Dallas Layover Half-Day Tour: Solo Trip to the Cowboy Town

On my way back to Tokyo, I intentionally planned a 8-9 hour layover in Dallas — both as a buffer for potential delays and as a chance to explore a slice of Texas. After hesitating between downtown Dallas and the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, I decided to go for the iconic Cowboy Town — home to the legendary Longhorn Cattle Drive and mouthwatering Texas BBQ (I’ll be honest — the barbecue was the real draw 😉). 🚆 Transportation Guide: DFW Airport → Fort Worth Stockyards Head to Terminal B, enter through Gate B43, and take the elevator down to the underground level. Follow signs for “Rail to Fort Worth” and purchase a ticket at the vending machine: One-way ticket: $2 One-day pass: $4 (highly recommended if you plan to explore further) Payment options: Cash or scan the GoPass QR code to buy via your phone 🚨 No stress if you’re in a rush — you can board first and pay later. Just ask staff for help! Take the train to Northside Station, then transfer to the Orange Line (right outside the station). On the Orange Line bus, drop $4 for a one-day pass and ride 3 stops to Main & 26th. From there, it’s a short walk to the Fort Worth Livestock Exchange — home of the legendary cattle drive! 🐂 Longhorn Cattle Drive Showtimes: 11:30 AM & 4:00 PM daily Duration: 5–10 minutes of pure Wild West charm A true Texas tradition — watch cowhands drive a herd of majestic longhorns right down the historic brick streets. It’s like stepping into a classic Western film! 🍖 BBQ Stop: Riscky’s BAR-B-Q With the blazing Texas heat, I ducked into Riscky’s BAR-B-Q — just a 3-minute walk from the cattle drive. Ordered the Beef Ribs All-You-Can-Eat — and oh my, it did NOT disappoint! Price: Just $21 for a mountain of tender, smoky beef ribs (see Photo 2 👇) Free refills on drinks — a lifesaver in the heat ✅ Highly recommended for flavor, value, and that authentic Texas vibe 💭 Final Thoughts For a solo traveler on a layover, this half-day trip was the perfect blend of culture, history, and hearty food — all easily accessible via public transit. Whether you're a BBQ lover, a photography enthusiast, or just curious about the Old West, the Fort Worth Stockyards deliver an experience you won’t forget. #DallasLayover #FortWorthStockyards #TexasBBQ #SoloTravel #CowboyCulture #TravelTips