Major city · United States
Dallas
Give Dallas 2–3 nights: one for Downtown and Deep Ellum, one for the museums, one for Fort Worth or a stadium. A car or rideshare is the default.
Dallas is a car-oriented metro of 1.3 million people, spread across Downtown, Uptown, Deep Ellum and the northern suburbs. Its sights cluster into three groups — the JFK and arts district downtown, the barbecue and music strips, and the stadiums out in Arlington — so most trips need two or three nights and a rideshare budget rather than a walking plan.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Mar–May, Oct–Nov
- avoid Jul–Aug (35–37 °C (95–99 °F) highs), late May–early Jun storm seasonavoid Jul–Aug (95–99 °F (35–37 °C) highs), late May–early Jun storm season
- Airports
- DFW · DAL
- Nights
- 2–3
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Dallas911 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Dallas, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyCentral Dallas is fine by day and busy at night in Uptown and Deep Ellum; the real risks are summer heat…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 311 Dallas Police non-emergency
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportDFW Dallas Fort Worth International (American Airlines hub, halfway between Dallas and Fort Worth…
- Getting aroundA car or rideshare is the simplest way around; DART light rail covers Downtown, Deep Ellum and DFW Airport but not Arlington, which has no rail link.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$4–7
- Sit-down mealTex-Mex dinner with a margarita$25–40
- BeerDraft beer at a Deep Ellum bar$7–10
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Rideshare, 5 km (3.1 mi)Rideshare, 3.1 mi (5 km)Surge pricing after events.$12–20
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entry (Dallas Museum of Art is free)$0–25
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personUS$45
- Mid-range bedMid-range hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$190
- High-end bedMid-range hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$340
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$90 · Mid US$180 · High US$350
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- DFW Dallas Fort Worth International (American Airlines hub, halfway between Dallas and Fort Worth; DART Orange Line to Downtown from the Terminal A station.) · DAL Dallas Love Field (Southwest's base, inside the city; DART route 524 Love Link bus to Inwood/Love Field station.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Feb
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Mar
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Apr
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
May
Care*
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Jun
Avoid*
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Jul
Avoid
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
Aug
Avoid
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
Sep
not flagged
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Oct
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Nov
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Dec
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Best: Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov. Mixed: May. Avoid: Jun–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)), coolest Jan (3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C) low), wettest May (9 rain days), driest Jul (5). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Dallas: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
7 rd
Feb
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
7 rd
Mar
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
8 rd
Apr
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
8 rd
May
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
9 rd
Jun
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
7 rd
Jul
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
5 rd
Aug
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
5 rd
Sep
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
7 rd
Oct
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
8 rd
Nov
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
7 rd
Dec
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
7 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
A car or rideshare is the simplest way around; DART light rail covers Downtown, Deep Ellum and DFW Airport but not Arlington, which has no rail link. Allow 25–45 min by car between Downtown and the stadium district, more on match days.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: 1.5 h
Trinity Railway Express from Union Station, about 1 h; no Sunday service
Stockyards and Sundance Square make a full day; check the TRE timetable first.
Door to door: 45 min
Car or rideshare, 25–35 min from Downtown
No rail link; rideshare queues after events.
Irving (Las Colinas)
goDoor to door: 45 min
DART Orange Line to Las Colinas Urban Center, about 30 min
Hotels and the Toyota Music Factory; useful if Downtown is full.
Plano
cautionDoor to door: 1 h
DART Red Line from Downtown, about 40 min
Suburban dining and shopping; little for a first trip.
Addison
cautionDoor to door: 40 min
Car, about 25 min north of Downtown
Restaurant strip; go only if you are already north.
Carrollton
skipDoor to door: 1 h
DART Green Line from Downtown, about 45 min
Residential suburb; no reason on a short trip.
Garland
skipDoor to door: 50 min
DART Blue Line from Downtown, about 35 min
Local dining; not a sightseeing stop.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Downtown
Museums, Dealey Plaza and the DART hub on foot; quiet at night outside a few blocks.
Uptown
Restaurants and bars, M-Line trolley to the Arts District; the priciest beds.
Deep Ellum
Music venues and barbecue; loud on weekends, walkable to Downtown.
North Dallas / Park Cities
Shopping and SMU; car needed for everything.
Arlington
Stadium-district chains, 25–35 min by car from Downtown; best on a match day.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $80–130 excl. bed
- Mid
- $150–250 excl. bed
- High
- $300+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid-range hotel double room1 × 3 nights × US$190 | US$570 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 3 days × US$180 | US$1,080 |
| DART day pass, one day2 × US$6 | US$12 |
| Rideshare Downtown to Uptown, one way2 × US$12 | US$24 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$20 | US$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$173 |
| Trip total≈ US$317 per person per day, bed included | US$1,899 |
2026 estimate in US dollars; flights and car rental excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $4–7 |
| Barbecue plate (brisket, two sides) | $18–28 |
| Tex-Mex dinner with a margarita | $25–40 |
| Draft beer at a Deep Ellum bar | $7–10 |
| Rideshare, 5 kmSurge pricing after events. | $12–20 |
| Museum entry (Dallas Museum of Art is free) | $0–25 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Summer heat: highs of 35–37 °C (95–99 °F) in Jul–Aug, with heat indices above 40 °C (104 °F); plan indoor blocks midday.Summer heat: highs of 95–99 °F (35–37 °C) in Jul–Aug, with heat indices above 104 °F (40 °C); plan indoor blocks midday.
- Spring storms and tornado risk in Tornado Alley; check warnings before driving.
- No rail service to AT&T Stadium in Arlington: rideshare demand spikes after games.
- Downtown empties after office hours; check the block before booking a cheap hotel.
- Prices are shown before sales tax, which is added at the till.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Dallas Police non-emergency
- 311
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
DallasDallas
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Dallas Police non-emergency311
Embassy
Most countries have consulates in Houston or Dallas; check your own country's list before you travel.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- DFW Airport → Downtown, DART Orange Line: about $3, 50–60 min
- DFW Airport → Downtown, rideshare: $35–55, 25–45 min
- Downtown → AT&T Stadium, rideshare: $30–50, 25–35 min
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you
- Where is the DART station? — Where is the DART station?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Check, please — Check, please
Tipping is expected: 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 a drink, 15–20% for taxis.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Dallas. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Mar–May, Oct–Nov · avoid Jul–Aug (35–37 °C highs), late May–early Jun storm season · month by month →
- 2 airports and 5 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 7 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contracts for DFW and DAL: last DART Orange Line and Love Link times, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Dealey Plaza and the Arts District, Deep Ellum, Uptown and the Katy Trail, Fair Park.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Sixth Floor Museum, Dallas Museum of Art, Perot Museum, Fair Park) and eat pages with last orders.
- World Cup 2026 fixtures for Arlington match days, with rideshare and parking cutoffs.
Sources
- officialVisitDallas
- officialDART
- officialDallas Fort Worth International Airport
- officialDallas Love Field
- secondaryWikivoyage: Dallas, revision 5309131 (CC BY-SA 4.0)