If you're planning to take I-35E to the Dallas Zoo this Friday evening, you might want to do some calculations first. The route can significantly affect your overall satisfaction more than the ticket price.

The Dallas Zoo Lights will open on Friday, November 13. According to the zoo's official page, it will run until January 3, 2027.

The operating hours are from 5:30 PM to 9 PM. However, it doesn't open every day; the official term is "select nights," meaning it's only open on designated nights.

So, don't just pick any date based on the calendar. The first step is to check if it's open on the date you choose on the reservation screen.

The scale is impressive, with over 2 million lights, as stated on the official page. It features animal-shaped lanterns, a Santa meet-and-greet, a holiday maze, musical performances, and the dinosaur exhibit Destination: Dinosaurs.

General admission tickets start at $19. The term "starting at" does not mean every day is $19, so you should check the date-specific prices on the payment screen.

Parking is $15 and is separate from the admission ticket. Zoo members park for free.

This $15 fee raises the question of whether to drive from Irving or take the train. Let's compare the numbers.

A DART local Day Pass costs $6. Adding transportation costs to the adult ticket price, if you're alone, driving costs $34, while the train costs $25.

If there are two people, driving costs $53, and the train is $50, which is almost the same. For four adults, driving costs $91, while the train costs $100, flipping the comparison.

This is a simple calculation excluding gas costs, but the conclusion is clear. For individuals or couples, the train is a viable option, while families should consider driving.

The train route is straightforward. Take the Orange Line from Irving to downtown, then transfer to the Red Line towards Westmoreland at Akard station.

Stations like Las Colinas Urban Center and Irving Convention Center are on the Orange Line. You will get off at Dallas Zoo Station, and according to DART, the zoo is just across the street.

There is no public parking at this station. However, a kiss-and-ride drop-off is possible, so if you want to park, it's better to do so at a station on the Irving side.

A 3-hour pass looks cheaper at $3, but I wouldn't buy it. Trying to finish the round trip and viewing in under 3 hours makes you watch the clock instead of enjoying the lights.

Make sure to check the last train schedule in advance. Even if the event ends at 9 PM, transfer times can be a variable.

The Irving City Council voted 7 to 2 in February to cancel the DART withdrawal vote, so for now, we don't have to worry about this route. While the cost debate is necessary, on days like this, having a rail network is better than having none at all.

If you're driving, the navigation address is 650 S. R.L. Thornton Fwy. Head east on Highway 183, then switch to I-35E south, passing downtown and exiting at Ewing Ave./Marsalis Ave.

The opening day coincides exactly with rush hour. I would choose a weeknight or allow plenty of time to pass through downtown.

Buy your parking pass in advance. The zoo tends to be crowded during the holiday season, so they recommend purchasing ahead of time.

One thing to note is that you won't see many animals in the evening.

The official FAQ states that most animals go to bed before the lights come on. If you promised your child an elephant at the zoo, this could be a problem.

The solution is the Combo Ticket. For an additional $10 on the admission ticket, you can enter at 2:30 PM to see the daytime zoo and stay for the lights.

The Wilds of Africa area closes at 5 PM, so it's best to start there. You only need to buy parking once, as it applies for both day and night visits.

However, I do not recommend the combo on opening day. From November 9 to 13, elephants, giraffes, and hoofed animals will be out of the exhibit area for maintenance.

Tickets are non-refundable and can only be exchanged for another date. They will open even in the rain, and only notify via email if severe weather is forecasted, so check the weather before you go.

The time printed on the ticket is your entry time. It's essential to arrive at that time, and if you're late, adjustments will be made based on crowd levels.

You also need to skip a few dates. November 17 is Sensory Friendly Night, which requires pre-registration, and December 1 is Member Night.

The cocoa and glow-in-the-dark accessory package is $2 cheaper when pre-ordered than on-site. The 90-minute igloo for up to 6 people starts at $200, but admission is not included, so I would save that money.

In summary, my choices are as follows: a weeknight avoiding the opening weekend, a combo ticket, entry at 2:30 PM, and transportation suited to the number of people.