Six years on the of planning and construction came to fruition this week when Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and Dallas Area Rapid Transit launched light rail passenger service connecting downtown Dallas to DFW.

“This is a momentous day for our customers and for DFW Airport, because passenger rail is a critical component to DFW’s status as a top-tier international gateway,” said Sean Donohue, CEO, DFW Airport. “With the DART Orange Line connecting DFW to downtown Dallas, DFW is now on a par with global hub airports that have integrated rail, which is a major selling point for customers and conventions.”

The five-mile segment links DFW Airport to DART’s Belt Line Station, with continuing service to major regional destinations including Irving-Las Colinas, Dallas Market Center and downtown Dallas. With this opening, DFW Airport becomes the third-busiest American airport with a direct rail connection to the city center.

DART’s DFW Airport Station is located less than three minute walks from the Terminal A entry doors and ticketing hall. The walkway between the terminal and the DART station features landscaping and partial cover to protect customers from the elements. High-speed, high-capacity elevators will deliver customers to the Terminal A ticketing hall on the concourse level.

Once inside Terminal A, customers can easily access American Airlines ticketing and baggage check, TSA security checkpoints and DFW’s Skylink people-mover system (inside of the secured area) to connect to any of DFW’s five terminals. Customers of other airlines with carry-on baggage can use a multi-airline kiosk in the elevator vestibule at Terminal A to check in for their flight. Passengers with baggage to check on other airlines can hop on DFW’s Terminal Link shuttle buses for an easy transfer to their desired terminal.