Dublin International Airport (DUB) is Ireland’s busiest airport, located just 10 km outside of central Dublin. To accommodate the large number of travelers coming through the airport daily, there are five different transfer options to get from Dublin Airport to the city center; taxi, Dublin Airport transfer, or a selection of buses.

A Dublin Airport taxi is the fastest option, taking just 20 minutes to get from the airport to the city center in light traffic. Private Dublin Airport transfers also take just 20 minutes, providing an even more comfortable and fully customizable service. 

Travellers who find an airport taxi a little too pricey can opt for one of several shared buses that head straight from Dublin Airport to Dublin city centre for a fraction of the price. All bus lines are accessible from Terminals 1 and 2 and will take you downtown; it’s best to check each route’s map and find the line that will drop you as close to your accommodation as possible.

The best bus service overall is the Express Bus since it is the quickest option, taking around 30 minutes. The cheapest option is the Dublin Bus, although luggage space is limited. Lastly, the Aircoach offers the most comfortable service which takes around 40 minutes but is also the most expensive choice. Keep in mind that buses can get very busy during peak season and journeys can be extended due to wait and transfer times and traffic levels.

5 ways to get from Dublin Airport to Dublin

PRICE FOR
OPTION
PRICE
TIME
AVAILABLE
Welcome Pickups Private Transfer
€61 20min 24/7
Convenience
Book
Taxi
€30 20min 24/7
Convenience
Book
Express Bus
€16 30min 03:05–00:35
Convenience
Read more
Dublin Bus
€4 40min 24/7
Convenience
Read more
Aircoach 700/701
€20 40min 00:25–23:55
Convenience
Read more
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How to get from Dublin Airport to the city center by taxi

A Dublin Airport taxi is one of the most efficient and comfortable transportation options to get from Dublin Airport to the city center. Unlike most other European cities, the airport doesn’t charge additional fees for pickups or drop-offs and services are available 24/7. Taxi vehicles can seat up to 4 passengers and are usually dark grey or black with a distinctive black and yellow ‘TAXI’ sign on the rooftop. You can expect a taxi ride to the center of Dublin to take around 20 minutes, under normal traffic conditions.

How much does a taxi from Dublin Airport to the city center cost?

All licensed taxis in Dublin calculate their fees using a taximeter, based on the distance to your destination, plus any road tolls that will be added to the final price. The taxi fare is calculated as follows:

Day Tariff (08:00 – 20:00):

Base rate: €3.80
Price per km: €1.14 – €1.50
Price per minute (if the speed drops below 21.2 km/hr): €0.40

Night Tariff (08:00 – 20:00), Sundays and holidays:

Base rate: €4.20
Price per km: €1.45 – €1.80
Price per minute (if the speed drops below 21.2 km/hr): €0.51

This means the average taxi cost from Dublin Airport to the city center is around €30, depending on your exact destination and the number of passengers.

To avoid any confusion you can pre-book a private Dublin Airport transfer and receive a competitive fixed rate fee with no extra costs, no matter what time of day you travel.

Where can I get a taxi from?

There are official taxi ranks in front of both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at Dublin Airport; simply follow the taxi signage inside the Arrivals Hall in either Terminal and you should find taxis lined up by the sidewalk.

Convenience

Taking a taxi from Dublin Airport to the city center is a great experience as they provide a door-to-door service in the privacy of your own vehicle. Moreover, taxis are considered to be the safest means of transportation, due to the experienced drivers and modern vehicles.

Useful Tips

If you're looking to get from Dublin Airport to Dublin Train Station, taking a taxi is the best option for stress-free transportation. There is no train station at Dublin Airport so the only available public transport option is the bus, which isn't always on time; if you're in a hurry to catch a train it's not worth the risk.
All taxis in Ireland must accept card payments as well as cash.
All taxis can issue a receipt, stating the start and the end of your journey time, the distance traveled, the total price and additional fees.
If your taxi driver provided good service, a small tip of around 10% is normally appreciated.
Companies must place stickers displaying their current rates on their dashboards.
Minibus taxis can seat 7 passengers and charge €1.45 per km during the day.

How to get from Dublin Airport to the city center by bus (Express Lines)

Since there isn’t a train from Dublin Airport to the city center, the quickest way to reach downtown by public transport is to take an Express Bus. Two different express lines depart for the city from each terminal – the 782 and 784. Buses make several stops along the way, including at O’Connell Street and Temple Bar, before terminating at Custom Quay House and 3Arena, respectively. The journey time by express bus takes between 30 and 40 minutes. 

*There is a third express bus, the 783, which services Dublin suburbs and terminates at Terenure.

How much is the bus from Dublin Airport to the city center?

The cost of an express bus ticket from Dublin Airport to the city is €8 for each adult traveler. We recommend booking tickets online in advance to secure a seat, although it’s also possible to purchase a ticket on the day from the airport in the Arrivals Hall, or straight from the driver.

Cost
€8
Trip Duration
30 Min.
Waiting time ranges from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the route and time of the day.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

Express buses run between 03:05 and 00:35.

Where do I get the express bus from?

Each operator departs from a different stop at Dublin Airport so it’s important to look for the relevant signs. Dublin Express buses depart from Zone 1 at Terminal 1 and Zone 21 at Terminal 2. There is a tunnel connecting the two Terminals and it’s a 5-minute walk from one to the other.

Convenience

Although taking a Dublin Airport bus to the city center takes longer than taking an airport taxi, the service itself is very efficient and is of good value for your money. Keep in mind that local buses offer limited luggage space so they may not be the best option for your group if you’re carrying multiple pieces of luggage and traveling during peak hours. This option also ranks lower in convenience because you’ll have to navigate your way to the bus stop and also to your destination once you get off the bus. 

Timetables

Dublin Express booking

Route information and online ticket purchase

Useful Tips

Passengers who hold a student LEAP card are eligible for a 50% discount. Unfortunately, the LEAP Visitor Card (Tourist) card is not accepted.
It's possible to purchase a ticket on the bus from the driver, although keep in mind that cash is not accepted.
Free WiFi is available on board.
Passengers can carry two 20 kg bags each, plus hand luggage.
For every paying adult, one child under 2 can travel for free.
A discount of 20% will be applied to groups of 10 or more travelers.

How to get from Dublin Airport to the city center by bus (Lines 16 and 41)

While several buses offer rides between the airport and downtown, the 16 and 41 Lines operated by Dublin Bus are the cheapest and most reliable. If you’re headed near O’Connell Street – the heart of Dublin – Line 16 is the best choice, which takes 40 minutes and passes by Skylon Hotel and Drumcondra Rail Station. Line 41 also takes around 40 minutes but terminates on Lower Abbey Street in the city center instead.

How much is the bus from Dublin Airport to the city center?

A single-journey short fare ticket can be purchased on-board the bus for €2 in cash. The driver is unable to give change, so you’ll need to have the exact amount in coins. Euro notes are not accepted.

Cost
€2
Trip Duration
40 Min.
Line 16 runs every 10 to 15 minutes and Line 41 runs every 15 to 30 minutes.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

Line 16 bus operates from 06:00 to 23:30 Monday to Saturday, and 08:00 to 23:30 on Sundays. The 41 bus operates 24/7 every day including weekends.

Where do I catch Dublin Bus services from?

Dublin Bus lines depart from Zone 15 in front of Terminal 1 which is a 5-minute walk from the Arrivals Hall.

Convenience

The Dublin Bus is the cheapest public transport option and the most flexible, with services running 24 hours a day at regular intervals. Luggage is limited, however, and passengers may be denied boarding if they have too much. Additionally, you’ll need the exact change in coins to purchase a ticket, which means withdrawing cash from an ATM on arrival and having it broken down into smaller bills and coins.

For a streamlined experience that you can pay for in advance, consider pre-booking a private transfer where a private vehicle and a highly trained English-speaking driver will greet you on arrival.

Timetables

Dublin Airport to the city center

Bus 16 and 41 Timetables

Dublin Bus fares

Single ticket and Leap card

Useful Tips

There is limited space for luggage on Line 41 so you may need to consider an alternative transport option if you have lots of baggage.
The Leap Card is available to buy online and from selected sale points in Dublin Airport. A single-journey fare costs €1.50 with LEAP.
Always check the bus operator's website for the most up-to-date schedule before traveling.
Both buses are wheelchair-accessible.
A 24 hour LEAP card is available for purchase at the airport for €8.
Children under 16 years can ride for €0.90.

How to get from Dublin Airport to the city center by bus (Aircoach Line 700)

Aircoach services 700 and 701 offer passengers regular and fast rides from Dublin Airport to the city center. Services depart every 15 to 30 minutes and the trip takes around 40 minutes, making stops at Drumcondra Station, as well as O’Connell Street, Kildare Street and Leeson Street Lower in the city center.

How much does the Aircoach cost?

A one-way bus ticket from Dublin Airport to the city on either Aircoach 700 or 701 costs €10 per adult. Tickets can be purchased online in advance, from the Aircoach service staff at the airport or from the driver on board using a card or cash.

It’s also possible to pay for your ticket using a LEAP card which can be purchased from Wrights Airport Convenience Store and WH Smith at T1 Arrivals or Spar Shop at T2 Arrivals. LEAP cards cost €19.50 and are valid for 3 days on most public transport across the city. 

Cost
€10
Trip Duration
40 Min.
Buses run every 30 minutes.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

The first bus departs Terminal 1 at 00:25, and the last one departs at 23:55.

Where can I get the Aircoach bus from?

The Aircoach has a bus stop situated at both terminals so you won’t have to walk too far after landing. From Terminal 1, exit the Arrivals Hall, cross the road, and you’ll find the stop on your left (in Zone 2). At Terminal 2, exit the Arrivals Hall and cross the road, following the signs leading down the escalator to your right. At the bottom of the escalator, you’ll find the stop (in Zone 20).

Convenience

The Aircoach service is the least cost-effective bus option, as it takes just as long as the Dublin Bus but costs five times as much. However, it offers more on-board amenities for a more comfortable ride, an increased luggage allowance, and simpler ticket purchasing with more payment options available.

Timetables

Dublin Airport to Dublin City Center

Aircoach Tickets and Timetables

Useful Tips

If you plan on returning to the airport, it's cheaper to purchase a return bus ticket at the time of booking for €15.
Young Adult/Student LEAP card holders receive a 50% discount on tickets.
This service doesn't run on Christmas Day so you might want to consider a more reliable option such as a private transfer to reach your destination.
For those staying at the Grand Canal Hotel, the Aircoach bus drops you right by the hotel, next to the School House Hotel. From there you will only need to walk 3 minutes to the Grand Canal Hotel.
Passengers can bring two items of luggage for free, each extra piece after that will cost €5.
USB outlets, WiFi, and toilets are available on board.

How to get from Dublin Airport to the city by private transfer

Taking an airport transfer from Dublin Airport to the city is the most convenient and efficient way to travel. Four and 7-seater vehicles can be pre-selected at the time of booking, ensuring that a transfer that suits your needs is waiting for you on arrival, along with an English-speaking driver who knows the streets of Dublin well. 

No need to wait in line for a taxi, your private transfer will deliver you directly to the door of your hotel in roughly 20 minutes in a stylish and comfortable sedan or minivan while you can sit back and enjoy the ride. Furthermore, you’ll receive a guaranteed fixed fare rate and a customer service team will be available 24/7 to offer any support.

What's the cost of a private transfer Dublin Airport to the city?

When you choose to travel via a private transfer you’ll receive an upfront fixed fare quote, inclusive of all fees and surcharges. This means that regardless of how much luggage you have or whether you get stuck in traffic, the price of your ride won’t change. Moreover, your ride will be paid for in advance so that on the day you can simply turn up and be on your way. 

If you’re traveling as a smaller group, the cost for a 4-seater sedan from Dublin Airport to the city center will be €61, or €75 if you opt for a more spacious 7-seater minivan. Bookings should be made either online or via the Welcome Pickups app. You’ll need to enter your personal details, flight information and the time and date you’d like your driver to meet you.

Cost
€61
Trip Duration
20 Min.
Your driver and private vehicle will be waiting on arrival.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

Private transfer services can be arranged 24/7, every day of the year.

Where will my private transfer depart from?

After landing and collecting any luggage, your driver will meet you in the Arrivals Hall. To help you identify them, they’ll be holding a sign with your name on it. After a warm introduction, your driver will lend a hand with any luggage as they show you to your pre-selected private vehicle.

Convenience

While a Dublin Airport taxi is a convenient transport option, private transfers offer an elevated experience with extra perks such as airport meet-and-greets, trained English-speaking drivers and greater flexibility. Private transfers are ideal for families and business travelers looking to maximize their time in Dublin by using a reliable and streamlined service. For first-time visitors, your personal driver will gladly share some local secrets and take you on a mini tour of the city en route to your destination.

Useful Tips

All of Welcome Pickups' drivers receive live flight status updates so even if your flight is delayed, they'll be there to meet you on time.
The day before your flight you will be sent your driver's name and photo to help you recognize them on arrival.
It's not customary to tip in Dublin so there is no need to feel obliged but if you want to show your appreciation for good service, that is perfectly fine too!
Requests can be made at the time of booking for additional services such as baby seats, a wheelchair-accessible vehicle and travel assistance.
The booking process – including confirmation – takes less than a minute.

Dublin Airport private transfers

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Frequently asked questions

How to get from Dublin Airport to the city center?

There are five ways to get from Dublin Airport to the city center: taxi, private transfer or a choice of buses. An airport taxi or private transfer provides door-to-door services in around 20 minutes, whereas buses take between 30 and 40 minutes, excluding wait and transfer times.

Is there a train at Dublin Airport?

How far is Dublin city center from the airport?

How much does it cost to get from Dublin Airport to the city center?

Transfer Options in Dublin