How To Get Around Dublin

Darragh

18 Jun 2025 — 9 min read

Getting around Dublin

Getting Around Dublin

I barely drive in Dublin anymore. I only average 4,000 kilometers per year because I use public transport so much. It's less stressful and it's cheap.

Most visitors overthink Dublin transport. The city centre is small, you can walk between all the main tourist attractions. But when you need to go further or your legs are tired, here's how locals actually get around.

Getting To/From Dublin Airport

To the shame of every Irish politician, we do not have a rail link to Dublin Airport. So it's a bit messy getting there.

Best options:

Airport Coach: Aircoach & Dublin Express have direct coaches to the city and other parts of Dublin. They are fast and cheap. This is what I'd recommend for most visitors as long as they have a stop near your hotel. Check times
Private Airport Transfer: They cost about 50% more than a regular taxi but you have someone waiting for you, & you know who your driver is. It's prepaid so no worries about overcharging or finding Euros. Book your airport transfer
Taxi: A taxi to the City Centre costs about €40 (it might cost more but there can be taxi shortages at peak times, especially early morning and late evening.
City Bus: The 16 & 41 routes go to the airport but take about an hour from the city and don't have much room for luggage. Only choose this if you're on a tight budget.

Walking Is Your Best Option

Dublin City Centre where most attractions are located is small. You can walk between them all. Bring good walking shoes and it's easy. Just be prepared for a lot of steps! Folks always comment how many steps they do during their time in Ireland.

There are sign posts for the main attractions or just ask anyone. We are very friendly in Ireland and will gladly help you out.

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Local tip: Download Google Maps offline for Dublin before you arrive. You don't need cell or wifi to use it once you've downloaded it.

Public Transport Around Dublin

DART - My Favorite

It stands for Dublin Area Rapid Transport and is a rail line that goes from Howth & Malahide in the north to Bray & Greystones in the south. It serves the coastal towns of Dublin.

I love the DART and use it when I can. There's only one line, either going northbound or southbound so it's very easy to use and navigate. The journey south of the City Centre is one of the most scenic train journeys in Ireland.

When to use it: Perfect for day trips to coastal villages like Howth, Dalkey, Dún Laoghaire, and Greystones. Runs every 10-15 minutes during the day.

To Pay: Use the Leap card and tap on and off. Some stations are unmanned and the gates are open, you still need to tap on and off. You can also buy tickets from the machines at the stations.

LUAS - The City Tram

The Luas is the sleek grey tram that you see on the streets in the centre. It has two lines, the Red and the Green.

Red Line: Connects the city centre to suburbs west of the city
Green Line: Runs from the south Dublin to the city centre

When to use it: It can be good to get to the Jameson Distillery which is bit of walk from the city.

To Pay: Use your Leap card here, be sure to tap on and off. Or buy tickets at each stop.

Dublin Bus - Goes Everywhere But Slowly

Local buses cover the entire city. You're rarely more than a few minutes walk from a bus stop.

I find the buses slow though and prefer to take the DART or Luas when I can. But the buses go a lot more places. There are some 24 hour buses now and the infamous Nightlink bringing the party people home at the weekend.

Beware the Ghost Bus though. They've been struggling with a shortage of drivers and some buses just don't show up. It's a running joke among Dubliners!

To Pay: You can only use a Leap Card or coins. They do not accept notes or bank cards yet.

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Be sure to say "thank you" to the driver as you leave. It's tradition and everyone does it.

The Leap Card

The Leap Card is a prepaid travel card for Dublin commuters. We get cheaper fares and can auto top up the card, so it's very convenient for those of us who live here.

There is also a Leap Visitor Card. This gives you unlimited travel for 1/3/7 days on bus, DART, Luas and commuter rail.

I see people on the Irish Travel forums asking so many questions about the Leap card! Let me clear up a few things here and simplify it for you.

You don't need the Leap card! It's more for Dublin commuters than tourists.
You can just buy single/return tickets as described already.
Fares are cheaper with a Leap card but not by much.
So if you're just in Dublin for a day or two, I wouldn't bother. Pay as you go.
Just remember buses only take coins or Leap cards. No notes or credit cards.
If you're here for 3 or more days, it might be worth getting.
It's only sold in a few places.
It's a physical card. No app yet.
You can order it to be shipped to your home worldwide.
The Leap Card does not work on the direct airport coaches.
It does not cover the Hop On, Hop Off buses.

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None of the public transport in Dublin allows you to pay by tapping your credit card. It is supposed to be coming soon. But it's Ireland.....

Tourist Buses

Hop-On, Hop-Off buses are the tourist buses that bring you around the main attractions. If you are just staying in the City Centre, and don't want to explore further, then this may be all you need.

I think they're a great way to get to know a new city. And save your legs with all the walking! They're absolutely ideal for when you've just landed on a red-eye flight and can't check into your hotel yet.

When they're worth it: If you have mobility issues, limited time, or want commentary about what you're seeing. The Dublin route covers most major sights efficiently.

Taxis & Apps

You can hail taxis on the street, at a taxi rank or order one via an app. I do love a good Dublin taxi driver, they're often great characters and their stories are worth the fare alone!

FreeNow is the app we use for taxis in Ireland. Download the app now so it's on your phone when you land. You get 40% off up to €6 with that link. All Dublin taxis use this system and is by far the most popular app in Ireland for taxis.

Uber: Uber is not commonly used in Ireland and it is nothing like in the US or other countries. There's no regular people using their own cars to earn extra cash. It just orders you a regular taxi at regular prices and isn't available everywhere.

Taxi ranks: You'll find them at major hotels, shopping centres, and transport hubs. During busy periods (weekend nights, events), expect queues.

Paying: All taxis must accept payment by card, but of course they prefer cash!

Tipping: Round up to the nearest euro or add 10% for good service.

Dublin Airport: There can be taxi shortages. See below. I book a private transfer if I'm arriving very early or very late.

Getting to Dublin's Best Day Trips

I love the DART and use it to get to a lot of the most beautiful parts of Dublin like Howth, Malahide, Dalkey, Dún Laoghaire & Greystones. You can do these day trips using the DART:

What About Driving?

Don't. Dublin traffic is terrible, parking is expensive (€4+ per hour in the city centre), and the streets are narrow and confusing. Plus, you'll miss the social aspect of public transport where locals are happy to help with directions.

If you're planning to explore beyond Dublin during your trip, rent a car for those days only and pick it up from a location outside the city centre.

The Most Fun Way of Transport In Dublin

Is the Goat boat! Go on a cruise around Dublin Bay on a boat that goes 45 km/h. It's so much fun that I rate it the best thing to do in Dublin (except my walking tours 😄

Guided Walks

I'll bring you a guided walk in the best parts of Dublin, away from the crowds. I have 6 very unique tours.

Trip Planning Help

I can take the stress and time out planning your Ireland trip. Book a one hour call with me and together we'll quickly create a custom Irish itinerary for your dream Irish vacation.