Arlington, Texas, strategically located between Dallas and Fort Worth, offers a diverse range of public transportation options to ensure smooth navigation for residents and visitors alike. Whether you’re commuting, exploring attractions, or heading to a business meeting, understanding Arlington Public Transportation is key to getting around efficiently. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the services available, making it easier to plan your travel within Arlington and the wider North Texas region.
Ground Transportation in Arlington
Arlington provides several ground transportation services tailored to different needs and preferences.
Arlington On-Demand: Personalized Rideshare Service
For flexible and convenient travel within Arlington, the Arlington On-Demand service stands out. This city-wide service allows you to book shared rides via a smartphone application or phone call. Connecting to the CentrePort TRE station and Trinity Metro bus routes in Fort Worth’s Eastchase Parkway area, it expands your reach beyond Arlington.
The service distinguishes itself with its dynamic nature – no fixed schedules or routes, offering pick-ups and drop-offs at virtually any location within the service area. Pricing is distance-based, ranging from $3 to $5 per ride. This on-demand model is perfect for spontaneous trips, errands, or reaching destinations not directly served by fixed-route transit.
RAPID Autonomous Vehicle Service: Innovation in Motion
Arlington is at the forefront of transportation innovation with its RAPID Autonomous Vehicle (AV) service. Operating in Downtown Arlington and the University of Texas at Arlington campus, RAPID offers a glimpse into the future of public transit. These self-driving vehicles, provided by May Mobility, are integrated into the Arlington On-Demand system.
Booking an AV ride is seamless through the same Arlington Transportation app or phone number used for the On-Demand service. As one of the pioneering on-demand AV services in the United States, RAPID provides a unique and efficient transportation experience, particularly for navigating the downtown and university areas.
Arlington Entertainment District Trolley: Free Rides for Hotel Guests
Visitors staying in the Arlington Entertainment District can take advantage of the complimentary Arlington Trolley. This seasonal service is exclusively for hotel guests within the district, offering free transportation to major Arlington attractions.
Participating hotels provide trolley access to popular destinations like Six Flags Over Texas, Hurricane Harbor, AT&T Stadium, Rangers Ballpark, shopping centers, and the Convention Center. Inquire at your hotel about this convenient and free service to explore Arlington’s entertainment hotspots without the hassle of driving and parking.
Handitran: Specialized Transportation for Elderly and Disabled
Arlington prioritizes accessibility with Handitran, a door-to-door special transportation service designed for the elderly and individuals with disabilities. Handitran mini-buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts, ensuring comfortable and safe transport to essential services, medical appointments, work, or any location within the service area.
Eligibility for Handitran is open to all persons with disabilities upon certification. Applications are available on the Handitran website, with a processing time of approximately one week. Once certified, riders can schedule trips up to 14 days in advance. It’s important to note that Handitran is a shared-ride, demand/response system with a defined service area and operates within Arlington City limits and 1.5 miles beyond, excluding Sundays. Contracted taxis supplement the bus service to meet demand.
Taxi Services: Traditional and Readily Available
Traditional taxi services remain a readily available option in Arlington. Yellow Cab and Cowboy Cab operate in the Arlington/Fort Worth and Dallas areas, providing standard taxi services for immediate transportation needs. Contact information for both companies is readily available for booking rides.
Regional Connectivity with Trinity Metro and DART
Arlington benefits from its proximity to regional public transportation networks.
Fort Worth Trinity Metro: Serving Tarrant County and North Central Texas, Trinity Metro offers bus and other transit services in Fort Worth. Arlington residents can connect to Trinity Metro services, expanding their transportation options throughout the region.
Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART): For reaching Dallas and its surrounding cities, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) is a crucial link. DART operates rail, bus, paratransit, HOV lanes, and rideshare services across 13 cities in the Dallas area, including Addison, Carrollton, Dallas, and more. DART also provides access to DFW International Airport and Fort Worth via the Trinity Railway Express, further integrating Arlington into the regional transportation network.
Air Travel: Accessing Arlington by Flight
Arlington’s location provides excellent access to air travel.
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW): Global Gateway
Just 10 miles from Arlington, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is a major international airport, ranking as the world’s third busiest. Most Arlington hotels offer complimentary shuttle services to and from DFW, simplifying airport transfers for visitors.
Dallas Love Field Airport: Convenient for Southwest Airlines
Dallas Love Field Airport, primarily serving Southwest Airlines, is a 25-minute drive from Arlington. This airport offers another convenient option for domestic air travel to and from Arlington.
Arlington Municipal Airport: General Aviation Hub
For corporate travel, recreational flying, and various aviation services, Arlington Municipal Airport is a full-service general aviation reliever airport. Located centrally in South Arlington, it supports a wide range of aviation needs, from flight operations and training to air cargo activities.
Rail Travel: Connecting Arlington by Train
Arlington is accessible via rail through regional and national services.
Amtrak: National Passenger Rail Network
Amtrak, the national passenger train service, connects to Dallas/Fort Worth, providing access to Arlington. Amtrak’s Heartland Flyer and Texas Eagle routes offer daily service, linking the region to over 500 cities across the US.
Trinity Railway Express (TRE): Regional Rail Link
The Trinity Railway Express (TRE) is a vital regional rail link connecting downtown Fort Worth, downtown Dallas, and DFW Airport. While TRE doesn’t directly serve Arlington, the nearest station is approximately 10 minutes from the Entertainment District, offering a convenient connection point for Arlington residents and visitors to access the wider rail network. TRE operates Monday through Saturday.
By utilizing these diverse Arlington public transportation options, navigating Arlington and connecting to the broader Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is convenient and efficient. From on-demand services and autonomous vehicles to regional rail and air travel, Arlington provides a well-connected transportation ecosystem to meet the needs of all travelers.
