and the speed limit on many Texas highways is 65-75 mph.