Dublin Airport to city centre: all transfer options compared

Dublin Airport: the basic facts

Dublin Airport is 12km north of the city centre, in Fingal (County Dublin). It has two main passenger terminals: Terminal 1 (T1) handles Ryanair and some other carriers; Terminal 2 (T2) handles Aer Lingus, United, American and the major flag carriers. Both terminals share a central car park area. Terminals 1 and 2 are connected by a free shuttle bus if you land in one and need the other.

The journey into Dublin city centre takes 35–60 minutes depending on traffic and method of transport. It’s worth planning your arrival transfer before you land, particularly if you’re arriving in the morning peak (8–10am) or evening peak (5–7pm).

Option 1: Airlink Express bus — the best value for most

The Airlink Express (Dublin Bus routes 747 and 757) is the main public bus service between the airport and city centre.

Route 747: Airport → Connolly Station → O’Connell Street → Tara Street → College Green (near Trinity College) → St Stephen’s Green. This is the most useful route for visitors staying in the city centre.

Route 757: Airport → City Centre → Heuston Station. Use this if you’re connecting to a train west or arriving at a hotel near Heuston.

Frequency: Every 10–15 minutes during the day, less frequent at night.

Journey time: 35–45 minutes in normal traffic; up to 60 minutes in peak morning/evening.

Price 2026: €7.50 single, €13.50 return. Children 5–15: €3.50. Under 5: free. Sold at the bus stop machine (card payment), on the Dublin Bus app, or with a Leap Visitor Card (the card works directly — buy it inside arrivals before boarding).

Luggage: Space is limited at peak times. Large groups with multiple large bags can struggle. The bus has underfloor luggage space on some vehicles.

Stop location: Both terminals have marked Airlink stops immediately outside arrivals.

Verdict: Best value for solo travellers and couples. If you’re buying a Leap Visitor Card for your stay (recommended), getting it at the airport and using it immediately for the Airlink is the cleanest option. See Leap card guide for details.

Option 2: Aircoach — more comfortable, slightly more expensive

Aircoach is a private express bus service that charges a premium for extra comfort and more luggage space. It runs express services to:

• North Wall Quay → O’Connell Street → Hatch Street → Ballsbridge (Route 700)
• Various suburban routes

Price: approximately €12 single (check current prices at aircoach.ie).

Journey time: 40–55 minutes to the city centre, sometimes slightly longer than the Airlink due to additional stops.

When to use Aircoach: If your accommodation is directly on one of its routes (particularly Ballsbridge hotels), if you have large luggage and need the extra space, or if you prefer a more comfortable ride with guaranteed seating.

Option 3: Dublin Express / other coach services

Several other coach services operate airport routes. Dublin Express runs to O’Connell Street and other points. Prices are comparable to Aircoach (~€8–12). Check real-time departure boards in arrivals.

Option 4: Taxi

The official taxi rank is signposted from both terminals’ arrivals halls — follow the “Taxi” signs. All taxis are metered and licensed by the National Transport Authority.

Typical fares (2026):

• Airport to O’Connell Street / city centre: €25–35
• Airport to Temple Bar: €28–38
• Airport to Kilmainham / Liberties: €30–40
• Airport to Ballsbridge / southside hotels: €35–45
• Late night surcharge (midnight–8am): adds approximately €1.20 flag fall and time rate increases

FreeNow app: Use this for a pre-booking with upfront price estimate. Available at the airport and gives you a named driver. Uber also operates at Dublin Airport.

Avoid: unofficial drivers who approach you inside arrivals. These are illegal and will overcharge significantly. Always use the official rank or the FreeNow/Uber apps.

When to take a taxi: For groups of 3–4 (cost splits better than bus), for arrival with very large luggage, for very early morning (before 6am when buses run infrequently), or for passengers with mobility needs (accessible taxis available at the rank).

Option 5: Private transfer

Pre-booked private car transfers (typically a saloon or minivan) cost €50–70 to the city centre for a standard car. The advantage is a fixed price, door-to-door service and a named driver waiting in arrivals with your name on a board.

Useful for: families with young children and lots of gear, business travellers with early meetings, groups of 4+ where the per-person cost competes with taxis. Book through reputable licensed companies — search “Dublin Airport private transfer” and check reviews.

Option 6: Car rental

Car rental desks are in both terminals and at off-site locations connected by shuttle bus. Renting from the airport works well if you’re planning immediate travel to the countryside (Wicklow, etc.) or if you need a car for the full trip.

Important: Driving into central Dublin is not recommended for tourists. Parking in the city centre is expensive (€3–5/hour in car parks) and scarce. The taxi/bus into the city and car rental later is a better strategy if you only need a car for countryside day trips.

For driving in Ireland more broadly, see driving in Ireland from Dublin.

Choosing your option

Getting to the airport for departure

The same options work in reverse. Taxi from the centre to the airport costs €25–35. The Airlink costs €7.50 and runs from stops on O’Connell Street, College Green, Tara Street and Connolly Station.

Timing: Allow 45–60 minutes door to airport for most journeys. In peak traffic (7:30–9:30am departures are common), allow 75 minutes. The Airlink is reliable but can be delayed in bad traffic — book a taxi for very early flights if you want certainty.

For everything you need after landing, see getting around Dublin and the Dublin first-time guide.