How Do I Get From Dublin Airport to Dublin City Centre?

Dublin Airport
DUBLIN AIRPORT - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Familiarise yourself with these basic facts about Dublin Airport before you do anything.

Dublin Airport is located 15km (9 miles) from central Dublin.

The journey from Dublin Airport to Dublin takes 23-45 minutes by taxi or bus (heavy traffic increases the average).

Taxi ranks are located outside both terminals.

Multiple public bus services link Dublin Airport to Dublin.

Dublin Airport has 2 terminals, imaginatively named T1 and T2.

Flights from the USA land at T2 (including Aer Lingus, Delta, United, US Airways, American Airlines).

Ryanair, Transat and Air Canada (as well as many other airlines) flights land at T1. Check with your airline to see where you are landing.

No public transport operates between T1 and T2. You can walk the 300m (328 yard) distance between Dublin Airport terminals in around 5 minutes. Find the covered walkway in the departures level in T1 (beside the security screening point); or in the arrivals level in T2.

No rail services operate to or from Dublin Airport. You must travel into Dublin city to catch a train.

Our Recommended Option: TaxiWe recommend catching a taxi to and from Dublin Airport if your group is comprised of 2 or more people.Why? Taxis hold several advantages over public transport.

  • Door-to-door convenience. Taxis will drop you from outside Dublin Airport directly to your hotel in Dublin city centre. Minimum carrying or rolling luggage.
  • Taxis move fast through traffic. Dublin taxis use dedicated bus lanes to cut journey times.
  • Taxis cost around the same as a bus for 2 passengers for a single journey (they should cost less for 3 or more). Not travelling alone? Take a taxi. The standard taxi fare (between €22-38) makes sense if you are in a group. With more than two people, you will most likely save money over the equivalent bus tickets. Return tickets on airport coaches and buses offer better value.
  • Taxi drivers help you with luggage. Got lots of bags? Mobility issues? A taxi makes sense. Your driver will load and unload your luggage, saving you the effort on public transport.
HOW MUCH IS A TAXI FROM DUBLIN AIRPORT TO CITY?

The standard taxi fare from Dublin airport to Dublin city centre is between €22-38.This rate can rise if you are travelling on an Irish public holiday or late at night. It could also be higher if your hotel is not in Dublin city centre.Make sure your taxi driver is using the meter, mounted on the dashboard. Never agree a fixed price with a Dublin taxi driver unless you're confident it's fair.If you're travelling as a group with lots of bags to a specific location, taking a taxi from Dublin Airport to Dublin city centre can be a great option.

SAMPLE FARES - DUBLIN AIRPORT TAXIS

Here are some sample fares from this handy taxi fare estimator:

  1. Taxi rank (hail) - 4 people from Airport to Grand Canal Hotel (Southside) between 8pm and 8am or all day on Sundays/Holidays - €28.80 - €38.00 (dependent on traffic/luggage)
  2. Taxi rank (hail) - 2 people from Airport to Trinity College (Downtown) between 8am-8pm (Monday-Saturday) - €21.00 - €31.60 (dependent on traffic/luggage)
  3. Pre-booked - 4 people from Airport to Trinity College (Downtown) between 8am-8pm (Monday-Saturday) - €25.00 - €35.60 (dependent on traffic/luggage)
WHERE CAN I CATCH A TAXI FROM DUBLIN AIRPORT TO DUBLIN CITY CENTRE?

Taxis are available in the forecourts directly outside both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.Depending on when you arrive, there may be a queue. If your flight has landed between 6am and midnight, the wait shouldn't take too long.If your flight has landed in the wee hours (i.e. overnight), there may be a wait involved.Find or pre-book a taxi in Dublin using the Free Now app

WHAT DO TAXIS IN IRELAND LOOK LIKE?

Dublin taxis are not a uniform colour or car brand, as in cities like New York.Recognise taxis in Ireland them from the yellow and blue illuminated sign, mounted on the roof.Taxi with roof sign illuminated in IrelandYou'll know a taxi is available if this roof sign is illuminated.A taxi without its roof sign on has passengers aboard, is booked to pick up elsewhere, and will not stop when you hail it.

HOW DO I HAIL A DUBLIN TAXI?

Simply raise your arm and wave it as the moving taxi approaches.No need to whistle!

SHOULD I TIP TAXI DRIVERS IN IRELAND?

In Ireland, tipping taxi drivers is not obligatory.However, rounding up your fare to the nearest €5 or €10 is common.As is the case with tipping in Ireland generally, it's ultimately up to you whether you tip or not.

PRO TIP: In a rush? Tired after your flight? Ask your taxi driver to take the Dublin Port Tunnel. This congestion-free shortcut can reduce the journey time between Dublin Airport and Dublin city centre by 10 minutes or more, depending on traffic elsewhere. Downside? You will be charged a small amount extra on your fare.