Getting around Dublin
Welcome to Dublin! If you’re planning how to get around Dublin, we have you covered! Check out our guide below on how to navigate the city. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a week, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting from A to B.
Getting to and from Dublin Airport
If you’ve just arrived in Dublin, you have more than likely just landed at the airport. Dublin Airport is not far from the City Centre, and there are a few ways to navigate around Dublin from the airport.
Dublin Aircoach
Dublin Aircoach is one of the main ways to get to the City Centre from Dublin Airport. They offer a 24/7 service with departures every 15 minutes. The journey takes about 35 minutes, depending on traffic. You can book online for the best rates, with one-way tickets starting from €6-€9.
Extra info to know
- There is Free Wifi on board and USB charging ports
- Dublin Aircoach stops at multiple main locations throughout the city centre
- It’s the quickest way from the airport to the city centre
- Dublin Aircoach offers an app you can use to book your journey
- You don’t need to print your ticket; you can present it on your phone
- You can book your tickets in advance online on their website – Click here for Dublin Aircoach tickets
Dublin Express
The Dublin Express Coach is another great option for getting into the city; it’s also one of the fastest ways to the city centre. The Dublin Express is regular throughout the day and runs late into the night, with services starting around 2am. Tickets start from €6 depending on the day & time you’re travelling.
Extra info to know
- They operate services all over the island of Ireland
- You can take one large suitcase or 2 medium sized suitcases per person on board
- Multiple stops throughout the City Centre
- Regular services every 20 minutes throughout the day
- You can book your tickets in advance online on their website – Click here for Dublin Express tickets
Dublin Bus
The Transport for Dublin buses (public transport system) also have some routes that leave from Dublin Airport (Route 16, 24). These buses can sometimes take a little longer because they stop at more places, but the tickets are cheaper (around €2.60) and will still take you to the city centre.
- Dublin buses offer some space for luggage on board, but it is limited
- Services run frequently during the day
- Most Dublin buses offer Free Wifi
- You can book your tickets in advance online on their website – Click here to check the timetables
Taxi
Sometimes a taxi might be the best service, especially if you’re travelling with large luggage or as a group. There is a large taxi terminal situated outside of Dublin Airport T1 & T2. Getting a taxi is the most expensive way to get into the city centre, with fares starting at around €30.
- FreeNow Taxis & Uber are the main taxi service apps in Dublin
- You can use their app to hail a cab or wait at the taxi terminal outside Dublin Airport (the terminal is usually the quickest)
- When the Taxi Terminal is busy, it’s manned by staff, so it’s organised and quick to get you moving
Getting Around Dublin
Dublin is a super walkable city!
One of the best things about Dublin is its size; it’s compact and wonderfully walkable. The north and south sides are connected by a series of beautiful bridges crossing over the River Liffey. Many of must sees and hidden gems in Dublin are nestled quite close together, so it’s very much possible to see the whole city centre on foot & using some public transport if you want. You can easily stroll from Trinity College to Dublin Castle in 15 minutes. Both St Patrick’s Cathedral and Christ Church Cathedral are a 10-minute walk away from Dublin Castle, so everything is very well connected on foot.
Due to a lot of roads in the City Centre becoming pedestrianised, cycling around Dublin has become a new normal for tourists & locals in Dublin. New cycle lanes have been implemented on major roads, seamlessly connecting the suburbs, both the North Side & the South Side.
If you want to take public transport to some places around the city, we have tips below on how to make the most out of it!
Leap Card
Before you hop on any bus, tram or train, this is the single most important piece of advice: get a Leap Card or have coins at the ready. Unfortunately, Dublin Bus doesn’t allow you to tap your card; you’re going to need the exact change in coins or purchase a ticket from the machine, where you can use your bank card or cash. A Leap Card is your all-access pass to Dublin’s public transport, and it will save you both time and money if you’re going to take multiple trips on the buses.
With a Leap Card, you can tap on and off across all services, and fares are cheaper than paying with cash. For visitors, the Leap Visitor Card is a brilliant option, offering unlimited travel on Dublin Bus, Luas, and DART.
You can choose from a number of options for the Leap Card:
1 day (24 hours) – €8.00
3 days (72 hours) – €18.00
7 days (168 hours) – €24.00
Regular Top Up Leap Card –
You can also purchase a regular Leap Card (€5 cost for the card), which you then top up to use. You can purchase these from a list of agents here or purchase online and have it delivered to you before you travel.
With this card you can hop on and off most Dublin Bus services (excluding Nitelink), the Luas, and the DART/Commuter Rail within a 90-minute window. It’s a fantastic way to make short hops across the city without paying for multiple fares.
€2 for an Adult
€1 for a Young Adult/Student (19-25)
€0.65 for a Child
DART Train
If you want to escape the buzz of the city and see the stunning Dublin coastline, the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) is your best friend. This scenic train line runs north to south along the coast, offering breathtaking sea views. In just 30 minutes, you will be transported to tranquil and beautiful villages along the coast where you can really experience why Ireland is known as the Emerald Isle.
If you’re heading to Dublin, you should also experience Howth, a small fishing village just on the coast of Dublin. Known for its views, amazing hikes and authentic Irish shops and pubs, it’s easily connected to Dublin City Centre on the DART.
The LUAS (the trams)
The LUAS is great for inner-city travel. If you want to access the North Side & South Side of the city with ease and speed, the LUAS is your best option.
The Green Line: The Green Line starts from the North Side at Broombridge and heads through the City Centre of Dublin, crossing paths with the Red line for easy connections, and finishes up on the South Side at Brides Glen.
The Red Line: The Red Line starts from Saggart/Tallaght on the South Side, heads into the City Centre crossing paths with the Green Line for easy connections, and finishes up at The Point, connecting the 3Arena and the Grand Canal Docks easily to the centre.
Cycling: Dublin Bikes
For a fun, flexible, and eco-friendly way to explore, join the locals on DublinBikes. With 1,500 bikes scattered across 115 stations, it’s incredibly easy to pick one up and drop it off near your destination. Most landmarks around the city have Dublinbikes parked close by, but Dublinbikes also offers a map on their website that shows you how many bikes are left at each spot. Check out the bike spots here!
How it works: You can buy a short-term ticket (3-day tickets are just €5). The best part? The first 30 minutes of every journey are free. It’s perfect for short, zippy trips between sights. Just remember to wear a helmet and watch out for the Luas tracks!
Hopefully, our guide to travelling around Dublin helps you on your trip. Dublin is a super accessible city, making it easy for you to visit as much as you can with your time here. Remember to keep aware and stay safe using all forms of transport, pay attention to stop signs and pedestrian crossings, and you’ll be zooming around the city like a local in no time!
Enjoy exploring Dublin!