Welcome to Dublin, one of Europe's most vibrant and charming cities. Whether you're here to explore the city's rich history, soak up the lively atmosphere, or indulge in a pint of Guinness, getting around town is easy thanks to Dublin's extensive public transport system. With Luas trams, Dublin buses, or DART trains, you can travel easily, quickly, and affordably. In this guide, you will find all the information you need to navigate Dublin's public transport like a local so that you can make the most of your trip to the Emerald Isle:
First things first: get yourself a Leap Card
The Leap Card is a smart travel card that provides a cost-effective and convenient way to travel on Dublin's public transport system. With the Leap Card, you only pay for one fare per hour, regardless of whether you are taking multiple modes of transport to reach your destination. It will also charge you accordingly to the distance you have traveled, so remember to tap your card when you enter and leave the tram and train.
You can purchase your Lepcard at over 400 locations throughout Dublin, including Dublin Airport, train stations, and many convenience stores such as Centra, Daybreak, and Spar. You can also add credit to your card the moment you buy it or at any time by the Leap Top Up app (available for IOS and Android). It is definitely the best way to save time and money compared to purchasing individual tickets for each journey.
Everything you need to know about Dublin’s public transport:
Dublin has a fairly extensive public transport system and you can choose between many busses, trains or tram lines to go around the city. Here is all you need to know about the transportation options for your trip:
Luas Tram:
The Luas is Dublin's light rail system that covers two main lines: the Green Line and the Red Line. The first runs from Brides Glen in the south to Broombridge in the north, while the second runs from Tallaght in the west to The Point in the east. The tram is an excellent way to get around the city, especially if you're staying in the city center. It's fast, frequent, and easy to use.
Using the Luas is the best option when traveling short distances within Dublin’s city center. You can find tram stations near many of the city’s main attractions, such as St Stephen’s Green, The Spire, the National Museum of Ireland, and Trinity College. It is also connected to Heuston Station, where tourists can take trains to many parts of Ireland all day.
Dublin Bus:
Dublin Bus is the main bus operator in the Irish capital, it covers an extensive network of over 200 routes across the city and suburbs. Buses are a great way to get around if you're exploring areas that aren't covered by the Luas or DART. There are also several bus routes that operate night services, making it easy to get around the city after a night out. The Dublin Bus App and the TFI Live App is the most reliable option to help you find information about the nearest bus stops and the best routes to get to your destination.
DART:
The DART is Dublin's suburban rail service, which runs along the coast from Malahide and Howth in the north to Greystones in the south. The DART is an excellent way to explore the coastline and visit seaside towns and villages outside of Dublin city center. To use the DART, you'll need to purchase a ticket or use a Leap Card. Single tickets can be purchased from ticket machines at each station or from convenience stores.
Some of the main places around Dublin you can visit by using DART trains are the seaside towns of Howth, Dalkey, Bray, Blackrock, Dun Laoghaire, and Greystones, all with local restaurants and pubs, as well as some beautiful cliff walks near the Irish sea.
If you need any extra help with how to get around Dublin our receptions are open 24 hours and one of our staff members will be more than happy to assist you.
