Dublin Taxi
With over 10,000 taxis roaming around the city, getting a taxi in Dublin is easy. There are different types of taxi services to choose from: licensed metered taxis and hackney cabs or limousines. Nevertheless, all Small Public Service Vehicles (SPSV) and licenses are regulated by the National Transport Authority.
You can hail a metered Dublin taxi from the street or find them at a taxi rank, whilst a hackney cab or a limousine (private cars) must be pre-booked via phone, online, or in-person. Licensed taxis calculate the fares using a taximeter, whilst hackney cabs and limousines generally have a fixed price list for different destinations.
Many taxi companies operate in Dublin, all with different vehicles, so it can be tricky to recognise them. The only way to spot an official taxi in Dublin is to check for a black and yellow ‘TAXI’ roof sign and the company logo on the doors or windows. Although, Hackney cabs are unmarked but still easily recognisable by their iconic shape.
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How much is a taxi in Dublin?
| Taxi prices | Day time (05:00 - 24:00) | Night time (00:00 - 05:00) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| DUBLIN CITY CENTRE TO DUBLIN AIRPORT | 25 € | 35 € | 20 MIN |
| HEUSTON STATION TO DUBLIN AIRPORT | 35 € | 50 € | 25 MIN |
| GUINESS STOREHOUSE TO TEMPLE BAR | 10 € | 13 € | 10 MIN |
| O'CONNELL STREET TO DUBLIN CASTLE | 16 € | 21 € | 15 MIN |
| TRINITY COLLEGE TO PHOENIX PARK | 20 € | 28 € | 20 MIN |
| DUBLIN TO BELFAST | 250 € | 300 € | 2 H 10 MIN |
Dublin taxi prices
An official taxi in Dublin usually calculates your fare with a taximeter, based on the time of day and distance travelled. Metered rates are regulated by the National Transport Authority and updated every two years or so. Additional fees may be added on top of your final fare, for factors such as extra passengers, tolls, or booking by phone.
To give you an idea of approximate Dublin taxi prices, a taxi from Dublin Airport to the city centre costs between €25 and €35 during the day and €32 and €45 at night. Likewise, a standard journey within the city centre usually costs around €8 to €15.
Standard rate (08:00 to 20:00 Monday to Friday)
- Initial charge – €4.20
- Rate/km – €1.30
- Rate/km after 15 km – €1.65
Premium rate (20:00 to 08:00 Monday to Friday, Sundays, Public Holidays)
- Initial charge – €4.80
- Rate/km – €1.71
- Rate/km after 15 km – €2
Additional charges
- Booking by phone – €2
- Additional passengers onwards – €1
- Tips – Not included; a 10% tip is customary
*Note that the standard rate should be displayed as Tariff 1 on the meter, while the premium rate must be displayed as Tariff 2.
Alternatively, hackney cabs and limousines are not required to use a taximeter. This means that you can agree upon a fixed fare when booking your ride. However, it’s worth noting that hackney cabs are usually pricier than taxis hailed from the street. In any case, all drivers are legally required to carry ‘proof of booking’ for all fares.
If you prefer to pay a competitive fixed fare in advance, you can pre-book your airport taxi in Dublin with Welcome Pickups and skip any hidden fees.
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How to get a taxi in Dublin
Getting a Dublin taxi couldn’t be easier, as taxis operate in the city 24 hours a day, all year round. Taxis in Dublin are owned by many taxi companies, so the vehicles are often different models and colours. That being said, all you have to do to hail a taxi from the street is spot a vehicle with the telltale yellow ‘TAXI’ sign and hold out your hand.
If the streets are busy, you can take a Dublin taxi from ranks dotted throughout the city including O’Connell Street and College Green. There are also ranks outside all the main transport hubs such as Dublin Airport, Heuston Station, and Connolly Station. All taxi ranks are marked with a white and red sign, with the word ‘TAXI’ in black lettering.
Conveniently, some ranks operate exclusively at night, between 20:00 and 06:00. Locations include Dame Street and Merrion Row. You can use a map application on your mobile and type “taxis near me” to locate the nearest rank.
How to get a taxi from Dublin Airport
Getting an official airport taxi from Dublin Airport is simple. Taxi ranks are conveniently located directly outside the Arrivals Hall of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. As you exit your gate, just follow the ‘TAXI’ signs out of the building and you’ll see the rank up ahead. There’s even a taxi dispatcher on duty at both ranks if you need further assistance booking your taxi.
How to get a taxi from Heuston Station
Once you’ve disembarked your train in Dublin’s busiest station, head towards the St. John’s Road West exit close to the toilets and the Mullins store. As you exit the station, passing underneath the stunning arches, you will see a taxi rank directly in front of you.
How to get a taxi from Dublin Ferry Port
If you’re arriving by boat, there are taxi ranks outside the main terminals in Dublin Port. Just follow the signs towards the terminal exit and you’ll see a taxi rank nearby. However, it is advised to pre-book your taxi from the port as there aren’t always taxis waiting in the ranks.
How to get a taxi from O’Connell Street
If your feet are tired after a busy day exploring the city, O’Connell Street is a good place to find a taxi back to your hotel. There is a taxi rank opposite the Savoy cinema, up towards Parnell Square. As the location is quite central, taxis are almost always available.
Finally, when it comes to Hackney cabs and limousines, it isn’t possible to hail one from the street or take one from a taxi rank. The only way to book a Hackney taxi or limousine is to pre-book via phone or in person with the respective company.
Some private car and limousine companies have their own websites for online bookings whereas Hackney cab providers aren’t typically online. Their offices are usually small walk-in shops on the high street or main streets. You can also find Hackney cab business cards in pubs, convenience stores, etc.
Best Dublin taxi apps
If the weather’s bad or you’re visiting during peak season, finding a taxi in the street is not ideal. Plus, you can expect long queues at taxi ranks in the evenings, after pubs close in Dublin. In these cases, you may want to use a Dublin taxi app to book a taxi to your exact location. It saves time and eliminates the need to search for a rank or taxi in the street.
Some of the most popular taxi apps in Dublin are Uber, Lynk Taxis, Free Now, and Cab2000. Cab2000 and Lynk Taxis are Ireland-based services used a lot by locals. Generally, these apps provide travellers with added peace of mind thanks to extra security features, fare estimates, and more.
However, you may have a long wait if you book your ride to and from Dublin Airport using an app, as taxis can be in high demand. If you’d prefer to hop straight into a waiting vehicle, we recommend booking your airport taxi in advance with Welcome Pickups. With benefits such as meet and greets and flight monitoring, you can travel with added peace of mind.
Useful Dublin taxi numbers
If you don’t want to download an app, you can call a Dublin taxi number and arrange a pickup instead. Most companies are open 24/7 and arrive within 10 minutes. Plus, some are metered services and others may accept fixed fares. Just make sure you negotiate the fare before ordering the ride.
A few of the top-rated taxi services in Dublin are:
- VIP Taxis – +353 (1) 478 3333
- Dublin Dial A Cab – +353 (1) 808 0800
- Checkers Cabs – +353 (1) 834 3434
- National Radio Cabs – +353 (1) 677 22 22
*Don’t forget that there is a €2 surcharge for taxis booked over the phone.
Book your Dublin taxi in advance
Knowing that your Dublin taxi will be waiting for you at a set time, in a set location and with a fixed price takes a lot of the weight off your shoulders. If you prefer budgeting and planning your trip in advance, then you can pre-book your Dublin taxi with one of the many taxi companies online.
Bear in mind that many operators providing pre-booked services may have high fees. To avoid expensive fares and hidden charges, you can book your Dublin Airport transfer with Welcome Pickups and enjoy a reliable, personalised experience.
Dublin taxi tips
- Dublin taxis can take up to 4 passengers. You may find minivans at taxi ranks but this is never guaranteed. To guarantee a larger vehicle, you will need to pre-book via phone, online, or in an office.
- Taxis in Ireland are required to accept payments by card, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express and digital wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay.
- If you are taking a metered taxi, Dublin drivers must reset the taximeter and set it to the right tariff before you begin your journey.
- If you take a Hackney cab, drivers are not allowed to charge more than the agreed fare and must give passengers a receipt.
- Road toll charges aren't included in the fare and will be added as incurred.
- It’s customary to give a 10% tip to your taxi driver in Dublin.
- Hackney cabs are all wheelchair accessible.
- If you feel your driver is taking a long route or is heading in the wrong direction, you can check your location on Google Maps.
Wheelchair-accessible taxi in Dublin
Not all taxis in Dublin are wheelchair-accessible but plenty of them are. As a general rule, Hackney cabs are accessible. The best thing to do though is call a private taxi company and confirm your vehicle has the amenities to fit your needs.
Dublin Dial A Cab (+353 1 808 0800) provides accessible vehicles at short notice. Additionally, you can contact the National Transport Authority by phone (+353 1 879 8300) or via email ([email protected]). Staff members will happily provide you with contact information for a wheelchair-accessible vehicle service operating within your area.
Dublin taxi safety and complaints
Taxis in Dublin are a reliable transportation option and it’s a safe choice during your trip, at any time of day. Even though it’s rare, if you experience unprofessional behaviour, reckless driving, or overcharging, you should write down the driver’s name, registration number, and licence plate. You can then contact the company they work for and file a complaint.
For further assistance, you can contact the National Transport Authority at [email protected].