Southlake sits just northwest of Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, which makes it a natural draw for buyers who want space without giving up access to the metroplex. Transportation is a key detail when weighing the pros and cons of living in Southlake, TX. The median sale price here is around $1,349,000, and homes are moving - roughly 27 days on market before they're gone.
Getting around takes some planning. Most residents drive, full stop. But there are a handful of transit options worth knowing before you commit to a commute.
Arriving in the Area and Driving Routes
State Highway 114 is the backbone of getting in and out of Southlake. It cuts directly through the city, connects straight to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, and ties into Interstate 35W to the west.
Downtown Dallas is about 26 miles out - call it 25 to 29 minutes under normal conditions. Fort Worth is closer. Either way, you've got reasonable access to both major employment centers without being right on top of them.
Directions to Southlake Town Square
Southlake Town Square is the city's main retail and civic hub. Coming west from Dallas on TX-114, take the Carroll Avenue exit and head south - you're there.
Parking is free and plentiful, between the surface lots and the garages. That said, weekend shopping hours bring heavier traffic, and local events can tighten up street parking fast. Give yourself a few extra minutes on those days.
Airport Transfers from DFW
DFW Airport is 9 to 10 miles from the center of town - typically a 12- to 17-minute drive depending on which terminal you're leaving from.
There's no fixed public shuttle running between the airport and the city. Travelers use 24/7 on-demand private car services, taxis, and rideshares. Budget $30 to $45 per trip.
Public Transit and Local Commuting Options
About 97 percent of Southlake households own a vehicle. Only around 0.2 percent of local commuters use public transit for their daily travel. Those numbers tell the story pretty clearly.
There's no direct Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) rail line or bus route operating within the city limits. Residents who want to tap into the regional rail network drive to a nearby station first - the DFW Airport Station is the most common starting point.
Connecting to DART and Fares
Once you're parked at a DART station, you're connected to the broader Dallas network. An Adult 3-Hour Pass - which covers unlimited bus and rail rides - costs $3. A standard trip from the DFW Remote South Parking area into downtown Dallas runs about the same: $3.
Just factor in your drive to the station. That's the part people underestimate when they're penciling out a transit commute.
Specialized and Senior Transportation
General public transit may be thin, but the city does support specialized paratransit for seniors and residents with disabilities. Call A Ride of Southlake (CARS) handles local trips for those who qualify. The Northeast Transportation Service (NETS) also operates in the area, covering non-emergency medical transportation and everyday errands.
Both programs require a direct application through the respective agencies.
Walkability and Relying on a Car
Owning a car here isn't optional - it's just how daily life works. Neighborhoods are spread across large lots, and most of them don't connect to grocery stores or retail by foot. School drop-offs, errands, everything runs through your vehicle.
If you're browsing the current inventory of about 131 available homes, you'll notice that multi-car garages are essentially standard. That's not an accident.
Pedestrian Access at Southlake Town Square
Southlake Town Square is the real exception. The district was designed for people on foot - wide sidewalks, crosswalks, shops and restaurants and municipal buildings all within easy walking distance of each other. Park once, do everything you need to do.
Outside that hub, walking is mostly limited to recreational trails within individual subdivisions. It's not a pedestrian city by design.
Rideshares and Taxis
Rideshare and taxi services are active throughout the area. A lot of residents use them for evening dinners out or early airport runs rather than bothering with the drive themselves.
Wait times tend to be short. Being this close to DFW means there's a steady rotation of drivers in the area at most hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get to Southlake, TX?
Drive in on State Highway 114 - it runs right through the city. If you're flying in from out of state, you'll land at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and take a rideshare or taxi from there, which runs 12 to 17 minutes into town.
How far is Southlake from Dallas-Fort Worth?
About 26 miles northwest of downtown Dallas. The drive takes 25 to 29 minutes depending on your route and traffic.
Do you need a car in Southlake?
Yes. This isn't a place where you'll get by without one. The community is spread out, and roughly 97 percent of households own a vehicle for exactly that reason.
Does Southlake have public transportation?
Not within the city limits - no direct DART bus or rail lines run here. Residents who want regional transit drive to a nearby hub, like the DFW Airport Station, to connect to the DART system from there.
Is Southlake walkable?
Most of it isn't, practically speaking. Southlake Town Square is the clear exception - it's a pedestrian-friendly district where walking between shops, restaurants, and offices is easy and intentional. The rest of the city is built around the car.
What are the best airport shuttle services from DFW to Southlake?
There's no fixed public shuttle on a set schedule. Travelers use 24/7 on-demand private car services, taxis, and rideshares - typically $30 to $45 for the trip.
Are there accessible transportation options for seniors or disabled residents in Southlake?
Yes. Call A Ride of Southlake (CARS) and the Northeast Transportation Service (NETS) both serve eligible residents with local rides and non-emergency medical transportation. You'll need to apply directly through each program.
