How To Get Around Dublin
Getting Around Dublin
Dublin's public transport can be confusing. I'm a Dubliner who uses our buses and trains every day. Here are my tips to easily get around Dublin.
Bring Your Walking Shoes
Most visitors overthink Dublin transport. The city centre is small, you can walk between most of the tourist attractions. Bring good walking shoes. Just be prepared for a lot of steps.
There are sign posts for the main attractions or just ask anyone. We are very friendly in Ireland and will gladly help you out.
Public Transport in Dublin
Bus
The bus network is extensive and goes everywhere in Dublin but it is slow. I avoid it when I can and take the train or tram instead.
💶 You can only pay for bus with coins and Leap Card. No notes.
🎫 Tap on/off on the platforms.
Luas Tram
The Luas is the sleek grey tram that you see on the streets in the city. It has two lines, the Red and the Green. I use it for short hops within the city.
Red Line: Runs east to west.
Green Line: Runs north to south.
💶 You can pay with cash, notes, credit card and Leap Card.
🎫 Tap on/off on the platforms.
Dart Light Rail
The green Dart covers the coastal suburbs of Dublin. Tourists use it mostly to get to Howth, Dun Laoghaire, Malahide, Dalkey and other scenic coastal areas.
💶 You can buy tickets with cash, notes, credit card or use Leap Card.
🎫 Tap on/off on the platforms or station turnstiles.
The Leap Card
The Leap Card is a prepaid travel card for Dublin commuters. 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.
- If you're just in Dublin for a day or two, just pay as you go.
- It's a physical card. No app yet.
- You can order the card to your home worldwide, but I wouldn't bother.
- It's only sold in a few places. The airport and shop in Trinity College are the easiest to find.
- The Leap Card does not work on the direct airport coaches.
- It does not cover the Hop On, Hop Off buses.
Taxis
I do love a good Dublin taxi driver, they're often great characters and their stories are worth the fare alone! You can hail taxis on the street, at a taxi rank or order one via an app.
FreeNow App
This is the app we use for taxis in Ireland. Download the app now so it's on your phone when you land. All Dublin taxis use this system.
Uber
Uber is not commonly used in Ireland and it is nothing like in the US. It just orders you a regular taxi. Not all taxis use it.
Taxi Payment & Tipping
Taxis accept credit cards, cash and payment via the apps. For a tip, round up to the nearest euro or add 10% for very good service.
Hop-on, Hop-off 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!
Getting To/From Dublin Airport
We do not have a train from the city to the airport. Shame on our politicians. Dublin Aiport is 10km from the city centre. Here's your options
City Bus
The regular city buses serve the airport but they are so slow. I would only take it if you're on a strict budget. They are the only option that accepts the Leap Card.
Airport Coaches
Dublin Express & Aircoach run fast & comfortable coaches to the city centre and other parts of Dublin. If your hotel is near one of their stops, this is a good, affordable way. You can buy tickets online or just pay at the stop at the airport. They run often and take 30 minutes to get to the city.
Taxi
There's taxi stands outside both terminals at Dublin Airport. A taxi will cost €30-50 to the city centre depending where and time of day. There can be queues at peak times.
Private Airport Transfer
Order a driver to be waiting in the airport terminal for you and skip the taxi line. It costs about 50% more than a regular taxi. Check rates and book here.
Driving In Dublin
Don't. Dublin traffic is terrible, parking is expensive and the streets are narrow and confusing.
Only rent a car when you are leaving Dublin and there's no need to backtrack to the airport, it's better to rent it from Kilmainham, which is close to the city.
Ireland by Locals
