As the annual Red River Rivalry draws thousands of fans to Dallas, the city gears up for one of its busiest weekends of the year. Between State Fair of Texas crowds, pregame festivities and crimson and burnt orange filling the Cotton Bowl, getting around the metro area can be a challenge.

Fortunately, Dallas offers a range of public transit options to make traveling easier. Whether you’re arriving by train or staying downtown, DART and the Trinity Railway Express provide reliable routes that can help you skip the parking chaos and enjoy your weekend.

DART

The Dallas Area Rapid Transit system, better known as DART, is one of the longest light rail networks in the country and runs through much of the metro area. With four lines and 65 stations, DART makes it simple for fans to reach the Cotton Bowl, restaurants and other weekend events without worrying about traffic.

Green Line: The Green Line runs between North Carrollton/Frankford Station and Buckner Station, making it the only DART line that stops directly at Fair Park. Along the way, it stops at Downtown Carrollton and Trinity Mills stations and passes through neighborhoods like Farmers Branch and Royal Lane before entering central Dallas. On the Dallas side, it stops at Bachman, Burbank, Deep Ellum, Pearl/Arts District and MLK, Jr. stations before continuing southeast toward Buckner.

Blue Line: The Blue Line links UNT Dallas Station with Downtown Rowlett Station, traveling through Oak Cliff and downtown Dallas. Key stops include VA Medical Center, Cedars and St. Paul stations.

Red Line: The Red Line runs from Westmoreland Station in southwest Dallas through Downtown Plano Station. Along the route it stops at Dallas Zoo, Cedars, Convention Center stations and continues north to end at Parker Road Station in Plano.

Orange Line: The Orange Line originates at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and through Irving. As it approaches northwest Dallas it shares track segments with the Green and Red lines. Major stops include Bachman, Burbank, Market Center, Victory, West End, Akard and Pearl/Arts District stations.

Trinity Railway Express

The Trinity Railway Express connects Dallas and Fort Worth with stops in between, including Victory, Medical/Market Center, Downtown Irving/Heritage Crossing and CentrePort/DFW Airport stations. The line runs Monday through Saturday, with added service for events like the State Fair of Texas. 

From Victory Station, fans can transfer to the DART Green Line, which takes riders directly to Fair Park Station near the Cotton Bowl. The full ride between Dallas and Fort Worth takes about an hour. Full schedules are available online.

Bus and shuttle connections are also available at most railway stations for easier travel around the metro area.

Game day

DART will run on a modified schedule Saturday to help fans reach Fair Park more easily. Extra Green Line trains will run every 15 minutes throughout game day.

Fans can also catch special gameday shuttle buses beginning at 9 a.m. from key DART stations, including Victory, Mockingbird and Bachman stations. Shuttles will drop passengers at Lot 8 inside Fair Park, near the Midway Gate, and return trips will run for up to two hours after the game. Riders are encouraged to keep their color-coded wristband or valid DART day pass for reentry onto return shuttles or trains.

Those riding from Fort Worth can take the Trinity Railway Express to Victory Station, then transfer to the Green Line or board the Fair Park shuttle directly.

Fares, passes

DART now offers a simplified fare structure. A three-hour pass costs $3 standard fare and $1.50 for reduced fare. A day pass costs $6 and $3 for reduced fare and lasts until 3 a.m. the following day. Passes can be purchased through the GoPass app or at DART ticket vending machines.

DART encourages riders to buy or activate passes ahead of time, as cash payments at shuttle stops are discouraged.

Tips for gameday travel

  • Arrive early. Shuttles begin at 9 a.m. with kickoff at 2:30 p.m.

  • Keep your wristband or day pass visible for reentry onto DART shuttles. 

  • Buy or activate your pass in advance using the GoPass app to save time.

  • Check schedules. DART and the Trinity Railway Express often adjust service for postgame crowds and fair traffic.

Mary Ann Livingood copy edited this story.

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