How to Reach Dublin
HOW TO GET TO DUBLIN
- Dublin is well connected. An airport ten miles north of the city is served by several airlines, including Ryanair (Europe's largest low fare airline). The airport is connected to almost every major European airport. Buses ply between the airport to pretty much all of the city; the express routes are more expensive than otherwise. If you're carrying too much baggage, some buses might turn you away for lack of space. Take a taxi in such a case.
- Heuston and Connolly are two railway stations within the city that serve much of the destinations around the country, as does the single bus station, Busaras. Passenger ferry services run between Wales and England.
HOW TO GET AROUND DUBLIN
Dublin is divided north and south by the River Liffey. This is reflective in the city’s postcode system. All areas to the north are designated with an odd number, and to the south with an even number. City centre is both Dublin 1 and Dublin 2. As a general guideline, the larger the number on the postcode is, the further it is from city centre.
- On Foot: The streets of Dublin are crowded, both with motorists and people. For short distances, it is quicker to travel by foot than car or bus. As a benefit to foreign visitors, pedestrian crossings are well marked to indicate the direction of oncoming traffic.
- By Cycle: Cycling in the city centre of Dublin is uncommon but growing in popularity, especially as street bike hire racks have been implemented. There are few bike lanes in the city, so cyclists should prepare to pedal with traffic. The suburban areas outside the city centre are much more biking friendly.
- By Car: Driving in city centre should be avoided if possible. The infrastructure is marginally disordered, with unexpected one-way streets and complicated intersections. Compact vehicles are recommended. Numerous parking garages are available throughout the city but fill quickly.
By Bus: Almost every corner of Dublin can be reached by bus via local services.
- Dublin Bus: Dublin’s main bus line with routes throughout the city and country.
- Urbus: Services across North Dublin including Blanchardstown Shopping Centre, Tyrrelstown, Dublin Airport, and Swords.
- From Dublin, visitors have direct access to destinations throughout Ireland with minimal connections required. The main bus station is Busáras on Store Street, but the departure point for many independently owned bus companies is across the river on George’s Quay and Aston Quay.
- Bus Eireann: National bus line. Departures from Busáras. Frequent services and connections to locations across Ireland
- Go Bus: Departures from Dublin Airport and George’s Quay. Direct services to Galway.
- J.J Kavanagh & Sons Coaches: Departures from Dublin Airport and George’s Quay. Services to Clonmel, Kilkenny, Waterford, Limerick, and Shannon Airport.
By Train: Dublin has two light rail systems that transport commuters to locations throughout city centre and to surrounding suburbs and towns:
- DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit): Services the Irish Sea coastline between Malahide and Greystones.
- Luas: Tramline connecting points across city centre. Also journeys to neighbouring areas such as Tallaght, Sandyford, and Brides Glen.
- Several train stations operate within Dublin, but a majority of local and national routes depart from Connolly Station on Amiens Street or Heuston Station on St. Johns Road West.
- Iarnrod Eireann: National railway with services to locations throughout Ireland.