Quick Answer: Downtown Garland Station: A Rider's Guide starts with the basics. The station sits at 430 W. Walnut St. on DART's Blue Line, with free parking for 540 cars and eight bus routes. Weekday trains run about every 20 minutes, a local Day Pass costs $6, and the Downtown Garland Square is a short walk away.
Garland's busiest transit hub has a clock tower, a free parking lot and a train that reaches downtown Dallas in about half an hour. Consider this Downtown Garland Station: A Rider's Guide for anyone who wants to ride without guessing. It covers trains, buses, fares and where to eat once you step off. The team at Crestridge Apartments, serving west-central Garland, put it together for residents and neighbors who'd rather leave the car parked.
What Is Downtown Garland Station?
Downtown Garland Station is a DART light rail stop and bus transfer center at Walnut and Fifth streets in central Garland. It's served by the Blue Line, links to eight local bus routes, and offers free parking and restrooms. Rail service here opened in November 2002, making Garland one of DART's earliest suburban rail cities.
The design nods to an old train depot. A tall clock tower stands over the platform, and paving stones in wave patterns recall the watering holes once found near the site. A crosswalk connects the rail platform to the bus side of the station.
Parking, Facilities and Accessibility
DART lists 540 free parking spaces at the station. Overnight or long-term parking is allowed, though DART says it isn't responsible for vehicles left overnight. You'll also find a passenger drop-off area, bike racks, seating, shelters and ticket vending machines. Every DART bus and train meets ADA requirements.
DART Train Schedule: How Often Does the Blue Line Run?
Twenty minutes. That's the standard gap between weekday Blue Line trains after DART changed peak frequency from 15 to 20 minutes on February 2, 2026. The September 14, 2026 schedule update kept weekday service at 20 minutes all day, while weekend trip times shifted more noticeably.
Heading west, trains run through Forest/Jupiter, LBJ/Skillman, Lake Highlands and White Rock before reaching downtown Dallas stops like Pearl/Arts District, Akard and West End. DART pegged the ride to West End at 32 minutes when the station opened. Going east, the next stop is Downtown Rowlett, the end of the line.
Weekend riders should check the current DART train schedule before leaving home, since frequency varies by time of day. The DART Trip Planner and the GoPass app both show live departures.
What Does a Ride Cost in 2026?
DART simplified fares in 2025 by replacing single rides with a 3-Hour Pass. A further change on March 1, 2026 cut the Regional Day Pass from $12 to $9. Here's where prices stand as of October 2026:
| Pass | Full Fare | Reduced Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Local 3-Hour Pass | $3.00 | $1.50 |
| Local Day Pass | $6.00 | $3.00 |
| Local Monthly Pass | $126.00 | $63.00 |
| Regional Day Pass | $9.00 | $4.50 |
Paying with the GoPass app or a GoPass Tap card turns on fare capping, so local riders never pay more than the price of a Day Pass in one day. A local pass covers DART buses and trains. You'll only need a Regional pass for trips onto Trinity Metro or DCTA service.
Which Buses Connect at Downtown Garland Station?
Eight routes use the station's bus bays, which makes it the main transfer point for north and central Garland. If you've ever searched for a bus schedule near me while standing on Walnut Street, this is the list to know:
- Routes 22, 200 and 202 head west to Addison Transit Center.
- Routes 203 and 251 run to South Garland Transit Center.
- Route 224 travels the I-30 corridor into downtown Dallas.
- Route 250 follows Belt Line Road to Spring Valley Station.
- Route 238 serves north Garland on its way to Arapaho Center Station.
Route 22 runs every 20 minutes on weekdays after the September 2026 update. Other routes run less often, especially midday, so check times in the DART app before you go.
Senior Riders and Assisted Living in Garland TX
Riders 65 and older pay half fare with a DART-issued photo ID, and Medicare card holders qualify too. DART Paratransit offers door-to-door trips within Garland for people who can't use regular buses or trains, and Bay 1 at the station is set aside for it. Families who visit a parent in assisted living in Garland TX can confirm a facility's license and inspection history through the Texas Health and Human Services Long-Term Care Provider Search before planning regular trips.
Downtown Garland Square: Where Your Ride Ends Up
DART describes the Downtown Garland Square as a short walk from the station. The city reopened it in October 2023 after a renovation that added an event lawn, a water feature, a play area and a treehouse. It hosts Christmas on the Square and Día de los Muertos, plus live music through the year.
Restaurants Downtown Garland Riders Can Walk To
Most of the dining sits on Main and State streets around the Square. A few long-running picks:
Dos Banderas at 614 Main St. has served Tex-Mex downtown since 2004. Main Street Deli at 520 Main St. is a lunch favorite for gyros and deli sandwiches. Intrinsic Smokehouse & Brewery at 509 W. State St. pairs barbecue with house beer and appears on DART's own list of station destinations. For something later in the evening, Tavern on the Square and the newer Lockwood Distilling Co. both sit right on the Square.
Restaurant lineups change often. Call ahead or check hours before you ride in for a specific spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is parking free at Downtown Garland Station?
Yes. DART offers 540 free spaces at the station, plus a passenger drop-off area for quick pickups. Overnight and long-term parking are allowed at your own discretion, but DART doesn't take responsibility for vehicles left overnight. If the main lot fills during big Square events, plan to arrive early or ride a connecting bus instead.
2. How long does the train take to downtown Dallas?
DART listed the trip from Downtown Garland Station to West End Station at 32 minutes when service opened, and that's still a fair estimate. Weekday trains run about every 20 minutes. Allow extra time on weekends, when gaps between trains can stretch, and check the trip planner for the exact departure.
3. What do I need to ride for the first time?
Getting started takes only a few steps:
- Download the GoPass app or buy a GoPass Tap card at a retail location.
- Choose a 3-Hour Pass for a quick trip or a Day Pass for errands.
- Validate or tap before boarding the train.
- Check live departures in the app before heading out.
4. Do seniors get a discount on DART?
Yes. Riders 65 and older get 50% off with a DART-issued photo ID, so a local Day Pass costs $3 instead of $6. Medicare card holders and riders with disabilities also qualify. You can apply online, and DART mails the reduced fare Tap card after it verifies eligibility, usually within 15 business days.
5. Is Garland still part of DART after the 2026 withdrawal votes?
Yes. Garland is a DART member city and didn't hold a withdrawal election. In May 2026, Highland Park voters chose to leave DART, while Addison and University Park voted to stay. Blue Line and bus service at the station continues, though DART adjusts schedules several times a year.
Conclusion: Riding From Garland With Confidence
Free parking and 20-minute weekday trains make this one of the easier stations in the DART system to use. Add a renovated Square full of places to eat, and the station works for commuting and for weekend plans alike.
If you're comparing apartments near DART station access in Garland, Crestridge sits on West Walnut Street, a short drive from the station, and Route 200 uses Walnut Street on its way in. Compare our floor plans, take the photo tour, or start your application online. Keep this Downtown Garland Station: A Rider's Guide handy for your first trip.
