Dallas might have a repute for glamour and glitz, but there’s a lot to experience without breaking the bank. In fact, it isn’t too difficult to find something thrilling to do whether it’s an event occurring, a place to eat, or some type of activity in Dallas.
Whether you’re a local who’s familiar with the region or a tourist coming for a visit, here’s how to get around Dallas on a budget.
McKinney Avenue Trolley
You can hop on the McKinney Trolley if you want to get through Downtown, Uptown, and the Arts District. Watch for the M-Line maroon sign that’s situated at every stop along the route and track it to see when it’s near.
You’ll discover the M-Line Trolley is an affordable and authentic means of transport around Central Dallas. The old-fashioned electric streetcar moves from downtown to the busy McKinney Avenue uptown.
Along the way, it makes stops near numerous popular attractions, including the Nasher Sculpture Center, Dallas World Aquarium, and Dallas Art Museum. The trolley operates daily beginning around 7 a.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. on holidays and weekends until around 10 p.m. The best thing is that it’s free.
Light Rail
Although it has a long way to go before it can catch up to Chicago’s “L” train or New York’s subway, Dallas’ light rail does a good job of linking downtown to other regions of interest, including University Park and Deep Ellum. Run by Dallas Area Rapid Transit, the DART system comprises four lines (Orange, Blue, Green, and Red) that serve 61 stations throughout Dallas.
Trains run from around 4:30-1 a.m. daily though schedules differ by line. The Trinity Railway Express links Fort Worth and Dallas while servicing the airport and Metroplex communities. Trains operate between Dallas’ Union Station and Fort Worth’s T&P Station from Monday to Friday from around 5 a.m-11p.m.
On Saturday, trains don’t operate as often while on Sundays they don’t operate at all. The amount you pay will vary depending on whether you buy a regional or local DART pass: the local passes are valid on DART Buses and DART Rail and on TRE services between DFW Airport and Dallas’ Union Station.
On the other hand, regional buses are valid on all TRE and DART services in addition to the T in Fort Worth. A 2-hour pass (valid for unrestricted rides within 2 hours of the time you purchased the pass) costs $5 for regional service and $2.50 for local service.
On the other hand, day passes, which are valid from the time of purchase to 3 a.m. the following day-cost $5 for local and $10 for regional service while a 7-day pass will cost $25for local or $50 for regional service.
By Car
While driving can be exasperating, it’s the most comfortable choice, especially when the substitute is sitting in the heat for the next bus while in the heat. Several major interstates and highways weave around and through the Metroplex: I-35 W and I-35E run north to south through Fort Worth and Dallas respectively; I-20 and I-30 run east to west, linking the two cities.
If you don’t intend to spend considerable time traveling between Fort Worth and Dallas, consider holding off on a rental until you plan on shifting to the next city. Fortunately, downtown Dallas is walkable, so you’ll save money on gas, parking, and rental fees.
Final Thoughts
Dallas is an interesting place to reside and while numerous transport options exist, you might want to consider these transport options if you’re on a budget.
For more information on how to get around Dallas on a budget, contact us at Apartment Agents or leave a message.