Dublin Airport sits about 10 km north of the city centre, and one fact catches many visitors off guard: there is no rail link. No metro, no Dart, no suburban rail to the terminal. Getting into Dublin means a bus, a taxi, or your own vehicle — but the bus options are frequent, well-organised and reach most of the city without needing a transfer.
Airlink Express: the main bus service
The Dublin Bus Airlink is the dedicated airport coach service operated by Dublin Bus, and it is the most popular public transport option. Two routes cover the main destinations:
- Route 747 runs from the airport to Busáras (the central bus station) and Heuston Station, the main terminus for westbound and intercity trains. Journey time to Busáras is roughly 25–40 minutes depending on traffic, and to Heuston about 50–60 minutes. This route also stops at key points along the quays including O'Connell Street.
- Route 757 connects the airport to Sandymount via the south city, covering parts of the south side that 747 does not reach directly.
Airlink runs frequently throughout the day — typically every 10–15 minutes on the 747 during peak times — and the service starts early and runs until late. Cash, contactless and Leap Card (Dublin's transport smart card) are all accepted. The Leap Card gives a small discount over the cash fare and is worth picking up if you plan to use Dublin's buses during your stay.
Aircoach: direct to south Dublin and beyond
Aircoach is a private express coach company with several routes connecting the airport to different parts of Dublin, including popular areas like Ballsbridge, Donnybrook, Stillorgan and south-side suburbs that Dublin Bus routes do not reach as directly. Routes are numbered (701, 702, 703 etc.) and clearly signed at the airport.
Aircoach also runs routes to Cork and Belfast directly from the airport — a useful option if you are landing in Dublin and heading straight to another Irish city without needing to enter the capital at all.
Journey time on Aircoach to the city centre is broadly similar to Airlink. Fares are competitive and typically slightly higher than Airlink for comparable routes; book online for the cheapest prices. Aircoach accepts card payment but Leap Cards are not valid.
Other bus options
Several regular Dublin Bus routes also serve the airport, including the 16, 41 and several others. These are slower than the express services as they make more stops, but they serve neighbourhoods that the Airlink does not pass through and accept Leap Cards. Useful if your accommodation is in a northern suburb on one of these routes.
Dublin traffic: The M50 motorway and roads into the city centre can be heavily congested, particularly in the morning and evening rush hours (roughly 07:00–09:30 and 16:30–19:00). Bus journey times to the city centre can vary from 25 minutes at off-peak times to well over an hour during bad congestion. If you are catching an outbound flight, build in a substantial buffer.
Taxi and ride-hailing
Taxis queue at the designated ranks outside both terminals (Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 have separate ranks). Dublin taxis are metered and regulated; fares to central Dublin are higher than in most comparable European cities. A surcharge applies for airport pickups, and bags may also incur a small additional charge — check the current regulated tariff if in doubt.
Uber operates in Dublin (using licensed taxis on the Irish market rather than private drivers), so bookings through the Uber app are available and give you an upfront fare estimate. Free Now is another popular app-based taxi service in Dublin and is widely used locally.
For groups of three or more, or if you have a lot of luggage and are staying somewhere away from the main bus corridors, a taxi can be very convenient and the per-person cost becomes more reasonable.
Rental car and driving
All major rental companies have desks in both terminals. Driving from the airport to the city follows the M1 and then the Port Tunnel or the coastal route depending on your destination. The Port Tunnel has a toll. Driving in central Dublin itself is not recommended for first-time visitors — the city centre is compact, one-way systems are complex, parking is expensive, and most hotels are close enough to everything to make a car unnecessary. Pick up the car when you need it for a day trip or onward journey rather than immediately on arrival if possible.
When will there be a metro?
A Metro North line connecting the airport to the city centre has been planned for many years and has been through multiple iterations of approval and delay. As of mid-2026 it remains in the planning and pre-construction phase; check the current status of the MetroLink project if you are visiting in future years. When complete, it would transform airport access significantly.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a train from Dublin Airport to the city centre?
No — there is currently no rail link to Dublin Airport. The planned MetroLink project would provide one but was still in pre-construction as of 2026. All public transport options from the airport are by bus.
How long does the Airlink bus take from Dublin Airport to the city?
Route 747 typically takes 25–40 minutes to Busáras (O'Connell Street area) in moderate traffic. During peak-hour congestion this can extend to an hour or more. Plan accordingly, especially for early evening journeys.
Can I use a Leap Card on the Airlink?
Yes — the Dublin Bus Airlink accepts Leap Cards, which give a small discount over the cash fare. Standard Leap Cards are also valid on regular Dublin Bus, Dart and Luas services in the city.
How much does a taxi from Dublin Airport to the city cost?
Fares are metered plus an airport pickup surcharge. The total varies by destination and traffic, but central Dublin is typically at the higher end of what you would expect in a European capital. App services like Free Now give an upfront estimate before you book.
Sources and further reading:
- Airlink routes and schedules: Dublin Bus (dublinbus.ie).
- Aircoach routes and fares: Aircoach (aircoach.ie).
- MetroLink project status: Transport Infrastructure Ireland (tii.ie).
- Taxi tariffs: National Transport Authority (nationaltransport.ie).