DALLAS, TX, September 16, 2026 — This year Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) makes getting to the 2026 State Fair of Texas easier and more convenient than ever. From opening day on September 25 to closing day on October 18, DART passengers have new ways to ride carefree to their next Fair food find or straight to the Cotton Bowl Stadium, while avoiding parking hassles or needing to battle traffic.
Weekend Service Enhancements:
DART Light Rail
DART will operate a modified service for Orange Line trains on Saturdays, Sundays, and on October 12 during the State Fair. Orange Line trains will operate between DFW Airport and Buckner Station. To reach the Fair, take the DART Green or Orange Line (weekends and Oct. 12 only) to Fair Park Station on Parry Avenue, which is at the fairgrounds entrance. Alternatively, ride to MLK, Jr. Station, situated south of R.B. Cullum Boulevard, which provides easy access to Gate 6 and the Cotton Bowl Stadium.
Additionally, passengers can expect:
Trains to Fair Park will have increased capacity with more rail cars
Increased service frequency, with all train lines running every 20 minutes
Trinity Railway Express (TRE)
Trinity Railway Express (TRE) will operate on all four Sundays during the Fair on a Saturday schedule
TRE passengers can transfer to the Green Line at Victory Station. Details are at TrinityRailwayExpress.org/StateFair
DART "State Fair Flyer" Shuttles
DART will operate special weekend bus shuttles called the "State Fair Flyer" on Saturdays, Sundays, and October 12 during the State Fair. Bus shuttles will be provided from transit centers to transport passengers directly to Lot 8 at Fair Park, departing hourly beginning at 9:30am until 5 pm.
Addison Transit Center
Glenn Heights Transit Center
Downtown Rowlett Station
Lake Ray Hubbard Transit Center
The shuttles will leave the transit centers hourly and begin departing Lot 8 at 12pm. The last shuttle will depart Fair Park Lot 8 at 8pm. DART will have additional staff at each of these transit centers to assist riders with connections.
Red River Rivalry Service Modifications
On game day, DART will operate additional "State Fair Flyer" bus shuttles from City Line Bush, SMU/Mockingbird, and the transit centers referenced above to take fans directly to Lot 8 inside Fair Park. DART rail lines will run every 20 minutes throughout game day, with additional trains added to meet demand.
Stay on the move with contactless payments
DART offers four great contactless options that make buying your pass fast, safe, and convenient:
GoPass® app: Download the latest version of the app for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Just be sure to activate your DART pass before you board.
GoPass Tap card: Available at hundreds of participating retailers, GoPass Tap is the reloadable transit card that automatically gives you the best fare every time you ride. Simply tap your card to a reader on a DART rail platform or bus prior to boarding, and your fare is deducted automatically. (Note: GoPass Tap cards are valid for local fares only. GoPass Tap cards are not valid for travel on TEXRail, DCTA, or Trinity Metro.)
Credit or debit card: Buy your DART pass with any contactless credit or debit card. Just tap your contactless card to a reader on a DART rail platform or bus prior to boarding – and you're on your way to all the fun of the Fair.
Mobile device: Using your preferred mobile payment app – such as Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay – simply tap your mobile device to a reader on a DART rail platform or bus to buy your pass.
For extra savings, enter DART’s promo code, available on GoPass, when purchasing your ticket on the State Fair’s website to receive $5 off admission. Offer valid September 1- October 18, 2026 for online purchases only at bigtex.com. Limit four tickets per order.
For more details, schedules, and updates, visit please visit DART.org/StateFair or download the GoPass® app.
About DART
Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) provides modern public transit services designed for fast, comfortable, and economical travel. The agency operates light rail, Trinity Railway Express, regional rail, bus routes, GoLink on-demand service, and paratransit, moving more than 171,000 passengers daily across a 700-square-mile, 12-city region including Addison, Carrollton, Cockrell Hill, Dallas, Farmers Branch, Garland, Glenn Heights, Irving, Richardson, Rowlett, Plano, and University Park.
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