What You Need To Know To Get To The State Fair Of Texas

The State Fair of Texas is back, and an event that big inevitably means traffic and parking headaches. But they can be avoided.

Thanks to DART and other public transit options, getting to the state fair can be easy. Here are some tips for getting to the fairgrounds and how to navigate all the fun food and entertainment options once you arrive.

First, Get A Map

The DART site has an interactive map on their site, plus a downloadable PDF version.

Pay Your Fare

Mobile pay and contactless card pay options make purchasing a fare simpler. You can buy rail passes at the stations. Bus passes are available on the bus. Find all the details regarding fare, passes and more here.

• Credit or debit card: Now you can buy your DART pass with a contactless credit or debit card. Just tap your contactless card to a reader on a DART Rail platform or bus prior to boarding.
  
• Mobile device: Using Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay, tap your payment-enabled mobile device to a reader on a DART Rail platform or bus to buy your pass.
  
• GoPass® app: Download the latest version of the app for free from the App Store or Google Play. Just be sure to activate your DART pass before you board.
  
• GoPass® Tap card: Available at 7-Eleven and 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.)

Purchase a Local Day Pass for $6, good for DART Rail, local buses and riding the TRE from CentrePort/DFW Airport Station. Tarrant County and Denton County customers need a Regional Day Pass for $12.

Details are available at DART.org/StateFair or by calling DART Customer Information at 214-979-1111.

How To Get To The Fairgrounds

You can also take the DART Rail Line to the Fair Park Station or the MLK Jr. Station — both deliver you right to the fairgrounds.

Tarrant County folks can take the Trinity Railway Express to the DART Rail Green Line in Dallas.

Denton County folks can take the Denton County A-train and transfer to DART's Green Line at Trinity Mills. Click here for travel information. Please note: The A-train does not operate on Sunday.

Service Changes

Fair days are always busy days on DART Rail and buses. DART will make the following changes beginning Monday, Sept. 20:

• Extra Green Line trains will run on a loop between downtown Dallas and Fair Park approximately every 10 minutes, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
• Orange Line service will be extended to Parker Road Station on all trips, weekdays and weekends (except for Saturday, Oct. 9)
• Trinity Railway Express (TRE) will operate on all four Sundays during the fair

Visit DART.org/StateFair to view these special DART Rail schedules.

Two Football Games

DART will be running to the State Fair Classic between the Grambling State Tigers and Prairie View A&M Panthers on Sept. 25, and to the AT&T Red River Showdown game between the University of Texas Longhorns and the University of Oklahoma Sooners on Oct. 9.

Tips For Navigating The Fair

Download The Visitor's Guide. You'll be glad you did. The digital guide has maps, schedules, where you can find what foods — basically all the stuff you'll want to see, do and eat. You can download the map on your phone or swipe through it on the site.

Maps, Maps & More Maps.
The new digital maps are a must for navigating your way and not missing anything. Food maps can lead you to all the goodies, even the new ones. The printable map is colorful and helpful, especially if you have little ones with you.

Find Out What You Can (And Can't) Bring With You. The FAQ section of the website tells you everything you need to know. Wagons for the kiddos? Sure. Pets? No. Find out more before you go.

Save Some Money With Discounts.
Thrifty Thursdays are the best value for food as a select menu of items sell at a discounted price. Ticket discounts are available as well Monday through Friday.

Got a tip? Email Domini Davis at dhDavis@kera.org.

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