- Mr Plane Guy
- 18 hours ago
- 6 min read
How to Get from Dublin Airport to the City Centre (Without Losing the Craic)
By Mr Plane Guy, Travel Blogger, Flight Expert & Airport Lounge Prosecco Sampler
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You’ve landed at Dublin Airport. The seatbelt sign is off. The Irish accents are strong. Now the only question is:
How quickly can you get into town?
The airport sits just 10km north of Dublin city centre, making this one of the simplest airport transfers in Europe. If you're visiting the Irish capital for the first time, you might also want to check my guide to Best Things to Do in Dublin once you arrive.
Dublin Airport has no rail fare puzzles. No £60 express trains. Just straightforward road options. Here’s the Plane Honest breakdown.
If you're flying out of Dublin soon rather than arriving, don't forget about airport parking.
Pre-booking Dublin Airport parking can save money and remove the stress of hunting for a space on departure day.
A chauffeur meets you at departures, parks the car securely, and returns it when you land.
How Far Is Dublin Airport from the City Centre?
Dublin Airport sits around 10km north of Dublin city centre, depending on which part of the city you're travelling to.
In normal traffic, the journey usually takes:
20–30 minutes by taxi
25–35 minutes by airport bus
35–50 minutes by public bus
During peak rush hour (07:30–09:30 and 16:30–18:30), travel time can increase by 10–20 minutes.
Aircoach (Route 700) – The 24/7 Safe Bet
Operated by Aircoach, Route 700 runs around the clock.
25–35 minutes
€8–€10 one way
Luggage storage underneath
Stops near O’Connell Street and Trinity College
If you land late or very early, this is the reliable choice.
Driving to Dublin Airport? Don’t Wing It
Let’s talk parking, because circling departures isn’t a strategy.
Dublin Airport Parking – The Smooth Option
Airport drop-off chaos is practically a Dublin tradition. If you’re departing from Dublin Airport, pre-booking parking is the easiest way to avoid it.
With Meet & Greet parking, you simply drive to the terminal and hand over the keys.
✔ Chauffeur meets you at departures
✔ Car stored securely near the airport
✔ Vehicle returned to the terminal when you land
For early morning flights or weekend trips, it’s one of the easiest ways to start the journey stress-free.
End of the parking section.
If you're already spending money on flights, hotels, and maybe even lounge access, airport parking shouldn't be the stressful part of the trip.
Drive to departures, hand over the keys, and walk straight into the terminal.
Dublin Express (Routes 782 & 784) – The Fastest Bus
Run by Dublin Express, these routes are slightly more streamlined.
20–30 minutes
€8–€10
Fewer stops than standard services
If you want minimal fuss and maximum speed, this is often the quickest option.
Dublin Bus (Routes 16 & 41) – The Cheapest Option
Operated by Dublin Bus.
Around €3.30
35–50 minutes depending on traffic
More stops and limited luggage space
It’s slower, but unbeatable on price.
Taxi – The Easy Button
20–30 minutes
€25–€35 depending on traffic
Door-to-door convenience
If there are two or three of you, splitting the fare can make this surprisingly reasonable.
Prefer a Private Airport Transfer to or from Dublin Airport?
If you’d rather skip the buses and taxi queues entirely, a pre-booked airport transfer can make the arrival much smoother.
Services like Welcome Pickups let you arrange a private driver in advance, so someone is waiting for you in arrivals with your name on a sign.
Unlike standard taxis, the service includes:
✔ Fixed pre-paid pricing (no surprise fares)
✔ Flight monitoring in case your plane is delayed
✔ Door-to-door transfer straight to your hotel
It’s one of the easiest ways to start a trip in Dublin, especially if you’re arriving late at night or travelling with luggage.
Flying Out of Dublin? Lounge It Properly
If you’re departing from Terminal 2, there’s a Priority Pass option worth knowing about.
Liffey Lounge – Terminal 2
Liffey Lounge
Location: Terminal 2, airside, next to the 400 Gates.
Access via lift or escalator along the Airline Lounge corridor. Not available after US Pre-clearance.
Opening hours: 04:00–21:00 daily
If you travel a few times a year, a discounted Priority Pass Standard Plus (10 included visits) can justify itself quickly, especially when pay-on-the-door lounge prices often sit at €30–€40.
And if you’re comparing lounge options at DUB, read my full review of the Martello Lounge Dublin Airport before you book.
People Also Ask
How do I get from Dublin Airport to the city centre?
Aircoach or Dublin Express are the easiest options, taking around 25–30 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get to Dublin from the airport?
Dublin Bus (Route 16 or 41) at around €3.30.
Is there a free shuttle bus at Dublin Airport?
No free public shuttle into the city. Shuttle buses are used for airport parking services.
How much is Dublin Express from airport to city?
Typically €8–€10 one way.
Is There a Train from Dublin Airport to the City Centre?
One of the most common questions travellers ask is whether Dublin Airport has a train station.
The short answer: No, there is currently no direct train from Dublin Airport to Dublin city centre.
Unlike airports such as Heathrow Airport or Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Dublin Airport is not connected to the national rail network.
Instead, travellers rely on:
Airport buses like the Aircoach Route 700
Express coaches such as Dublin Express
Taxis and rideshares
The good news is that Dublin Airport is only about 10km from the city centre, so bus journeys are still quick, typically taking 20–35 minutes depending on traffic.
Will Dublin Airport Get a Train?
Plans for a metro line called MetroLink Dublin have been proposed for several years.
If built, MetroLink would connect Dublin Airport directly to the city centre and major rail stations. However, construction has not yet started, and the project is still several years away.
For now, airport buses remain the fastest and simplest way into Dublin city centre.
Best Way to Get from Dublin Airport to the City Centre
The best option depends on your priorities.
If you want speed, Dublin Express usually wins. If you're travelling late at night, Aircoach runs 24 hours a day. If you're travelling on a budget, Dublin Bus is the cheapest option.
Most travellers choose Dublin Express or Aircoach, as they offer the best balance of price, speed, and convenience.
The Plane Honest Verdict
Budget? Dublin Bus
Fastest? Dublin Express.
24-hour reliability? Aircoach.
Convenience? Taxi
And if you’re flying out, secure your parking, use your lounge access wisely, and start the trip properly, not wedged between a departure board and a charging socket
Planning Your Time in Dublin?
If you're visiting Dublin for the first time, it’s worth planning a few activities in advance.
From Guinness Storehouse tours to guided city walks and day trips to the Cliffs of Moher, Dublin has plenty to keep you busy once you reach the city centre.
👉 See the most popular Dublin tours and experiences
Or read my full guide here:
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Hello I’m Paul a travel and flight expert, I spent most of my career working in and around planes with 15 years providing top-notch service with a London-based airline.
I became an expert in travel after soaring across the Atlantic up to 10 times a month!
I’m now, producing travel content, reaching millions of viewers monthly. Reporting on travel news, sharing travel tips, reviews, and deals with a sprinkle of humour and a whole lot of authenticity!
I hope you enjoyed this How to Get from Dublin Airport to the City Centre (Without Losing the Craic) Do let me know in the comments........
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