Ireland Travel Guide: Dublin Buses, Intercity Trains & Driving by Car
Transport Guide
2026-10-03
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In Dublin, use buses and trams; for intercity travel, take trains or coaches. For the west coast, driving is recommended. This guide covers airport transfers, driving on the left, and money-saving ticket tips.
Arrival & Getting into Town
| Airport | How to Get into Town | Time/Price |
|---|
| Dublin Airport (DUB) | Aircoach / Dublin Express bus | About 30–45 minutes, around €7–10 |
| Dublin Airport (DUB) | Buses 16/41 | About 40–60 minutes, around €2–3 |
| Shannon Airport (SNN) | Bus to Limerick and Galway | About 30–90 minutes |
| Cork Airport (ORK) | Bus 226 to the city centre | About 25 minutes |
Public Transport in the City
- Dublin buses, the LUAS tram, and the DART coastal rail all accept the Leap card and contactless bank cards.
- Leap cards can be bought and topped up at convenience stores and metro stations, and are cheaper than single cash fares.
- The LUAS Red and Green lines in the city centre cover major commercial areas and train stations.
- Cities like Galway and Cork are compact; most attractions are within walking distance or reachable by local buses.
- Dublin buses do not announce stops, so check your stop in advance using a map app.
Intercity Travel
- Ireland’s rail network is operated by Irish Rail. The journey from Dublin to Galway takes about 2.5 hours, and to Cork about 2.5 hours. It’s best to book tickets online in advance.
- Long-distance coaches are operated by Bus Éireann, Citylink, GoBus, and others. They serve western towns not covered by rail and are more affordable.
- Attractions on the west coast are spread out, and public transport options are limited. Renting a car for a road trip is highly recommended.
- In Ireland, people drive on the left, and roundabout rules are the reverse of what you may be used to—familiarize yourself beforehand.
Car Rental & Tips
- To rent a car, you’ll need a valid driver’s licence and an International Driving Permit. Automatic cars are less common, so book early.
- Rural roads are narrow, some have low speed limits, and you must drive on the left—stay patient.
- If you’re driving to or from Northern Ireland, inform the rental company and confirm insurance coverage.
- Use Google Maps and the Irish Rail and Bus Éireann apps to check schedules and plan connections to save waiting time.
- When picking up or dropping off your rental car at the airport, take photos of the fuel level and car condition to avoid disputes.
- Gas stations on the west coast are few and far between—consider filling up when you're over half full.
- Dublin’s metro and buses get very crowded during the evening rush hour. Leave extra time for important plans.