✈ How to get from Shannon Airport to Galway

Galway is a harbour city on the west coast of Ireland and sits where the River Corrib meets the Atlantic Ocean. From vibrant music festivals, a rich culinary scene, and cosy pubs to an amazing coastline and awe-inspiring countryside, Galway has something to offer to every type of traveller. The nearest airport to Galway is Shannon International Airport, about 93 km south of the city. You can get directly from Shannon Airport to Galway by taking an airport taxi or the bus.

Getting from Shannon Airport to Galway by taxi is the most convenient option, ensuring quick and comfortable transportation. Airport taxis are offering on-demand service 24/7 but you could also pre-book a personalised ride to skip the line at the taxi rank. The trip from Shannon Airport to Galway takes about 1 hour and 5 minutes and you can expect to pay around €130 for a standard taxi.

If you prefer to use public transportation, the bus from Shannon Airport to Galway is a budget-friendly option. Bus line 51 provides a direct connection from the airport to the central bus station in Galway in about 2 hours and a single ticket costs €13.50. Both options are convenient and safe and you can choose the one that best matches your needs and budget.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Shannon at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Taxi	€130	65min	24/7
Bus	€27	120min	07:55–20:55

How to get from Shannon Airport to Galway by taxi

The best option to get from Shannon Airport to Galway is an airport taxi. Whether you choose to take an on-demand taxi from the airport taxi rank or to pre-book your ride and meet your driver as soon as you land, it’s the fastest and most convenient option to reach your hotel or apartment directly. The trip up north takes about 1 hour and 5 minutes in average traffic, giving you the chance to admire the scenery if you’re travelling during the daytime.

What's the cost of a taxi from Shannon Airport to Galway?

Standard Shannon taxi drivers typically use a taximeter to calculate the fare, which depends on the total distance driven, the traffic conditions, and the applicable tariff. For long-distance routes, you may be able to negotiate the fare with the driver and agree on the price before setting off. This is only an estimate but for a taxi from Shannon Airport to Galway, you can expect to pay around €130.

For a competitive set rate, consider pre-booking your ride; this will also allow you to pay in advance and enjoy peace of mind on the day of your arrival. Your friendly, professional driver will welcome you to Ireland and share about local must-see spots as you enjoy the scenic ride.

Photos (1)

Official Shannon Airport taxi

Cost

€130

Trip Duration

1 Hr. 5 Min.

*Fares will vary unless you book a taxi in advance.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis provide on-demand service 24/7 at Shannon International Airport (SNN).

Where do I take a taxi from?

The official airport taxi rank is located right in front of the terminal as soon as you exit the Arrivals Hall. There are relevant signs guiding you there and you should be able to spot the line of taxis and people during peak hours.

Convenience

In terms of convenience, getting from Shannon Airport to Galway by private transfer or taxi is by far the best option. You can enjoy comfortable service 24/7 without having to keep track of any bus timetables or worry about finding a seat on board during peak hours. You will also ensure direct door-to-door service, which is ideal after a long flight, especially if you’re travelling with heavy luggage you don’t wish to carry around.

Editor’s Note

The fare may seem a bit pricey but it's worth it if you're in a large group, you're carrying many pieces of luggage, or you're travelling with young children. For solo travellers, taking the bus may be a more budget-friendly alternative, unless cost isn't an issue and you prefer to enjoy a comfortable ride to your destination.

Useful Tips

Before getting in the taxi, confirm with the driver whether they will use the taximeter or you will pay a fixed fare.

All taxis in Ireland must accept credit and debit card payments as well as cash.

Don't be surprised if the driver requests proof that you can pay the fare before agreeing to the hire; it's common practice in Shannon and they're allowed by local authorities to do so.

Tipping your Shannon taxi driver isn’t required but it's common practice to leave around 10% of the total fare for long-distance trips.

How to get from Shannon Airport to Galway by bus

Using public transportation to reach Galway is a more budget-friendly alternative if you’re travelling on a budget. Getting from Shannon Airport to Galway by train isn’t a convenient option as there is no direct connection but you can take Expressway bus line 51, which is the best public transport option. The trip from Shannon Airport to Galway by bus takes about 2 hours and you can make your way from the central bus station to your accommodation on foot or by taking another local bus.

What's the cost of the bus from Shannon Airport to Galway?

A single adult ticket for bus line 51 costs €13.50. You can check the Shannon Airport to Galway bus timetable and book your ticket online to secure a seat on board.

Photos (1)

Expressway bus 51 from Shannon Airport to Galway

Cost

€13.50

Trip Duration

2 Hr.

Bus line 51 departs hourly from stop B at Shannon Airport.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Bus line 51 runs from 07:55 until 20:55 daily.

Where do I take the bus from?

You can take bus 51 from bus stop B in front of the Passenger Terminal. It’s the only pick-up stop so look for the relevant signs guiding you there to ensure you’re at the right bus stop.

Convenience

The bus from Shannon Airport to Galway is a great value-for-money option to reach your destination and the most convenient public transportation. Even though Galway has a train station, you can’t catch a train from Shannon Airport to Galway directly so it’s not worth considering it as an option. The bus provides express service and runs multiple times daily, including Public Holidays. Keep in mind that departures are scheduled hourly so it’s best to check the Shannon Airport to Galway bus timetable to avoid long waiting times. If you’re in a hurry, an airport taxi will ensure a smoother arrival to your accommodation in Galway.

Timetables

Bus line 51

Timetable

Bus line 51 fare information

From Shannon Airport (Stop B) to Galway (Bus station)

Online ticket purchase

From Shannon Airport to Galway

Editor’s Note

If you're a solo traveller or you don't wish to spend a lot on transportation, getting from Shannon Airport to Galway by bus is the best value-for-money option. If you plan to take many or heavy pieces of luggage, it's best to check how far the Galway bus stop is from your final destination and find additional transportation there if needed.

Useful Tips

You can purchase your ticket online, at the self-service kiosk in the Arrivals Hall or from the driver on the bus.

Each passenger may carry one medium-sized suitcase or equivalent on the bus free of charge and store it in the luggage compartment of the vehicle.

Most Expressway buses are fully accessible to people with reduced mobility and wheelchair users.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get from Shannon Airport to Galway?

Getting from Shannon Airport to Galway is possible by taxi or bus. An airport taxi is the fastest option; the ride takes about 1 hour and 5 minutes and costs around €130. Taxis are available at the airport rank 24/7 but you can also pre-book your ride to save time. Bus line 51 directly connects the airport to the main bus station in Galway in about 2 hours, not including waiting time, and costs €13.50 per traveller.

What’s the cost of a taxi from Shannon Airport to Galway?

For a standard taxi from Shannon Airport to Galway, the fare will either be calculated with the use of a taximeter or be agreed upon with the driver before you set off. As an estimate, you can expect to pay around €130 but this may vary depending on the number of passengers, luggage, time of day, and other factors. For a competitive, guaranteed fare with no added fees, you can book a ride with Welcome Pickups.

How far is Galway from Shannon Airport?

The distance from Shannon Airport to Galway is approximately 93 km north. Driving there by taxi should take around 1 hour and 5 minutes in average traffic conditions.

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How to get from Shannon Airport to Galway by taxi

What's the cost of a taxi from Shannon Airport to Galway?

Photos (1)

Cost

€130

Trip Duration

1 Hr. 5 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis provide on-demand service 24/7 at Shannon International Airport (SNN).

Where do I take a taxi from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Shannon Airport to Galway by bus

What's the cost of the bus from Shannon Airport to Galway?

Photos (1)

Cost

€13.50

Trip Duration

2 Hr.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Bus line 51 runs from 07:55 until 20:55 daily.

Where do I take the bus from?

Convenience

Timetables

Bus line 51

Timetable

Bus line 51 fare information

From Shannon Airport (Stop B) to Galway (Bus station)

Online ticket purchase

From Shannon Airport to Galway

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

Frequently asked questions

How do I get from Shannon Airport to Galway?

What’s the cost of a taxi from Shannon Airport to Galway?

How far is Galway from Shannon Airport?

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The best way to arrive in Shannon

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