Whether you need a transfer to and from the airport or an in-city ride – you can find all the information you need about Uber Dublin, alternative transport options, and which is the best choice for you right here.
Is there Uber in Dublin?
Yes, Uber is available in Dublin, Ireland but the services are somewhat restricted. Uber Dublin launched back in 2014, but Ireland has strict regulations around hiring private cars. This means Uber can only connect its riders with licensed taxi and limousine drivers, limiting its private car services to just Uber Black and Green.
Uber Black gets you a premium ride with a professional driver whilst Green offers affordable rides in an electric or hybrid vehicle. Alternatively, the app can be used to book a traditional metered taxi. You can choose between a standard sedan with space for up to 4 passengers, an XL vehicle that fits up to 6, and a larger taxi for groups of up to 8.
Cost of an Uber in Dublin
Uber is typically cheaper than traditional taxis, however, this is not the case in Dublin as the app connects you to traditional taxis. Rates for Uber taxis in Dublin are calculated by a taximeter and cost about the same as a taxi from the street. Alternatively, Uber Black is a premium service and is always pricier.
Despite this, the app still has its benefits – allowing you to see an estimate of the final fare before you book your ride in the app. Just keep in mind that the actual price is based on real-time factors such as time of day, distance travelled, trip duration, and so on. You’ll also need to factor in the cost of any tolls, as these will be added to the final fare.
With that being said, an Uber taxi from Dublin Airport to the city centre is the most affordable option, costing approximately €38. Likewise, you’ll pay around €22 for a 5 km ride in the city.
*Please note that the company applies surge pricing during periods of high demand.
| Dublin Airport to city centre | Croke Park to St Stephen’s Green (5 km) |
| Uber Black – €60 | Uber Black – €36 |
| Green – €38 | Green – €22 |
| Standard taxi – €38 | Standard Taxi – €22 |
| Welcome Pickups private transfer – €61 | Welcome Pickups private transfer – €25 |
What are the alternatives to taking an Uber in Dublin?
From the airport
When booking rides to and from the airport, airport transfer companies are a popular choice amongst travellers as they let you book and pay in advance for added peace of mind.
If you pre-book your Dublin Airport taxi with a reliable provider like Welcome Pickups, you’ll receive a fixed fare ahead of time, a trained driver, a personal meet and greet, and plenty of travel extras. That way, you can get from the airport curb to your hotel as quickly and comfortably as possible.
It is still possible to use Uber in Dublin Airport, although it won’t be cheaper than taking a taxi from the ranks. Pick-up locations depend on the terminal and the driver. And as the official ranks outside the terminal can get very busy, drivers often expect passengers to walk to an alternative meeting point such as the official taxi app pick-up zone – located close to the bus stops.
Getting around Dublin
If you’re still set on using a ride-hailing app but aren’t too keen on using Uber Dublin, you can download other known apps operating in Dublin including Free Now and Lynk. Otherwise, there are a few ways to get a taxi once you’re in Dublin: you can head to the closest taxi rank, call a company to arrange a pick-up, or book a private transfer.
Dublin taxis are particularly useful for quick rides within the city. The main ranks within the centre are located near O’Connell Street, Parnell Square and College Green, as well as a few of the larger transportation hubs. Whilst local taxis are easily accessed, waiting times can be rather lengthy. Plus, there’s usually a €2 surcharge for calling a taxi company.
Lastly, you can still use Welcome Pickups for in-city rides and secure 24/7 customer support, top-quality service, and plenty of travel extras.
Is Uber safe in Dublin?
Using Uber in Dublin is safe, especially as the app provides a few features that allow you to ensure a reliable ride. We recommend checking your driver’s rating and following the journey using the in-app map. For added safety, consider opting for the Uber Black service. These drivers have the highest ratings and you can even share your location with friends and family.
Furthermore, when riding in standard taxis, there’s always the risk of common tourist scams such as drivers taking a longer route than necessary. Whilst this rarely happens, it’s good to make sure your driver resets the taximeter before setting off and you can also keep an eye on the route using Maps.
If you run into any issues, note down the driver’s details, keep your receipt and contact the company or local police to file a complaint. Or, to avoid the problem altogether, opt for a private transfer from a trusted company with 24/7 customer support
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FAQs
Does Dublin have Uber?
Yes, Uber is available in Dublin but national regulations mean services are limited. The only standard Uber services available are Uber Black and Green. Alternatively, Uber Dublin connects its users to traditional metered taxis. While you can still benefit from real-time ride-hailing and price estimates, Uber’s usual selling point of being cheaper than regular taxis does not apply in Dublin.
Can I pay by card?
Ride-hailing apps like Uber allow you to pay by card through the app once the ride is terminated. Additionally, taxi drivers in Dublin are also required to accept card payments.
Do I need to tip my Dublin Uber driver?
Tipping is not expected in Ireland, and this extends to taxi drivers. However, if you enjoyed the service, a small tip is always appreciated. If you don’t have any cash handy, the Uber app allows you to add a tip before the ride is terminated.
