What is the best way to get around Dublin? How do I get from Dublin Airport to the city center? What is the public transportation like in Dublin? Welll! Welcome to Dublin, one of Europe's most vibrant and charming cities. Whether you're here to explore the city's rich history, soak up the lively atmosphere or indulge in a pint of Guinness, getting around town is easy thanks to Dublin's extensive public transport system. Is Dublin a walkable city? Yes, it is, but with Luas trams, Dublin buses, or DART trains, you can travel easily, quickly, and affordably. In this guide, you will find all the information you need to navigate Dublin's public transport like a local so that you can make the most of your trip to the Emerald Isle:
First things first: get yourself a Leap Card
The Leap Card is a smart travel card that provides a cost-effective and convenient way to travel on Dublin's public transport system. With the Leap Card, you only pay for one fare per hour, regardless of whether you are taking multiple modes of transport to reach your destination. It will also charge you accordingly to the distance you have traveled.
You can purchase your Lepcard at over 400 locations throughout Dublin, including Dublin Airport, train stations, and many convenience stores such as Centra, Daybreak, and Spar. You can also add credit to your card the moment you buy it or at any time by the Leap Top Up app (available for IOS and Android). It is definitely the best way to save time and money compared to purchasing individual tickets for each journey.
Everything you need to know about Dublin’s public transport:
Dublin has a fairly extensive public transport system and you can choose between many busses, trains or tram lines to go around the city. Here is all you need to know about the transportation options for your trip.
Luas Tram:
The Luas is Dublin's light rail system that covers two main lines: the Green Line and the Red Line. The first runs from Brides Glen in the south to Broombridge in the north, while the second runs from Tallaght in the west to The Point in the east. The tram is an excellent way to get around the city, especially if you're staying in the city center. It's fast, frequent, and easy to use. It will also charge you accordingly to the distance you have traveled, so remember to tap your card when you enter and leave the tram.
Using the Luas is the best option when traveling short distances within Dublin’s city center. You can find tram stations near many of the city’s main attractions, such as St Stephen’s Green, The Spire, the National Museum of Ireland, and Trinity College. It is also connected to Heuston Station, where tourists can take trains to many parts of Ireland all day.
Dublin Bus:
Dublin Bus is the main bus operator in the Irish capital, it covers an extensive network of over 200 routes across the city and suburbs. Buses are a great way to get around if you're exploring areas that aren't covered by the Luas or DART. There are also several bus routes that operate night services, making it easy to get around the city after a night out. The Dublin Bus App and the TFI Live App is the most reliable option to help you find information about the nearest bus stops and the best routes to get to your destination.
Night Services - Dublin Bus offer 24/7 services which are in operation across ten routes: 15, 39a, 41 (from/to Airport), C1, C2, C5, C6, E1, E2, G1, G2 and N4
Nitelink on Friday and Saturday Nights - 12 Nitelink bus routes depart from Dublin City Centre every Friday and Saturday night to suburbs all over Dublin: 7n, 29n, 31n, 33n, 42n, 46n, 49n, 69n, 70n, 77n, 84n and 88n
DART:
Are there any good day trips from Dublin by train? Oh, there are so many nice places to visit with Dart. The DART is Dublin's suburban rail service, which runs along the coast from Malahide and Howth in the north to Greystones in the south. The DART is an excellent way to explore the coastline and visit seaside towns and villages outside of Dublin city center. To use the DART, you'll need to purchase a ticket or use our dearest Leap Card. Single tickets can be purchased from ticket machines at each station or from convenience stores.
Some of the main places around Dublin you can visit by using DART trains are the seaside towns of Howth, Dalkey, Bray, Blackrock, Dun Laoghaire, and Greystones, all with local restaurants and pubs, as well as some beautiful cliff walks near the Irish sea.
Right, let's dive into some of the most common questions our team gets asked about getting around Dublin. So, take note – these are the essentials you'll want to know!
- How do I get from Dublin Airport to the city centre? Easy peasy! Public transport is a doddle! Buses number 16 and 41 goes directly to Dublin City Centre. The Airlink bus is the quickest option, whisking you straight into the city centre. A regular Dublin Bus is a cheaper shout, though it takes a bit longer. Both options are readily available right outside the arrivals area.
- What's the best way to get around Dublin? That depends on where you're going! Dublin's got a great mix: buses cover most of the city, the Luas (that's the tram) is super handy for getting across town, and the DART train is brilliant for coastal trips. A Leap Card is your best mate for paying for it all.
- How much does public transport cost in Dublin? Fares vary depending on how far you're going. A Leap Card usually works out cheaper than paying cash. You can top it up as you go. Maximum fare is €2.60 per person.
- Where can I buy a Leap Card? You can grab a Leap Card at the airport, at most newsagents and convenience stores, and at Leap Card machines dotted around the city. They're super easy to find.
- How do I use the Dublin Bus app? The Dublin Bus app is your new best friend! It shows you live bus times, helps you plan your journey, and even lets you buy tickets on your phone. Just download it from your app store and have a play – it's pretty intuitive. Also, have the TFI Life App too (honestly I think it works better!)
- What are the different types of public transport in Dublin? So, you've got Dublin Bus (the regular buses), the Luas (the tram, it's like a light rail), and the DART (the train that runs along the coast). They all work together to get you where you need to go.
- Is there public transport at night in Dublin? Yes, Dublin's got 24/7 buses and night buses (called Nitelink) that run after the regular buses stop. Handy if you're planning a late one!
- How accessible is public transport in Dublin? Dublin's working hard to make its public transport accessible for everyone. Most buses and Luas trams have wheelchair ramps, and there are accessible toilets at many stations. Check out the Transport for Ireland website for more info on accessibility.
- Are there any tourist passes for public transport in Dublin? You bet! There are a few different tourist passes that cover public transport for a few days. They can be a good value if you're planning on doing a lot of sightseeing. Have a look online for "Dublin tourist travel pass" to see what's available.
- What are the timetables for Dublin Bus/Luas/DART? You can find all the timetables on the Transport for Ireland website or on their app. The apps are usually the easiest way to see live updates and plan your journey.
If you need any extra help with how to get around Dublin, Gardiner House Hostel reception is open 24 hours a day, and our staff will be happy to assist you. Golden tip: The 41 bus runs 24/7 and stops just around the corner from our Gardiner House Hostel. During the day, the 16 bus also stops nearby.
⭐ Book your stay at Canbe Hostels! ⭐