Overview
Dublin's public transport system comprises buses, trams, trains, and ferries operated by several state-contracted providers under the Transport for Ireland (TFI) umbrella brand. Unlike many European capitals, Dublin lacks a metro system; buses are by far the main mode of transport. For visitors, the integrated Leap Card smartcard—accepted across Dublin Bus, Luas trams, DART and commuter trains, and Go-Ahead suburban buses—is the most convenient and economical way to travel. You can plan journeys across all modes using the TFI Journey Planner app or website, which also provides real-time departures for rail and bus stops.
The network
Trains: DART and commuter rail
Irish Rail operates the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) and regional commuter services. The DART is an electrified suburban railway serving the coast and inner suburbs, with frequent trains running roughly north–south through the city. Commuter rail lines extend to towns in the wider region, including services toward Maynooth, Sallins/Naas, and Rosslare Strand. Key city-centre stations are Connolly (serving north and east coast destinations) and Heuston (serving all directions except north and east coast).
Trams: Luas
The Luas operates two light-rail lines:
- Red Line: runs from Tallaght (south-west) through the city centre to Connolly and The Point; serves Heuston, Smithfield, and O'Connell Street area.
- Green Line: runs from Sandyford (south) through the city centre to St Stephen's Green, Grafton Street area, and Tara Street.
Buses
Dublin Bus operates the majority of city and suburban services. Go-Ahead Ireland runs some local routes in suburban areas. Buses are the primary public-transport mode for most journeys. Routes are numerous; use the TFI Journey Planner to identify the best option for your route.
Ferries
Dublin Port, located 2 km east of the city centre, has ferry connections to Holyhead in Wales (Stena and Irish Ferries, approximately 3 hours 30 minutes), Bootle near Liverpool (P&O, 8 hours), and Douglas, Isle of Man (Isle of Man Ferries, approximately 3 hours 30 minutes). The number 53 bus connects the port to the city-centre bus station; foot passengers may walk (avoid Alexandra Road).
MetroLink: a planned future metro
MetroLink is a planned automated metro line (not yet operational) that will eventually run approximately 18.8 km from Estuary, north of Swords, to Charlemont on the south side, with 16 planned stations including Dublin Airport, O'Connell Street, Tara Street, and St Stephen's Green. As of 2026, construction was set to begin by 2027, with an anticipated duration of six to eight years; no official opening date had been confirmed.
Tickets & fares
Leap Card (smartcard)
The TFI Leap Card is a rechargeable contactless smartcard accepted on Dublin Bus, Go-Ahead buses, Luas, DART, and commuter rail. It offers savings of up to 31% compared to cash fares. You can purchase a regular Leap Card at stations, convenience outlets throughout Dublin, or online; physical cards arrive by post if ordered online. For short stays, the Leap Visitor Card offers unlimited travel on Dublin Bus, Go-Ahead, Luas, and Dublin rail (Short Hop Zone only) for 24 hours (€8.00), 72 hours (€18.00), or 7 days (€24.00). Visitor cards are available at Dublin Airport terminals, O'Connell Street, Connolly Station, Heuston Station, Trinity College, and the GPO.
Pay-as-you-go fares (Leap Card)
On Leap Card, the TFI 90-Minute Fare (valid across Dublin Bus, Luas, DART, and commuter rail in zones 1–4 Short Hop Zone) costs approximately €2.00 for adults, €1.00 for young adults aged 19–25 and students, and €0.65 for children aged up to 18. A short fare option costs approximately €1.50 for adults, €0.75 for young adults/students, and €0.65 for children. Daily caps (€6.00 adults, €3.00 young adults/students, €1.95 children) and weekly caps (€24.00 adults, €12.00 young adults/students, €7.80 children) mean you pay no more once you reach the limit.
Cash fares
Cash fares on Dublin Bus are higher than Leap Card fares and approximate €2.00 (adult short fare) or €2.60 (adult long fare). Bus drivers do not give change and accept only exact coins; notes and cards are not accepted. Leap Card is strongly recommended.
Special fares and passes
NiteLink night-bus services cost approximately €2.40 on Leap Card (€3.10 cash) for adults. Children aged 0–4 travel free on all TFI services; children aged 5–8 travel free with a Child (5–8) TFI Leap Card. A Free Travel Pass (for eligible groups) is accepted on all services. Regional and commuter bus services in zones 1–4 have zonal daily, weekly, and monthly ticket options; use the Irish Rail Fare Calculator and Luas fare calculator for specific journey pricing.
Digital tickets
The TFI Go App allows digital ticket purchase; use the app or TFI website for current fares, as prices are subject to change.
From the airport
Dublin Airport is 10 km north of the city centre. As of 2024–2026, there is no rail or metro link; buses and taxis are the main options.
Bus services
Aircoach 700 is a dedicated airport shuttle running from Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 to the city centre every 15–30 minutes, taking approximately 30 minutes. The fare is approximately €10 single or €15 return (2024 prices). The last bus to the city is 01:30, with the next service at 06:00. Aircoach also runs routes 701, 702, and 703 to the south side of Dublin, and services to other Irish cities including Cork and Belfast.
Dublin Express runs to the city centre and Heuston Station every 10 minutes or so. The cost is approximately €8 single (€10 return if purchased online; September 2024 prices). The last service to the city is 23:00, with the next at 05:30.
Local Dublin Bus services are cheaper but much slower (allow approximately one hour). Routes 16 and 41 serve the airport via Drumcondra railway station and O'Connell Street. Fares are €2.60 with coins or €2.00 with a Leap Card. Bus stops are at Terminal 1 via the car park opposite Arrivals; drivers accept only exact coins (not cards or notes) or a pre-loaded Leap Card. Luggage space is limited, and drivers may turn away travellers with large backpacks.
Taxi
A taxi to the city centre costs approximately €34–40 (July 2024), making it competitive with Aircoach for groups of three or more.
Future metro link
MetroLink, once operational, will provide a fully segregated driverless metro connection from the airport to the city centre, but no opening date has been confirmed as of 2026.
Etiquette & customs
Dublin's public-transport users follow standard European conventions. Queue in orderly lines for buses and at station platforms. On escalators, stand on the right to allow people to walk past on the left. Priority seating at the front of buses is reserved for elderly passengers, people with disabilities, and pregnant women; offer your seat if you occupy a priority seat and such a passenger boards. Eating and drinking are generally tolerated on buses and trains, but avoiding strong-smelling food is courteous. During rush hours (typically 07:00–09:00 and 17:00–19:00), expect crowded vehicles; keep bags close and be prepared for tight conditions.
Official links
- Transport for Ireland (TFI) — umbrella brand and journey planner
- TFI Bus Fares
- TFI Leap Card Dublin
- Dublin Public Transport: Tickets & Fares
When planning your first journey, download the TFI Journey Planner app or use the web journey planner to see real-time options and fares across all modes of transport in Dublin.