Linking Dublin airport to the city center

Linking Dublin airport to the city center

Terminal 2 de l'aéroport de Dublin - © Markus Mainka

That’s it, you’ve arrived at Dublin airport in Ireland. You’ve collected your luggage and want to get to the city center, but have no idea how to get from Dublin airport to the city center? Don’t panic: there are a number of solutions linking the airport to the Irish capital throughout the day. Bus, cab, uber: there are plenty of solutions to suit everyone’s tastes and prices… You’ll reach Dublin in less than 30 minutes, at prices to suit all budgets… Find out more here!

Linking the airport to Dublin city center

Dublin airport: a place that’s not just a stone’s throw from the city center

Aircoach bus outside Dublin airport - Canadian Pacific - cc

An Aircoach bus outside Dublin airport – Canadian Pacific – cc

First of all, it’s important to understand that the airport is quite far from Dublin. It takes around 30 minutes to get there, as you have to take the M1 freeway! Nothing to worry about, but it does require a bit of organization, especially on the way back, to avoid delays and missing your flight.

In any case, there are 2 main options for reaching the city center:

  • bus shuttles
  • cab shuttles

Access to this type of transport is particularly well signposted at Dublin airport: placards, signs… It’s simple: you’ll be guided from the moment you step off the plane. It’s impossible to miss them, because the airport has thought of foreign travelers!
If you have any difficulty, don’t hesitate to ask the airport staff for directions – they’re friendly and will take the time to guide you!

Whether by bus or cab, fares vary not only from one to the next, but also from one company to the next! To make sure you don’t overspend, here’s a detailed breakdown of how to get from Dublin airport to the city center.

Book your transfer from Dublin airport to the city center now!


Travel by bus to Dublin city center

24-hour shuttle service at low fares!

The bus is the most economical solution. The main shuttle buses run between Dublin airport and the main thoroughfares in the city center(Temple Bar, O’Connell Street, Heuston Station and Grafton Street). The journey generally takes half an hour, and is quite comfortable.

Don’t panic if you’re carrying a large piece of luggage, as most buses offer the possibility of stowing large suitcases in the hold or in on-board lockers. They’re used to it, and all you have to do is ask: there’s no extra charge for this service.

In terms of choice, here’s an overview of the different shuttles available to connect Dublin airport with the heart of the city, and their prices.

A map of the airport to help identify bus stops

Before talking about the various shuttle services on offer, it’s important to know that the buses generally park just a stone’s throw from Dublin airport’s Terminal 1 and 2. You’ll have to walk a bit, but nothing too strenuous.

You’ll then need to choose your preferred bus company and destination. Please note: some buses run to Dublin, but also to Galway, Cork and Belfast. It’s important to find out the number of the line you want to use to avoid any mistakes.

The different bus routes

 

Bus routes to Dublin airport
Bus company Line Opening hours Price
Dublin Express

Dublin Express

782
  • every day from 7.00 a.m. to 11.00 p.m.
  • departures every 15/20 minutes
  • 7€ one way
Aircoach

Aircoach

704X
  • 24 hours a day via O’Connell Street and Drumcrondra
  • departures every 15 minutes during the day
  • departures every 30 minutes from 11:55 p.m. to 3:25 a.m.
  • 7€ one way

Dublin Express:

Dublin Express

Dublin Express operates high-comfort coaches. It offers extensive connections between Dublin Airport and over 15 convenient stops in the heart of Dublin city center, including Temple Bar, Trinity College, O’Connell Street and Heuston Station. Departures take place just outside the doors of Terminals 1 and 2. Services include free Wi-Fi, USB charging stations and on-board toilets.

Dublin Express operates from Zone 1 of Terminal 1 and Zone 21 of Terminal 2 through the Port Tunnel, making it the fastest coach to Dublin city center.

Expect to pay €7 for a 33-minute ride. Please note that you can already pre-book your place on the site, and find out about opening times on their website: www.dublinexpress.ie

Here is an overview of the routes that connect Dublin airport to Dublin city center:

Aircoach

AircoachAircoach is another bus company offering regular services to Dublin city center. But beware: Aircoach is currently offering fewer connections than usual, on all its buses departing from Dublin airport. We therefore recommend that you book your ticket in advance online on their website. Please consult the operator for the latest schedule information.

Aircoach operates from zones 2 and 20 outside both terminals. The 40-minute journey to the heart of Dublin costs €7. Find out more here: www.aircoach.ie

Here is an overview of the proposed lines:

  • Bus 702 – Airport / Greystone
  • Bus 703 – Airport / Killiney
  • Bus 704X – Airport / Dublin City Centre / Cork
  • Bus 705X – Airport / Belfast
  • Bus 706X – Airport / Galway

Travelling by cab

A comfortable but more expensive way to travel!

A cab in Dublin - Raúl Villalón - cc

A cab in Dublin – Raúl Villalón – cc

If you’re not too keen on public transport, and want to keep your comfort level up, you can always opt for a Dublin cab! It’s the most pleasant, fastest (because there are no stops at stations) and most comfortable mode of transport, but above all, the most expensive!
It allows you to reach a specific address, à la carte, without having to use the official bus stops. An ideal solution if you don’t want to walk too far to reach your accommodation, for example!

As far as fares are concerned, you’ll need to spend between €25 and €30 on average to reach O’Connell Street, Dublin’s main thoroughfare. To avoid unpleasant surprises, don’t hesitate to ask your driver before boarding. He or she will be able to give you a rough estimate of the final price.

Here’s a tip: a cab can be very economical if you share it with more than 3 people: it helps divide the costs! Ideal if you’re traveling with friends, or if you meet people at the airport going in the same direction as you!

These cabs are usually parked outside the airport, ready to pick you up. They’re easily recognized by their yellow and blue roof sign. We appreciate their kindness, and many make the effort to overcome the language barrier. If necessary, and if you’re not too comfortable with the language of Shakespeare, don’t hesitate to write down your destination address.



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