Dublin Airport to City Centre - Fastest Transfer Options

Getting from Dublin airport to the City Centre is really easy, with transport options to suit all budgets, from the really affordable Airlink bus, to the more luxurious private transfer options.

I visited Dublin earlier this year and spent the weekend exploring Temple Bar, learning about the history of Kilmainham Gaol, and of course, sampling Guinness.

But before I could begin my trip, I had to figure out how to get to my hotel. Luckily, it’s really easy to get from Dublin airport to the city centre.

In this guide I’ll take you through all the options available to you, as well as the one I’d personally recommend.

The cheapest way to get from Dublin airport to the city centre is to take the Dublin Express bus. Tickets cost just £8 and you’ll be in Dublin city centre within just 15 minutes.

*Some links in this post are affiliate links. It won’t make a difference to what you pay, but I may earn a small commission if you purchase something I’ve recommended. I’m really grateful for your trust in my advice, and if I wouldn’t recommend it to a friend, I won’t recommend it to you.

How to get from Dublin airport to the City Centre

There’s 5 different ways I’d suggest travelling from Dublin airport to the City Centre, with something to suit every budget.

Dublin Express bus

The Dublin Express bus is the easiest way to travel from Dublin airport to the city centre, and the transport I used on my visit.

Tickets are just £8 with buses departing every 10 minutes directly in front of the airport exit. The fastest journey to the city centre takes just 14 minutes, and there’s multiple stops throughout the city so you can be dropped right next to your accommodation.

The first coach leaves Dublin airport at 03:05am, and the last one at 00:35am, so there’s only a very small window of time where the bus won’t be a suitable option for you.

It’s really convenient, quick and affordable, which is why I’d recommend the bus over other modes of transport.

Alternative bus routes

As well as the Dublin Express, other local buses serve the airport.

In most cases, the Dublin Express is the most convenient option, but the Dublin Bus route 41 runs 24/7, so may suit you better if you’re arriving in the small window when the Dublin Express isn’t running.

A full list of the buses serving the airport is here.

Uber/Bolt/Freenow

There is Uber in Dublin, but apps like Bolt and Freenow tend to be cheaper, so I’d recommend checking all 3 before you order a car.

Expect to pay around €25 one way for an Uber from Dublin airport to the city centre, with the journey taking about 20 minutes.

Taxi

Taxi’s are available from the forecourts outside both terminals at Dublin airport. Expect to pay between €25-€30.

Private transfer

If you like the security of knowing there’s a car waiting for you when you arrive in Dublin, there’s nothing better than a private transfer.

The driver will meet you in arrivals, help you with your luggage, and drop you at your hotel.

Driving yourself

If you prefer the flexibility of having your own car whilst you’re in Dublin, you can pick one up at the airport terminal.

I’d only really recommend this option if you’re planning to travel around Ireland beyond Dublin, as you won’t need a car if you’re just staying within the city.

If you do want to hire a car, I’d recommend using Discover Cars to find the most affordable option. They compare lots of different providers to find you the best price.

I use them every time I hire a car abroad and I’ve never had any bad experiences where they won’t give you your money back at the end like you sometimes hear about with dodgy car hire companies. The process is always really simple and stress-free.

Things to do whilst you’re in Dublin

Dublin is an incredible city with so much to explore. Here’s some of my favourite things to do whilst you’re there:

Temple Bar – When you think of Dublin, Temple Bar is usually the first place that comes to mind. It’s one of the busiest parts of the city, packed full of theatres, clubs, galleries, restaurants, independent shops and brilliant pubs.
Kilmainham Gaol – Visiting Kilmainham Gaol was the best thing I did on my 2 days in Dublin. The Gaol was built in 1796 as part of the prison reform movement, and visiting Kilmainham is a unique opportunity to learn about Irish history, and look inside a former working jail.
Guinness Storehouse – The Guinness Storehouse is undoubtedly the most popular tourist attraction in Dublin, with more than 1million people visiting each year. It’s a seven-storey interactive experience where you can learn all about Guinness – the history of the drink, how it’s brewed, and even how to pour one yourself!
Christ Church Cathedral – This is the oldest of the city’s two medieval cathedrals – the other being St.Patricks. It was founded in 1030 and was originally a Viking church. Its stood at the heart of Dublin for around 1,000 years, and is home to the famous 12th-century crypt, the largest one in Britain or Ireland.
Trinity College – One of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Ireland, Trinity College was founded in 1592, and its alumni includes Oscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett and more recently, Aisling Bea. Tourists are able to tour the 47 acre campus, and see the see the Book of Kells, a religious manuscript crafted by Celtic monks around 800 AD.

Want to plan the perfect weekend in Dublin? My guide to the best places to explore, sleep and eat in the city has got you covered.

Getting from Dublin airport to the City Centre: The Wrap Up

As you can see, it couldn’t be easier to get from Dublin airport to the City Centre.

There’s transport options to suit every budget, and services leave really regularly, so you don’t need to worry about missing a transfer.