Are you preparing for your trip to Ireland and want to learn how Transportation in Dublin works? Good thinking, because relying on taxis all the time can get expensive, especially if you’re planning to study in Dublin for an extended period.
We’ve created this comprehensive guide to make the most of the city’s public transport. It covers everything you need to know to navigate like a local: how the system works, costs and schedules, tips for each mode of transport, and much more.
So, buckle up and learn how to get around Dublin efficiently!
Disclaimer: prices may vary, keep that in mind!
Benefits of Using Public Transportation in Dublin
Before diving into the details, let’s explore the key benefits of relying on Transportation in Dublin.
Save Money
Chances are your budget won’t stretch to buying a car right after arriving or taking taxis everywhere. Thankfully, Dublin isn’t a sprawling city, so distances are short, and public transport costs reflect this.
Environmental Care
Ireland enforces strict regulations to reduce fossil fuel emissions. By using public transportation, you contribute to decreasing car traffic and noise pollution, positively impacting the environment.
With these benefits in mind, let’s delve into the details of Dublin’s transportation system, including costs, payment methods, and what makes each mode unique.
How Public Transportation in Dublin Works
Transportation in Dublin is known for being efficient, eco-friendly, and diverse. The main modes of transport in the city are buses, trams, and bicycles—yes, bicycles, which are especially popular due to Dublin’s commitment to sustainability.
For longer journeys outside the city, you can use trains (DART), intercity buses (Bus Éireann), or ferries.
Although cash payments are accepted, we recommend getting a Leap Card for buses and trams. This card offers the most affordable way to travel, with savings of up to 20% per trip. Let’s see how you can get one.
Leap Card: Dublin’s Travel Card
You can purchase a Leap Card online, and its price varies based on the type of traveler:
- Adults.
- Adults Personalized.
- Children (ages 5–15).
- Teens (ages 16–18).
- Young Adults (ages 19–23).
- Students (over 24 years old).
- Visitors.
The minimum cost is €5, refundable, plus a mandatory top-up of at least €5. For instance, the Visitor Leap Card costs €32 and offers unlimited travel for seven days.
If you’re planning to study in Ireland, a student Leap Card might be more cost-effective since it typically includes discounts.
Types of Public Transportation in Dublin
Now that you know how to pay for transportation, it’s time to choose the mode that best suits your needs. For example, if you have a job interview, you’re more likely to take the bus rather than a bike.
In this section, we’ll explain the specifics of each type of public transportation in Dublin.
Bus
Buses in Dublin are double-deckers like those in London, but they’re yellow. There are 136 routes covering different parts of the city with both daytime and nighttime services.
Schedules vary between weekdays and weekends. Routes 15, 41, and 39a, for instance, operate 24 hours a day.
There’s a service connecting Dublin City with the airport. The Xpresso service offers faster transportation during peak hours.
Bus Fare in Dublin
The ticket price depends on the type of Leap Card you have and the distance you travel. For an adult, the fare is as follows:
- Short trip (up to 3 km): €1.30.
- Long trip (up to 90 minutes): €2.00.
- Xpresso service: €2.40.
For more details about fares, schedules, services, and routes, visit Dublin Bus.
If you plan to visit other Irish cities, you’ll need a long-distance bus. In that case, Bus Éireann connects with Ireland’s public transport network.
Tram (Luas)
The tram, also known as Luas, is Dublin’s second most popular public transport option. The name “Luas” means “speed” in Gaelic.
Unlike other cities like Madrid, Dublin doesn’t have an underground metro system. Instead, its urban train system operates above ground. The tram has two lines crossing the city center in opposite directions:
- Red Line: 32 stations (from Saggart to The Point) connecting the southwest to the east. Operating hours are from 5:42 AM to 11:52 PM, Monday through Friday.
- Green Line: 36 stations (from Brides Glen to Broombridge) connecting the northwest to the southeast. Operating hours are from 5:30 AM to 11:52 PM, Monday through Friday.
Tram Fare in Dublin
As with buses, the cost depends on the distance and Leap Card type:
- Short trip (up to 3 km): €1.30.
- Long trip (up to 90 minutes): €2.00.
For students in Dublin, the discount included with the Leap Card reduces the fare to €0.65 for short trips and €1.00 for long trips.
For more details about the Luas, click here.
Train (DART)
Dublin’s public transportation extends to the suburbs and nearby towns. For these distances, the main option is the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) train, operated by Iarnród Éireann.
This train runs along the Irish Sea coast and even reaches Wicklow County. Because of its scenic route, it’s popular among tourists for its breathtaking views and affordability.
You can view the complete map of the DART’s routes and stations on their official website.
Train Fare in Dublin
For the DART, the fare depends on the distance. Using a Leap Card, a trip can cost around €3.00 for a route from Tara Street Station (in central Dublin) to Greystones (southbound).
There’s also a fare simulator available for more precise calculations.
Ferry
Although primarily used for tourism, ferries are part of Dublin’s public transportation system as many people use them to travel from Dublin Ferry Port to islands outside the capital.
Several companies operate these vessels, with most offering round trips to destinations outside Ireland, such as Liverpool (England) or Santander (Spain).
The ferry service mainly operates from June to August, depending on Ireland’s weather conditions.
Ferry Fare in Dublin
The cost depends on the distance of the journey. For example:
- Dublin to Holyhead (England): Approximately €40 per trip.
For more information, visit the websites of Irish Ferries or Stena Line, two popular ferry companies in Ireland.
Bicycle
Dublin covers an area of 117 km², making it a small city compared to Toronto (630 km²) or Sydney (12,368 km²). This makes cycling a convenient option for getting around.
The NOW Dublinbikes system regulates bicycle rentals in the city. The service is available from 5:30 AM to 12:30 AM. To use a bike in Dublin, follow these steps:
- Register on the Dublinbikes website or app.
- Find a nearby station on the map.
- Select a bike via the app and unlock it.
- Ride to your destination.
- Return the bike to a nearby station.
Bike Rental Fare in Dublin
There are different subscription options for tourists and residents:
- 1-day pass: €3.50 (first 30 minutes free).
- 3-day pass: €5.00.
- Annual subscription: €35.00.
Taxi
Finally, let’s discuss the least economical form of public transportation in Dublin—just like anywhere else. It’s still worth knowing how taxis work in Ireland.
In Ireland, taxis, limousines, and carriages are collectively known as SPSV (Small Public Service Vehicle) and are regulated by the National Transport Authority.
Taxi Fare in Dublin
As with other modes, the fare depends on the distance.
For example, a trip from Dublin Airport to the city center costs around €27 on average. Additional charges include:
- Booking a taxi: €2.00.
- Extra adult passenger: €1.00.
The fare, determined by a taximeter in the vehicle, varies by time:
- Standard hours: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
- Premium hours: 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM, Sundays, and holidays.
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