Whether you're visiting Dallas, new to the city, or a longtime resident, you may be wondering what's up with the vintage trolleys that run throughout Uptown! We've got The 101 to The M-Line Trolley, McKinney Avenue's historic streetcar system!
Updated March 2023
THE M-LINE TROLLEY
The M-Line Trolley is a free vintage streetcar system that runs 7 days a week throughout Uptown and the Arts District Downtown and provides 500,000 rides per year! The McKinney Avenue Transit Authority non-profit has operated the M-Line since 1983 to provide safe, reliable, and convenient transportation from West Village to Downtown.
HOW TO RIDE THE TROLLEY
We’ve heard people wondering how to ride the trolley – we’ve got you! The trolley is free to ride, but “name your fare” is also encouraged. You can make a donation online, or on one of the trolley cars!
Ready to hop on? Simply find one of 38 stops around town, marked by a round maroon sign and wait for a trolley! You can also track the trolley on their Live Trolley Tracker, or find the stops on their route map. When a trolley approaches, wave at the driver and they’ll pick you up! When you want to hop off, ring the bell or overhead string in your row and the car will stop at the next available stop.
SCHEDULE
The trolley runs 365 days a year, with three cars running on most days. They even keep the M-Line running on holidays and during ice storms! Fun fact: during ice storms, cars run 24 hours a day to prevent the wires from freezing. The trolley cars typically arrive at stops every 17 to 20 minutes, and riding the entire route take about an hour. We recommend riding the entire route if you're looking for a fun way to see the city, almost like your own hop on hop off tour! The trolley runs from 7am to 10pm Monday through Thursday. On weekends cars begin running at 10am. If you’re out on the town Friday or Saturday, you can skip ordering an Uber – the cars run until midnight!
WHY SUPPORT THE M-LINE?
The trolley, our free community amenity, contributes to sustainability, economic equality, street safety, and education in Dallas! It's also a super cute photo op and a great way to explore Dallas or change up your commute.
CHARTER A TROLLEY
If you’ve ever rented a party bus or wanted to, we have a unique alternative! You can rent out a trolley for any occasion like birthday parties, company events, or even proposals and wedding send-offs! Your group can book the trolley and ride around town in style, snap photos, and even bring your own drinks and decor. We chartered a trolley for our holiday party and it was a blast!
EVENTS
The M-Line hosts fun events year round, but their largest event is Taste of the Trolley! The annual gala features food stations from local restaurants, a silent and live auction with prizes like artwork, autographed memorabilia, day trip packages, or even all-inclusive getaways. Every holiday season you can also hop on the M-Line's Holiday Express, where you can see Christmas lights, learn about historical landmarks, and even sip hot cocoa. This is a great option for families with little ones! This year you can also check out the Bach on the Trolley event, with classical musicians playing on every car.
VOLUNTEER
The trolley takes volunteers year round! You can be trained as a Motorman or Conductor to operate one of the cars, help restore and maintain the vintage trolleys, help with fundraising, and more. Members of the 101 team have helped with anything from marketing to decorating trolleys for the Holiday Express! Head to their website for more information.
M-LINE ROUTE & OUR FAVE STOPS
The trolley runs up and down McKinney Avenue for the majority of the route, all the way up to Blackburn Street at the West Village and back down to Federal Street Downtown.
NEIGHBORHOODS
Arts District
Uptown
West Village
ATTRACTIONS
American Airlines Center
Perot Museum
Dallas Museum of Art
AT&T Performing Arts Center
Meyerson Symphony Center
Nasher Sculpture Center
Winspear Opera House
Moody Performance Hall
Dallas World Aquarium
Sixth Floor Museum
Wyly Theatre
Crow Collection of Asian Art
Dallas Black Dance Theatre
MUTTS Canine Cantina
Giant Eyeball
HOTELS
The Ritz-Carlton
Hotel ZaZa
Hall Arts Hotel / Enjoy stylish art-filled rooms, a rooftop pool, & elegant dining
The Thompson
Hotel Crescent Court / One of our fave spots for tea services
Canopy by Hilton
Sheraton Dallas
Dallas Marriott Downtown
Fairmont Dallas
RECREATION
Klyde Warren Park / Home to the world's tallest interactive fountain
Griggs Park
Pacific Plaza
Main Street Garden
West End Square
The Katy Trail / A go-to for a hot girl walk
EATS & DRINKS
Akai
Avanti
Ascension Coffee
Blackfriar Pub / One of the best Irish pubs in Dallas
Blue Sushi Sake Grill
Bowen House
Bread Winners / A dreamy escape to NOLA with amazing brunch
Capital Grille
CRU Food & Wine Bar / Featured in our date night passport
Fount Board & Table
Good Graces
Haywire
Ka Thai
Las Palmas Tex Mex
La Parada
Malai Kitchen
Mendocino Farms
Mi Cocina
Miriam Cocina
Moxies
Pizza Leila / The long awaited storefront of a beloved ghost kitchen
Primos MX Kitchen
Quarter Bar
San Martin
S&D Oyster Co
Sixty Vines
Sloane’s Corner
Standard Pour
Sushi Sakana
Van Leeuwen / A NYC ice cream fave with super unique flavors
Velvet Taco
Village Burger Bar
Y.O. Ranch Steakhouse
400 Gradi
Save this article for when you need a ride, or are just looking for something fun to do around Dallas! Header image courtesy of the McKinney Avenue Transit Authority.
