Getting Around Dublin: A Practical Transport Guide
Dublin's public transport system consists of trains, trams, and buses operated by several state-contracted providers. Unlike many other European capitals, Dublin's rail network is quite limited, so buses form the backbone of the public transport system. Most information is provided separately by each operator's website, though the Transport for Ireland (TFI) Journey Planner helps you plan journeys across different modes, and the Live Departures service provides real-time information for all rail and bus stops.
Integrated Ticketing: The TFI Leap Card
The TFI Leap Card is a pre-paid electronic smart card that works across Dublin's public transport system. Introduced in December 2011, it can be used on Dublin Bus, DART, suburban rail services, and the Luas tram system. The Leap Card system has become widely adopted by Dublin residents and visitors alike. You can purchase a Leap Card from Dublin Bus, its agents, and convenience stores throughout the city, including at Dublin Airport. Using a Leap Card typically offers lower fares than paying cash.
Trams: The Luas Network
Dublin's light rail tram system is called the Luas, named after the Irish word for "speed." The network began with two disconnected lines in 2004, with additional extensions opening in subsequent years and a cross-city link completed in 2017. The Luas operates without government assistance and is profitable, making it one of the few mass transit systems in Europe to operate independently.
The two main Luas lines are:
- Red Line: runs from Saggart and Tallaght to Connolly and The Point
- Green Line: runs from Broombridge and Parnell to Sandyford and Bride's Glen
The Luas provides fast, reliable service and connects well with other transport modes at key interchange points throughout the city.
Trains: DART and Commuter Rail
Dublin's suburban rail network includes the Dublin Area Rapid Transit (DART), an electrified railway that runs primarily along the Dublin Bay coastline from Greystones in County Wicklow to Howth and Malahide in northern County Dublin. The DART is Ireland's only electrified railway line and is one of the country's most successful public transport services.
In addition to the DART, commuter rail services operate on five lines throughout the Greater Dublin Area, all run by Iarnród Éireann using diesel trains. These commuter services connect Dublin City Centre to outlying areas including Dundalk to the north, Kildare and Portlaoise to the southwest, Maynooth and Longford to the west, and Gorey to the southeast. All commuter rail services run via Dublin City Centre, though there is no orbital service connecting outer areas.
For longer-distance travel to other Irish cities, Connolly Station serves the north and east coast (with trains to Sligo, Belfast, and Wexford), while Heuston Station serves all other directions, including Cork, Galway, Westport, Limerick, and Waterford.
Buses: The Main Public Transport Mode
Bus services form the bulk of Dublin's public transport system. Most routes are operated by state-owned Dublin Bus, though some peripheral routes are provided by Go-Ahead Ireland. An extensive network of nearly 200 radial, cross-city, and peripheral routes serves the Greater Dublin Area, with nearly 5,000 bus stops across the city.
Daytime buses are identified by number, sometimes with a letter suffix (e.g., 25, 25a, 25b). Thirteen night-time "Nitelink" services run on Friday and Saturday nights (00:00-04:00) and are identified by a number with an "N" suffix (e.g., 41n). As of 2022, there are also seven 24-hour bus services operating with daytime fares charged throughout the day.
All Dublin bus services are one-person operated. Fares can be paid in exact coins (drivers do not give change and do not accept banknotes) or via a Leap Card. Nitelink buses charge a flat fare regardless of distance. Daytime fares for other services are determined by the number of fare stages travelled. The Real Time Passenger Information Service provides real-time estimates of bus arrivals at stops, available through the Dublin Bus website and smartphone apps.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are available throughout Dublin and offer an alternative to public transport, particularly for those with luggage or travelling in groups. Regulated taxi fares apply, and you can find taxis at ranks throughout the city centre. When traveling from Dublin Airport, a taxi to the city centre is competitive with other transport options, especially for groups of three or more passengers.
Walking and Exploring on Foot
Much of Dublin's city centre is accessible on foot. Walking is an excellent way to explore the historic core and experience the city's character. However, for longer distances or reaching suburban attractions, public transport is advisable.
Getting from Dublin Airport to the City
Dublin Airport is located approximately 10 km north of the city centre and is served by two terminals: Terminal 1 (the older facility) and Terminal 2 (handling wide-bodied jets). Currently, there is no rail or metro link from the airport to the city, so bus and taxi are the main options for getting into Dublin.
Aircoach Services
Aircoach operates dedicated coach services from the airport to the city centre. Aircoach 700 runs from Terminal 1 and then Terminal 2 to the city centre every 15–30 minutes, taking approximately 30 minutes. In 2024, fares are €10 for a single ticket or €15 for a return. The last bus to the city departs at 1:30 AM, with service resuming at 6 AM. Aircoach also operates additional routes to the south side of Dublin (routes 701, 702, and 703) and to other Irish cities such as Cork and Belfast.
Dublin Express
Dublin Express runs from the airport to the city centre and Heuston Station every 10 minutes or so, taking approximately 30 minutes. The last bus to the city departs at 11 PM, with service resuming at 5:30 AM. In 2024, fares are €8 for a single ticket or €10 for a return ticket purchased online.
Local Dublin Bus Services
Dublin Bus operates two local routes from the airport that are significantly cheaper than the dedicated coaches but take longer (allow approximately one hour). Fares are €2.60 in coins or €2 with a Leap Card.
- Bus 16: runs via Drumcondra railway station, O'Connell Street, and George's Street to southern suburbs including Rathmines and Ballanteer, operating from morning until late evening
- Bus 41: runs via Drumcondra railway station and O'Connell Street near Busáras, operating 24 hours every 20–30 minutes
Bus stops for local services are at Terminal 1 through the car park opposite Arrivals. Pay with exact coins (drivers do not accept cards, banknotes, or give change) or use a pre-paid Leap Card. Luggage space on local buses is limited, and drivers may turn away passengers with large backpacks that cannot be stored.
Taxis
Taxis are available from the airport and may cost €34–40 to the city centre (as of July 2024), making them competitive with Aircoach for groups of three or more passengers.
Other Airport Connections
Most buses to other Irish cities run via the airport. Within County Dublin, Bus 101 connects to Balrothery, Balbriggan, and Drogheda, while Bus 102 serves Swords, Malahide, Portmarnock, and Sutton near Howth. Drumcondra station (accessible via Bus 16 and 41) has train connections towards Maynooth on the commuter rail network.
Bus and Coach Services to Other Irish Cities
Dublin has two main bus stations: Busáras (the central bus station located just south of Connolly railway station) primarily serves Bus Éireann and larger operators with regular departures to towns throughout Ireland. Private operators such as Aircoach, Irish Citylink, and JJ Kavanagh & Sons also provide intercity coach services from various stops in central Dublin.