Learn more about Dublin Bus and how you can buy cheap train tickets. Discover where Dublin Bus can take you, onboard facilities including WiFi access and power sockets. Wherever you're starting your adventure, start it with Trainline.
About Dublin Bus
Dublin Bus operates a fleet of over 950 buses around the Greater Dublin area, as well as parts of southern Scotland and northern England. They carry over 100 million passengers each year on their routes.
They run regular double-decker bus services from Dublin Airport to Dublin city centre. Read on to learn more about these buses, their routes, ticket prices, and what services they offer on board.
Dublin Bus airport transfer routes
A number of bus and coach services connect Dublin Airport with Dublin city centre and key transport hubs across the city. Whether you're looking for a direct airport transfer or a ticket that gives you access to Dublin's wider public transport network, there are several convenient options available.
Aircoach: Dublin Airport to Dublin City Centre
(O'Connell Street and O'Connell Bridge route)
Aircoach operates an express coach service between Dublin Airport and Dublin city centre. The service runs directly from the airport to the city centre without intermediate stops and serves two former Airlink 747 locations: Upper O'Connell Street and O'Connell Bridge.
Passengers travelling onwards to Heuston Station can take the Aircoach to O'Connell Bridge and then connect via the Luas tram or the 145 bus from nearby Aston Quay. Journey times are quick, with departures operating throughout the day and night between 00:25 and 23:55.
Buses run every 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the time of day, with more frequent departures during peak periods.
Dublin Express 782: Dublin Airport to Dublin City Centre and Heuston Station
(North Quays and Heuston Station route)
Dublin Express operates a direct, non-stop service between Dublin Airport and Dublin city centre. The 782 route serves many of the key locations previously covered by the Airlink 747 service, travelling along the north quays and stopping at destinations including the 3Arena, Convention Centre Dublin, IFSC, O'Connell Street, Aston Quay, Christ Church, Usher's Quay and Heuston Station.
This service provides convenient connections for rail passengers travelling to or from Heuston Station, as well as those heading to Dublin's business and tourist districts.
Buses depart every 30 minutes, seven days a week, from 04:05 until 23:25.
Dublin Bus Routes 16 and 41
(Dublin Airport to Dublin City Centre and beyond) For travellers looking to use Dublin's public transport network, Dublin Bus routes 16 and 41 provide regular connections between Dublin Airport and the city centre. Unlike the express coach services, these routes make multiple stops along the way, including through Santry and Drumcondra.
Route 41 terminates in Dublin city centre, while route 16 continues south through the city to destinations including Rathfarnham, Grange Road, Elm Park and Ballinteer. Passengers travelling to Heuston Station can take either route to the city centre before connecting to the 145 bus from Aston Quay.
For added flexibility, the Freedom Ticket includes three days of unlimited travel on Dublin's public transport network, along with two days on the DoDublin Hop-on Hop-off tour. The 41 service operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with departures every 20 to 30 minutes.
Travel information
Accessibility
All Dublin Bus Dublin Airport transfer buses are wheelchair accessible with low-floors, extendable ramps and priority space for one wheelchair. Any assistance dogs on board must be wearing their harness or jacket, so the driver recognises it as an assistance dog.
WiFi
Every single bus in Dublin Bus’ fleet, including buses on the Airlink Dublin Airport bus routes, have Wi-Fi on board. Passengers will need to fill out a short survey before they can access this free public Wi-Fi service.
Travelling with children
Children under the age of 5 can travel free on Dublin Bus services when accompanied by a fare-paying passenger. Children and young people may be eligible for discounted fares when travelling with a valid Child Leap Card or Young Adult Leap Card.
Luggage
Luggage allowances vary by operator, with dedicated airport coach services typically offering luggage storage compartments for larger bags, while Dublin Bus routes require passengers to keep luggage with them during the journey.
Ticket types
A range of ticket options are available for travel between Dublin Airport and Dublin city centre.
Aircoach and Dublin Express offer direct airport transfer services, while the DoDublin Freedom Ticket combines airport transfers on Dublin Bus routes 16 and 41 with unlimited travel across Dublin's public transport network for 72 hours. The Freedom Ticket also includes a 48-hour DoDublin Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing tour.
Before you travel, check the latest ticket prices and validity conditions, as fares and inclusions may vary depending on the operator and ticket type selected.
Airport transfer tickets
Airport transfer tickets are available for services operated by Aircoach and Dublin Express, providing direct connections between Dublin Airport and Dublin city centre. Ticket prices vary depending on the operator, route and whether you choose a single or return journey. A one way ticket costs €10 and return is €13 when you book online.
Airport transfer + sightseeing tickets
If you're planning to explore Dublin during your visit, you can combine your airport transfer with a DoDublin Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing ticket. These combo tickets are available with both Aircoach and Dublin Express airport services and include either a 24-hour or 48-hour Hop-on Hop-off tour of Dublin's top attractions.
DoDublin Freedom Ticket
The DoDublin Freedom Ticket combines public transport and sightseeing in one convenient pass. It includes 72 hours of unlimited travel on Dublin Bus, Go-Ahead buses, Luas trams, DART and commuter rail services across Dublin, as well as airport transfers on Dublin Bus routes 16 and 41. The ticket also includes a 48-hour DoDublin Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing tour.
The Freedom Ticket is ideal for visitors planning to explore Dublin over several days, offering unlimited travel on the city's public transport network alongside access to many of Dublin's top attractions via the Hop-on Hop-off tour. Adult tickets cost €49.
Buy Dublin Airport bus tickets
You can buy tickets for Dublin Airport bus services, including Aircoach, Dublin Express and Dublin Bus routes, through a variety of channels. One of the quickest and most convenient ways to book is via the Trainline website or app, allowing you to plan your journey in advance and keep all your travel details in one place.
Depending on the operator, tickets may also be available directly from the driver, at the airport or through the operator's website. Check your ticket details before travelling, as boarding and ticket acceptance policies may vary between services.
Bus and coach companies in Ireland
To find out more about the bus companies and discover the services available, click the links below.