Get ready to catch a ride to the Iowa State Fair, by checking out some Frequently Asked Questions about our shuttle service.
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Does it cost to park at DART Park & Ride Locations?
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Parking is free at all three Park & Ride locations. It does not cost anything to park, but the shuttle does cost to ride.
- I’m (an Unlimited Access Partner/I bought a Day Pass), do I ride the shuttle free?
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Special service to events, including our Park & Ride services to the Iowa State Fair, are offered in addition to our regular service. This is an increased cost for DART.
Unfortunately, this means any DART program or product that only covers the regular fare (including free rides for Veterans and Des Moines Public School students) does not cover the cost to ride the State Fair Park & Ride shuttles.
- Can I leave my car overnight?
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None of our Park & Ride locations offer overnight parking. All cars left at any Park & Ride parking lots after 2 a.m. each night of the State Fair is at risk of being towed at the owner’s expense.
DART is only contracted to provide service from Park & Ride locations and is not responsible for enforcing parking policies at these locations. DART is not liable for any expenses related to the enforcement of parking restrictions at any location.
- Are these tickets round-trip? Do I need a ticket to get back?
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All single tickets are good to get you to the fair and back, unless you request a one-way ticket. You’ll receive a ticket at the booth (or purchase through the MyDART app) and show the boarding attendant right before boarding the shuttle. Attendants will take your physical tickets or verify digital passes are activated.
No tickets are taken or verified on the return trip. You only nee to make sure you're waiting in the correct shuttle line and board a bus headed to the Park & Ride location you arrived from.
- Are strollers or wagons allowed on the buses?
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Yes, strollers are allowed on board the buses.
Collapsing devices will not be required on most shuttles. With few exceptions, riders may leave children inside strollers or wagons during the trip.
During peak travel times, if space becomes limited on vehicles riders may be asked to collapse and stow mobility devices at the front of the bus if they are blocking seats that could be used by other passengers.
- Can I ride using a mobility device?
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Our buses are fully accessible, including space on board for a persons in wheelchairs or other motorized mobility devices. All buses are equipped with ramps and safety restraint systems for these devices so you'll have a safe ride to the State Fair.
- How often do the shuttles run?
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A shuttle leaves from each Park & Ride location on average every 10 – 15 minutes. During peak travel times (in the early morning or in the hours before a major grandstand show) waits to board the shuttle may take a bit longer.
- When do the shuttles start leaving for the State Fair?
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The line for the shuttles and the ticket booths that sell shuttle tickets open at 8 a.m. The first shuttle leaves Park & Ride locations for the fair starting around 8:30 a.m.
- How late do the shuttles run?
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Shuttles will pick up and drop off State Fair attendees until midnight on each night of the State Fair.
- What if the Grandstand concert runs late?
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We will work to make sure everyone gets home and do not expect you leave the concert early.
In the event that the Grandstand Concert runs late, the DART Park & Ride service will continue to operate for up to an additional half-hour from when the concert ends. Please exit the Grandstand and head straight for Gate 10 after the concert ends. - Where do I park at the Capitol Complex?
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There are many lots around the Capitol Complex you may park at all with different times. All lots are marked with signs at their entrance that note the days and hours it is appropriate to park in them. This information is also available on the interactive map on the State Fair service page.
- Do you take credit cards or Apple Pay?
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Our ticket booth accepts all common forms of payment, including credit/debit card and most contactless forms of payment.
- What is not allowed to bring on the bus?
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Most items prohibited from the Fairgrounds are not allowed on board shuttles. See the State Fair website for more information on prohibited items.
Please note that drink and food containers purchased at the State Fair without lids are not allowed on return shuttles buses.
For more detailed information on our Iowa State Fair shuttle service, see the full page here.
What's new for 2024? Read our service updates page here.
Skip the ticket line and get discounted tickets by downloading the MyDART app.