Bus Guide

Dublin Airport — Airlink Express 747/757 + Aircoach + Dublin Bus

Dublin Airport (DUB) to Dublin — Updated 2026

€8 (30 min)
Airlink Express
€9 (35 min)
Aircoach
€2.60 (60 min)
Dublin Bus 16
10 km to centre
Distance

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 / StopTimeNotes
Dublin Airport T1 + T20 minStops outside arrivals at both terminals
Drumcondra~12 min747 + 757 stop
Parnell Square~22 min757 (northbound)
O'Connell Street~25 min747 — Spire / GPO area
Bus Áras~28 min747 terminus (intercity bus + Luas)
Connolly Station~30 min747 — rail to north + DART

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Airlink Express 747/757 + Aircoach + Dublin Bus vs alternatives

OptionCostTimeBest For
Airlink Express 747/757€830 minMost popular tourist choice. O'Connell St + Connolly.
Aircoach€935 minSt Stephen's Green + southside hotels. Some routes 24h.
Dublin Bus 16€2.6060 minCheapest. Multiple stops, slow with luggage.
Dublin Bus 41€2.6050 minAlternative city bus, via Drumcondra + Eden Quay.
Taxi (metered)€25-€4025-45 minHonest meters + €2 airport surcharge. Card accepted.
Free Now / Uber Taxi€25-€4025-45 minSame 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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