Six years of planning and construction culminated this week as Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and Dallas Area Rapid Transit launched light rail passenger service linking downtown Dallas with DFW Airport.
“This is a momentous day for our customers and for DFW Airport, because passenger rail is a critical component to DFW’s status as a top-tier international gateway,” said Sean Donohue, CEO of DFW Airport. “With the DART Orange Line connecting DFW to downtown Dallas, DFW now matches other global hub airports that offer integrated rail—an important advantage for travelers and event planners.”
The new five-mile segment connects DFW Airport with DART’s Belt Line Station and provides continuing service to major regional destinations including Irving–Las Colinas, Dallas Market Center and downtown Dallas. With this connection in place, DFW becomes one of the nation’s busiest airports with a direct rail link to the city center.
DART’s DFW Airport Station is located within a short, three-minute walk of Terminal A’s entry doors and ticketing hall. The pedestrian route between the terminal and the station includes landscaped areas and partial overhead cover to protect passengers from the weather. High-speed, high-capacity elevators transport travelers from the station up to the Terminal A ticketing hall on the concourse level.
Inside Terminal A, travelers have convenient access to American Airlines ticketing and baggage drop, TSA security checkpoints, and DFW’s Skylink people-mover system (within the secured area) for connections to any of the airport’s five terminals. Passengers flying other airlines who carry only hand baggage can use a multi-airline kiosk located in the elevator vestibule at Terminal A to check in. Those with checked luggage for other carriers can take DFW’s Terminal Link shuttle buses for a straightforward transfer to the appropriate terminal.
The rail link enhances the airport’s connectivity to the wider region, offers an efficient alternative to driving and parking, and integrates public transit with air travel to improve the overall passenger experience. By providing direct, reliable service between downtown and the airport, the connection supports business travel, tourism and regional mobility while reducing congestion on roadways.
Operational features were designed with passenger convenience in mind: easy pedestrian access, weather protection along the pathway, and vertical transportation sized to accommodate peak flows. Once onboard the DART Orange Line, riders can reach employment centers, hotels, convention venues and entertainment districts without the need for a private vehicle, simplifying trip planning for visitors and residents alike.
DFW Airport’s addition of a direct rail connection aligns it with major international hubs that prioritize seamless multimodal access. For conventions, corporate travelers and leisure visitors, the rail service represents a dependable and time‑efficient option to move between downtown Dallas and the airport terminals.
As service begins, airport and transit officials will monitor operations and passenger patterns to refine schedules, accessibility and wayfinding to ensure a smooth experience. The new link is a significant step in expanding regional transportation choices and strengthening DFW Airport’s role as a central gateway for North Texas.