Arriving And Departing One of the rare successful collaborations between the rival cities is the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (tel. 214/574-8888), 17 miles from the business districts of each town. The world's second-busiest airport, it is surprisingly easy to use, though encumbered by slow transportation between terminals. Love Field (Cedar Springs at Mockingbird La., Dallas, tel. 214/670-6073), a $10-$15 taxi ride from downtown Dallas, is the hub of Southwest Airlines (tel. 214/263-1717 or 800/435-9792), offering extensive service within Texas, to many cities in the four contiguous states, and, with stops, to destinations as far away as Chicago.
Between the Airport and Town
It costs $30 or more to get to downtown Dallas by taxi, usually about $25 to downtown Fort Worth. Cheaper van service is offered by the 24-hour Supershuttle (tel. 817/329-2000). The Airporter bus service (tel. 817/334-0092) serves a downtown Fort Worth terminal and some hotels. Ritzier service comes from Lone Star Limousine (tel. 214/238-8884).
By Bus Greyhound Lines (tel. 800/231-2222) has stations in Dallas (205 S. Lamar St.) and Fort Worth (901 Commerce St.).
By Car The Metroplex, as the Greater Dallas-Fort Worth area is known, is well served by interstates. The main approaches include I-35 from Oklahoma to the north and Waco to the south; I-30 from Arkansas; I-20 from Louisiana or New Mexico; and I-45 from Houston. The twin cities are linked by I-20, the southern route, and I-30, generally the more useful road. Dallas is circled by the I-635 ring road, known as the LBJ Freeway, while Fort Worth is looped by I-820.
By Train Amtrak (tel. 800/872-7245) serves both cities with thrice-weekly trains to east Texas and Chicago, and others heading south to San Antonio. Dallas's terminal is Union Station (400 Houston St., tel. 214/653-1101); in Fort Worth, it's the old Santa Fe Depot (1501 Jones St., tel. 817/332-2931), built in 1900.
Getting Around Overview As much as anywhere in Texas, a car is necessary to see Dallas and Fort Worth, and getting around by car is relatively easy. Both cities have bus systems, but service is sketchy and sometimes just plain bad. By Car Drive on the right in the United States. The speed limit is usually 30 mph (50 kph) on urban roads and 55 mph (90 kph) or 65 mph (105 kph) on highways. Distances are always measured in miles. Front-seat passengers are required to wear seatbelts in Texas; children under 5 must be in an approved passenger restraint anywhere in the vehicle. Ages 2-4 may use a safety belt, and children under age 2 must ride in child-safety seats.At traffic lights, it's legal to make a right turn even when the light is red-except when there is a sign at the intersection stating that such a turn is NOT permitted-provided that you come to a full stop first and no traffic is coming. When in doubt, always wait until the light turns green to make a right turn. At four-way intersections controlled by red stop signs, it's first-come first-go; when in doubt, yield to the right. Finally, use extreme caution when approaching or following a school bus, which is usually bright yellow. If a school bus has stopped to drop off or pick up children, you are required by law to stop until it moves off. Gas stations are open late or 24 hours. Many are self-service, meaning that you have to pump the gas yourself. The price of gas (petrol) in the United States is far cheaper than in almost any other country; expect to pay about $1.30 a gallon. The U.S. gallon is slightly smaller than the Imperial gallon. Approximately 4 liters equals a gallon.
Requirements
Visitors from abroad need only a valid driver's license from their home country to drive in the United States. An international driver's license is not necessary. If you are driving a non-rental car, third-party insurance is mandatory.
