Dublin Airport is the main air gateway to Ireland and Northern Ireland. It is located only 11 kilometers from the city center, which allows tourists to quickly get from any point on the map of Dublin right from there and come back. But if it’s your first time in Ireland you can use our tips on how to choose the right transport for your trip from the airport to the center of Dublin.
You can see the plan of Dublin Airport at this link. The map clearly shows the location of terminals No. 1 and No. 2, as well as other places relevant for tourists. They include hotels, parking lots and all kinds of shops and cafes as well as the area of public transport stops (opposite terminal No. 1). But generally you don’t need to worry, there are clear signs at the airport.
Public transport
The most economical way to get to Dublin city center from the airport is by public transport. It’s not far, so there are several routes of the city buses there. You can choose the one that will take you to a desired point.
Airlink Express buses
Travel time: 30 minutes.
Ticket price: about €3,5.
The most famous Dublin Bus company offers several buses, moving along various routes. You can buy a ticket directly from the driver, but only for cash coins. If necessary, you can get a day pass for trips or pay for a month at once. If you plan to spend a long time in the city, this option is perfect, as it assumes discounts and additional trips. We wrote about travel cards in Dublin in a special article.
Bus #16 moves south to Ballinteer passing the center. Buses run every 15 minutes from 6am to 11pm.
Bus #41 follows the central Abbey Street. It goes around the clock every half hour.
This is the cheapest option, perfect for those who need to get to the north or north-east of Dublin. Bus routes and timetables can be found on the official website.
Aircoach bus
Travel time: 25–30 minutes.
Ticket price: €7 for adults, €2.50 for kids.
Aircoach bus #700 is suitable if it is fundamentally important for you to get comfortably to the hotel in the central part of the city. The ticket price is actually double (€7 adult, €2.50 child) than the Dublin Bus, but it’s a bit faster because it only has three stops (O’Connell Street, O’Connell Bridge and Kildare Street). It’s running around the clock, every 30 minutes. And it is better to book a ticket on the official website, but you can also buy one from the driver in any contact-free way.
Airport Hopper shuttle bus
Airport Hopper shuttle buses link Dublin Airport with Maynooth University and Tallaght suburb. Due to the pandemic this service is temporarily not available.
Taxi
Taxi from Dublin Airport to the city center can be booked in advance or you can catch a car right at the airport, at the exits of both terminals. In Dublin, it is important to pay attention to a meter in the taxi driver’s car, his license and observing the rules of transporting passengers (in English). It is quite difficult to predict the cost, since many drivers offer prices, hoping that the passenger is not aware of the average market prices.
Official operators have a formula generating the prices:
- Monday-Saturday, from 8am to 8pm: € 3.80 as down payment, plus € 0.4 per minute. There are also tariffs, where you pay pretty much the same for each kilometer of the way. On Sunday and at night the rates increase.
Travel time: 10–15 minutes.
Price: approximately €25–30.
Order the taxi in advance online using this link to know exactly how much you should pay. The driver will meet you with a sign in the arrivals area.
Minivan taxi
For small groups Dublin Airport offers a special type of transfer, a minibus. One minivan can accommodate 8 people with luggage, inside there is Wi-Fi, charging gadgets, water and fresh newspapers. You can order it by email.
Price: €170.
» READ MORE – One day in Dublin, itinerary
Car
Only personal transport will provide you with complete freedom of action. It’s easy to travel from the airport to the center of Dublin, and from there immediately to the nearest castles. You can choose and book a car for rent in advance on this site. The car will be waiting for you at the airport parking lot. You can rent it even in another city.
» READ MORE – Renting a car in Ireland
Get ready for your trip from the airport to the center of Dublin in advance, and you will have a nice experience and will certainly want to return to the hospitable Irish city again. Whichever way you choose, the trip will be short, but it’s always better to take care of convenience.
Have a great trip!
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