How to Get to Dallas. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Major Airports & Airlines

Dallas operates two main airports, DFW and DAL, serving diverse travel needs.

Airport Details

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW): One of the world's busiest, major hub for American Airlines, handles most international and many domestic flights.
Dallas Love Field (DAL): Closer to Downtown Dallas (approx. 6 miles), mainly serves Southwest Airlines for domestic flights.
Airlines: DFW hosts American, Delta, United, Spirit, Frontier, Alaska, JetBlue, plus numerous international carriers (British Airways, Emirates, Lufthansa, etc.). DAL focuses on Southwest. For flight deals, check Dollar Flight Club.

Flight Availability & Airport Services

Flight prices vary by season, and both airports offer comprehensive facilities.

Travel Insights

Seasonal Prices: Peak seasons (spring/fall) mean higher prices. Off-peak (summer/winter, excluding holidays) may offer lower fares. Book 2-3 months in advance for better rates.
Direct Flights: DFW offers direct flights to major global cities (London, Paris, Tokyo, etc.). DAL focuses on U.S. Domestic direct routes.
Airport Facilities: Both DFW and DAL offer dining, retail, lounges, currency exchange, and car rental services. DFW features an inter-terminal Skylink train.

DFW to Downtown

DART Rail Orange Line directly connects DFW Airport Station (Terminal A) to Downtown Dallas. Fare: $2.50 (2-hour pass) or $6.00 (day pass). Budget-friendly.

Ride-Share & Taxi DFW

Uber/Lyft available from designated pick-up areas. Cost: $40-$60+. Taxis also available, similar cost.

DAL to Downtown

Short shuttle connects to Love Field Airport Station, then DART Orange/Green Line to Downtown. Fare: $2.50 (2-hour) or $6.00 (day pass). Ride-share: $15-$25.

Transfer Options from Airports to City/Accommodation

From DFW Airport

DART Rail Orange Line: Direct connection from Terminal A to Downtown Dallas and other DART stops. Fare $2.50 (2-hour pass) or $6.00 (day pass).
Ride-share (Uber/Lyft): Available from designated pick-up areas. Costs typically $40-$60+ to Downtown, varying with traffic.
Taxis: Available at designated stands, similar costs to ride-share ($45-$60).
Shared-ride shuttle services (e.g., SuperShuttle): Door-to-door service, may take longer due to multiple stops.

From Dallas Love Field DAL

DART Rail: Short shuttle bus from terminal to Love Field Airport Station, connecting to DART Orange or Green Line for Downtown service. Fare $2.50 (2-hour pass) or $6.00 (day pass).
Ride-share (Uber/Lyft): Readily available. Costs typically $15-$25 to Downtown.
Taxis: Easily found, similar fare estimates to ride-share.
Car Rental: Agencies operate directly at DAL for those planning to rent a car.

Departure Timing

International Flights DFW

Arrive at least 3 hours before scheduled departure. This allows ample time for check-in, baggage drop, and security screening.

Domestic Flights DFW or DAL

Arrive at least 2 hours before scheduled departure. Prepare for standard TSA security procedures.

General Tips

Review TSA guidelines for prohibited items and liquid restrictions in advance. For international departures, clear U.S. Customs if your journey onward or return home warrants it.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Dallas offers train services for both long-distance travel and commuter routes.

Rail Services

Amtrak: Serves Dallas via its Texas Eagle route, connecting Chicago to San Antonio (with connections to Los Angeles). Dallas Amtrak station is at 400 S Lamar St.
TRE (Trinity Railway Express): Commuter rail service connects Downtown Dallas (Union Station) with Downtown Fort Worth. Operates Monday through Saturday.
Border crossing information is not applicable to Dallas, as it is an inland city.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Long-distance bus travel provides an economical way to reach Dallas from other U.S. Cities.

Bus Companies

Greyhound: Operates a major bus terminal in Dallas at 205 S Lamar St, offering extensive routes across the United States.
Megabus: Also offers intercity bus service to and from Dallas, often with competitive fares and a focus on direct routes to major cities. Confirm pick-up/drop-off points when booking.
Bus travel suits budget-conscious travelers or those preferring not to drive.

Self-Driving Considerations

Car rental has the most freedom for exploring Dallas and its wider metropolitan area.

Rental and Navigation

Requirements: Valid driver's license from your home country. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license is not in English or lacks a photograph.
Vehicle Rental: All major international car rental companies (DiscoverCars.com, Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, etc.) operate in Dallas, with counters at DFW, DAL, and city locations.
Insurance: Rental car insurance is highly advised. Check if your personal car insurance or credit card provides coverage to potentially save money.

Road Conditions & Safety

Dallas has a well-maintained highway system, but traffic can become very heavy during rush hours.

Driving Information

Traffic: Expect congestion on major freeways (I-35E, US-75, Loop 12, I-635) during rush hours (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM).
Navigation: A GPS device or smartphone with a reliable navigation app (Google Maps, Waze) is useful for city navigation.
Toll Roads: Many major Dallas highways are toll roads (Dallas North Tollway, President George Bush Turnpike). Rental cars often come with transponders.

Driving Laws & Safety Reminders

Drive on the right side of the road.
Seat belts are mandatory for all vehicle occupants.
Right turn on red is permitted after a full stop unless signed otherwise.

Speed limits are strictly enforced and posted in miles per hour (mph).
Using a handheld cell phone while driving is generally prohibited in Dallas.
"Move Over" law: Move over a lane or slow down for stopped emergency vehicles, tow trucks, or TxDOT vehicles.

Sea/River Arrivals

Water Transportation Overview

Sea or river arrivals are not applicable to Dallas. Dallas is an inland city and does not have sea or river ports that accommodate passenger travel.

Points

No sea ports for passenger travel in Dallas.
Trinity River does not support regular passenger water transportation.
Recreational boating (kayaking, paddleboarding) occurs on White Rock Lake, but these are for leisure, not transit.

Recreational Water Activities

While not for transit, Dallas's lakes offer water-based recreational opportunities.

Options for Water Enthusiasts

Kayaking: Rent kayaks at White Rock Lake for a leisure paddle.
Paddleboarding: Also available for rent at White Rock Lake.
These activities are distinct from transportation and focus on enjoyment.

Departure Procedures

Arrive 3 hours early for international flights (DFW) and 2 hours for domestic flights (DFW or DAL). Plan for check-in, baggage, and security.

Airport Facilities

DFW and DAL offer dining, retail (duty-free at DFW), lounges. Amtrak/bus stations have basic facilities. Use airports for extensive dining/shopping.

Exit Fees

No specific exit fees or taxes beyond what is already included in your airline ticket price. All applicable charges are part of your fare.

Departure Information

Exit Fees or Taxes

No specific exit fees or taxes apply for departing travelers from the U.S. Beyond what is included in your airline ticket price.

Fee Inclusion

All applicable taxes and fees are typically incorporated into your fare at the time of purchase.
No additional payments at the airport for departure.
This simplifies the departure process.

Departure Procedures and Timing

Timely arrival at the airport is useful for a smooth departure.

Arrival Times

International flights (DFW): Arrive at least 3 hours before scheduled departure.
Domestic flights (DFW or DAL): Arrive at least 2 hours before scheduled departure.
This allows ample time for check-in, baggage drop, and security screening.

Airport/Station Facilities for Departing Travelers

DFW & DAL Airports

Both offer extensive dining options, full-service restaurants to quick grab-and-go. Variety of retail stores, including duty-free at DFW.

Lounges (airline-specific & pay-per-use)
Currency exchange
Last-minute souvenir shops

Amtrak & Bus Stations

Facilities are more basic, typically offering waiting areas, restrooms, and sometimes small cafes.

Waiting areas
Restrooms
Limited food/drink options

Planning Ahead

Plan to use airport facilities for more extensive dining or shopping needs before your flight.

Allocate sufficient time for security
Have all travel documents accessible
Consider pre-booking airport transfers

Smooth Departure

Prepare for departure in advance.

How to Get to Dallas