Dublin

Dublin Airport Guide: Advice from 300 Flights Through DUB

Ireland by Locals

01 May 2025 — 13 min read

Welcome to Dublin Airport - In Irish

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Why You Should Trust My Advice

Dublin Airport is my second home. I've been flying through Dublin Airport for more than 45 years. I've flown from DUB to the U.S. around 100 times, so I know the U.S. Preclearance area as well as my own home.

This isn't a humblebrag. I'm sharing my credentials so you know you can trust my Dublin Airport tips and advice.

I'm at DUB so often, I even got in the air traffic control tower where I took this photo

A Big Airport On A Small Island

With a population of 5 million, but 30 million passengers, I'm not the only frequent flyer in the country. We're a small island with no bridges or tunnels.

Dublin Airport has two terminals:

Terminal 1 (built 1972). A chaotic maze handling mostly European flights.
Terminal 2 (built 2010) a modern, more organized space that handles One World, long haul and U.S. flights.

Dublin Airport Terminal 1

Terminal 1 Airlines

Aegean Airlines, Air Baltic, Air Canada, Air France, Air Transat, Anima Wings, Aurigny, Blue Islands, CityJet, Croatia Airlines, EgyptAir, Etihad Airways, Eurowings, Finnair, FlyOne, Hainan Airlines, HiSky/HiSky Europe, Icelandair, KLM, Loganair, Lufthansa, Luxair, Neos, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Pegasus Airlines, PLAY Airlines, Qatar Airways, Ryanair, Scandinavian Airlines SAS, SunExpress, Swiss International Air Lines, TAP Air Portugal, Transavia France, TUI Airways, Turkish Airlines, WestJet, Widerøe

Terminal 1 Departures

Departures in T1 are upstairs. It’s busy. Get there early if you are checking luggage. Airlines like KLM & Air France share a Skyteam checkin desk and get long lines.
Already have your boarding pass and just a carry-on? Turn left at the entrance for regular security, or head straight ahead for Fast Track.

💡 Local Tip: Buy your food at the Spar in the car park for lower prices.

Terminal 1 Security

You only need your boarding pass at security. I’ve never waited more than 20 minutes. Dublin Airport’s website shows live wait times.

❓FAQ: Can I go through security at either terminal?
Yes, and you should check live security times on your way to the airport. T2 is often quieter, and it’s just a 10-minute walk airside between terminals.

Fast Track Security

Dublin Airport has Fast Track, but normal security is usually quick so I rarely pay for it. If you're on the company dime or running late, it's a good option. You can just tap to pay. No need to book ahead.

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Dublin Airport Hotels - Stay Close For Shorter Travel Day
All these hotels have free airport shuttles

Terminal 1 Airside

Be ready for crowds. This is the Ryanair terminal and is always busy. Pay attention to where your gate is. There are three different gate areas and you're so busy dodging the shoppers that it's easy to miss your turn off point.

The Ryanair gates are a solid 15 minute walk from security!

💡 Local Tip: If you have a lot of time before your flight, hang out in T2 before your T1 flight. It's so mellow over there that you could meditate.

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Was Your Flight Delayed?
If your EU flight was delayed by 3+ hours, you may be entitled to compensation up to €600 under EU law.
Check if you qualify for flight delay compensation

T1 Lounge Dublin Airport

If you find this lounge, they should let you in as a reward for finding it. It's barely signposted, turn right after security up the stairs. The food selection is decent and there are showers.

Ryanair at Dublin Airport

I love Ryanair. There you go. I've no problem saying it.

But you must know their rules. They're clearly stated on their website. Don't yell at any gate agents because you didn't read the rules.

⚠️ Important: Be at the Ryanair gate very early. Ryanair may deny boarding if you are not there 30 minutes before the flight. I've seen it happen so many times.

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Dublin Airport Terminal 2

I love T2. It's calm, it's quiet, it's airy, it's underused. It's everything that T1 isn't. Plus it helps that it's generally a long haul terminal so it means I'm going somewhere fun and not just Stansted again.

Terminal 2 is busy in the morning when the US flights are heading out & is quiet in the afternoon & evening.

Terminal 2 Airlines

There are 3 distinct groups of airlines that fly from T2:

The OneWorld airlines: Aer Lingus, British Airways & Iberia
The US airlines: Delta Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines & Jetblue
Emirates Airlines

Terminal 2 Check-In Area

Check-in is on the ground floor. No lugging luggage up narrow escalators here.

The left half is for the US airlines and Emirates. BA & Iberia are in the middle. Aer Lingus has the entire right side of the check-in area.

💡 Local Tip: Aer Lingus have long cut off times for checking in on their app, so don't leave it until the last minute. Learn from my expensive mistakes.

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Terminal 2 Security

Security is up a dizzyingly high escalator. You can check the security waiting times on Dublin Airport's website. T2 is usually quick except for the morning rush for the US flights. You only need your boarding pass for security.

Terminal 2 Duty Free & Shops

If you like your whiskey, buy it here. Aside from the benefit of Duty Free prices, Dublin Airport has some rare and exclusive whiskeys here. They know they have thousands of American passengers coming through T2 every day, and many of the distilleries give them exclusives on the rare stuff.

Terminal 2 Bars & Restaurants

I intentionally get to the airport early so I can get my final Irish Breakfast at the restaurant overlooking the apron in T2. Watching planes land is something I can do all day. The food is good, the views are better.

Connecting In Dublin Airport?

Dublin Airport has transformed into a major hub with many passengers connecting in Dublin between the US and Europe.

Dublin Airport US Preclearance

Dublin Airport has US Preclearance - you clear US immigration here, not when you land in America. Arrive 3 hours early for US flights. My guide explains the process.

Terminal 2 Lounges

The Aer Lingus Lounge

This is the Aer Lingus Lounge staffed by the always friendly Aer Lingus folks. It's comfortable and has a barista which I wish more lounges had. But it doesn't have hot food anymore which is a shame.

The Martello Lounge

If you are flying East to Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Egypt, this is your lounge. It has a hot breakfast until 2pm which this Irish breakfast lover appreciates. The multi-faith prayer room gives you a hint about its Middle Eastern destination focus A good start to the excellent service you always get on these airlines.

The Liffey Lounge

This is the Priority Pass contract lounge in Dublin Airport. It just reopened after a a renovation. It actually has better food than Aer Lingus's own lounge. But it's often at capacity.

51st & Green Lounge

If you are flying to the US, go to this lounge. 51st & Green is located after the US Pre-Clearance Area, which means it's located after all passport control, so you can relax until boarding time without worrying about adding on time for that.

Aer Lingus Arrivals Lounge

If you fly business class on EI, you can access this tiny lounge at the end of the luggage hall. It's just enough space for a coffee but most importantly a shower.

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Save on expensive airport food. Get it free instead with lounge access including food & drink from $10/monthwith Priority Pass

Getting To Dublin Airport

It's not easy to get to Dublin Airport. Dublin is one of the very few capital city airports in Europe to not have a rail connection.

Taxi

I always like arriving home after a long trip and having the craic with a taxi driver. Although they don't like me because I live too close to the airport 😆

⚠️ Important: There's often a taxi shortage, especially during peak times.

Uber

We have the Uber app here now but it's nowhere near as popular as it in the US and it's not private drivers with their own cars. It just orders a regular taxi and doesn't help you skip any lines.

Airport Transfer Service

When I fly to a new city, I always book a private transfer. It only costs about 25% more than a taxi. I like the security of knowing who the driver is and that they are waiting for me. I won't have to join a long taxi line. Plus I prepay so I'm not worried about finding local currency or getting overcharged.

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Local Tip: Book your airport transfer and skip the taxi line.
Book your airport transfer

Buses Within Dublin

Dublin Express and Aircoach run direct buses every 15-30 minutes to city centre depending on time of day. Main routes cover:

City centre stops: Temple Bar, Trinity College, O'Connell Street, Connolly Station, Docklands, Smithfield, Heuston Station

They also go to areas of south Dublin. These buses are less frequent but a lot cheaper than getting a taxi to the other side of the city. It's worth checking if there's a stop near your hotel if booking in these parts of town to have an affordable way of getting to the airport.

South Dublin: Ranelagh, Rathmines, Ballsbridge, Dun Laoghaire, Dalkey, Sandyford, Leopardstown.

You can book ahead (tickets are usually flexible if your flight is delayed) but they're rarely full - just tap your card when boarding. Return tickets are cheaper.

Buses to Other Parts of Ireland

There are nearly as many bus departures as flight departures from Dublin Airport. You can get to every corner of the island with a bus.

Cork, Galway, Belfast are the most popular destinations and have hourly departures.

❓FAQ: Should I Buy My Bus Ticket Ahead of Time?
They usually don't book out and you can pay as you board, but if you're a planner like me, then book ahead. Or even just book online as soon as your flight lands in Dublin so you'll know exactly what time bus you can make.

👉 Check bus times

❓FAQ: Should I take the bus or train to Cork From Dublin Airport?

Take the bus. If you choose train, you'd first need to bus across Dublin city (with all your luggage) to reach the train station. The direct airport bus is much easier. This applies to all Irish destinations, not just Cork.

Private Transfer Long Distance

If you want a private car to drive you to other parts of Ireland, then I recommend GetTransfer. Their long distance prices are good.

👉 Check their prices here

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Dublin Airport Hotels

I'm a big believer in staying at airport hotels. Travel day is long and stressful as it is. Make it easier by getting back to Dublin the night before your flight, drop your rental car off that night too, one less thing to worry about.

👉All these hotels have free airport shuttles

Where To Stay in Dublin

Not sure which is the best area of Dublin to stay? This will tell you

Here are all my other Dublin hotel recommendations

Car Rental

All major car rental companies operate from Dublin Airport.

Tip: If you are relying on CDW coverage from your credit card company confirm that they cover Ireland (not all do) and ask for a copy of their policy that you can show the car hire company. Driving in Ireland is not as scary as many of the blogs will make out, but you want to be sure you are fully covered in case of any issues.

Platinum Services Dublin Airport

Dublin Airport has a private terminal for anyone wanting VIP treatment. You don't need business class or first class. All passengers can enjoy private check in, security, lounges, and chauffeur service to your aircraft.

Services include:

Departing: Dedicated car park, private terminal entrance, private check-in
Arriving: Chauffeur meet-and-greet from the aircraft, fast track through immigration
Chauffeur Services: Additional car service to bring you to Platinum Services or collect you after

For special occasions or if you just want to avoid the crowds entirely.

Plan Your Time In Dublin

Most visitors head straight to Temple Bar and the Guinness Storehouse. That's fine, you should spend one day visiting these places, but you're missing the best of Dublin, our stunning coastline.