Relocation Resources
Commute Guide to Major DFW Employment Centers
How long does it actually take to get to work from different DFW communities? A practical guide organized by major employment destination.
In a Metroplex as large as DFW, where you live relative to where you work matters enormously. A community that looks affordable on paper may add significant commute costs in time, fuel, and tolls. This guide organizes commute information by major employment destination so you can evaluate communities based on your actual workplace.
How to Use This Guide
Commute times are estimates based on typical peak-hour conditions. Actual times vary by departure time, day of week, and traffic incidents. Always test your actual commute during peak hours before committing to a community.
Toll costs are a significant factor in DFW commuting. The North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) operates most toll roads in the region. A TxTag or TollTag reduces per-trip costs.
Downtown Dallas
Downtown Dallas is accessible from most DFW communities via I-30, I-35E, US-75, and I-635 (LBJ Freeway). DART light rail provides an alternative to driving from communities along the Red, Blue, Orange, and Green lines.
Closest communities
- Richardson, Garland, Mesquite (20–30 min)
- Plano, Allen (30–40 min via US-75)
- Irving, Grand Prairie (25–35 min via SH-183)
- Cedar Hill, DeSoto (25–35 min via US-67)
DART rail access
DART's light rail network connects downtown Dallas to Plano, Garland, Irving, and other communities. The Red and Blue lines are the primary downtown connectors.
Legacy West / Plano
Legacy West in Plano is a major employment hub with Toyota, JPMorgan Chase, Liberty Mutual, and other corporate headquarters. The Dallas North Tollway (DNT) is the primary access route.
Closest communities
- Frisco, Allen (15–25 min via DNT or US-75)
- McKinney (25–35 min via US-75)
- The Colony, Little Elm (20–30 min via DNT)
- Prosper, Celina (25–40 min via DNT)
Las Colinas / Irving
Las Colinas is a major employment and entertainment district in Irving, home to numerous corporate headquarters and the Toyota Music Factory. SH-114 and SH-183 are the primary access routes.
Closest communities
- Euless, Bedford, Hurst (10–20 min via SH-183)
- Grapevine (15–20 min via SH-114)
- Southlake (20–30 min via SH-114)
- Irving (within city)
DFW International Airport
DFW Airport is one of the largest employers in the region and a major logistics hub. SH-183, SH-114, and SH-121 provide access.
Closest communities
- Euless (5–10 min via SH-183)
- Grapevine (10–15 min via SH-114)
- Bedford, Hurst (10–15 min via SH-183)
- Southlake (15–20 min via SH-114)
- Coppell (10–15 min via SH-121)
Downtown Fort Worth
Downtown Fort Worth is accessible from communities throughout Tarrant County via I-30, I-35W, I-20, and US-377.
Closest communities
- Benbrook (15–20 min via I-20)
- North Richland Hills, Keller (20–30 min via US-377)
- Burleson (15–25 min via I-35W)
- Aledo (20–25 min via I-20)
- Hurst, Euless, Bedford (15–25 min via SH-183)
Alliance Corridor
The Alliance corridor in north Fort Worth is a major logistics and industrial employment zone, home to Amazon, FedEx, Lockheed Martin, and others. I-35W is the primary access route.
Closest communities
- Keller (15–20 min via US-377)
- North Richland Hills (20–25 min via SH-170)
- Denton (20–30 min via I-35W)
- Haslet, Northlake (within 10–15 min)
Transit Options
DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) operates light rail, bus, and commuter rail in Dallas County and several surrounding cities. The TRE (Trinity Railway Express) connects downtown Dallas and downtown Fort Worth with stops in Irving, Hurst, and other Mid-Cities communities.
TEXRail connects downtown Fort Worth to DFW Airport with stops in North Richland Hills, Grapevine, and Hurst/Bell.
- DART Light Rail: Red, Blue, Orange, Green lines serving Dallas and suburbs
- TRE (Trinity Railway Express): Dallas to Fort Worth via Irving and Mid-Cities
- TEXRail: Fort Worth to DFW Airport via Grapevine and NRH
- DART GoLink: on-demand transit in suburban zones
- Trinity Metro: Fort Worth bus and rail system
Finding the right balance of commute and community?
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