informed traveler

City Population1,232,940

Elevation420 ft.

Sales TaxMunicipalities may impose additional rates of up to 2 percent on the statewide 6.25 percent sales tax. Sales tax in the city of Dallas is 8.25 percent; rates vary in the suburbs. The hotel occupancy tax is 13 percent.

Emergency911

Police (non-emergency)(214) 744-4444

Time and Temperature(817) 844-6611

HospitalsBaylor University Medical Center, (214) 802-0111 or (800) 422-9567; Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake, (214) 324-6100; Medical City Dallas Hospital, (972) 566-7000; Methodist Dallas Medical Center, (214) 947-8181; UT Southwestern University Hospital–St. Paul, (214) 645-5555.

Visitor Information Visit Dallas 325 N. St. Paul St. Dallas, TX 75201. Phone:(214)571-1000 or (800)232-5527The visitor center is in the Old Red Courthouse and is open Mon.-Fri. 8-5; Sat.-Sun. 9-5. Phone (214) 571-1300.

Air TravelDallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), 22 miles northwest of downtown Dallas is served by domestic and foreign passenger carriers. Transportation to surrounding cities is provided by several shuttle services. Taxis are available at curbside. Eight miles northwest of downtown, Dallas Love Field (DAL) offers commuter air transit throughout the region.

Rental CarsHertz, (972) 453-4600 or (800) 654-3131, at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, offers discounts to AAA members.

Rail ServiceAmtrak's Union Station is at 400 S. Houston St. For train schedule and ticket information, phone (214) 653-1101 or (800) 872-7245.

BusesThe Greyhound Lines Inc. bus station, (214) 849-6831 or (800) 231-2222, is at 205 S. Lamar St.; five other bus lines depart from this address.

TaxisTaxis are metered. The initial charge is $2.25 plus $1.80 for the first mile. Rates are then $1.80 for each additional mile, and $2 for each additional passenger. Taxis leaving from the airport charge an additional $5 departure fee. Yellow Cab, (214) 426-6262, is the main company serving the area.

Public TransportationThe Dallas Area Rapid Transit System (DART) provides light-rail and bus service in the area. Two-hour passes are $2.50 for local routes and $3.50 for system routes including all DART buses and trains. Day passes are $5 for local routes and $7 for system routes. A 7-day pass is available. Exact change is required. Phone (214) 979-1111.

The McKinney Avenue Trolley connects the historic West End district downtown with Uptown Dallas. Beginning near the Dallas Museum of Art, the trolley runs up McKinney Avenue to Blackburn Street and the DART Cityplace Station, and then back downtown. The free trolley runs every 15 to 20 minutes Mon.-Thurs. 7 a.m.-10 p.m. and Fri. 7 a.m.-midnight; it runs every 25 minutes Sat. 10 a.m.-midnight, and Sun. and holidays 10-10. Phone (214) 855-0006.