Dublin Airport to Galway, Belfast or Cork

You’ve landed. The passport queue is behind you, the bags are on the trolley and Ireland is just outside the doors. Now comes the question every visitor asks: what’s the best way to get from Dublin Airport to where I’m actually staying?

The honest answer depends on where you’re going, how many of you there are and how much luggage you’re bringing. Here’s how the options compare, from someone who makes the journey every week.

How far is everything from Dublin Airport?

Dublin Airport sits just north of the city, on the motorway network, so the rest of Ireland is closer than most people expect. Approximate driving times:

• Dublin city centre: about 30 minutes
• Belfast: about 1 hour 30 minutes
• Galway: about 2 hours 15 minutes
• Adare Manor, Limerick: about 2 hours 30 minutes
• Cork: about 2 hours 45 minutes
• Ashford Castle, Mayo: about 3 hours
• Killarney, Kerry: about 3 hours 30 minutes

Traffic, weather and a stop for lunch can all change those times, but they’re a good guide for planning your first day.

Your options from the airport

Express coaches

Several coach companies run direct services from Dublin Airport to Galway, Belfast, Cork and other cities. They’re the cheapest way to travel, and they’re comfortable enough. The trade-off is the timetable: if your flight is late you may miss your departure, there are limits on luggage, and you’ll still need a taxi at the other end to reach your hotel.

Trains

There’s no railway station at Dublin Airport, so you’d take a bus or taxi into the city first, then a train from Heuston for Galway, Cork and Kerry, or from Connolly for Belfast. It works, but with suitcases and jet lag it can turn a two-hour journey into most of the day.

A hire car

Hiring a car gives you freedom, and Ireland’s motorways are easy to drive. But remember we drive on the left, rural roads get narrow very quickly, and after an overnight flight a long drive in an unfamiliar country isn’t much fun. Many visitors prefer to pick up a hire car a few days into their trip, once they’ve slept.

A private transfer

A private transfer is the easy option: your own car and chauffeur, waiting for you in the arrivals hall and taking you door to door. There are no connections to make, no luggage limits to worry about, and if you’d like to stop for lunch or stretch your legs on the way, you can. For families, golf groups or anyone travelling with a lot of bags, it’s often much simpler than juggling coaches and taxis.

What to send us before you land

A Dublin Airport collection starts with your flight number, not a pin on a map. With your enquiry, send us:

• the airport, date and flight number
• the address you’re heading to
• how many people are travelling
• how many bags you have, golf clubs included

Bags matter more than people think. For up to three passengers, the Mercedes E-Class or S-Class is ideal. For larger families and groups of up to seven, our Business MPV keeps everyone, and everything, together. You’ll get a personal quote first, and payment is arranged by secure link or agreed cash before your booking is confirmed.

What happens when you land

Your chauffeur meets you inside the arrivals hall, takes the bags and walks you to the car. Then it’s simply a case of settling in and watching Ireland go by. If you’d like, your chauffeur will happily point out the sights along the way.

Heading home

Most of our guests book the return journey too, so the end of the trip is as easy as the start. Tell us your departure time and we’ll plan the pickup so you reach the airport with time to spare.

Ready to plan your arrival? Take a look at our Dublin Airport transfers, or send us your flight details for a personal quote.