Quick answer: On 29th August 2026, the Aer Lingus College Football Classic brings TCU vs UNC to Dublin's Aviva Stadium, with over 14,000 US fans expected. If you're flying in, Aircoach runs coaches from Dublin Airport to the city centre 24/7, from €9 one way. Book online or arrange a group booking for a discount.
Saturday, 29th August 2026 is a big one. The TCU Horned Frogs and the UNC Tar Heels will kick off the 2026 college football season at Dublin's Aviva Stadium, in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic. TCU take the home slot on Irish soil, up against a UNC side now coached by Bill Belichick - winner of a record eight Super Bowls.
More than 14,000 US fans are expected to make the trip across the Atlantic. That's a lot of jerseys, foam fingers and pre-game nerves landing at Dublin Airport in the days before kick-off.
The good news? Dublin is ready for you. And so are we. Here's what to expect from the weekend, and the easy bit - how to get from the airport into the heart of the city without the hassle.
Why Dublin is the perfect place for the Classic
Dublin has been voted one of the top 10 friendliest cities in the world, and this will be the fifth year running that Ireland has hosted the Aer Lingus College Football Classic. Safe to say, the city knows how to put on a welcome.
It's not only about the 80 minutes on the field, either. Under the #MuchMoreThanAGame banner, the weekend brings pep rallies, tailgate parties, parades and a run of cultural, educational and business events across the city. For thousands of visitors, it's a proper introduction to Ireland.
How do you get from Dublin Airport to the city centre?
Here's where we come in - the bit in the middle. Aircoach runs fast and frequent coaches between Dublin Airport and Dublin City Centre, 24/7, with departures up to every 15 minutes. So whether your flight lands at 6am or midnight, there's a coach waiting.
You've got three routes to choose from:
- 700: Dublin Airport to Dublin City Centre and onwards to Leopardstown, stopping at O'Connell Street, Kildare Street and Leeson Street Lower.
- 700X: Express to Dublin City Centre, stopping at Drumcondra and O'Connell Street.
- 702: Dublin Airport to Dalkey via Ballsbridge, stopping at The 3Arena, Grand Canal Dock and Merrion Road.
All coaches pick up and drop off directly outside Terminal 1 (Zone 2) and Terminal 2 (Zone 20) - just follow the signs. The trip takes between 20 and 40 minutes, depending on traffic, and there's onboard WiFi, charging points and plenty of luggage space to keep you comfortable along the way.
Tickets start from €9 one way or €12 return when you book online. Compare that to a taxi at roughly €30–45, and it's an easy way to save your money for the good stuff - a pint at Temple Bar, or a round at the tailgate.
See our full routes and timetables for more information, or see our guide on how to get from Dublin Airport to the city centre.
New for 2026: the Dublin Airport Flyer
Our 700X express service has had an upgrade. The Dublin Airport Flyer is our new fleet of purple double-decker coaches, running between Dublin City Centre and the airport. Capacity has jumped from 49 to 97 passengers per journey - nearly twice as many seats, which means less waiting around at peak times. And yes, you can bring your luggage on board.
You can't miss them: just look for the distinctive purple coaches at the terminal, hop on, and go.
Heading straight to the Aviva Stadium from the airport?
If you want to head straight to the Aviva Stadium from Dublin Airport without stopping in the city centre first, the 702 route is your best bet. It runs from Dublin Airport through the Ballsbridge area, just a short walk from the Aviva. From there, the stadium is easy to reach on foot.
See our guide on how to get to the Aviva Stadium for more info.
Travelling as a group? Book together and save
Coming over with a big group of fans, family or your whole tailgate crew? A group booking could work out cheaper. Aircoach offers discounts for larger groups travelling together, whether you're heading to the airport, the city centre or beyond.
It's simple: fill in the group booking form with your numbers and travel details, and a member of the team will be in touch within 24 hours (Monday to Friday) with a discount or a personalised quote. One booking, one plan, everyone on the same coach.
Make the most of your time in Dublin
The match is the reason you're here, but there's plenty more to enjoy while you're in town. Our coaches drop you a short walk from many of Dublin's best-loved spots:
- A pint at the legendary Temple Bar
- The story behind Ireland's most famous export at the Guinness Storehouse
- The Irish college experience at the historic grounds of Trinity College, home to the Book of Kells
- The 800-year-old Dublin Castle
With free Wi-Fi on board, you can even start planning your itinerary before you've reached the city centre.
Sorted your ticket? Now sort your transport
The football, the city, the whole weekend - that's what you've come for. Getting from the airport to your hotel is the one part that just needs to go right, and that's our job.
Book your bus from Dublin Airport online in a couple of minutes, or arrange a group booking if you're travelling with a crowd. Then you can focus on the part that actually matters: enjoying Dublin, and cheering on your team come 29th August.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Dublin Airport to the city centre for the Aer Lingus College Football game?
Take the Aircoach 700, 700X or 702 from directly outside Terminal 1 (Zone 2) or Terminal 2 (Zone 20). The 700 and 700X run 24/7, departing up to every 15 minutes and the journey takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on traffic.
How much does the Aircoach cost from Dublin Airport?
Tickets start from €9 for a one-way ticket and €12 for a return when you book online. A taxi over the same route usually costs around €30 - €45.
Can I get a discount for a large group of fans?
Yes. Aircoach offers group booking discounts for larger parties travelling together. Fill in the group booking form with your travel details, and the team will reply within 24 hours (Monday to Friday) with a discount or a personalised quote.
When and where is the 2026 Aer Lingus College Football Classic?
The game takes place on Saturday, 29th August 2026 at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland. TCU face UNC to open the 2026 college football season.
Can I bring my luggage on the Aircoach?
Yes. All Aircoach services offer luggage space, and the new Dublin Airport Flyer double-deckers on the 700X route let you bring your bags on board - handy when you're travelling to or from the airport.
Which Aircoach route should I take?
Choose the 700X if you want the fastest express run to the city centre. Take the 700 if you're staying near Leeson Street or heading towards Leopardstown. Pick the 702 if your hotel is near Ballsbridge, Grand Canal Dock or out towards Dalkey.