The first thing every visitor to Dublin discovers is that there is no train from the airport.
The second thing they discover is that it doesn’t matter much, because the buses are frequent, quick and cheap. Here are your options.
The short answer
- Most people: take an express coach (Dublin Express or Aircoach). Around 30–40 minutes to the centre, every 10–15 minutes at busy times, roughly €10 each way.
- Cheapest: the ordinary public buses (16 or 41) for about €2 with a Leap card. Slower, with lots of stops.
- Late at night, with heavy bags or in a group: a taxi, typically around €25–40 to the city centre.
Express coaches
Dublin Express
Runs between both terminals and the city centre, with routes serving O’Connell Street, the quays, Heuston Station and the south suburbs. Tickets are available online, at the airport and from the driver. Booking online is usually cheapest.
Aircoach
Aircoach runs the 700 route between the airport, the city centre and Leopardstown, plus an express 700X. Aircoach is the only coach service that runs 24 hours, which matters if your flight lands after midnight. In the city it stops on O’Connell Street, O’Connell Bridge and Kildare Street, and services to the airport leave from St Stephen’s Green.
Both services pick up outside Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Follow the signs for coaches and buses.
Which one? Look at where your hotel is and pick the one that stops nearest. That’s honestly all there is to it.
Public buses
Regular Transport for Ireland buses, including routes 16 and 41, run from the airport into the city centre. They’re the cheapest option, with an adult fare of about €2 on a Leap card, but they stop a lot and can take up to an hour in traffic. Cash fares cost more, and you’ll need coins.
If you have a Leap Visitor Card, airport routes 16, 19, 24 and 41 are included. More in getting around Dublin.
Taxis
There’s a taxi rank outside each terminal. Dublin taxis are metered and regulated, and to the city centre you can typically expect around €25–40, more late at night, on public holidays or in heavy traffic. Ride-hailing apps work in Dublin, but they book licensed taxis rather than private cars.
Pre-booked transfers
If you’d rather be met at arrivals by someone holding your name on a sign, private transfer companies will do that for a fixed price. It’s a good option for families, groups and late arrivals.
How long does it take?
Dublin Airport is about 17km north of the city centre. In normal traffic the express coaches take around 30–40 minutes; at rush hour, allow up to an hour. Going back to the airport, leave plenty of time, especially on weekday mornings.
Airport FAQs
Is there a train from Dublin Airport?
No. Buses, coaches and taxis are your options.
How much is the bus from Dublin Airport to the city centre?
The express coaches are about €10 single. The public buses are about €2 with a Leap card.
Which airport bus runs all night?
Aircoach runs 24 hours.
Can I pay by card on the bus?
The express coaches take cards. On the public buses, use a Leap card or have coins ready; check Transport for Ireland for the latest payment options.
Fares are approximate and change; check the operators’ websites before you travel. Checked November 2026.
Once you’re in, start with our guide to things to do in Dublin, or find where to stay.