There are many ways to get to Dublin:
Dublin Airport
Dublin Airport is an international airport located to the north of the city. Flights come in from several major cities, and it is possible usually to get a connection flight through London, other European cities, and the US if you are flying from an airport without flights to Dublin. Aer Lingus is Ireland’s national airline.
The airport is linked to the city by several bus routes, some express, others regular local services. Taxis are also available. Full details available on our Dublin Airport page.
Dublin Ferry Services
There are ferry services from Dublin Port and Dun Laoghaire, to Liverpool, Holyhead and other UK ports. It is only a few hours drive or by train to Rosslare-Europort in Co. Wexford, where ferries sail to Fishguard in the UK and also to France. Stena and Irish Ferries are two of the major ferry services. Book a Ferry Crossing Online.
Dublin Port is linked to the city centre by bus, full details on the Dublin Bus website’s Ferry Services page.
Dun Laoghaire Harbour is located opposite Dun Laoghaire DART (rail) station, and there are very regular trains connecting it with the city centre, as well as a number of high-frequency bus routes stopping at the railway station also. Full details on our Dun Laoghaire Harbour page.
Dublin Trains and Railways
For getting around Dublin, the DART suburban rail line follows a coastal route, from Malahide and Howth to the north, all the way around the scenic Dublin Bay to Bray and Greystones to the south. Trains are relatively frequent during rush hours, however schedules are often irregular outside of peak hours, so it is adviseable to check a timetable before travelling if possible. Tickets can be bought at the station where you begin your journey, from either a vending machine, or at the booking office window, as stations are (usually) manned. The staff at the station will be happy to advise you as to the best ticket options and provide you with any help you require.
Getting to Dublin via Rail from elsewhere in Ireland is easy. Dublin has two major railway stations to service the rest of Ireland:
- Heuston Station serves the south-west and west: Cork, Limerick, Galway, Waterford, Kilkenny, Carlow, Westport.
- Connolly Station serves the south-east, north, and north-west: Belfast, Sligo, Wexford, Maynooth.
For more information, see www.irishrail.ie.
Dublin Bus Services
Dublin Bus operate an extensive route network covering almost all of county Dublin, and stretching into neighbouring counties. The majority of bus routes operate from 0600, with last departures at approximately 2330; though each route has varying frequencies and departure times: Full list of Dublin Bus timetables.
From 0030 onwards on Friday and Saturday nights, a series of “Nitelink” night buses depart from the city centre, final departures as late as 0400 on some services; fares are €5.70 cash (exact change) or €5 with a Leap Card. See Dublin Bus’s Nitelink details.
Prepaid tickets for all services can be bought at the CIE desk at Dublin Airport; at the Dublin Bus Head Office at 59 Upper O’Connell Street, Dublin 1; or at any of the 350 Ticket Agents around the city and county. You can also pay in cash on the bus. Please note that only coins are accepted, and change is given in the form of a receipt which you may redeem for cash at 59 Upper O’Connell St.
Procedure: As the bus approaches, signal to the driver that you wish to board, by holding out your arm. Always allow passengers to alight from the bus before trying to board. If you have a prepaid ticket, queue and enter through the right-hand side of the door, validating your ticket in the machine on your right as you enter. If you do not have a ticket, queue and enter on the left, inform the driver of your destination, and deposit the appropriate fare, in exact change, into the fare box. A ticket will be issued which you must retain for your journey. When you near your stop, ring the bell, and make your way to the front door.
If travelling outside of Dublin, Busáras, Dublin’s Central Bus Station, is located at Store St, in Dublin 1. Routes run to most of the country from here. For more information, see www.buseireann.ie.
Dublin Luas (Tram) Services
The Luas: Trams returned to the streets of Dublin in 2004, after the DUTC tram system was dismantled in the mid-20th century. The Luas is a system of two separate lines: the Green Line running from St Stephen’s Green to Sandyford and Bride’s Glen in south County Dublin, and the Red Line, from The Point in Dublin’s Docklands to Tallaght and Saggart, via the City Centre (and Connolly and Heuston railway stations) in the southwest of County Dublin. Trams run from approximately 0530 until 0030 daily. Tickets are available from vending machines on the platforms. You must buy your ticket before boarding the tram: ticket inspectors travel frequently and have the authority to issue stiff penalties and fines. A variety of tickets are available, and can be paid for in cash or by credit/debit card.