Updated October 2024-– The island of Ireland has a total of 10 airports.
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Below, you’ll find various transportation options available for travelers arriving at Ireland’s airports, including those in Belfast and Derry, Northern Ireland.
Transportation methods include buses, taxis, and car rentals.
FROM DUBLIN
Dublin Airport is located just 6 miles (12 km) from the city center.
By Taxi
There are numerous taxis available outside Terminals 1 and 2 at Dublin Airport.
The taxi ride to the city center typically takes around 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions, with fares usually ranging from €25 to €30.
If you’re traveling in a group of two or more, taking a taxi may be more economical than buying individual bus tickets.
Thanks to designated bus lanes, taxis can navigate to the city center quickly. They operate around the clock, 24/7.
You can also book a taxi in advance if needed.
Find out more about taxi fare calculations at Transport for Ireland.
If you plan to catch a train to another city in Ireland, expect taxi fares from the airport to Heuston or Connolly stations to be between €30 and €40.
Note: Unlike other countries, Uber does not operate in Ireland in the same way. If you have the Uber app, you can use it to request a licensed taxi or limousine service in Dublin and other areas across the country.
By Bus
Buses provide an easy way to travel from Dublin Airport to various parts of the country.
For those heading to their accommodation in the city center, here are some key options:
Aircoach connects the airport to the city center and South County Dublin. It operates from Zone 2 near Terminal 1 (Arrivals) and Zone 20 near Terminal 2 (Departures), stopping at many major hotels and key locations, making it a popular choice. Look for bus routes 700, 702, and 703. Aircoach also offers a non-stop service to Belfast, Cork, Derry, and Galway.
Airport Hopper runs an hourly shuttle service from Dublin Airport to Maynooth in Co. Kildare, as well as to Tallaght, a Dublin suburb. This route includes stops in towns such as Leixlip, Clondalkin, Liffey Valley, and Lucan, along with popular Dublin hotels. Routes 767 and 777 depart from the Dublin Airport coach park in Zone 16.
Dublin Coach runs services on routes 726 (Zone 2) and 750 (Zone 3) at Dublin Airport to the Red Cow Luas stop in South Dublin and Dundrum suburb. The service operates daily, and also connects to various areas across Ireland including Belfast, Clare, Cork, Kerry, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Limerick, and Waterford.
Dublin Express maintains a regular service from the airport to the city center with routes 782 and 784 heading to downtown and route 783 servicing surrounding suburbs. Departures are from Zone 1 at Terminal 1 (Arrivals) and Zone 21 at Terminal 2 (Departures).
Dublin Bus, operating alongside Bus Eireann, provides services into the city center from Zone 15 at the airport via routes 16 and 41.
Go-Ahead Ireland provides services from Dublin Airport to Sutton Station, linking communities such as Malahide, Portmarnock, and Swords, along with routes to Balbriggan, Lusk, Rush, Skerries, and Swords. Look for bus routes 33a and 102 at Zone 15.
For those traveling to other areas of the country, here are some options:
Bus Eireann operates daily coach services connecting the airport to various towns across Ireland. You can find their service at Zone 13 in the Dublin Airport bus park.
Citylink provides connections from the airport to Ballina and Castlebar in County Mayo, as well as Galway City and Limerick. Citylink buses depart from Zones 10 and 11.
JJ Kavanagh & Sons offers a daily service from Dublin Airport to Clonmel, Kilkenny, Limerick, Tramore, and Waterford, departing from Zone 16 in the airport bus coach park.
John McGinley Coach Travel offers services from Dublin Airport to several towns in County Donegal and also travels to Derry and Monaghan. They run a regular service from Donegal to Glasgow and depart from Zone 16 in the Dublin Airport coach park.
M4Direct runs a twice-daily bus service from the airport to Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, which also stops at the popular Center Parcs discovery park in Ballymahon, County Longford. Departures are from Zone 16 in the airport bus park.
Wexford Bus provides multiple daily services from Dublin Airport to Wexford town, departing from Zone 14 in the airport bus park.
Renting a Car at Dublin Airport
There are 11 car rental companies available at Dublin Airport, providing plenty of options for visitors.
These companies include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Carhire, Dollar Car Rental, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, National, NewWay, and Sixt.
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FROM BELFAST
Belfast International Airport mainly serves tourists from the UK, though it also welcomes international visitors who travel to London before heading to Belfast. The airport is approximately 12.7 miles (20 km) from the city center.
Below are transportation options available for those arriving at Belfast International Airport:
By Taxi
The official taxi provider for Belfast International Airport is the International Airport Taxi Company.
This taxi service operates 24/7, every day of the week.
A taxi ride to Belfast city center typically takes between 30 to 45 minutes, with fares averaging around £35. More details can be found in the exit hall of the terminal building. There is also a taxi share scheme available.
The taxi rank is conveniently located at the airport’s exit lobby where you can also book your taxi.
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By Bus
Buses can be accessed from the front of the main terminal building at Belfast International Airport.
Available services include:
Airport Shuttle – The Airport Express 300 operates every 15 to 20 minutes during both weekdays and weekends, with the bus stop located opposite the terminal exit. You can purchase tickets on the bus (cash only), via the Translink website, or from the Translink ticket vending machine at the airport.
The journey to Belfast city center typically takes about 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic. One-way fares are priced at £9.50, while round-trip tickets cost £13.50.
For those heading to Derry from Belfast Airport, there’s also the Aircoach 705X route available from Dublin.
A single ticket price ranges from €20 to €24, and return tickets vary between €30 and €34.50.
Renting a Car at Belfast International Airport
There are 7 car rental companies at Belfast International Airport, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, and National.
CITY OF DERRY AIRPORT
The City of Derry Airport may be small, but it offers excellent services for visitors traveling to Northern Ireland and the northwest region of Ireland from locations such as Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, London (Heathrow), Manchester, and Verona, Italy.
By Taxi
To easily reach Derry city center, you can use City Cabs, which has a dedicated taxi rank located at the front of the airport. The typical fare is about £11.
By Bus
Several bus options are available that will take you from the airport into the city and to nearby towns such as Limavady and Coleraine. You can find more information about the bus services here.
Renting a Car at the City of Derry Airport
Two car rental companies operate at the airport: Avis and Hertz.
FROM SHANNON
Shannon Airport is a favorite among tourists due to its convenient access to Kerry and Cork.
Here are the transportation options for getting around the region from Shannon Airport:
By Taxi
While renting a car is common at Shannon Airport, there are options for those who prefer to take a taxi.
Shannon Airport Taxis is the official taxi service, with the taxi desk located in the Arrivals Hall.
By Bus
Bus Eireann offers connection services from Shannon Airport to Limerick, Cork, and Galway. After reaching these cities, passengers can further connect to other destinations within the Bus Eireann network, including Dublin.
The bus schedule for departures from Shannon Airport can be found here.
Tickets for Bus Eireann can be purchased at the self-service kiosk in the Arrivals Hall or directly on the bus.
The bus stop is conveniently located outside the main terminal.
Renting a Car at Shannon Airport
There are 6 car rental companies available at Shannon Airport.
These include Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, and Sixt.
FROM CORK
Cork Airport is frequently traveled by European and U.K. visitors.
Located approximately 5 miles (8.2 km) from Cork city center, the drive typically takes about 15 minutes.
By Taxi
The taxi rank can be found just outside the terminal building. The estimated fare from Cork Airport to the city center is around €20.
By Bus
You can catch a Bus Eireann service from the airport to the city using routes 225 and 226, which also connect to other destinations throughout Ireland, including nearby Kinsale. Buses leave from the front of the terminal building.
Tickets can be purchased either on the bus or from the ticket machine located outside the terminal.
Renting a Car at Cork Airport
Six rental car companies operate at Cork Airport, including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, and Sixt.
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FROM IRELAND WEST AIRPORT/KNOCK
Ireland West Airport in County Mayo is an ideal entry point if you’re arriving from the UK or mainland Europe and wish to explore the western and northwestern regions of Ireland.
The airport is located roughly 55 miles (89 km) from Galway City and 33 miles (54 km) from Sligo town.
By Taxi
Knock Airport Taxi is the official taxi service provider at this small yet expanding airport.
By Bus
Regular bus connections are provided from the airport to Donegal, Galway, and Sligo, with additional connecting services to Leitrim, Roscommon, and the Midlands via Bus Eireann.
Renting a Car at Ireland West Airport
At Ireland West Airport, you can find rental options from Budget, Avis, Europcar, and Hertz.
FROM KERRY AIRPORT
Similar to Ireland West Airport, the airport in Farranfore, County Kerry, is frequently used by locals traveling to the UK and mainland Europe.
It also serves as an excellent hub for visitors wishing to spend their holidays in the region.
By Taxi
Several local taxi services provide transportation for passengers arriving at Kerry Airport. You can find a list of these services on the airport’s official website.
By Bus
Bus Eireann operates routes connecting the airport to Tralee, Killarney, and Limerick.
Renting a Car at Kerry Airport
There are six rental car companies available at Kerry Airport, including Avis, Budget, Payless, Alamo, Europcar, and Hertz.
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