You’ve just landed at Dublin Airport and need to get into the city centre. Here’s what you need to know.

The short answer: For two or more people, take a taxi - it’ll cost around €25-35 and goes door to door. Solo travellers or people on a budget should take Dublin Express. That’s the short version, but read on if you want to understand all your options and why these recommendations work.

Where to Find Your Transport

All terminals at Dublin Airport are well signposted, so you won’t get lost. Taxis queue right outside both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 arrivals - just follow the signs and join the queue. There’s a dispatcher at each terminal if you have questions.

Bus services leave from marked zones around the airport. From Terminal 1, head to Zone 15 for most services (it’s clearly marked). From Terminal 2, it’s about a 5-minute walk to the same pickup points, with covered walkways and good signage throughout. The two terminals are only 300 metres apart. You can see the bus pick-up area below.

US flights arrive into Terminal 2, as do most long-haul services. European flights use both terminals depending on the airline.

Taxi

The taxi queue moves quickly unless you’ve arrived at the same time as several other long-haul flights. Expect to pay €25-35 to reach most city centre hotels, depending on whether you’re heading to the north or south side and how bad traffic is. Journey time is typically 20-30 minutes.

All Irish taxis must accept card payments by law, though it’s worth checking before you set off if you’re paying by card. The meter should be running - never agree a fixed price unless you know what the going rate is.

Taxis use bus lanes, which helps them skip some of the traffic that clogs Dublin’s roads. For groups of two or more, the cost per person often works out similar to taking an express bus, but with the convenience of going straight to your accommodation.

FreeNow is Ireland’s answer to Uber (regular Uber doesn’t really exist here - it’s a licensing issue). The FreeNow app works like Uber and calls a licensed taxi. There’s a dedicated pickup zone (Zone 18) for FreeNow users at both terminals. The fare will be the same as a regular metered taxi.

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Express Bus Services

Two companies run express services into Dublin city centre: Dublin Express and Aircoach. Both are comfortable, both work well, and both stop at multiple locations across the city centre.

Dublin Express

Routes 782 and 784 operate every 15-30 minutes throughout the day, with services running from early morning until late at night. The buses make multiple stops at central locations including O’Connell Street, Trinity College, and various hotels.

  • Adult fare: €8 single, €12 return
  • Child fare: €3 single, €5 return
  • Journey time: 30-40 minutes depending on traffic and stops

You can pay onboard, but it’s easier to book online in advance through Dublin Express. The buses are modern with luggage space, though it can get tight during busy periods.

Aircoach

Aircoach runs routes 700 and 701, also departing every 15-30 minutes. They serve a similar route through the city centre with slightly different stops. The service is comparable to Dublin Express.

  • **Adult fare: **€9 single, €13 return
  • Child fare: €4 single, €6 return
  • Journey time: 30-40 minutes

One thing to note: whilst you can use a Leap Card on Aircoach services, you won’t get the usual Leap Card discounts. You’ll pay the full Aircoach fare regardless. This catches people out.

Regular Dublin Bus

Dublin Bus routes 16 and 41 run from the airport through the city centre. These are standard city buses, not express services, so they’re slower and stop frequently. The advantage? They’re significantly cheaper at €2.60 per journey if paying cash (exact change required) or €2 with a Leap Card.

The problem with Dublin Bus for airport transfers is threefold: limited luggage space, slower journey times, and the cash payment requirement (drivers won’t give change and won’t accept notes). Unless you’re a local or already have a Leap Card loaded with credit, the express buses make more sense for most visitors.

What About the Train?

There isn’t one. Dublin Airport has no rail connection, despite being Ireland’s busiest airport. There are long-standing plans for a MetroLink that would connect the airport to the city centre, but construction hasn’t started yet and won’t be finished until the 2030s at the earliest.

If you need to reach Connolly or Heuston train stations for onward travel, take a taxi directly or use Dublin Express route 782, which stops near both stations.

Car Hire

A lot of visitors choose to hire a car (compare prices here) and plan to stop off in Dublin city centre before setting out on a longer itinerary. Not a lot of city centre hotels have their own car parks, although they may have arrangements with multi-storey providers nearby. This can get expensive, and central Dublin is best explored on foot (or with an occasional taxi journey) instead of trying to find parking.

My recommendation: don’t drive a car while you explore central Dublin. Instead, enjoy Dublin, then pick up your rental car from one of the many city centre desks operated by the main car rental companies. You can usually pick up there and drop off back at the airport (subject to a fee, in some cases).

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My Recommendations

Two + People

Take a taxi. It’s convenient, relatively quick, and the per-person cost is reasonable when split between passengers. You’ll have luggage space and go directly to your accommodation.

Solo Traveller

Take Dublin Express. It’s reliable, comfortable, and stops at all the main city centre locations. €8 is reasonable for a direct airport service.

Groups

Consider booking a private transfer in advance. By splitting the cost, a private minivan often works out similarly to taxi prices but with more space and less hassle.

Skip Dublin Bus

Skip regular Dublin Bus unless you’re a local with a Leap Card already in your pocket. The savings aren’t worth the inconvenience for most visitors

Practical Details

  • Journey times: Allow 30-45 minutes by bus or taxi, longer during peak hours (roughly 7-9 am and 4-7 pm on weekdays). Dublin’s traffic can be frustrating (soooo frustrating), particularly on the approach roads to the airport.
  • First-time visitors: The express buses are easier than you might think. Drivers are used to tourists, the stops are well-marked, and most city centre hotels are within walking distance of at least one bus stop.
  • Late arrivals: Both taxi services and Dublin Express operate into the early hours, but check the exact times if you’re landing after midnight. Taxis are always available, even on late flights.
  • Onward travel: If you’re heading straight to Galway, Cork, or other Irish cities, consider taking a direct intercity bus from the airport rather than routing through Dublin city centre. Bus Éireann and several private operators run services directly from Dublin Airport. Use Translink for Northern Ireland.

The airport-to-city journey is straightforward once you know your options. Pick the one that suits your group size and budget, and you’ll be in the city centre before you know it.

More Dublin Planning:Where to Stay in Dublin | Things to Do in Dublin | Car Rental in Ireland

**Sorted your airport transport? Here’s what to do once you’re in Dublin: **