A Grapevine day trip from Bedford can centre on Historic Main Street, with a railroad excursion as an optional addition. The Grapevine Vintage Railroad runs historic coaches from its Cotton Belt Depot, while the Visitor Information Center and other attractions give you practical stops around town. Bestway Inn is a two-star hotel in Bedford.
- Focus: Historic Main Street and the Grapevine Vintage Railroad.
- Rail service generally runs most Saturdays and Sundays from mid-February through mid-November, with Friday service during summer months.
- The Visitor Information Center is at Grapevine Main Station on S. Main Street.
- Free parking is available at several locations near the historic district.
Why visit Grapevine from Bedford?
Grapevine offers a change of pace from Bedford, with a historic main street, railroad excursions and visitor services clustered around S. Main Street. You can make the town centre the day’s anchor, then add a train ride if its schedule suits your plans.
The Grapevine Vintage Railroad (GVRR) uses authentic 1920s-era coaches on the historic Cotton Belt Route. Its Cotton Belt Depot is at 705 S. Main Street, close to Historic Main Street’s shops and restaurants.
Start on Historic Main Street
Start your day on Historic Main Street, where shops and restaurants sit within an easy walk of the Cotton Belt Depot. If you want help orienting yourself, the Grapevine Visitor Information Center is inside Grapevine Main Station at 815 S. Main Street.
The center offers attraction information, ticket and souvenir sales, complimentary welcome bags and a visitor concierge service. Its hours are Monday–Friday 11 a.m.–6 p.m. and Saturday–Sunday 10 a.m.–6 p.m., subject to change.
The Grapevine Main Observation Tower at the center offers views from 150 feet above ground. Admission and operating hours for the tower are not stated, so confirm those details before making it part of your plans.
Which Grapevine attractions can you add?
The Grapevine Vintage Railroad is the clearest activity to pair with a Main Street visit. Regular service operates most Saturdays and Sundays from mid-February through mid-November, with Friday service during summer months. Special events, rail construction or maintenance may alter the schedule.
Boarding in Grapevine begins 20 minutes before the scheduled departure. Plan to be aboard at least 10 minutes before departure; ticket sales stop at that point.
For a non-rail stop, the Palace Arts Center at 300 S. Main Street contains the restored Art Deco-style Historic Palace Theatre and Lancaster Theatre. Its hours are daily 8 a.m.–5 p.m., subject to event and availability changes.
How do you get around Grapevine?
You can drive into the historic district and use free parking at 307 W. Dallas Road, 410 W. Dallas Road, 702 S. Main Street, 636 S. Main Street or 705 S. Main Street; additional street parking is available throughout Historic Grapevine.
The Grapevine Main Parking Garage at 255 E. Dallas Road offers the first 90 minutes free, then charges $1 for each additional hour. During special events, the rate is $15.
If you prefer rail, you can park at DFW Airport North Station Parking Lot, 1867 East Dallas Road, and take Trinity Metro TEXRail to Grapevine/Main Street Station. For local planning on the Bedford side, how to get around Bedford, Texas without guesswork is a useful companion to Grapevine’s transport options.
When should you plan a railroad visit?
Build the day around the GVRR schedule if you want to ride, since service follows a recurring pattern rather than running every day. Excursion prices vary by ride, event and coach selection, and tickets are handled through the railroad’s schedule and pricing pages.
The Cotton Belt Depot ticket office is closed Monday through Thursday. It is open Saturday 9 a.m.–2 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.–2 p.m.; Friday hours are 11 a.m.–2 p.m. in late May through mid-August only.
If your travel plans include the airport, how to plan DFW Airport transportation to Bedford can help with that separate leg. Before you go, check the official site of the Grapevine Vintage Railroad for current schedules, ticket prices and any service changes.
FAQs
Where can you get visitor information in Grapevine?
The Grapevine Visitor Information Center is inside Grapevine Main Station at 815 S. Main Street. It also provides luggage storage for $2 per bag per day.
How much do Grapevine Vintage Railroad tickets cost?
Prices vary by excursion, event and coach selection. Check the railroad’s schedule and pricing pages when choosing a ride.
Is there free parking near Historic Grapevine?
Yes. Free parking is available at several locations, including sites on W. Dallas Road and S. Main Street, and additional street parking is available throughout Historic Grapevine.