%b%crDallas%b%c* and other Texas, TX Transportation Tips

'Mode': TO
Category: Other
Getting TO/AROUND: By Air : Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is located in the centre of the Metroplex, midway between the twin cities of Dallas and Fort Worth. It is the 2nd busiest airport in the world.

Dallas Love Field Airport is serviced by Southwest, American, Legend, Atlantic Southeast and Continental Airlines and is located within the city limits just minutes away from Downtown Dallas.

Super Shuttle : This is a safe and reliable way to get to your hotel. There are signs to follow after you pick up your luggage. You can just ring them when you arrive.

By Coach : There are 4 interstate highways and many US and State Highways which lead into Dallas.

By Rail : Amtrak trains connect Dallas with Chicago, San Antonio and then from there to New Orleans, L.A. and Florida. Union Station is within close proximity to downtown hotels and the West End. There is a pedestrian tunnel to the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Reunion Tower and Arena. The Light Rail line also connects at Union Station.

Light Rail : This system goes from Park Lane in the north through Downtown to both West and South Oak Cliff. It connects to many popular attractions.
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DART : operates rail and bus services around most of the popular entertainment, cultural and shopping areas

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'Mode': TO
Category: Other
Getting TO/AROUND: By Air : There are two major commercial airports in Houston. The largest is Bush International (IAHand about 23 miles north of downtown and the other is William P Hobby (HOU).

By Train : Amtrak’s runs through Houston between Orlando and Los Angeles. 902 Washington Ave- just north of downtown.

By Road : Houston is encircled by Interstate 610 which is known as The Loop. Interstate I-10 intersects it and then links the city to San Antonio (west) and New Orleans (east). Interstate I-45 comes down from Dallas (north) and continues on to Galveston (south). There were some major works going on when we were there. At one stage heading east and north of downtown we found we couldn’t get off and travelled quite some distance before we could.
From San Antonio – 4 hours; Dallas – 4 hours 30 minutes; New Orleans – 7 hours.

By Trolley : There is a free Metro trolley service downtown which stop at remote parking, shops, major hotels/restaurants, the courthouse, Enron Field and the Convention Centre. The trolleys are replica vintage trolley buses.

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'Mode': TO
Category: Other
Getting TO/AROUND: By Air : San Antonio International Airport is 13 miles from the downtown River Walk area. It is directly linked via expressway. There is connections to over 50 cities and a shuttle service is available to hotels in the downtown area.

By Rail : Amtrak runs a service to and from Los Angeles, New Orleans, and Chicago and Greyhound and Kerrville Bus Company have a regional and interstate service. There is a new Amtrak's station which is found in St. Paul Square, between the Sunset Station complex and the Alamodome.

Downtown streetcar service : Streetcars come by each stop about every 10 minutes. You get from Alamo Plaza to just about anywhere in downtown San Antonio within 10 minutes. Each streetcar line has it's own unique symbol and colour. Be aware that this is not the colour of the trolley but the colour shone in the front of the trolley (red, blue, purple and yellow). It only costs .50c per ride.

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'Mode': TO,AROUND
Category: Other
Getting TO/AROUND: By Air : Austin-Bergstrom International Airport services commercial flights to 35 cities including international destinations. The airport is located off Texas 71 at 3600 Presidential Boulevard, Austin. There is a super shuttle service as well as two Metro bus routes. Limousine and Taxis are available at the airport. Yellow Checker Cab Co has the most vehicles in Austin.

By Train : Amtrak Intercity Rail operates a service to a train station near Town Lake.

ParkingThe biggest challenge when you head downtown is finding parking. Unless you know about the secret spots, plan to spend $5. Keep plenty of quarters for the metres.

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'Mode': TO,AROUND
Category: Other
Getting TO/AROUND: The best way to get to Galveston is by car. coming from downtown Houston, take the Gulf Freeway (I-45 south) all the way. You will go over the Galveston Bridge which is an arched bridge and quite impressive. You can get a good view of Moody Gardens off to the right.

After crossing over to Galveston, the interstate becomes Broadway, Galveston's principal street.

Galveston Ferry
The Ferry runs from Galveston to Port Boliva and back and gives great views of Sealwolf Park and the Bolivar Lighthouse. Visitors and residents can drive onto the ferry or just park and then take a ride.
End of Ferry Road on Hwy. 87

Around Galveston

The Duck Tours
The Duck Tour picks up at 21st & Seawall Blvd and is a special vehicle which travels on land and in the water. We were dying to do this but ran out of time. Apparently the Duck Ride takes you on a 90 minute tour through The Strand and even into a little of Offats Bayou (that's into the water), then through the Historical District. Sounds like great fun.

Galveston Island Trolley
The turn of the century trolley cars runs from 2100 Seawall Blvd to The Strand Landmark Historic District and Pier 21. You can catch the trolley every 20 minutes at any given stop. The trolleys run about every 40 mins.

Carriage and buggy rides are available throughout The Strand Historic District.

Pedal Surreys were just the cutest things all lined up ready to be hired. I saw a family of 6 very easily accommodated on them although not sure about all that weight to pedal. You can rent these colourful jalopies by the hour at "Strolls by Surreys" at 4712 Seawall Blvd.

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'Mode': AROUND
Category: Car/Motor Home
Getting TO/AROUND: Driving in the USA is on the right side of the road. The speed is measured in miles per hour and generally the speed in Texas is 70mph on the freeways and 40mph in more built up areas. Be careful of the speed signs because they can drop dramatically in certain areas.

In most situations you can make a right turn on a red light providing the way is clear. At a 4 way intersection the 'first come first go' rule applies but if you are unsure, then give way to the right.

Drivers and front seat passengers must wear seat belts as well as children under 17. All children under 4 yrs or less than 36 inches tall must ride in a federally approved child safety seat. Your rental company should be able to provide these for you.

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