Getting around Balch Springs means choosing between driving, local walking and STAR Transit connections to the wider Dallas area. From Scottish Inns & Suites, the city centre is about 16 minutes on foot or 3 minutes by car, while transit connections can take you toward DART stations and Mesquite.
- Local transit: STAR Transit serves Balch Springs; Route 101 connects with DART Buckner Station.
- Service pattern: Route 101 has weekday departures, while STARNow offers same-day trips in Balch Springs and Mesquite.
- Regional connections: STAR Transit connects riders with DART stations in Dallas and Mesquite.
What to know about Balch Springs distances
Balch Springs is manageable for short local trips, but reaching a regional transit connection takes some planning.
STAR Transit provides public transportation in Balch Springs, and the city says the service was founded in 1988. For a broader sense of local areas and destinations, the Balch Springs neighborhood guide can help you plan what to group together.
Driving and parking around the area
Driving gives you direct access to local destinations, while the available transit connections require coordination.
The City of Mesquite identifies the Hanby Stadium COMPASS park-and-ride at 410 East Davis Street and says it has free parking for 197 cars, plus 10 spaces for people with disabilities.
Check the official site before you go for current transportation details.
How do you use public transit in Balch Springs?
STAR Transit’s Balch Springs Midtown Express is Route 101, running between Walmart and Peachtree Senior Living Apartments. Weekday departures from Walmart on Lake June are at 5:00, 6:00, 7:00, 8:00 and 9:00 a.m., then 2:00, 3:00, 4:00, 5:00 and 6:00 p.m.
The Route 101 fare is $1. Qualified riders age 60 or older, veterans and riders with disabilities ride free. Riders in the service area may connect to Route 101 using dial-a-ride or the STARNow app. To arrange a ride to Balch Springs Recreation Center for a transfer, call 877-631-5278.
Route 101 connects with DART Buckner Station at 8008 Elam Road, Dallas. Board at a marked stop and tell the driver you want to go to Buckner Station. For a return trip, call 877-631-5278; call the day before for a morning arrival or before 4:00 p.m. for an afternoon arrival.
STARNow offers same-day trips in Balch Springs and Mesquite through its app or by calling 877-631-5278. Both pickup and drop-off points must be inside the service zones. Service runs Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in Balch Springs and 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Mesquite.
Planning trips to Mesquite and Dallas
For Mesquite and Dallas trips, plan around the STARNow service zone or a connection to DART. Weekday COMPASS bus service connects Hanby Stadium in Mesquite with DART’s Green Line at Lawnview Station.
STARNow runs weekday trips between Hanby Stadium and DART Lawnview Station. From Hanby Stadium, departures are at 6:00, 7:00 and 8:00 a.m., then 3:30, 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. From Lawnview, departures are at 6:30 and 7:30 a.m., then 3:00, 4:00, 5:00 and 6:00 p.m. Lawnview Station is at 5900 Scyene Road, Dallas.
The Mesquite STARNow zone includes DART Lake Ray Hubbard Transit Center, Hanby Stadium, Eastfield College, Town East Mall, Dallas Regional Galloway Medical Center, Walmart Supercenter, Mesquite City Hall and Municipal Center, the Mesquite Main Post Office and DART Lawnview Station.
If your plans include an event at Hanby Stadium, the Mesquite Championship Rodeo visitor guide covers visitor planning for the rodeo.
FAQs
Does public transit serve Balch Springs?
Yes. STAR Transit provides service in Balch Springs, including Route 101 and STARNow same-day trips within its service zone.
Can you connect from Balch Springs to DART?
Route 101 connects to DART Buckner Station, and STARNow’s Mesquite service connects with DART Lawnview Station.
Can you use STARNow for trips in Mesquite?
Yes. STARNow offers same-day trips in Mesquite when both your pickup and drop-off locations are inside the service zone.