Airport bus Dublin
Dublin Airport (DUB), or in Irish, Aerfort Bhaile Átha Cliath, is the international airport serving the capital (and many other cities) of Ireland. It is located in Collinstown, only 10 kilometres north of Dublin. The number of passengers increases each year, in fact, in 2018 Dublin Airport broke its own record by having almost 32 million passengers passed through the airport.
How to get from Dublin Airport to Dublin
Airport shuttle bus
Dublin Airport is connected with the centre of Dublin by two express bus lines operated by Dublin Bus company:
Line 747 which goes to Busáras bus station in the centre of Dublin and railway stations Dublin Connolly and Dublin Heuston as well. The buses are operated by Dublin Bus company.
- The first bus departs from the airport at 06:00 and the last one at 00:30
- The price of a single ticket is around 7€ (12€ return) and for children the ticket costs approximately 3€ (5€ return)
- The tickets can be bought online, at vending machines, at Bus and Rail Info Desk, and at Spar shop and directly from the driver.
- In case you’re buying the ticket from the driver, make sure you have the exact amount (in coins) or otherwise you won’t be able to buy the ticket (this applies also for all city buses)
Line 757 – from Dublin Airport to Camden Street; stops also at Merrion Square and Grand Canal Square
Local bus
Besides Airlink bus lines, you can also get to other parts of Dublin by taking lines 16, 41 and 102 which either depart or stop by the airport.
- line 16 – from Dublin Airport to Ballinteer → see timetable
- line 41 – departs from Sword Manor and stops at the airport, Omni shopping centre, Drumcondra railway station to Lower Abbey Street → timetable
- line 102 – from Dublin Airport to Sutton Station → timetable
Train
Although there is no direct railway link with Dublin airport and the rest of Dublin, there are several bus services which we listed above which run to railway stations such as Connolly, Heuston and Drumcondra railway stations.
Taxi services
Airport taxis are waiting in front of Terminal 1 and 2 and they are always at passengers’ disposal. There are taxi signs right outside the terminals which lead to taxis. Journeys over 30 kilometres are not available, and the passengers get a receipt with fares from the taximeter. So, wherever you need to go, don’t worry about getting overcharged.
Private Transfer
Since the journey over 30 kilometres from the airport is not possible with regular taxis, consider a private door-to-door transfer as an alternative. Especially if you are travelling in a larger group of people or if you are carrying a lot of baggage. Transfer can be booked in advance and a professional driver will wait for you at the airport and take you to your destination.
Renting a car at Dublin Airport
If you wish to explore Dublin and local towns on your own, probably the most economical and practical option would be renting a car at one of the offices at the airport (Sixt, Avis, Enterprise) or better, book it online to avoid a queue.
Renting a bus at Dublin Airport
A coach or a minibus is probably the most convenient option if you’re visiting the region in a larger group. You can either book a minibus for 8 to 12 people, or a coach for 22 or 48 people. Do your booking on time so the company can organize the meeting and pick-up points.
From DUB to Kilkenny: As already mentioned, Éireann bus company provides many connections with the rest of Ireland, and with Kilkenny as well. The line actually goes to Clonmel, but stop at Kilkenny railway station. See the schedule here.
From DUB to Waterford: To reach Waterford, you should take bus line 4 operated by Éireann which first stops in Carlow, then at Waterford railway station and finally in New Ross. → schedule
Accommodation near Dublin Airport
Dublin Airport – FAQs
It is practically impossible not to be able to get to the centre of Dublin. Apart from two express buses, there are another three regular bus lines. However, since there are no available buses from 00:30 to 05:45, you should probably get yourself a taxi.
Sure thing, there are two hotels in the proximity of the airport available for an overnight stay:
Maldron Hotel (4*) – 12 minutes of walking distance from the airport, has free Wi-Fi and free parking, offers laundry service and room service
Radisson Blu Hotel (4*) – 1 km from the airport, has free Wi-Fi connection and offers laundry service
Of course, it is possible, you can either catch one of the buses or get a taxi which is not too pricey if there is more passengers. If you want to leave your luggage to avoid dragging them around, you can do that at luggage storage situated at Terminal 1 atrium.
In fact, there are many direct lines provided by Bus Éireann company, such as lines to Galway, Wexford, Sligo, Donegal, Drogheda, Navan, Cork, Wicklow and Letterkenny. If you find yourself in Ireland during St. Patrick’s day, here you can see the list of top 5 cities which celebrate this holiday.
Of course, there are several exchange offices provided by ICE (International Currency Exchange) both at Terminal 1 and 2 and there are also many ATMs throughout the airport.
It is very difficult to get to the bus stop for number 16 and number 41 buses from Terminal 2 at Dublin Airport. There are no signs to guide me. I came down the stairs near the T2 taxi rank and had a long unlit journey skirting car parks and through them – and across roads and open spaces – before coming to the bus stop where it exits. I am in my 70s with two cases and thus was not easy. The situation needs to be improved.
Dear Diarmuid Peavoy,
thanks for the valuable information, lets hope the airport manages to find a better location in the future!
Hi.
Not sure when you did this journey but on this date February 2019 it is the same. Terrible, terrible trek. NEVER again. Always find out which airlines arrive and depart terminal 1. Buses are right outside the door.
I’d like to go to an address on Fownes St Lower, Temple Bar, Dublin for about an hour on a weekday in Jan 2019 in between flights. I have some 6 hours to spare before I have to return back to Terminal 2 to check-in for the next flight in late afternoon. What is your suggestion regarding transportation? It will be my first time in Dublin. Including information on what to expect regarding fares would be helpful and very much appreciated.
If I have to pay the bus driver in coins, where can I get them at Dublin Airport. Thanks.
Dear Usman,
Public transportation around the city costs €1.55 (single ticket) while ticket from Dublin Airport to Dublin costs €12 (return ticket). You’ll probably just need the ticket from the airport and the rest you can explore by foot. You can see here the route map and see which stop suits you the best. I suggest you buy tickets online to avoid problems with coins. Here’s the link – https://getbybus.com/en/bus-dublin-airport-to-dublin
Best regards,
Melani, GBB Team
Anyone using the Bus Eireann services to get from Dublin Airport to the provinces would be well advised to book online or they may find themselves having a long wait between services as some of them only run every two hours.
I’d also advise being aware of the fact that the timetables are less than reliable when it comes to the arrival time at your ultimate destination. You should allow anything from 10 to 30 minutes after the scheduled arrival time.
Does Dublin airport bus drop u to your terminal
Dear Davin,
Dublin Airport Bus (line 747) stops directly in front of the airport terminal.
Best regards,
Melani GBB Team