Dublin Airport to the city by bus

Route 16 runs from the airport through Drumcondra and O'Connell Street to Rathmines and Ballinteer on the south side; route 41 goes via Swords Road and Drumcondra to Lower Abbey Street in the city centre, with 41 also serving Swords. Both are ordinary city buses, so they take 45–60 minutes to the centre depending on traffic, and there is limited space for luggage.

They are by far the cheapest option and accept the Leap Card and cash (exact fare only, no change). The stops are outside Terminal 1 and at the Terminal 2 bus zone. Route 16 runs from early morning to around midnight; the 41 has a similar span.

Aircoach coaches leave from outside both terminals around the clock on the main route 700 to the city centre and on to Leopardstown and Sandyford, with other routes to the south suburbs, Cork, Belfast and Galway. Route 700 reaches O'Connell Street in about 30 minutes off-peak and stops at the main hotels along the way.

Tickets are bought online, at the airport desks or from the driver by card; booking online is cheaper and guarantees a seat at busy times.

Dublin Express (routes 782 and 784) runs from both terminals to the city centre via the Port Tunnel, calling at Connolly Station, the Docklands, Westmoreland Street and Heuston Station. Because of the tunnel it is usually the fastest way in, around 25 minutes to the city centre outside rush hour, and it runs 24 hours a day.

It also has a stop on Aston Quay for Temple Bar. Tickets are sold online and on board by card; the Leap Card is not accepted.

For a hotel near Heuston or Connolly, or on O'Connell Street, Dublin Express or Aircoach are the quick answer. For anywhere near Drumcondra or the north inner city, or if you are on a budget and have little luggage, routes 16 and 41 do the job with a Leap Card.

Current fares for all options are on the Dublin “Tickets & fares” page.