Step-by-step guide to getting to DFW and Love Field via DART, TEXRail, TRE and Love Link — routes, fares, schedules, and luggage tips.
Getting to DFW International Airport or Dallas Love Field doesn't have to be expensive or complicated. Dallas offers affordable rail and bus options to both airports, saving you money compared to rideshares or parking fees. Here's a quick look:
Public transit is cost-effective and reliable, but always check schedules and allow extra time for potential delays or construction. Below, you'll find detailed routes, fares, and tips to make your trip smoother.
Dallas Airport Public Transit Routes and Fares Comparison Guide
For a smooth transit experience, the GoPass app is your go-to tool. It provides real-time updates, helps with route planning, and allows you to purchase digital tickets for DART, TEXRail, and TRE. Downloading the app is highly recommended, as ticket machines can sometimes be unreliable or may not accept international credit cards.
Prefer using a computer? The DART Trip Planner at dart.org can help you map out your complete route to DFW or Love Field. Be mindful of terminal-specific stops: the DART Orange Line drops passengers at Terminal A (Entry A-10), while TEXRail and the DART Silver Line both serve Terminal B (Entry B-49).
Need assistance? Contact DART's Customer Information Center at 214-979-1111. Their hours are 6:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. on weekdays and 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. on weekends. You can also subscribe to "My DART Updates" for important alerts.
"The unanimous recommendation is to download the GoPass app on your mobile and buy the ticket digitally to avoid stress and fines." - DFWFly
Once your route is planned, review the fare options below to select the ticket that best fits your trip.
| Transit System | Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|---|
| DART | Local Day Pass | $6.00 |
| DART | 3-Hour Pass | Available via app/kiosks |
| TEXRail | Single Ticket | $2.00 |
| TEXRail | Day Pass | $4.00 |
| TRE | Single Ticket | $2.50 |
| DCTA | Regional Day Pass | $12.00 |
If your journey includes transferring from the DCTA A-train in Denton or traveling the entire TRE route between Dallas and Fort Worth, you'll need a Regional Pass ($12.00) instead of a Local Pass. Tickets can be purchased through the GoPass app or at station vending machines.
Once you've finalized your route and ticket, it's important to allow extra time for transfers and airport security. Aim to arrive 2–3 hours before your flight.
For travelers heading to Love Field, factor in the Love Link 55 bus, which takes about 9 minutes. Buses run every 15 minutes during rush hour, every 20 minutes midday and on weekends, and every 30 minutes late at night.
If you're using the TRE Link shuttle from CentrePort station to DFW Terminal D, expect a wait time of 20 to 40 minutes between shuttles.
At DFW, carrying only a carry-on? Take advantage of the Skylink train to move between terminals. Skylink trains arrive every 2 minutes and travel times range from 5 to 9 minutes.
Finally, be aware of holiday schedules, such as on December 25 or January 1, which may lead to longer wait times or adjusted service hours.
Hop on the DART Orange Line to reach DFW Airport. Start by transferring at West End Station in downtown Dallas. The trip from West End takes approximately 50 minutes and includes 12 stops along the way.
The Orange Line drops you off at the DFW Airport Station, located on Terminal A’s Lower Level at Entry A-10. If you’re flying with American Airlines, you can walk straight into Terminal A. For other airlines, you’ll need to use either the Terminal Link shuttle or the Skylink train to get to your designated terminal.
Trains operate daily, starting as early as 3:50 a.m. and running until about 1:20 a.m.. Keep in mind that while the train’s center section has extra space for luggage, there are no dedicated racks, and DART operators won’t be able to assist with your bags.
The TEXRail service by Trinity Metro provides a direct connection from downtown Fort Worth to DFW Terminal B. Along the way, it stops at key locations like North Richland Hills and Grapevine. Trains run every 30 minutes during peak weekday hours and every hour during off-peak times.
When you arrive at Terminal B, head to the Lower Level (B30) for departures. If your flight is departing from Terminal A, C, D, or E, you can use the Terminal Link shuttle (before security) or the Skylink train (after security) to get to your terminal.
Traveling from Denton? Take the DCTA A-train to Trinity Mills Station. From there, transfer to the DART Green Line heading south, and then switch to the Orange Line at Bachman Station to reach Terminal A. Alternatively, you can opt for the DART Silver Line from Carrollton, which offers a quicker route to Terminal B, taking just 15 to 20 minutes.
To get to Dallas Love Field from downtown Dallas, hop on the Green or Orange DART Rail line at stations like West End, Akard, or St. Paul. Ride to the Inwood/Love Field Station, which takes about 11 minutes from West End. Once there, head to street level and board the Love Link shuttle (Route 55 or 524) for an 8-minute trip to the terminal. During rush hours, shuttles run every 15 minutes, while midday and weekend intervals stretch to 20 minutes. After 10:30 p.m., expect shuttles every 30 minutes. This setup offers a straightforward and convenient way to travel from downtown to the airport.
The Love Link shuttle operates daily from approximately 5:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Be aware that the Convention Center Station is currently closed for construction, and Mockingbird Lane roadwork may cause some delays, so plan for extra travel time.
If you're coming from Fort Worth or the northern suburbs, there are several transit options designed to make your trip to Love Field smooth and cost-effective.
For Fort Worth travelers:
For those traveling from northern suburbs like Plano, Richardson, Addison, or Carrollton, the DART Silver Line connects to DFW Airport Terminal B. From there, transfer to the Orange line at Terminal A to reach Inwood/Love Field Station.
No matter which route you choose, the final leg of your journey involves taking the Love Link shuttle from Inwood/Love Field Station to the airport terminal.
Timing is everything when planning your trip to the airport via public transit. For Dallas Love Field, the Love Link 55 bus runs every 15 minutes during weekday rush hours (before 9:30 a.m. and between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.) and every 20–30 minutes during off-peak hours. If you're heading to DFW Airport, the TRE LINK shuttle operates every 20 minutes during peak times but slows to every 40 minutes during off-peak hours and on Saturdays.
For early risers catching morning flights, the first DART Orange Line train arrives at DFW Airport at 3:50 a.m., while TEXRail’s first train reaches DFW Terminal B at 4:36 a.m.. Summer travelers should aim to arrive 2 to 3 hours before their flight, as this is the busiest time of year at Dallas Love Field. Keep in mind, the TRE LINK shuttle does not run on Sundays. Additionally, road construction at DFW has rerouted the shuttle to Terminal D (Gate D22) since August 6, 2025, so plan for extra transfer time.
By keeping these schedules in mind, you can avoid unnecessary delays. Now, let’s explore how to make your ride even more affordable.
One of the perks of public transit is the fixed fares, which shield you from the surge pricing that often comes with rideshare services during high-demand times. Thoughtful planning not only saves time but also helps you stick to your budget.
For convenience, use the GoPass app to purchase tickets without hassle. Single riders can also tap contactless debit or credit cards, as well as mobile wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay, at station card readers - no need to carry exact change for cash payments. Even better, the Love Link bus from Dallas Love Field to the Inwood/Love Field Station is completely free. Plus, some transit hubs, such as Inwood/Love Field, offer free public parking for commuters.
Traveling with luggage can be tricky, but a little preparation goes a long way. On DART trains and buses, there are no dedicated luggage racks, so you'll need to manage your bags yourself. Operators won’t assist with luggage, and space can be tight. The good news? There are no extra fees for bringing your bags along.
For easier boarding with roll-on luggage, head to the center section of DART rail cars, where platform-level boarding and extra floor space make things more manageable. At DFW, if you’re traveling light with just carry-ons, the Skylink train inside security is your best bet for quick terminal transfers - it’s faster than the Terminal Link shuttle bus. If you have checked bags, you’ll need to use the Terminal Link shuttle bus outside security. At Dallas Love Field, the Love Link bus pickup point is conveniently located at the northwest end of the Arrivals/Baggage Claim area.
Taking these tips into account will help make your journey smoother, whether you’re traveling light or carrying a full set of luggage.
Using public transit to reach both DFW and Dallas Love Field is an affordable way to avoid unpredictable rideshare prices while keeping your travel budget in check.
To make your trip smoother, check transit schedules in advance, stay updated on any construction delays, and use mobile apps for easy ticketing and luggage-friendly boarding. A little preparation goes a long way in simplifying your transit experience and cutting travel costs.
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The easiest way to get to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) from downtown Dallas is by hopping on the DART Orange Line. Trains leave from downtown stations like West End Station and head straight to the DFW Airport Station. Once there, you can take the free Skylink people-mover to reach Terminal A or use the Terminal Link shuttle for access to other terminals. With trains running every 15 minutes from early morning (starting at around 4:17 a.m.) until just after 1 a.m., this option works well for most flight schedules.
Another solid choice is the Trinity Railway Express (TRE). This service connects downtown Dallas (Union Station) to the CentrePort/DFW Airport Station. From there, the TRE Link shuttle runs every 20 minutes on weekdays, dropping passengers off at Terminal D, with easy connections to other terminals. If you're traveling during the week, this can be a convenient alternative.
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The GoPass app simplifies your journey to Dallas Love Field by letting you plan routes, buy tickets, and track transportation - all from your smartphone. Here’s how to use it:
Say goodbye to paper tickets and hello to convenience with GoPass. Just don’t forget to charge your phone before heading out!
Traveling with luggage on Dallas public transit to either DFW or Love Field airports takes a bit of preparation. Trains like DART’s Orange and Silver Lines, TEXRail, and the TRE are designed with open layouts but offer limited storage. Standard checked bags (up to 50 lbs) usually fit without issue, but oversized luggage can obstruct aisles and make navigating tricky. For larger suitcases, buses and Terminal Link shuttles are better options. They feature low-floor doors and small luggage areas near the front, making boarding and storage easier.
Transit schedules generally run every 15–30 minutes, but it’s smart to add at least 15 minutes of extra time to your trip. This is especially important during peak travel times or if there’s construction along your route. Stations like DFW Airport Station are equipped with elevators and escalators, but these can become crowded, so plan ahead if you’re juggling multiple bags or using a luggage cart.
Once you’re at the airport, take advantage of the free Skylink or Terminal Link shuttle to move between terminals. Both services are designed to accommodate luggage and save you from the hassle of hauling bags through long walkways. By selecting the right transit option and building in some extra time, you can make your journey to the airport far less stressful.
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