How to Get from Dublin Airport to City Centre (Every Option Explained)
Dublin Airport is Ireland’s main international gateway, handling over 32 million passengers a year. It’s located about 10km north of the city centre — close enough that the transfer is straightforward, but far enough that you need to plan it in advance.
The most important thing to know before you arrive: there is no direct rail link between Dublin Airport and the city centre. Unlike most major European airports, Dublin has no metro or dedicated train connection. This is a long-standing gap in Irish infrastructure, though a rail link has been planned for many years.
Here’s what you do have access to, and which option suits you best.
Aircoach — The Most Popular Option
Aircoach is a private coach service running frequent routes between the airport and several city centre stops. It’s comfortable, reliable, and the most popular choice for visitors.
The most useful route is the Route 700, which runs 24 hours a day between the airport and O’Connell Street, with stops at Ballsbridge and other city locations. Coaches run every 10–15 minutes during peak hours.
Key details:
- Cost: €8 one-way, €14 return (book online for a small discount)
- Journey time: 30–50 minutes depending on traffic
- Runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Luggage included — overhead racks and underfloor storage
- Comfortable seats, USB charging points on newer coaches
The main stops on Route 700 are Dublin Airport Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, then O’Connell Street Upper, O’Connell Street Lower, and on to Ballsbridge. If your hotel is near O’Connell Street, Dame Street, or St Stephen’s Green, Aircoach drops you within walking distance.
Dublin Bus — The Cheapest Option
If you want the cheapest possible transfer and don’t mind a slower, more local experience, Dublin Bus is your answer. Several routes connect the airport to the city centre.
Route 16A is the most useful for city centre destinations, stopping at O’Connell Street and continuing south. The journey takes 45–60 minutes and costs just €2.60 with a Leap Card (or €3.10 in cash).
Other useful routes from the airport include Route 41 to Eden Quay and Route 102 to Sutton and Malahide — but for most visitors heading to the city centre, the 16A or Aircoach are the best bets.
Taxi and Rideshare
Taxis are available immediately outside the arrivals halls at both terminals. The official taxi rank is well signposted and there’s rarely a long wait outside of peak hours.
Expected cost: €25–35 to most city centre locations, depending on traffic and the time of day. Late night and early morning journeys (before 8am and after 8pm) incur a supplement.
Uber operates in Dublin and connects you with licensed taxis at similar prices to the rank — sometimes slightly cheaper. You can book on the Uber app as you land.
Free Now (formerly Hailo/MyTaxi) is the other popular taxi app in Dublin and often has more availability than Uber during busy periods. Worth having both apps on your phone.
Hiring a Car at the Airport
If you’re planning to explore beyond Dublin — and particularly if your itinerary includes rural areas, the Wild Atlantic Way, or any county outside the main cities — picking up a rental car at the airport makes sense.
All major rental companies operate from Dublin Airport. The car hire desks are located in the arrivals halls of both terminals, with the actual car collection area a short walk or shuttle bus away.
Always book car hire in advance through a comparison site to get the best rate and understand what insurance is included. Walking up to a desk on the day is significantly more expensive.
Quick Comparison Table
| Option | Cost | Journey Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircoach | €8 one-way | 30–50 min | Most visitors — best balance of price and comfort |
| Dublin Bus | €2.60–3.10 | 45–60 min | Budget travellers, no luggage |
| Taxi | €25–35 | 25–45 min | Groups of 3–4, late arrivals, heavy luggage |
| Uber / Free Now | €22–32 | 25–45 min | Solo travellers who prefer app booking |
| Car Hire | €35–80/day | 25–45 min | Travellers continuing beyond Dublin |
Practical Tips for Arriving in Dublin
Which Terminal Am I In?
Dublin Airport has two terminals — Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Most transatlantic flights (US, Canada) arrive into Terminal 1. Most European flights arrive into Terminal 2. Check your boarding pass before you land. Both terminals have the same transport options available outside arrivals.
Get a Leap Card Immediately
A Leap Card is Dublin’s reloadable travel card, used on all Dublin Bus routes, the Luas tram, and DART trains. You can buy one at the newsagent in arrivals for €5 (including €2.50 credit). It gives you discounted fares on all public transport for your entire stay and saves you carrying exact change.
Pre-Book Your Hotel Near Public Transport
Dublin’s best-located hotels for airport arrivals are those near O’Connell Street, Dame Street, or near a Luas stop. Compare hotel prices in Dublin city centre to find the best option for your dates — prices vary significantly by season and booking early saves considerably.
Traffic Warning
Dublin city centre traffic can be severe during weekday rush hours — 7:30–9:30am and 4:30–7pm. If you’re arriving during these windows, the journey from the airport can take up to 75 minutes. Early morning, late evening, and weekend arrivals are much faster.
The Verdict
Solo traveller or couple: Aircoach is your best bet — comfortable, frequent, reasonably priced and drops you right in the city centre.
Group of 3–4: A taxi or Uber often works out cheaper per person and gets you directly to your door.
Tight budget: Dublin Bus Route 16A for €2.60 — just get a Leap Card first.
Continuing beyond Dublin: Pick up your rental car at the airport, but consider whether a city centre pickup saves you money.
Frequently Asked Questions
No — there is no direct train or metro connection between Dublin Airport and the city centre. This is a known gap in Irish infrastructure. The closest rail option is the DART or Dart+ but neither connects directly to the airport. Aircoach, Dublin Bus, or taxi are your options.
In normal traffic conditions, expect 30–40 minutes. During peak rush hour (7:30–9:30am and 4:30–7pm on weekdays) the journey can take 60–75 minutes. Weekend and late night arrivals are usually 25–35 minutes.
Dublin Bus at €2.60 with a Leap Card is the cheapest option. Buy a Leap Card from the newsagent in arrivals as soon as you land.
Yes, Uber operates in Dublin and connects you with licensed taxis. Prices are similar to the official taxi rank. Free Now is the other popular app. Both work well for airport transfers.
Yes — Aircoach Route 700 runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Taxis are also available from the rank outside arrivals at all hours. Dublin Bus services reduce overnight but do run.
Most transatlantic and long-haul flights use Terminal 1. Most European flights use Terminal 2. Check your boarding pass or airline app before landing. Both terminals have identical transport options outside arrivals.
Staying in Dublin before heading further? Compare hotel prices in Dublin city centre — book early for the best rates, especially in summer.
