Quick answer: The cheapest way to get to Dublin Airport is by bus. Dublin Bus routes 16 and 41 cost €2 with a Leap Card, but they stop often and have limited luggage space. For a faster, direct coach, Aircoach fares start from €9 one way, running 24/7 with departures up to every 15 minutes between Dublin Airport and the city centre.
Taxis typically cost €25-€40 for the same journey, while Dublin Airport has no direct train or tram link.
Transport is easy to overlook when you're budgeting for a trip, but it adds up fast. For students, budget travellers and anyone who flies regularly, finding the most affordable way to get to Dublin Airport can leave a lot more in your pocket for the part of the trip that actually matters.
Dublin Airport sits about 10km (6 miles) north of the city centre, and there's no direct train or tram link connecting the two. That leaves travellers choosing between bus, coach and taxi, with cost, journey time and convenience all playing a part in the decision.
This guide compares your options by price, speed and ease, plus a few ways to save even more on your next journey. Landing rather than leaving? See our guide on how to get from Dublin Airport to the city centre.
How much is the bus to Dublin Airport?
The cheapest bus is the public one. Dublin Bus routes 16 and 41 run between the city centre and the airport for €2 with a Leap Card or €2.60 in cash. The trade-off is time and comfort. These are regular city buses, so they stop often, have limited space for luggage (and your legs), and can take up to 60 minutes to reach their destination. For a few euros more, a direct coach does the same trip in 20 to 40 minutes, with room for your bags.
At Aircoach, we run Ireland's favourite 24/7 coach service to and from Dublin Airport, with departures as frequent as every 15 minutes. Three routes connect the airport to Dublin City:
- 700: From Leopardstown and Dublin City to Dublin Airport
- 700X: Express service to Dublin City Centre
- 702: Dublin Airport to Dalkey via Ballsbridge
Fares start from €9 one way when booked online, and return tickets generally offer you better value than two separate singles. The journey from the city centre takes between 20 and 40 minutes, depending on traffic and time of day. Onboard amenities like free Wi-Fi, charging points, and plenty of luggage space make the trip as comfortable as it is affordable.
Aircoach is rated 4.4 out of 5 on Trustpilot, based on nearly 6,000 reviews, and we hold our own against other coach operators on price.
A few Aircoach discounts can bring the cost down further:
- 50% off with a Student or Young Adult Leap Card
- 10% off for families booking 2 adults and 2 children together online
- Free travel for Free Travel Pass holders
For solo travellers and small groups, the coach is generally the best value and most flexible way to get to Dublin Airport.
Getting to Dublin Airport from Cork, Belfast or Derry
- 704X: From Cork to Dublin Airport, with 36 daily services and a journey time of roughly 3-3.5 hours
- 705X: From Belfast to Dublin Airport, running up to 34 daily services with a journey time of under two hours and an extension that links Derry to Dublin Airport (22 daily services).
Is a taxi or Uber cheaper in Dublin?
Uber in Dublin operates through licensed, metered taxis, so pricing is broadly in line with hailing a cab on the street. FreeNow and Bolt are also popular choices. Bolt can occasionally be friendlier on the wallet, though pricing is dynamic, so it's worth checking the app before you book.
As a rough guide, expect to pay between €25 and €40 for a journey between the city centre and the airport, with standard metered rates of €1.32 to €1.72 per km. The journey itself takes around 30 to 45 minutes, though fares climb during peak hours, at night, at weekends and on public holidays.
So, what's cheaper in Dublin: a taxi or an Uber? In practice, there's little difference, since both run on the same metered taxi system. Your best bet is to compare in-app estimates at the time of booking rather than assume one is always less pricey than the other.
Is there a train to Dublin Airport?
This catches many visitors off guard: Dublin Airport has no direct rail or tram connection. The nearest station is Drumcondra, where our Aircoach 700 and 700X services stop.
A metro line, MetroLink, has been planned for years and should eventually link the airport to the city, but it isn't operational yet. Until then, coach travel remains the practical stand-in for a train link, offering convenience without the wait for infrastructure that's likely still years away.
Bus, coach or taxi: Dublin Airport prices at a glance
| Transport | Cost | Journey Time | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dublin Bus | €2 with Leap Card, €2.60 cash | 40–60 mins | 24/7 (Route 41) |
| Aircoach | From €9 one way | 20–40 mins | 24/7 |
| Taxi | €25–€40 | 20–40 mins | 24/7 |
| Uber, FreeNow, Bolt | ~€25–€40 (metered) | 20–40 mins | 24/7 |
| Train | No direct link | N/A | N/A |
Fares correct as of October 2026. Sources: Dublin Airport (taxi estimates) and Transport for Ireland (taxi fares and bus fares).
The takeaway: The public bus is the cheapest option if you're travelling light and not in a rush. For most travellers, Aircoach offers the best balance of price, speed and comfort, at a fraction of the cost of a taxi.
How to save even more on Dublin Airport transport
- Book Aircoach tickets online in advance to lock in the best fare and guarantee a seat
- Use a Student or Young Adult Leap Card for 50% off Aircoach fares
- Travel between 8am and 8pm Monday to Saturday to sidestep taxi surcharges and higher fares
- For groups of three or more, compare the total coach fare against a split taxi fare, factoring in luggage, before deciding
Choosing the best option for your trip
For solo travellers, students, and anyone watching their budget, Aircoach stands out as the most reliable, best-value way to get to and from Dublin Airport, especially for early-morning or late-night flights. Taxis start to make sense if you’re with a larger group or have a lot of luggage and can split the fare.
Whichever way you're heading, getting to the airport shouldn't take the shine off where you're actually going. Book your bus to Dublin Airport ahead of your next trip, and let the journey take care of itself.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Aircoach cost to get to Dublin Airport?
Fares start from €9 one way when booked online, with discounts available for students, young adults and families.
Is Aircoach cheaper for groups?
It depends on how many are travelling. If you are a large group travelling for a team-building event, school trip, or social event, private coach hire is also an affordable option.
Can I use a Leap Card on Aircoach?
Yes! If you have a Young Adult or Student Leap Card, you can get 50% off Aircoach fares when you book online.
Where does Aircoach leave from in Dublin city centre?
Heading to the airport, our 700 service picks up at Leeson Street Lower, St Stephen's Green North, Westmoreland Street, O'Connell Street (opposite the RIU Gresham Hotel) and Drumcondra Rail Station. The 700X express picks up at Westmoreland Street, O'Connell Street and Drumcondra. Both drop you at Terminal 2 and Terminal 1.
What time is the first Aircoach to Dublin Airport?
There isn't a first or last coach on the 700: it runs through the night, every day except Christmas Day. From O'Connell Street, coaches leave at least once an hour in the small hours and more often from around 4am, with departures up to every 15 minutes during the day. The 700X express starts later, with its first departure at 06:42. Read our guide to catching an early morning bus to Dublin Airport.