Dallas to Fort Worth: Fort Worth Stockyards day trip from the hotel

You can travel from downtown Dallas to the Stockyards by rail and bus, or drive and park in the district.

From downtown Dallas, take the Trinity Railway Express to Fort Worth Central Station, then transfer to Trinity Metro’s Orange Line northbound for the Stockyards. The transfer between rail and bus is included in a day pass.

Day passes cost $4 for travel within Tarrant County and $12 for travel from Dallas County. For the rail portion of your plans, Dallas-to-Fort Worth train travel explains the route.

If you drive, the district has multiple parking lots. Self-parking rates, before sales tax and service fee, are $12.50 Monday through Wednesday, $17.50 Thursday, and $22.50 Friday through Sunday.

Overnight parking for 24 hours is $32.50. Parking is credit-card only; trailers and RVs can park only in the Contestant Lot, accessed from Stockyards Boulevard. Premium lots have higher posted rates, and special-event rates may apply.

The Stockyards district is open around the clock, but individual businesses and attractions have their own hours. Before you go, check the official site for current transit fares, parking rates and attraction schedules.

East Exchange Avenue is central to the cattle-drive experience and a useful place to orient yourself in the historic district.

Start by finding your way around East Exchange Avenue, then leave time to browse the district’s shops and stop for snacks. A half-day can cover the cattle drives, snacks and shops.

If you have more time in Fort Worth, the Cultural District offers a different focus for a day trip; Fort Worth’s Cultural District can be planned separately.

The Fort Worth Herd cattle drive takes place daily on East Exchange Avenue at 11:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., weather permitting.

For a viewing spot, head to the area in front of the Livestock Exchange Building at 131 East Exchange Avenue. Arrive at least 30 minutes beforehand because street closures affect access. The drive is free and open to the public. The Herd’s first Stockyards drive took place on June 12, 1999, during Fort Worth’s sesquicentennial celebration.

Evening events can extend the outing. The Stockyards Championship Rodeo runs every Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m.; Cowtown Coliseum handles tickets and more information. The PBR Stockyards Showcase is a year-round Thursday event at 7:30 p.m. A full day allows time for the rodeo, live music, drinks and dinner.

A half-day can fit the cattle drives, shops and snacks, while a full day leaves room for evening entertainment, drinks and dinner.

Check the schedule for each attraction you plan to visit, since the district’s 24-hour access does not mean every business or event runs all day. Parking is available in multiple lots, prices vary by lot, and the district does not offer wheelchair rentals.

For a shorter itinerary, choose one cattle drive and leave time for the district’s shops and food stops. If you want to include an evening event, plan for a full day and confirm its schedule and ticket details before setting out.

Is the Fort Worth Stockyards open every day?

The district is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Individual businesses and attractions have their own hours.

Do you need a ticket to watch the cattle drive?

No. The Fort Worth Herd cattle drive is free and open to the public.

Where should you watch the cattle drive?

The recommended viewing area is in front of the Livestock Exchange Building at 131 East Exchange Avenue.

How much time should you plan for the Stockyards?

A half-day can cover the cattle drives, snacks and shops. A full day allows time for the rodeo, live music, drinks and dinner.