Getting around Dublin Like a Local (Trains, Trams + Buses)

Getting around Dublin without a car is easy once you take 50 seconds to understand the different modes of transport along with how they work.

Although us locals tend to moan about it, public transportation in Dublin is pretty good if you’re a tourist looking to explore.

The main ways to get around Dublin without a car are:

• Public bus: Operates all around the county
• LUAS: A tram that makes getting about the city a breeze
• DART: Dublin’s train system
• Irish rail: For long journeys that take you from Dublin to elsewhere in Ireland
• Taxi/Uber/Free Now: The most expensive option
• Dublin bikes: Easy to rent and ride around the city

Getting around Dublin without the hassle

So, public transportation in Dublin can be confusing, and there are a few things to get your head around before you look at each method of getting around Dublin.

1. You can’t tap contactless to pay

Yes, I know – it’s far from ideal, but you can’t tap your bank card on public transportation in Dublin. Buses require a Leap Card or exact change (no notes), while LUAS and DART tickets can be bought from machines using cash or card.

2. There are Dublin public transport cards for visitors

There are cards for Dublin public transport that are both convenient and excellent value:

• Visitor Leap Card: A travel card offering unlimited journeys for 24 hours (€8), 72 hours (€18), or 7 days (€24)
• DoDublin Card: A €49 pass that includes 48 hours on the hop-on/hop-off bus and 72 hours of public transport. It also covers Dublin Bus routes to/from the airport

3. There’s also a 90-minute fare/daily cap

If you’re using a standard Leap Card, not the Visitor Leap Card (which gives you unlimited travel instead), this is what makes getting around Dublin simple and good value. In a nutshell:

• The TFI 90-minute fare means you can take multiple buses, trams or trains within 90 minutes for around €2
• You could hop on a bus, switch to the LUAS and then jump on the DART – all within that window – and only pay once
• There’s also a daily cap (around €6), so even if you’re moving around a lot, you won’t go over that

4. Use the TFI journey planner for planning trips

The best way to get around Dublin in you’re not familiar with the lay-of-the-land is to use the Transport for Ireland Journey Planner app or website. Similar to Google Maps, you enter your start and end point and it’ll provide you with all the info you need.

Having a good base that’s 1, close to public transport and 2, close to the Dublin attractions you plan on visiting is key to a smooth and hassle-free visit to the capital. See my guide on where to stay in Dublin for a map with the best areas.

5. Getting from the airport to the city

As there is no tram or train connection, the best way to get from Dublin airport to the city centre is via the Dublin Express. You can book online and it takes around 30 minutes depending on traffic. If you’re using a Leap Card or DoDublin pass, you can also take Dublin Bus routes like the 16 or 41, which are cheaper but slower.

6. You don’t need a car

While you can rent a car in Dublin if you like, it really isn’t necessary. You can get around with ease using public transport and, if you need flexibility, it’ll likely be cheaper to just book taxis/Ubers.

Dublin public transportation options

So, there are numerous types of public transport in Dublin, depending on how you like to travel and how much you want to spend.

Below, you’ll find everything from the various buses in Dublin and the Luas, to the DART and how to get around Dublin if you’re only here for a few days.

1. Buses in Dublin

Easily recognisible from their bright yellow exteriors, you’ll see the buses in Dublin all over the city and they are one of the most convenient and practical ways to get around.

They run from the city centre (a ton leave from O’Connell Street) to the outer suburbs and vice versa and usually run from 06:00 in the morning (10:00 on Sundays) until around 23:30 in the evening. 

How to get the bus

Look out on the street for the traditional bus stop markers resembling big blue or green lollipops.

There will be a schedule posted either on a digital display or on a paper notice (you can track the bus on the TFI Live app).

To tell where a bus is going, check the destination street and bus number displayed above its front window. 

Buying tickets/prices

The easiest way to pay for the bus is with the Leap Card (you can top-it-up in specific stores or via your phone) or with the DoDublin Card.

If you don’t want to use one of these cards, you’ll need to have the exact change ready.

Prices for buses in Dublin depend on distance, but if you’re using a Leap Card, most journeys fall under the TFI 90-minute fare (around €2), which allows unlimited transfers within that time.

2. The DART

The Dublin Area Rapid Transit (or DART) is an electrified commuter rail railway network first opened back in 1984.

It serves 31 stations, stretching from Malahide in the north to Greystones down in County Wicklow. 

How to get the DART

The DART is the best way to get around Dublin if you’re travelling long distances from the suburbs to the city.

The Journey Planner app comes in handy here for planning your route.

DART services operate every 10 minutes Monday to Saturday from around 6am to midnight and Sunday from 9:30am to 11pm

Buying tickets/prices

You can buy tickets from the ticket machines within the DART stations. They take both cash and credit/debit card.

For convenience I would, once again, recommend getting the Visitor Leap Card or the DoDublin Card.

Prices are calculated depending on how far you travel but would roughly be between 3 and 4 euros and rarely more than 6.

3. The LUAS

Arguably the best way to get around Dublin City is the LUAS – a tram system that connects the city to some outer suburbs.

There are only two lines (Red and Green) but they’re smooth, efficient and serve the city centre well (the Red Line is handy for visitors wanting to check out the Phoenix Park, for example).  

How to get the LUAS

If you’re using the Journey Planner app, you’ll know whether or not it makes sense to take the LUAS.

If it does, either use your Visitor Leap Card or DoDublin Card to tap on AND TAP OFF at the Luas Validator on the platforms (here’s what it looks like).

They operate from 05:30 to 00:30 Monday to Friday, while on Saturdays they begin slightly later at 06:30 and on Sundays operate between 07:00 and 23:00.

Buying tickets/prices

So, you can either pay at the ticket machines on the platform with cash or credit/debit card or you can use the Leap/DoDublin Card.

A single peak travel journey within the city center (zone 1) costs €1.54, rising to €2.50 for rides to zones 5 through 8.

4. The Dublin bikes

If you’re wondering how to get around Dublin while burning a few calories, the Dublin Bikes are worth considering.

They’re also very good value if you’re looking to keep costs down.

How to use the Dublin Bikes

First, you need to sign-up for the Dublin Bikes App. There are 1 and 3 day subscriptions available.

You can then use the app or the map function on the website to find where they’re located.

You then just need to select and release your bike.

Buying tickets/prices

A 1-day ticket for the bikes cost €3.5 while a 3-day ticket costs €5. The first 30 minutes of each journey is free, but charges apply after that.

While this method of getting around Dublin without a car won’t suit everyone, it’s a handy option for those used to cycling in cities.

5. Irish Rail

The final method of public transportation in Dublin is for those looking to leave the capital (there are many day trips from Dublin).

The national rail network (Iarnród Éireann) is worth knowing about if you’re staying in Ireland for a longer period of time and plan to travel long distances. 

How to get Irish Rail

If you do plan on travelling across Ireland from Dublin then there are two main stations you’ll need.

Dublin Connolly is the busiest and has regular links with Belfast and the north of Ireland, while Heuston serves the south, southwest and west of Ireland. 

Buying tickets/prices

Ticket prices vary wildly due to the distances involved (Dublin to Belfast is around €20 for example).

But if you do get a local train across Dublin then you shouldn’t have to pay much more than €6.

Again, you can buy tickets at the station, but you can also get them online in advance (highly recommended).

6. Taxis/ride sharing

The best way to get around Dublin if you’re after convenience and you don’t mind an often hefty price is Taxis and ride-sharing apps like Uber and Free Now.

In Dublin, Uber doesn’t operate like it does in other countries – it simply connects you with licensed taxis. Free Now is the most widely used app locally.

How to use taxis in Dublin

• Hail one on the street
• Grab one at a taxi rank (you’ll find these across the city)
• Book through apps like Free Now or Uber

Prices and what to expect

Fares are metered and depend on distance and time, so prices can vary, especially during busy periods or late at night.

Short trips around the city will usually cost €10 – €20, while longer journeys (like to/from the airport) can be €25 – €35+ depending on traffic.

7. From Dublin Airport to the city

Getting from Dublin Airport to the city centre comes down to cost vs convenience. The airport is around 17.5 km from the city, with journey times of 25 – 40 minutes depending on traffic.

The cheapest option is Dublin Bus (around €2 with a Leap Card), while express buses like Dublin Express and Aircoach cost €9 – €10 and are quicker.

Taxis and ride-sharing apps (Uber/Free Now) are the most convenient, typically costing €25 – €35, and can be picked up outside both terminals. There’s no train or tram connection from the airport, so all options are road-based.

Explore the capital via the public transportation in Dublin

Now you know how to get around Dublin without a car, it’s time to take a look at the best things to see and do:

• Key attractions: Guinness Storehouse, Jameson Distillery, Trinity College and Christ Church
• Round ups: Museums in Dublin, Dublin with kids, free things to do in Dublin and the best walks in Dublin
• Itineraries: 1 day in Dublin, 2 days in Dublin or 3 days in Dublin

Still struggling to decide the best way to get around Dublin during your trip? Ask away in the comments below!