Do you have a long layover at DFW Airport and wondering how to best spend your time?
It can be frustrating to be confined to noisy and chaotic airport traffic. The food and dining options are limited and pricey. Plus, shopping can be outrageous. Instead of hanging out at the DFW airport, take the TEXRail and see a bit of the DFW metroplex.
What to do on a Long Layover at DFW Airport
Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) airport is so big it has its own zip code. Chances are, if you fly across the country, you will make a stop at and have a long layover at the DFW airport.
If you need help navigating the DFW airport, check out this helpful information. Everything you need to know about the DFW Airport
If you have a few hours to kill, DFW provides easy and inexpensive access to the highlights of the Fort Worth area on the new TEXRail Train system, which was just completed in January 2019.
Don’t want to take your luggage with you on your long layover travels? Store them in a locker conveniently at any time and location with Cubby.
How to Get Around by TEXRail
On your long layover at DFW airport, try leaving the airport to have a bit of fun in the DFW metroplex.
Take a cheap and convenient option of the TEXRail train. You can get on the TEXRail from Terminal B. If you arrive in any other terminal of DFW Airport, the Skylink (inside security) or Terminal Link (outside Security) are both free option to get you to Terminal B of the DFW Airport.
The TEXRail train system connects DFW airport to Downtown Fort Worth. Riding the TEXRail costs $2.50 per ride or $5 for a day pass.
From Terminal B, you can ride the train all the way to Fort Worth and back. The trains run every 1/2 hour. Find today’s schedule.
Where to ride on the TEXRail?
If you have plenty of time on your long layover at DFW, consider riding all the way to Fort Worth. From the DFW airport to Downtown Fort Worth takes 50 minutes on the TEXrail.
Find ideas for what to do in Fort Worth here.
If you don’t have enough time to get to Fort Worth and back, get off on the first stop of the train. On the TEXRail from Terminal B, you can get to Grapevine in only 10 minutes.
From the DFW airport, the first stop on the TEXRail is Grapevine Main Street.
Historic Grapevine
Grapevine is a growing town that does a great job preserving the old time feel of a Texas prairie town and mixing it with the modern.
Grapevine is a historic town in Texas most known for… you guessed it: Grape Vines (i.e Wine). While I am not a wine drinker, Grapevine’s festivals and celebrations are exciting for the whole family.
From the TEXRail train platform, you are only steps from Historic Main Street in Grapevine. Its a short street and if you have an hour, you’ll love walking up and down and exploring all the shops, restaurants and stores.
What to do on Main Street in Grapevine
Whether you have only an hour or several hours on your long layover at DFW, you’ll find plenty to in Grapevine. When you step off the train platform you are right on the south side of Main Street. Walk up one side and down the other for a unique and special experience on your long layover at DFW.
There are plenty of activities to do in Historic Grapevine. Find something that fits your travel needs.
1. Learn from an Exhibit at the Visitors Center
Grapevine’s Main Street begins with a free visitors center. Here, there is a rotating exhibit to visit as well as information and maps about the area.
Daily, every 2 hours from 10-8, there is a “Would-be Train Robbers Performance” in front of the visitors center. (pre-Covid)
2. Wander through the Free Settlement-to-City Museums
The free Settlement-to-city Museum Complex opens several historic homes you can enter and explore. Our family favorite is the schoolhouse with little desks, chalk and chalkboards, and the school primers. My kids love pretending to be in old-time school! Typically, there are papers to complete a craft while you are there.
During Christmas in Grapevine celebrations, you’ll find seasonal crafts or other activities for the kids in these homes -all free of charge.
3. Watch a Movie at the Palace Arts Center
Rotating through old-time classic films, The Palace Arts Center has fun shows to take you back to your childhood or even earlier! See if you can fit a movie at the old theater into your schedule here.
4. Shop at the Boutiques and Specialty Stores
Main Street Grapevine is lined with shops, from wine to Texas treasures. Even if you aren’t going to buy, you’ll enjoy window shopping and poking around all the fun shops. You might even find something special to take home. Take my favorite travel bag to ensure safety for all your important cards and documents.
5. View Art from the Gazebo in the Town Square
The town square is right in the middle of Main Street. There are tables and chairs as well as a lovely gazebo for relaxing. You’ll find different sculptures and artwork throughout Grapevine Main Street, but especially in the Town Square.
6. Painting with a Twist
If you have some time, try your hand at creating a masterpiece at an art studio, called Painting with a Twist just off Main Street. You’ll be surprised how relaxing and fulfilling creating your own product can be.
7. Where to Eat in Grapevine
Main Street is lined with good eating options, but if you need some recommendations to narrow it down, here are my favorites.
Main Street Bistro and Bakery serve amazing desserts and brunch. In the same building, you’ll find Chez Fabien Bistro which has amazing, gourmet Burgers and fries.
Willhoit’s Restaurant has a buffet for a quick and filling bite.
Weinberger’s Deli serves amazing sandwiches.
Doughlicious is just one of the various desert locations on Main Street.
Homemade treats, gourmet chocolates, and frozen desserts are plentiful in Grapevine — don’t miss out! If you are wondering where to eat on a long layover at DFW airport, don’t stay in the terminals, enjoy the ambiance and gourmet food options in Grapevine.
Seasonal Fun in Grapevine
During certain seasons of the year, you can enjoy even more festivities in Grapevine. Main Street Fest is in mid-May, and includes three days of brews and family fun. Grapefest, in September, is a huge wine festival.
Christmas in Grapevine is not to be missed! Grapevine claims it is the Christmas Capital of Texas- and everything is bigger in Texas. All of Main Street is decorated for the season, complete with Who-ville and occasional visits from the Grinch.
If you haven’t already, schedule a long layover in DFW airport. Or better yet, stay awhile and explore all that the DFW area has to offer!
Staying overnight on a long layover at the DFW Airport
The Westin offers complimentary hotel to airport shuttles! And makes it easy to get to Grapevine to do this itinerary. You’ll find everything you need in this stylish and convenient option at the Westin, all for a super cheap price.
Looking for more to do in DFW Metroplex? Comment with any questions you have. I live here and would love to help you have a great stay based on your needs, wants and budget. 75 DFW activities for kids
Everything you need to know about the Perot Museum
Dallas Arboretum and Children’s Garden
3:30 3 hours and 30 minutes
Long Layover at DFW airport? How to get to Fort Worth for cheap
- Ride the free Skylink train (inside Security) or Terminal Link (outside Security) to Terminal B
- Buy a $5 Day Pass for TEXRail
Trains run every 1/2 hour
- Ride the TEXrail to Grapevine Main Street or Fort Worth
- Ride Molly the Trolley Around FW for Free
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