Dallas Airport: Train Connection Hub?

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) offers a range of transportation options for passengers, including three rail services that connect directly to the airport terminals. These are the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), TEXRail, and the Trinity Railway Express (TRE). The DART rail service provides access to various Dallas attractions, while TEXRail primarily services Fort Worth, and TRE connects the two major cities. In addition, the Skylink and Terminal Link shuttle services provide efficient connections between the airport's terminals, with Skylink operating post-security and Terminal Link operating pre-security.

The Skylink train connects all five terminals at Dallas Airport

The Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is the second busiest airport in the US, serving over 30 million passengers in 2021. The airport is so large that it has its own ZIP code. Despite its size, it is easy to navigate, thanks to a convenient light rail service, the Skylink, which runs between all five terminals.

The Skylink is a free light rail train that operates post-security and connects all five terminals at Dallas/Fort Worth Airport. The train runs 24 hours a day, with trains arriving every two minutes and a maximum ride time of nine minutes between the farthest points. The Skylink is located inside the terminal, beyond airport security, with stations at either end of each terminal.

The Skylink is highly efficient, with a maximum ride time of nine minutes between the farthest points. It operates in both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions, so passengers can choose the quickest route to their desired terminal. The Skylink is fully accessible, with dedicated seating areas for passengers with mobility impairments onboard each train.

In addition to the Skylink, passengers can also use the Terminal Link shuttle bus to get between terminals. This service runs pre-security every 5-10 minutes from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m., with after-hours service available upon request. The Terminal Link shuttle bus is free and stops near the DART rail station.

Passengers also have three modes of rail transportation to connect to directly from the terminals: DART provides service to Dallas, TEXRail to Fort Worth, and TRE provides connecting services between the two cities.

The Terminal Link shuttle bus runs pre-security

The Terminal Link shuttle bus is a free service that runs pre-security at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). It is one of two transportation services that connect the airport's terminals, the other being the Skylink train. The Terminal Link shuttle bus operates from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m., with an after-hours service available by calling 972-574-5465. Buses run every 5 to 10 minutes from the departures level of each terminal, with the exception of Terminal D, where pick-up and drop-off are from the arrivals level.

The Terminal Link shuttle bus is especially useful for passengers who need to connect between terminals outside of the secure area. It stops at all terminals and has designated pick-up points at each terminal, which are signposted as "Terminal Link." At Terminal A, for example, the shuttle bus stops at Entrance A10 for gates A1 to A20 and Entrance A16 for gates A21 to A39. Similarly, at Terminal B, the shuttle bus can be boarded at Entrance B14 for gates B1 to B25 and Entrance B43 for gates B26 to B49.

For passengers arriving at DFW Airport, the Terminal Link shuttle bus provides a convenient way to reach the other terminals before proceeding through security. For instance, passengers arriving at Terminals B, C, D, or E can take the Terminal Link shuttle bus to Terminal A and then make their way to the DFW Airport Station. This flexibility allows passengers to easily navigate between different areas of the airport and access the various amenities and services offered.

The Terminal Link shuttle bus also plays a crucial role in facilitating connections to other transportation options. For instance, passengers can use the shuttle bus to connect to the Trinity Railway Express (TRE) at CentrePort/DFW Airport Station. The TRE provides connecting services between Dallas and Fort Worth, offering travellers a seamless way to continue their journey between these two major cities.

The Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) rail service is an affordable, convenient ride to and from the airport

The Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) rail service is an affordable and convenient way to get to and from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW Airport). The DART rail service connects travellers to and from the airport and Dallas.

The DART Orange Line takes you directly to DFW Airport. You can board a train with "DFW" destination signs to reach the airport. The Orange Line connects DFW to Parker Road Station in northeast Dallas, via Irving and downtown (West End, Akard, St. Paul and Pearl/Arts District stations).

If you are departing from DFW Airport, follow the signs for Terminal A departures. For other terminals, you can use the free Terminal Link service. If you are arriving at the airport, exit Terminal A and proceed to the lower level A10. If you arrive at Terminals B, C, D, or E, you can board the Terminal Link service to Terminal A and proceed to the airport station.

The DART rail service is also available at Dallas Love Field Airport. You can take the Green Line or Orange Line to Inwood/Love Field Station, and from there, a free shuttle bus will take you directly to the airport in just 9 minutes.

DART trains have platform-level boarding in the centre section of each train car, making it convenient for passengers with roll-on luggage. There is also additional floor space for luggage, but luggage must not block the aisles, and there are no luggage racks or carts on the trains.

DART passes can be conveniently purchased at DFW Airport Station kiosks or through the GoPass mobile app (available for iPhone and Android smartphones). The Midday Pass allows unlimited travel between 9:30 am and 2:30 pm for $2, while the Day Pass costs $6 and is valid for unlimited travel on all DART buses, DART Rail, and TRE trains.

TEXRail provides a comfortable and affordable option for travelling between DFW and Fort Worth

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport offers three public transit options that passengers can connect to directly from the terminals. While DART services primarily provide transport to Dallas, and TRE provides a connection between Dallas and Fort Worth, TEXRail is the best option for passengers travelling specifically between DFW Airport and Fort Worth.

Passengers can board TEXRail at DFW Airport Terminal B Station and travel directly to downtown Fort Worth, as well as other surrounding landmarks. The service is also easily accessible for those arriving at Terminals A, C, D, or E, as they can take the Terminal Link shuttle to Terminal B. TEXRail operates from 4:40 am to 2:10 am, with the first train arriving at 4:06 am and the last train leaving at 2:10 am.

Overall, TEXRail is a convenient, cost-effective, and comfortable option for travellers wishing to get between DFW Airport and Fort Worth, without the hassle of driving or parking.

Trinity Railway Express (TRE) connects Dallas and Fort Worth

The Trinity Railway Express (TRE) is a commuter rail service that connects Dallas and Fort Worth in Texas. It was established by an interlocal agreement between Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) and Trinity Metro, with each authority owning a 50% stake in the joint rail project. The TRE began operating in December 1996, initially offering a 10-mile service between downtown Dallas and Irving. Over the years, the line has been extended, and it now connects two downtown Fort Worth stations: the Intermodal Transportation Center (ITC) and the T&P Station.

The TRE offers a convenient and affordable way to travel between the two cities and all points in between. It operates Monday through Saturday, with no scheduled service on Sundays except for special events such as the State Fair of Texas. During the week, trains run westbound from Dallas' Union Station between 5:30 a.m. and 11 p.m. and eastbound from Fort Worth's T&P Station from 5:30 a.m. to 10:45 p.m. The estimated commute time between the two cities is one hour, and fares are $2 for a one-way trip or $4 round trip.

The TRE also provides easy access to unique attractions and events in both Dallas and Fort Worth. In Dallas, the TRE stops at the Medical/Market Center, serving Parkland Memorial Hospital, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, and the Children's Medical Center. It also stops at the American Airlines Center, Reunion Tower, and Dealey Plaza. In Fort Worth, the TRE serves the Fort Worth Convention Center, the Fort Worth Water Gardens, and Sundance Square.

The TRE is accessible from DFW International Airport via the CentrePort/DFW Station. From there, passengers can take the TRE Link shuttle bus to DFW Airport Terminal B. The shuttle operates every 20 minutes during peak periods on weekdays, with a 40-minute service during off-peak hours and on Saturdays.

Frequently asked questions