Get ready for your ride to the Iowa State Fair by checking out these Frequently Asked Questions:
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Does it cost to park at DART Park & Ride Locations?
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Parking is available at no cost at all three locations, but the shuttle does require paid fare 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.
As this is an increased expense for DART, unfortunately, this means any Unlimited Access Partner will need a pay a fare to use this special service (including Veterans and Des Moines Public School students).
In honor of Veteran's Appreciation Day, Veterans ride free on Monday, August 11 only.
- Can I leave my car overnight?
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None of our Park & Ride locations offer overnight parking. All cars left overnight at any location are at risk of being towed at the owner’s expense.
DART provides service from Park & Ride locations but is not responsible for enforcing parking policies or any expenses related to the enforcement of parking restrictions.
- Are these tickets round-trip? Do I need a ticket to get back?
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All single tickets/passes are good for both going to and returning from the fairgrounds, unless you request a one-way ticket.
Tickets purchased from ticket booths or activated MyDART app passes are accepted as you board the bus headed to the fairgrounds. No tickets or passes need to be presented for the return trip.
- Are strollers, wagons or other mobility devices allowed on the buses?
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Yes, wagons and strollers are allowed on buses.
Devices do not need to be collapsed and children may remain in strollers during the trip.
During peak travel times, as space becomes limited on vehicles, riders may be asked to collapse and stow mobility devices at the front of the bus in order to keep aisles clear and seats available for other riders.
- Can I ride using a mobility device?
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Our buses are fully accessible, including ramps and safety restraint systems for wheelchairs and motorized mobility devices. If you need help while boarding, please alert staff for assistance.
- How often do the shuttles run?
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There is no schedule for this service.
Shuttles leave from each Park & Ride location on average every 10 – 15 minutes.
Waits may be longer during peak travel times including early morning or early evening hours.
- When do the shuttles start leaving for the State Fair?
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On-site ticket booths and shuttle boarding begins at 8 a.m. Shuttle begin to leave around 8:15 a.m. or earlier as vehicles fill up.
- How late do the shuttles run?
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Buses run to and from the Iowa State Fairgrounds until midnight.
On-site shuttle ticketing booths close at 8 p.m. Only exact change or MyDART mobile passes will be accepted on buses after booths close.
Entry gates for the fairgrounds close at 10 p.m. most nights of the fair.
On Sunday, August 17, entry gates close at 7 p.m. and shuttle service from the fairgrounds will run until 10 p.m.
- 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 to leave the concert early.
In the event that the Grandstand show runs late, the DART Park & Ride service will continue to operate for up to an additional thirty minutes from when the show ends. Please exit the Grandstand and head straight back to Gate 10 after the show. - 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 available times.
All lots are marked with signs at their entrance that note the days and hours it is appropriate to park there. 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 on-site ticketing booths accepts all common forms of payment, including credit/debit card and most contactless forms of payment. After 8 p.m., only cash or MyDART mobile passes are accepted.
- What is not allowed to bring on the bus?
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Most items prohibited from the State Fairgrounds are not allowed on buses. 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.
Skip the ticket line and get discounted tickets by downloading the MyDART app.