The Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Silver Line Regional Rail project is generating considerable buzz in North Texas, promising to revolutionize regional rail access at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). Scheduled to launch in late 2025 or early 2026, the Silver Line will provide a direct connection from Terminal B at DFW Airport, significantly expanding the reach of DART’s existing rail network.
DART holds a significant place in the history of airport rail connectivity in the Southwest. In 2014, DART pioneered direct rail service from an airport terminal to a station with its inaugural Orange Line trip from Terminal A at DFW Airport to downtown Dallas. This groundbreaking service built upon the Orange Line’s existing network, which initially connected Dallas and then expanded into Irving in 2012, serving key destinations such as the University of Dallas, Las Colinas, the Irving Convention Center, and Dallas College’s North Lake campus.
The Orange Line’s reach further expanded with a 5-mile extension to DFW Airport in 2013, bringing light-rail service to the nation’s second-busiest airport four months ahead of schedule. The Orange Line’s 90-mile network now serves 62 stations, with plans for more infill stations near Loop 12 and South Las Colinas, potentially increasing the total number of stations to 15. Despite these expansions, travel time from downtown Dallas (Pearl/Arts District Station) to DFW Airport remains under an hour.
The Silver Line will complement DART’s existing Orange Line service, offering a second direct rail link to DFW Airport from the north. This new line will connect riders from key cities within DART’s service area, including Plano, Richardson, North Dallas, Addison, Carrollton, and Grapevine. Furthermore, DART also provides access to Dallas Love Field Airport via the Green Line and a dedicated bus route from the Inwood/Love Field Station.
Beyond DART’s operations, Trinity Metro, the co-operator of the Trinity Railway Express (TRE) between Dallas and Fort Worth, also provides direct rail service to DFW Airport with its TexRail service launched in 2019. TexRail connects downtown Fort Worth to the airport.
Once the Silver Line commences operations, DART will share station space with TexRail at the DFW North Station in Grapevine. This strategic partnership will enable DFW Airport to offer direct rail service from three of the 75 largest U.S. cities: Dallas, Fort Worth, and Plano, further solidifying its position as a major transportation hub.
The Silver Line promises to transform regional rail access in North Texas, enhancing connectivity between key cities and DFW Airport and fostering economic growth and tourism within the region. It will provide a faster, more efficient, and more sustainable mode of transportation for residents and visitors alike, contributing to a more vibrant and connected North Texas.
