Transportation
Schedules and fares are subject to change.
Airport to City Access
Train, bus, taxi, and other options to the city center
Dublin Airport (DUB) has no rail connection, so the way into the city is by airport coach: Airlink Express, Aircoach and Dublin Express run frequently to the city centre. City buses also serve the airport. Buy tickets with an app, contactless card or Leap Card.
- No rail
- DUB has no train link
- Airport coach
- Airlink / Aircoach / Dublin Express
- Tickets
- App, contactless or Leap Card
- Coaches run frequently to the city centre
- City buses also stop at the airport
Public Transportation
Metro, bus, tram, and how to use them
Public transport in Dublin is coordinated by TFI and combines Dublin Bus, the Luas (two tram lines, Green and Red) and DART (suburban rail), plus commuter trains. Services are reliable, and you can pay with a Leap Card, a contactless card or the TFI app.
- Dublin
- Dublin Bus, Luas, DART
- Luas
- Two tram lines (Green/Red)
- Coordinator
- TFI
- DART is the suburban rail line along Dublin Bay
- Pay with Leap Card, contactless or the TFI app
IC Cards & Travel Passes
Discount passes and rechargeable transit cards
The Leap Card is Ireland's national transport smartcard, run by TFI. Top it up and tap on buses, the Luas, DART and commuter trains for cheaper fares than cash, with daily and weekly caps. Contactless bank cards are also accepted on many services.
- Card
- Leap Card (TFI)
- Coverage
- Bus, Luas, DART, trains
- Benefit
- Cheaper than cash, fare caps
- Top up at shops, machines or the Leap Card app
- Contactless bank cards work on many services
Car Rental & Driving
License requirements and traffic rules
Ireland drives on the left (left-hand traffic), and most rental cars are manual, so request an automatic in advance if needed. An EU licence or an International Driving Permit is accepted. A car is handy for rural areas and the coast, but not needed within Dublin.
- Drive
- On the left
- Gearbox
- Mostly manual
- Licence
- EU / International Permit
- Request an automatic in advance if you need one
- Great for the countryside and coast, not for central Dublin
Intercity Travel
Long-distance buses, trains, and ferries
Between cities, Irish Rail (Iarnród Éireann) runs trains from Dublin to Cork, Galway and beyond, while intercity coaches (Bus Éireann, Citylink, GoBus) are often cheaper. Book train tickets online in advance for the best fares.
- Rail
- Irish Rail (Iarnród Éireann)
- Coaches
- Bus Éireann, Citylink, GoBus
- Routes
- Dublin–Cork, Galway, etc.
- Book train tickets online in advance for cheaper fares
- Coaches are often the cheapest intercity option
Domestic Flights
Budget airlines and booking tips
Ireland is small, so there are almost no domestic flights and they are rarely worthwhile for visitors. Trains and coaches connect the main cities faster and more cheaply. Flights matter mainly for links to the small offshore islands.
- Availability
- Almost none
- Better options
- Rail and coach
- Exception
- Small offshore islands
- Rail and coach are usually faster and cheaper than flying
Transportation Tips
Advice for safe and efficient travel
Get a Leap Card or use a contactless card for the cheapest fares, and plan journeys with the TFI app. Remember traffic drives on the left, and reserve automatic rental cars early. In Dublin, walking plus the Luas, DART and buses cover most needs.
- Fares
- Leap Card / contactless
- Planning
- TFI app
- Driving
- On the left
- In Dublin, walking plus Luas/DART/bus covers most trips
- Reserve automatic rental cars early