Dublin Airport — Airlink Express 747/757 + Aircoach + Dublin Bus
Dublin Airport (DUB) to Dublin — Updated 2026
Dublin Airport has no rail link (Metro Link is projected for ~2035), so bus is the main public transport option for the 10 km journey to central Dublin. The **Airlink Express (routes 747 + 757)** is the recommended tourist option — €8.00, runs every 10-15 minutes from 04:45 to 23:45, direct to O'Connell Street, Connolly Station, and Bus Áras. **Aircoach** is the premium alternative — €9.00 to St Stephen's Green via key southside hotels (UCD, Leopardstown, Donnybrook). **Dublin Bus 16** is the local-fare option at just €2.60 (TFI Leap card), 60 minutes via multiple suburban stops — cheapest but slow with luggage. For early morning departures or late arrivals, Aircoach runs 24/7 on some routes.
Airlink Express 747/757 + Aircoach + Dublin Bus stops
| Station / Stop | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dublin Airport T1 + T2 | 0 min | Stops outside arrivals at both terminals |
| Drumcondra | ~12 min | 747 + 757 stop |
| Parnell Square | ~22 min | 757 (northbound) |
| O'Connell Street | ~25 min | 747 — Spire / GPO area |
| Bus Áras | ~28 min | 747 terminus (intercity bus + Luas) |
| Connolly Station | ~30 min | 747 — rail to north + DART |
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Airlink Express 747/757 + Aircoach + Dublin Bus vs alternatives
| Option | Cost | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airlink Express 747/757 | €8 | 30 min | Most popular tourist choice. O'Connell St + Connolly. |
| Aircoach | €9 | 35 min | St Stephen's Green + southside hotels. Some routes 24h. |
| Dublin Bus 16 | €2.60 | 60 min | Cheapest. Multiple stops, slow with luggage. |
| Dublin Bus 41 | €2.60 | 50 min | Alternative city bus, via Drumcondra + Eden Quay. |
| Taxi (metered) | €25-€40 | 25-45 min | Honest meters + €2 airport surcharge. Card accepted. |
| Free Now / Uber Taxi | €25-€40 | 25-45 min | Same metered fare as rank. |
FAQ
Why does Dublin Airport have no train?+
Dublin is one of the only major European capitals without a direct airport rail link. The Metro Link subway project has been proposed since the early 2000s with a current estimate of 2035 for completion. Until then, Airlink Express bus is the standard fast option (€8, 30 min to city centre).
Airlink Express vs Aircoach from Dublin Airport?+
Airlink Express (€8) goes to O'Connell Street + Connolly + Bus Áras — central north Dublin. Aircoach (€9) goes to St Stephen's Green + UCD + Leopardstown — southside Dublin. Choose based on your hotel area. Both are similar speed (30-35 min). Airlink runs more frequently (every 10-15 min vs every 15-30 min for Aircoach).
Can I use Dublin Bus 16 with luggage?+
Technically yes but not recommended for 2+ bags. Bus 16 is a regular city bus (not airport-specialised), so luggage has to go in the (limited) standing space. The route serves Drumcondra, North Strand, O'Connell, and beyond — 60+ minutes with frequent stops. For €2.60 you save €5-€6 vs Airlink, but you trade convenience. Best for solo travellers with a backpack.
Late-night bus from Dublin Airport?+
Some Aircoach routes run 24/7 (e.g. to Cork). Airlink Express stops at 23:45 (last departure). Dublin Bus 16 stops around 23:30. After that: taxi (€25-€40, 25-45 min). Late-night Aircoach is unique in offering near-24h coverage from a major European airport.
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