Quick answer: The fastest and most affordable way to get from Dublin Airport to Dublin City Centre is by coach. Aircoach operates Routes 700 and 700X directly from Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, running 24/7 with coaches up to every 15 minutes. Fares start from €6 one way when booked online. The journey takes between 20 and 40 minutes depending on traffic.
You've landed. Bags are off the carousel. Now comes the question everyone Googles at least once: how do I actually get into the city?
Good news - it's straightforward. Dublin Airport is well-connected to the city centre, and there are several ways to make the journey. This guide covers every realistic option, with honest pros and cons for each, so you can pick what works for your situation and get on with the good bit.
Coach: The Most Practical Way from Dublin Airport to the City
Why most people choose the coach
For most travellers, the coach is the obvious choice. It's affordable, frequent and drops you right in the heart of the city - no transfers, no faff.
Aircoach runs three routes from Dublin Airport to Dublin City Centre and beyond:
- Route 700 - Dublin Airport to Dublin City Centre and Leopardstown
- Route 700X - Express service, Dublin Airport to Dublin City Centre
- Route 702 - Dublin Airport to Dalkey via Ballsbridge
The 700 and 700X services run 24/7 364 days of the year, with coaches departing up to every 15 minutes. That kind of frequency means you're rarely waiting long, whether you've landed at 6am or midnight.
Where does the Aircoach stop in Dublin City Centre?
Key stops on Routes 700 and 700X include:
- Drumcondra, opposite the Rail Station (useful for onward rail connections)
- O'Connell Street (RIU Gresham Hotel) - bang in the centre of the city
- O'Connell Bridge
- Kildare Street
- Leeson Street Lower
O'Connell Street puts you within easy walking distance of most central hotels, short-term holiday rentals and popular attractions. From there, Temple Bar, Trinity College and Dublin Castle are all reachable on foot.
Route 702 serves a different corridor - travelling via the 3 Arena, Grand Canal Dock, Ballsbridge, Booterstown and all the way down to Dalkey Village. If your final destination is on the southside, this is the one to check.
All coaches pick up and drop off directly outside Terminal 1 (Zone 2) and Terminal 2 (Zone 20). Follow the signs from the terminal and you'll find us.
How much does the coach from Dublin Airport cost?
Aircoach tickets are only €9 for a one-way journey when booked online. A return starts from €12.
Contactless payments, including Apple Pay and Google Pay, are also accepted on board if you'd rather not book in advance, though booking online guarantees your seat and gets you the best fare.
If you're worried about flight delays, add on Flexibook and easily swap your ticket for another time. No fuss, no stress.
There are also a few ways to save:
- Free Travel Pass holders travel at no cost
- Young Adult and Student Leap Card holders get 50% off when you book online
- Families get an automatic 10% discount when booking for 2 adults and 2 children online and children under 3 travel free
How long does the journey take?
Between 20 and 40 minutes, depending on traffic and the time of day. Rush hour (typically 7 - 9am and 4 - 7pm on weekdays) can add time to the journey. Outside those windows, you're generally looking at the lower end of that range.
Is There a Train from Dublin Airport to the City Centre?
No direct rail connection exists between Dublin Airport and Dublin City Centre. This is one of the most common questions travellers have, and the honest answer is: no.
Taxi from Dublin Airport: Convenient, But It Comes at a Cost
Of course, taxis are available 24/7 directly outside both terminals - no pre-booking required. For groups travelling with a lot of luggage, or looking for a direct, door-to-door option that's hard to beat for sheer convenience.
That convenience has a price, though. A standard metered taxi from Dublin Airport to the city centre costs roughly €30–€45, depending on the time of day, traffic, and your exact destination. Evening, weekend, and bank holiday surcharges can push that figure higher. For solo travellers or couples or families on a budget, it's a significantly more expensive option than the coach.
Car Rental: An Option If You Have the Budget
If Dublin is just the starting point and you're planning to explore more of Ireland - the Wild Atlantic Way, the Ring of Kerry, the Causeway Coastal Route - renting a car gives you complete flexibility.
Several well-known car rental companies operate from Dublin Airport, with desks in the terminals or nearby facilities. A few things worth knowing before you go:
- Drive on the left in Ireland
- City centre parking is limited and can be expensive
- Car rental itself is not cheap, costing €64 on average per day
- Traffic in Dublin, particularly during rush hour, can be slow
If you're spending most of your time in Dublin itself and only venturing further afield for a day trip or two, it's worth weighing the parking costs and city driving stress against the convenience.
It's also worth knowing that Aircoach's other services connects Dublin Airport and Dublin City Centre with Cork, Belfast and Derry/L'Derry - so if your plans include visiting other cities, a coach journey between destinations is a straightforward, affordable alternative to driving or renting a car. See our timetables for more information.
How to Choose the Right Transport Option
There's no single right answer - it depends on your circumstances. Here's a simple breakdown:
Choose the coach if: you're travelling solo, as a couple or as a small group and want the most cost-effective, hassle-free option from Dublin Airport into the city centre.
Choose a taxi if: you have a lot of luggage, you're in a group that would otherwise need multiple seats, or you need a door-to-door drop-off and cost is less of a concern.
Choose car rental if: you're spending significant time outside of Dublin and need the flexibility of your own vehicle.
A note on luggage
Aircoach coaches have dedicated luggage storage, so travelling with a large suitcase or multiple bags isn't an issue.
A note on your final destination
If you're staying in central Dublin - O'Connell Street, Temple Bar, St. Stephen's Green, or anywhere nearby - the Aircoach drop-off on O'Connell Street puts you within easy walking distance of most accommodation.
That said, if you're heading to a specific neighbourhood, check the full route map to confirm the nearest stop before you travel.
The Practical Bit Before You Go
A few quick tips to make the airport-to-city journey as smooth as possible:
- Book online in advance to guarantee your seat and secure the lowest Aircoach fare
- Check the timetable if you're arriving at an off-peak time - the 700/700X runs 24/7, but frequency varies slightly through the night
- Allow extra time during peak hours Dublin traffic can be unpredictable, particularly on weekday mornings and evenings
- Terminal check: Aircoach picks up from both Terminal 1 (Zone 2) and Terminal 2 (Zone 20), so no matter where your flight lands, you're covered
Ready to Go?
Getting from Dublin Airport to the city centre doesn't need to be complicated. Most people find the coach covers everything they need - it's affordable, reliable, and drops you right where you want to be, without the sat nav stress or the car park charges.
Just see what our customers have to say:
Book your bus to Dublin Airport online today and get the best available fare before you travel.