The M-Line Trolley: A Free Way to See Dallas

Updated November 2026

 

 

 

Ever wonder how to use the M-Line Trolley here in Dallas?

The M-Line Trolley is one of those things that you see as you’re driving around Uptown and downtown Dallas, but don’t know enough about, so you never get on it.

Here’s exactly what you need to know about the trolley so that you can finally use it for once! It’s way easier and less intimidating than it might seem.

Let’s get to it; here is a simple guide to using the M-Line Trolley!

How to get on

You can get on the trolley anywhere that you see the M-Line Trolley bus stop sign. You can see where the trolley is on your phone at this link. It’s that easy- when they see you, they’ll stop!

There is also a schedule online, here. But even if you don’t have it, the trolley runs in 22 minute intervals or less, so the wait isn’t too bad.

We typically park in the West Village parking garage and check out the West Village shops beforehand. There are multiple trolley stops all around the West Village shopping square.

What to expect

The trolley makes a loop from West Village to the DMA/Klyde Warren Park. With frequent stops in between (38 M-Line stops total), there are plenty of chances for you to get on or off the trolley. Simply press the button at your seat when you want to get off.

The interior of the trolley has some great old-world charm; it looks a lot like an old fashioned trolley on the inside.

Unfortunately due to their historical nature, the trolleys aren’t equipped with a handicapped entrance, though the operator may be able to assist a handicap person with boarding some of the bigger cars.

The full trolley loop takes about an hour (depending on traffic and weather). There is no official start or stop, you can get on or off anywhere.

It has some pretty great hours too! Monday through Thursday it runs from 7AM to 10PM, Friday from 7AM to midnight, Saturday from 10AM to midnight, and Sunday from 10AM to 10PM.

The best places to get off

There are some great attractions along the trolley route. My favorites are:

• The DMA
• Klyde Warren Park
• Restaurants in Uptown
• Hotel Zaza
• West Village shopping square
• The Crescent Hotel and surrounding shops

Riding the trolley is also one of the easiest ways to reach several of the city’s prettiest photo spots — see my guide to the most Instagrammable places in Dallas for where to point your camera once you hop off.

What to bring

• Your phone- that’s the best way to track it to see where it is
• Kids/ friends/ your significant other- anyone is welcome!
• Your dog- well behaved dogs (along with their owners) are allowed!
• That’s it! No money is needed since it’s free.

M-Line Trolley FAQ

What time does the M-Line Trolley stop running?

Monday through Thursday, the trolley runs from 7 AM to 10 PM. On Friday it runs from 7 AM to midnight, on Saturday from 10 AM to midnight, and on Sunday from 10 AM to 10 PM.

Is the M-Line Trolley really free?

Yes — riding the trolley is free, 365 days a year. The trolleys are run by a nonprofit and kept rolling by donations, so if you enjoyed the ride, dropping a small donation in the fare box (they call it “name your fare”) helps keep the service free.

How often does the trolley come?

Cars typically arrive every 17 to 20 minutes. You don’t need to time it perfectly — just wait at any maroon M-Line stop sign, and use the live trolley tracker linked above to see where the cars are in real time.

How long does the full trolley loop take?

About an hour for the full loop, depending on traffic and weather. There is no official start or finish — you can hop on or off at any stop.

Where does the M-Line Trolley stop?

There are 38 stops along the route between West Village and the Dallas Arts District, including the Dallas Museum of Art and Klyde Warren Park. The route map is pictured above so you can plan where to hop off.

Questions? Comments? There’s room for that down below!

Cheers!
Jasmine