How to Get Around Dublin
Our travel guide covers getting around Dublin with buses, bikes, taxis, trams, walking, and car rental.
When visiting Dublin, it's important to plan how you'll get around the city.
Despite being the largest city in Ireland, Dublin is a compact, flat, and walkable city.
The city center is served by a good network of trams, buses, and even trains connecting the heart of Dublin with the outer suburbs.
The good news for all visitors is that it's easy to get around Dublin even without a car.
Here's everything you should know about getting around Dublin before you go.
Walking
Hands down, walking is the best way to get around Dublin, especially if you're staying in the central area.
In fact, the city center is very compact, and walking is often the fastest way to get around.
Most of the main attractions, such as Trinity College, Temple Bar, Docklands, Dublin Castle, Teeling Whiskey Distillery, St. Stephen's Green, etc., are relatively close to each other and within walking distance.
Many bridges connect Dublin's north and south sides, so it's easy to cross River Liffey whenever you want.
On beautiful summer days, you should be able to see Dublin's must-visit places without using public transport or driving in a relatively short time.
We are used to walking everywhere from Prague, so we always appreciate visiting a new destination that is pedestrian friendly.
On top of that, the city center is the best area to stay in Dublin, as there are tons of great hotels, pubs, restaurants, cafes, stores, etc.
We don't have to mention that walking is the best way to see Dublin for those visiting Ireland on a budget.
Tips
If you plan to do a lot of walking, don't underestimate the local weather. In general, late spring to early fall is the best time to visit Ireland.
In the off-season, days get wet, short, and cold. Bring adequate clothing and check out the weather forecast and our complete Ireland packing list to stay nice and comfortable while there.
One of the main reasons why we love walking around the cities is that it's just part of its charm.
Luckily, we do believe that Dublin is best explored on foot.
Walking Tours
One of the best ways to see a new destination is with a local guide.
If you want to learn about Dublin's fascinating history and see some of the iconic landmarks along the way, consider taking a guided tour.
Here you can reserve a popular Historical Walking Tour or Dublin's Highlights and Hidden Gems Walking Tour.
Public Transport
Dublin has a good public transport network consisting of buses, trams (LUAS), and trains (DART).
Public transport is an efficient mode of transport to get around the city, especially if you want to explore the outskirts.
There is no subway system in Dublin.
Even though public transport in Dublin is good, the city center is walkable, which means you might not need to use it on your visit to Ireland's capital.
The main advantage of public transport is that you can reach pretty much every place within the city for an affordable price.
If you rely on public transport, make sure to check the current timetables or real-time arrivals through the official app.
Leap Card
In general, Leap card fares are up to 30% cheaper than single-purchase tickets.
In case you plan on using Dublin's public transport extensively, you should consider investing in this smart card to save money on public transportation.
The easiest way to register your card is online through the official website.
You can then easily top it up through the official app. Using the Leap Card is straightforward. For trains and Luas, just touch on before boarding and touch off when you disembark.
For the bus, only touch on it at the start of your journey.
The main reason why you should get Leap Card is that it is valid on most TFI services and commercial bus operators throughout Ireland.
Trams (LUAS)
Without any doubt, Dublin's trams are best for efficient journeys across the city. There are currently two lines, Green and Red.
Trams in Dublin can run every 3-4 minutes at peak times and every 15 minutes at night.
Just remember that the operating times are 5:30 AM to 0:30 AM during the week, 6:30 AM to 0:30 AM on Saturdays, and 7 AM to 11 PM on Sundays.
One of the main advantages of trams is that the service is regular and faster than a bus.
On top of that, both lines interconnect in the city center and stop at Heuston, Busaras, Marlborough, Abbey Street, and Connolly and also provide access to several Park and Ride facilities in the suburbs.
Overall, the tram offers an efficient way to get around the city center and reach some of the further corners of Dublin.
There are a number of tickets you can purchase for LUAS, or you can get TFI Leap Card.
By the way, the word Luas means speed in Irish, which we believe is quite accurate.
In the cities without a subway system, trams are definitely our favorite mode of transportation, and Dublin is no exception.
Train (DART)
Dublin Area Rapid Transit, or simply DART, is an easy and economical way to get around the greater Dublin area.
The electric train connects Howth and Malahide in the north and Greystones in the south, making this option ideal for everyone who wants to get across the city fast.
The trains are comfortable, safe, run throughout the day, and depart every 10 to 20 minutes.
DART is also a great way to explore some of the harbor towns and get to the beach.
The main advantage of DART is that it connects with regional and national train services.
Some of the most convenient train stations in the city center are Connolly Station, Pearse Station, and Heuston Station.
Simply put, Dublin's trains are both efficient and budget-friendly, allowing you to reach the city outskirts and beyond easily.
Bus
The bus is often the first choice to get around Dublin's city center and the suburbs.
The majority of buses in Ireland are operated by Dublin Bus, a state-owned bus provider.
Thanks to their bright yellow color, the traditional double-decker buses in Dublin are easily recognizable from a distance.
Dublin has many bus lanes, but despite that, buses are still prone to traffic jams.
There are over 100 bus routes in Dublin, which can be quite overwhelming for first-time visitors.
Understanding various bus lines is easier with a TFI Live App with live departure information that helps you to easily plan your journey across Dublin on buses, trains, and trams.
One of the main pros of Dublin's buses is that they can take you just about anywhere you need all around the city.
That's very convenient, especially if you want to explore all the free things to do in Dublin.
The bus stops in Dublin are marked by yellow signs with the name of the stop and bus line numbers and have current bus schedules.
When looking for a nearby bus stop, keep in mind that buses in Ireland drive on the left side of the road.
Our final advice is that some buses work on a flag-down system in certain areas.
By the way, if you're looking for a day trip from Dublin, you will most likely need to use a bus run by Bus Eireann, a national bus transportation provider.
Hop-on-Hop-off Bus
If you're short on time and want to do a little sightseeing, you should consider taking a hop-on hop-off bus, one of Dublin's most popular tours.
Sure, hop-on hop-off buses are a more expensive option than a regular bus, but you will save time and have a stress-free day.
There are more than 25 stops allowing you to see some of the most iconic places in Dublin at your own pace without worrying about bus schedules and routes.
This popular Dublin Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour gives you a great overview of Dublin's major attractions.
Taxis
For travelers short on time, taxis are the most popular way to get around Dublin.
Firstly, there are tons of taxis in Dublin, and you can see them all over the city.
Taxis are heavily regulated in Dublin. Drivers have to use a meter and need a special license and insurance.
While the cars have different colors, they have a clearly visible taxi sign on the roof.
Taxis can be hailed right off the curb, or you can use an app such as Lynk.
Additionally, you can find several taxi stands near popular attractions, train and bus stations. Ride-hailing apps such as Uber can only be used in Dublin for hailing taxis.
While Dublin is a safe place to visit in general, taking a taxi at night is a safer option, especially if you don't want to walk in unfamiliar neighborhoods.
Obviously, you can also hire a driver for a day and visit places some fascinating places near Dublin, such as the Wicklow Mountains or Powerscourt, on a private trip.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Cycling
Getting around Dublin on two wheels is a hit-and-miss, at least for tourists.
Dublin has several great biking routes, but you need to know where they are.
While Dublin can be an incredibly bike-friendly city at times, there are many areas where cycling can be nerve-racking.
On top of that, many bike lanes overlap with the bus lanes or even disappear, which can also be quite stressful.
Another thing you need to consider is that Dublin gets a lot of drizzle/rain, which can negatively impact your experience.
We can't fail to mention that you will cycle on the left side of the road, which can also be quite confusing for first-time visitors.
Honestly, cycling in Dublin seems like a better fit for daily commuters who know their routes or cyclists who know what they're doing.
In any case, one of the best places to explore on a bike is Phoenix Park, as it's located outside the city center.
Phoenix Park is also one of the best places in Dublin where you can rent a bike.
Otherwise, you can use the Dublin Bikes scheme (or some other operator), which has good subscription options for tourists and day-trippers.
The main advantage is that (usually) the first 30 minutes are free.
Also, remember that some of Dublin's best cycling paths, such as Royal Canal Greenway, lead along the waterways.
Our last general tip is that cycling is easier on weekends when the traffic is lightest.
Alternatively, you can rent an electric scooter and bike in Dublin.
Bike Tours
If you're still curious, why don't you try a guided cycling tour first and see how it goes from there?
Here you can reserve a well-rated Dublin Guided Bike Tour.
Driving in Dublin
Without any doubt, driving in Dublin can be intimidating and not very time efficient.
In fact, to the point that we strongly suggest using other modes of transportation to navigate the city.
Unless you feel comfortable with narrow roads, heavy traffic, roundabouts, and driving on the left side of the road.
On top of that, Dublin is often rated as one of the worst cities in the world for traffic congestion.
Therefore, we recommend using this mode of transport only if you're on the way in or out of town.
Sure renting a car in Ireland is the best way to see amazing places outside of Dublin, such as Wild Atlantic Way, Ring of Kerry, or Cliffs of Moher.
From our own experience, we would avoid driving around Dublin whenever possible.
Another major downside of driving in Dublin is that you need to find a place to leave your car parked for the duration of your stay.
Firstly, there are no free parking spaces in Dublin's city center during business hours.
Secondly, secure parking lots such as Q-Park are actually great, but very expensive. Parking costs can quickly add up over the course of several days you stay in Dublin.
For us, driving in Dublin during the rush hour or at any other time of the day was not that different from driving in pretty much any other major European city.
It can be summed up as no one likes to sit in traffic.
If there's no way around it, you should read our post on driving in Ireland, which is packed with helpful tips.
Also, don't forget that M50, a main motorway around Dublin, is not free and has an electronic toll.
Even though you can find rental companies near Dublin's city center, picking up your car at the airport is easier.
Travel Resources
When renting a car, we use Rentalcars.com.
Boat
If time and budget allow, River Liffey sightseeing cruises are one of the best things to do in Dublin.
Dublin was built in a place where River Liffey meets the Atlantic Ocean, so it's not surprising that you can take a boat tour while there.
Sure, you can't expect Venice or Amsterdam experience, but that might be a good thing, as the cruise will be far more relaxing.
The most popular Dublin boat cruises are usually short and focused on the major landmarks you can see from the water.
You will see Georgian Quasides, a Custom House, O'Connell Bridge, modern Docklands, and much more.
Obviously, you can take cruises across Dublin Bay, visit the popular seaside town of Howth, or book a fully guided kayak or stand-up paddle-boarding tour on the River Liffey.
Dublin Boat Cruise
Here you can reserve River Liffey Boat Tour in advance.
No matter which tour you pick, seeing Dublin from the water is a great experience.
Getting to and From Dublin Airport
If you're flying into Ireland's capital, you will be most likely landing at Dublin Airport.
You have several transportation options to get to Dublin from Dublin Airport.
The easiest and fastest way is to take a taxi or book a private transfer.
Even though taxis are relatively expensive, they will provide the most comfortable way to reach the city center.
If you're looking for a cost-savvy alternative, you can also take a public bus, which is cheap but slower than other options.
Unfortunately, there is no train connection between Dublin Airport and the city center.
You could also rent a car directly at the airport, but we have already mentioned that you don't really need a car in Dublin.
Therefore, this option is great for those who want to spend a single night in the city and then head out of the city.
In this case, make sure to read our complete Ireland road trip itinerary to get inspired.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
