Traveling in Dallas Without a Car
How to get around using alternative modes of transportation.
Just like most things in Texas, Dallas is big. At 339.6 square miles, Big D is the 4th largest city in Texas geographically and ranks 20th in the nation. Traversing a city this size isn't always easy without a car, but rest assured, where there's a will, there's a way. And there are plenty of ways to get around Dallas without a car.
Public Transportation
Founded in 1999, the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) provides public transportation throughout the city of Dallas. Operating from approximately 5 a.m. through midnight, DART trains, buses, streetcars and trolleys offer an inexpensive way to get around without being forced to walk for miles to reach your destination.
The DART Rail has four lines that cover 93 miles, intersecting Dallas with stations at prominent intersections throughout the city. While the different train routes - Red Line, Blue Line, Green Line and Orange Line - begin and end in the outskirts of the city or extend into neighboring cities, they all travel through downtown Dallas giving riders multiple opportunities to hop on and ride.
Another benefit of the DART Rail is that it has stops at both the DFW International Airport and Dallas Love Field. So no matter which airport you fly into or out of, you can easily get to or from your flight.
The DART Bus runs extensively through Dallas and the surrounding cities with plenty of stops and connections. With 692 buses and 6,878 stops, the iconic yellow and white buses make it very convenient to travel to any location in the city.
Focused on providing transportation services to a more condensed area, the Dallas Streetcar provides a 2.45-mile route between EBJ Union Station and the historic Bishop Arts District, while the M-Line Trolley links the Dallas Arts District to trendy shops and eateries in Uptown.
To help plan your trip or excursion, use the DART Trip Planner to know your exact route and which trains, buses, streetcars or trolleys you need to take.
Rideshare
Ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft have made getting around Dallas much easier and more convenient. Another popular option to choose from is Alto. This tailored rideshare service is considered to be an elevated ride that's more luxurious and customized for your preferences. While more expensive, these three rideshare options get you from point A to B faster than any public transportation option. And with so many drivers operating locally, you'll never have to wait long for your ride to appear.
Ride a Bike
If you know you're going to be staying close to home or a hotel, riding a bike is a great and healthy way to get around. Not only is it good for the environment, but it also gives you an easy way to burn a few extra calories. However, if you'd prefer to relax and just enjoy the ride, you can always rent an electric bike from Pedego Electric Bikes.
Walking
While suburban sprawl is a real thing in Dallas and spreads things out a little too far, in some areas around and including downtown, you don't have to go far to find plenty of shops, restaurants, and entertainment. So why not enjoy the great outdoors and simply walk? With much of Downtown, West Village, Uptown and Oak Lawn being connected, Dallas is far more walkable than most people imagine.
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