Choosing the Right Way to Travel
Planning a trip from Oklahoma City to the Big D? You’re not alone. The 200-mile stretch down I-35 is one of the most-traveled routes in the region, connecting OKC and university towns like Norman to the bustling Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
Whether you’re a student at OU or OSU, a business professional, or just heading for a weekend getaway, you’ve got options. But what’s the best way to go? Are you looking for the cheapest ticket, the fastest drive, or the most comfortable ride? This guide breaks down every travel option from OKC to Dallas. We’ll look at luxury buses, budget carriers, the train, and even the real cost of driving yourself.
What Are My Main Travel Options from OKC to Dallas?
When you’re planning your trip, your choices generally fall into three categories: driving your own car, taking the train, or catching an intercity bus. Each has its own pros and cons when it comes to cost, speed, and convenience.
- 1. Driving Yourself: Hitting the road in your own car gives you total freedom, but it also means dealing with I-35 traffic, paying for gas, and finding (and paying for) parking once you get to Dallas.
- 2. Intercity Bus: This is a very popular and budget-friendly choice. You have options ranging from affordable luxury services like RedCoach to budget-focused carriers like Greyhound and FlixBus.
- 3. Train: The train is an option, but as we’ll see, it’s held back by very slow travel times and low frequency.
To help you see how these options stack up at a glance, here’s a quick overview.
| Travel Mode | Average Cost (One-Way) | Average Time | Best For… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driving Yourself | ~$23 (Fuel Only) + Tolls | 3.5 – 4.5+ hours | Those who need their car and don’t mind traffic or paying for parking. |
| Premium Bus (RedCoach) | $30 – $40 | ~4 hr 20 min | The smart traveler wanting comfort and productivity. |
| Budget Bus (FlixBus/Greyhound) | $25 – $30+ | ~3 hr 40 min | The most budget-conscious traveler. |
| Train (Amtrak) | ~$29 – $46+ | 5 – 7 hours | Travelers not in a hurry (and going to Fort Worth). |
What Should I Know Before Driving Myself to Dallas?
Driving yourself seems like the most straightforward option. You can leave whenever you want and have your car with you in Dallas. The drive is about 201-230 miles, depending on your start and end points, and should take just over 3 hours… if you hit no traffic.
But that’s a big “if.” The I-35 corridor is notorious for congestion, especially as you get closer to the Denton and DFW metroplex.
Calculating the Real Cost of Your Drive
The cost of gas is the most obvious expense, but it’s not the only one. Let’s break down what a one-way drive really costs.
- 1. Fuel: A 230-mile trip in a car that gets an average of 25 miles per gallon (a typical figure) needs about 9.2 gallons of gas. With gas prices in Oklahoma around $2.33 and Texas around $2.64, a blended average of $2.49/gallon means you’ll spend about $22.86 on fuel one-way. That’s already close to a bus ticket.
- 2. Hidden Costs: The real costs are the ones you don’t see. To get anywhere fast in Dallas, you’ll likely hit the NTTA (North Texas Tollway Authority) toll roads. These tolls are unpredictable and can add up quickly. Plus, you have to find and pay for parking in Dallas, which can be expensive.
- 3. The Opportunity Cost: This is the biggest hidden factor. Those 4+ hours behind the wheel are lost time. You can’t work, you can’t study, you can’t rest. For a busy student or professional, getting back that time is incredibly valuable.
Is Taking the Train from OKC to Dallas a Good Option?
While the idea of a relaxing train ride is nice, the reality isn’t practical for most travelers heading to Dallas.
The route is served by Amtrak’s Heartland Flyer, which typically only runs once per day. And while you can book an Amtrak ticket from Oklahoma City to Dallas, the journey is not a direct, one-seat ride. The Heartland Flyer train runs from OKC and terminates at Fort Worth Central Station. To get to Dallas, you must transfer to a separate service, typically the Trinity Railway Express (TRE) commuter train, to complete the trip to Dallas Union Station.
This required transfer is why the total journey time is so long, averaging 5 to 7 hours. While tickets can sometimes be found for as low as $29-$38 if you book far in advance, the average price is often around $46. This makes the train slower, more complicated, and frequently more expensive than the bus.
Which Bus Service Offers the Best Ride to Dallas?
For most travelers, the bus is the clear winner, offering the best balance of price, speed, and convenience. But not all bus services are created equal. The experience can vary, so let’s compare the major players: RedCoach, Greyhound, and FlixBus.
The RedCoach Experience: More Than Just a Bus Ride
RedCoach has built its name on being an “affordable luxury” bus line. The entire experience is designed around passenger comfort and turning travel time into productive time.
What truly sets RedCoach apart is the seating. Instead of standard bus seats, you get First Class options:
- 1. Spacious Reclining Seats: These are 21-inch wide, gel-foam seats that recline up to 140 degrees. You can actually lean back, stretch out, and get some real rest.
- 2. Productivity on the Go: This is the game-changer. RedCoach offers free 5G Wi-Fi and power outlets at every seat. You can use the 4-hour trip to finish an assignment, stream movies, or catch up on emails.
- 3. Generous Luggage: You get two free checked bags plus a carry-on included with your ticket. Budget lines often charge extra for a second bag, so a $30 RedCoach ticket can easily end up being cheaper than a $28 ticket that has hidden bag fees.
- 4. Free Rides and Other Rewards: Another perk for frequent travelers is the RedCoach loyalty program. It’s a benefits program where you can earn points on your trips and exchange them for vouchers and other rewards, which many regular riders love.
The Budget-Friendly Options: Greyhound and FlixBus
Greyhound and FlixBus are excellent options if your number one priority is the absolute lowest price.
- • FlixBus is often scheduled as the fastest bus on the route, with trips as short as 3 hours and 30 minutes and tickets starting around $28. Keep in mind that actual trip times may vary based on traffic.
- • Greyhound often has some of the lowest starting prices (around $25) and also offers a great luggage policy (two free bags) and reclining leather seats.
The main trade-off is the overall experience. While they get you from A to B, the amenities aren’t as consistent, and the comfort doesn’t match the premium feel of RedCoach.
A Note on Bus Stops
A final thing to check is where the bus drops you off in Dallas. An ideal carrier gets you close to the city center.
- • FlixBus uses multiple stops, which may include Downtown/Deep Ellum or the Dallas Market Center, which is about 4 miles from the main downtown area and may require a separate taxi or rideshare to your final destination.
- • RedCoach uses a central downtown stop at 593 S Lamar St.
- • Greyhound also uses a convenient stop at the Dallas Bus Station (205 S Lamar St).
| Feature | RedCoach | Greyhound | FlixBus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | From ~$30 | From ~$25 | From ~$28 |
| Fastest Journey | ~4 hr 20 min | Varies | ~3 hr 40 min |
| Seat Comfort | First Class, 140° recline, 21″ wide, gel foam | Reclining leather seats | Standard seating |
| Internet | Free 5G Wi-Fi | Free Wi-Fi | Free Wi-Fi |
| Power Outlets | Yes, at every seat | Yes, at every seat | Yes, at every seat |
| Luggage Allowance | 2 free checked bags + 1 carry-on | 2 free checked bags + 1 carry-on | 1 free checked bag + 1 carry-on |
| Dallas Stop | Central Downtown (S Lamar St) | Central Downtown (S Lamar St) | Varies (Downtown or Market Center) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much does it cost to get from Oklahoma City to Dallas? Dallas?
It varies. Bus tickets are the most affordable, starting around $25-$30. Driving will cost you about $23 in gas alone, plus unpredictable DFW toll costs and parking. The train is one of the more expensive options, with advance tickets sometimes as low as $29 but averaging closer to $46.
What is the fastest way to get from OKC to Dallas?
Driving can be the fastest option at around 3.5 hours, but only if you hit zero traffic. A more predictable and often faster choice is the bus. The fastest scheduled bus service, FlixBus, has trips as short as 3 hours and 40 minutes, which is frequently faster than driving through I-35 congestion.
Is there a direct train from OKC to Dallas?
No. The Amtrak Heartland Flyer service from Oklahoma City goes to Fort Worth, not Dallas. You would need to arrange a separate transfer from Fort Worth to Dallas, which adds significant time and cost.
What is the best bus for comfort?
RedCoach is designed specifically for comfort. It offers First-Class seating that is wider (21 inches), made of gel foam, and reclines up to 140 degrees, allowing you to rest or sleep.
What’s the best bus for students or business travelers?
RedCoach is a strong choice for anyone who needs to be productive. The combination of reliable free 5G Wi-Fi and personal power outlets at every seat means you can use the 4-hour trip for work, study, or streaming without interruption.
Where do the buses stop in Dallas?
RedCoach and Greyhound use central stops on S Lamar St in Downtown Dallas, which is very convenient. Some other bus services may use stops further out, like the Dallas Market Center, so be sure to check your ticket.
The Smartest Way to Travel from OKC to Dallas
Traveling between Oklahoma City and Dallas doesn’t have to be a chore. While driving seems flexible, it’s often penalized by I-35 traffic, hidden toll costs, and 4+ hours of lost, unproductive time. The train, unfortunately, is just too slow and indirect to be a practical option for most.
The intercity bus emerges as the clear winner for its balance of cost, speed, and efficiency. And while budget lines can get you there cheaply, RedCoach offers a smarter way to travel. For a similar price, you get a First-Class experience. You can turn 4 hours of travel time into 4 hours of productive work or 4 hours of genuine rest.
For the savvy traveler, student, or professional who values their time and comfort, RedCoach is the definitive choice.
Ready for a better travel experience? Book your trip from Oklahoma City to Dallas with RedCoach today and travel smarter.
Book NowSources
Bus from Dallas to Oklahoma | RedCoach, accessed November 15, 2025, https://www.redcoachusa.com/route/dallas-to-oklahoma/
Redcoach New Route Dallas – Oklahoma, accessed November 15, 2025, https://www.redcoachusa.com/redcoach-new-route-dallas-oklahoma/
Driving from Oklahoma City to Dallas: Things to Do Between OKC and DFW + Road Trip Tips, accessed November 15, 2025, https://oklahomawonders.com/driving-from-oklahoma-city-to-dallas-things-to-do-between-okc-and-dfw-road-trip-tips/
What do people consider good gas mileage these days? : r/askcarguys – Reddit, accessed November 15, 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/askcarguys/comments/1akjc6l/what_do_people_consider_good_gas_mileage_these/
Fuel economy in automobiles – Wikipedia, accessed November 15, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuel_economy_in_automobiles
Oklahoma average gas prices, accessed November 15, 2025, https://gasprices.aaa.com/?state=OK
Texas average gas prices – AAA Fuel Prices, accessed November 15, 2025,(https://gasprices.aaa.com/?state=TX)
Cheap bus tickets from Oklahoma City to Dallas – Wanderu, accessed November 15, 2025, https://www.wanderu.com/en-us/bus/us-ok/oklahoma-city/us-tx/dallas/
Interstate 35 – IHOZ, accessed November 15, 2025, http://www.ihoz.com/I35.html
Plan Your Trip – NTTA, accessed November 15, 2025, https://www.ntta.org/plan-your-trip
Toll Calculator – NTTA, accessed November 15, 2025, https://www.ntta.org/toll-calculator
Toll Calculator – PIKEPASS, accessed November 15, 2025, https://pikepass.com/plan-your-trip/toll-calculator
Texas-Oklahoma Passenger Rail Study Service-Level DEIS, MAIN TEXT – Federal Railroad Administration, accessed November 15, 2025,(https://railroads.dot.gov/sites/fra.dot.gov/files/fra_net/16563/Texas-Oklahoma%20Passenger%20Rail%20Study%20Service-Level%20DEIS-MAIN%20TEXT.pdf)
Oklahoma City to Dallas Train – Amtrak Tickets $38 – Wanderu, accessed November 15, 2025, https://www.wanderu.com/en-us/train/us-ok/oklahoma-city/us-tx/dallas/
Oklahoma City, OK to Dallas, TX train from $29 (€23) with Amtrak – Omio, accessed November 15, 2025, https://www.omio.com/trains/oklahoma-city-ok/dallas-tx-pxao4
Study: Proposed Texas-Oklahoma passenger-rail service is ‘feasible’, accessed November 15, 2025, https://www.ritd-llc.com/industry-news/study-proposed-texas-oklahoma-passenger-rail-service-is-feasible?tmpl=component&print=1&format=print
Oklahoma City, OK to Dallas, TX bus from $29 (€23) with Greyhound – Omio, accessed November 15, 2025, https://www.omio.com/buses/oklahoma-city-ok/dallas-tx-okohv
Bus from Oklahoma City, OK to Dallas, TX – Greyhound, accessed November 15, 2025, https://www.greyhound.com/bus-routes/oklahoma-city-ok-dallas-tx
Bus from Dallas, TX to Oklahoma City, OK – Greyhound, accessed November 15, 2025, https://www.greyhound.com/bus-routes/dallas-tx-oklahoma-city-ok
Greyhound bus stop: Oklahoma City Train Station in Oklahoma City, OK, accessed November 15, 2025, https://www.greyhound.com/bus/oklahoma-city-ok/oklahoma-city-train-station
comfort at a great price – Bus to Dallas with RedCoach, accessed November 15, 2025, https://www.redcoachusa.com/destination/dallas/
Dallas bus stop | RedCoach, accessed November 15, 2025, https://www.redcoachusa.com/stop/dallas/
Greyhound bus stop: Dallas Bus Station in Dallas, TX, accessed November 15, 2025, https://www.greyhound.com/bus/dallas-tx/dallas-bus-station
Dallas Market Center, Dallas, TX | FlixBus Bus Stop, accessed November 15, 2025, https://www.flixbus.com/bus/dallas-tx/dallas-market-center
Luxury bus service to Dallas – RedCoach, accessed November 15, 2025, https://www.redcoachusa.com/destination/dallas/luxury-bus/
Bus Features | Greyhound, accessed November 15, 2025, https://www.greyhound.com/travel-info/onboard
Baggage policy at FlixBus, accessed November 15, 2025, https://www.flixbus.com/service/baggage
What is my free luggage allowance? – FlixBus → Help, accessed November 15, 2025,((https://help.flixbus.com/s/article/PSSP-What-is-my-free-luggage-allowance))
Bus from Orlando, FL to Chicago, IL – Greyhound, accessed November 15, 2025, https://www.greyhound.com/bus-routes/orlando-fl-chicago-il