How to get to the State Fair of Texas using DART? Here are some tips

When State Fair of Texas season rolls around in Dallas, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) trains get more and more crowded. For many fairgoers, this might be their first rodeo with North Texas’ major public transportation system.
If you’re looking to avoid the hassle of paying $30 to park at the fair, the DART is an affordable option for many visitors. Plus you can save money on fair admission by taking public transit.
Whether or not you’re a DART newbie, here are some tips on getting to the fair, buying tickets, and other general pointers to avoid large crowds.
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The easiest way to ride to the fair is by going to your closest Green Line stop. Be sure to board the trains marked with “Buckner,” “Lawnview” or “Fair Park.”
If traveling from the south, transfer to the Green Line at the Pearl/Arts District Station. If you’re coming from the north, transfer at Akard Station. Eastbound passengers can transfer at Bachman Station.
For those traveling from Denton County, you can board one of the five stops on the A-train and transfer to the Green Line at Trinity Mills Station. Trinity Railway Express passengers can ride to downtown Dallas and transfer to the Green Line from there.
During fair season, DART also operates extra Green Line trains, which will take passengers from downtown directly to the fair every 10 minutes.
Here are railway maps and schedules from DART.
There are two stops you can get off for the fair — depending on where you want to go. The Fair Park Station may seem most convenient, but you may want to figure out where you’re going first.
Fair Park Station is located near the fair’s main entrance, which is near attractions like Big Tex and the Texas Auto Show.
If you’re at the fair to catch a football game, the MLK Jr. Station may be more convenient. It’s located south of the fair near the Cotton Bowl and the fair’s entrance at Gate 6.
Yes, parking is free at DART stations. However, you may want to check online ahead of time to see whether your station has enough parking spots.
The northernmost stop on the Green Line is North Carrollton/Frankford Station — which has ample and free parking.
DART recommends passengers use its GoPass app, which can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play. This way, you’ll avoid the ticket machines and holding onto paper tickets.
The app also offers a discount code on fair admission. On weekdays, you can save $5, and on weekends, $7, when you enter the code and purchase tickets online.
A local day pass costs $6, and a regional day pass, meant for Tarrant and Denton County riders, costs $12.
If you’re looking to avoid big crowds, consider not visiting the fair on these days:
According to a State Fair of Texas spokesperson, the fair typically sees smaller crowds on weekdays, especially in the morning.
Here are a few reminders when riding DART:
Editor’s note: Noor Adatia previously contributed to this report.