Donegal Airport - Flight Information and Guide (CFN)

Donegal Airport, in northwestern Ireland, is famous for its spectacular landing on Carrickfinn beach, voted among the world's most scenic multiple times.

It serves County Donegal, approximately 15 km from Dungloe and about 50 km from Letterkenny, the main town in the area.

Content verified on 04/09/2026

Official source: www.donegalairport.ie

How to get to Donegal Airport

Dungloe is approximately 15 km from the airport, Letterkenny approximately 50 km: the transfer takes approximately 20 minutes for Dungloe, 50-55 minutes for Letterkenny.

By Car

By car, you reach Dungloe in approximately 20 minutes; Letterkenny in approximately 50-55 minutes.

By Train

Ireland does not have a railway connection to the airport.

By Bus

There is no dedicated airport bus connection.

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Tips Landing at Carrickfinn beach has been voted one of the most beautiful in the world: if weather permits, enjoy the view from the window. Renting a car is advisable, given very limited public transport.

Average travel time to CFN

TrainNot available

Shuttle busNot a dedicated service

Taxi / Private hire20-55 minutes (by destination)

Parking near Donegal Airport

Near the terminal is a parking area of reduced size.

The parking is free from direct surveillance, with reasonable rates.

How to get to Donegal from CFN

By Train

Ireland has no railway connection for the airport.

By Bus

There is no dedicated bus line for departing or arriving passengers.

By Taxi

Taxis are generally available upon flight arrivals; approximately 25-30 euro for Dungloe, higher rates for Letterkenny.

Need an airport transfer?

Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com

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Car rental at Donegal Airport

Some car rental operators have counters in the arrivals area, essential given the scarcity of local public transportation.

Bring your driving license, passport, and credit card; remember that in Ireland you drive on the left.

Hotels near Donegal Airport

Despite the name, the airport isn't near Donegal Town: it sits at Carrickfinn, in the Rosses area, about 15 minutes from Dungloe and Gweedore but almost an hour from Donegal town, which still remains the county's main tourist landmark. The choice therefore depends on what you want to see: those staying in the north-west Gaeltacht, between Mount Errigal and the Rosses beaches, will find a hotel a few minutes from the airport; those heading for Donegal Town and Slieve League must accept a longer transfer.

Airport area

Gweedore and the Rosses

About a 12-13 minute drive from the terminal (13 km according to some sources); no frequent direct bus, so a rental car or taxi is needed.

Best for: For those staying in the Gaeltacht for the Rosses beaches and hikes toward Mount Errigal, without straying far from the airport.

Pros

The hotel closest to the airport with real dining and spa facilities, not just rooms
A convenient base for Mount Errigal and the Gweedore beaches without an hour-long transfer

Cons

Rural area served by few taxis: renting a car at the airport is worthwhile
Far from Donegal Town and the attractions in the south of the county

Recommended hotels

An Chúirt Gweedore Court Hotel A restored former courthouse in the heart of the Gaeltacht, on the River Clady with views of the Errigal peaks; indoor pool, Errigal Health Club wellness centre and The Duck restaurant specialising in local seafood. View availability

See more hotels in this area

Nearby town

Donegal Town

About 45 km and 50-60 minutes by car from the terminal; there's no direct public transport link, so you need your own car or a taxi booked in advance.

Best for: Multi-day stays centred on Donegal Castle, Slieve League and the south of the county, accepting almost an hour's transfer from the airport.

Pros

A classic starting point for Slieve League and Donegal's south-western coast
More choice of restaurants and pubs than the airport area

Cons

Almost an hour from the airport: worth considering only for multi-night stays, not a single overnight
No airport shuttle: the transfer is entirely up to the traveller

Recommended hotels

Abbey Hotel Donegal A 90-room hotel in the centre of Donegal Town, with The Market House restaurant for local cuisine; a convenient base for Donegal Castle and Slieve League. View availability

See more hotels in this area

Airport services

The airport, famous for its beach landing at Carrickfinn, serves County Donegal in northwestern Ireland.

Shopping & Duty Free

A proper duty-free area is not available due to the airport's small size.

Lounges & relaxation

No dedicated lounges are available, consistent with the airport's modest traffic levels.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi covers public areas, though the terminal is compact in size.

Families & Children

The modest-sized airport does not offer specific services for families.

Terminal guide

The terminal is very small, among the simplest on the Irish network, consistent with the airport's limited traffic.

Before flights, it is prudent to arrive with 1 hour's margin.

Map of Donegal Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. Why is Donegal airport famous?

For its spectacular landing on Carrickfinn beach, repeatedly voted among the most scenic in the world by international travel magazines.

Q. Is it worth renting a car in Donegal?

Yes, definitely: local public transport is very limited, and a car is essential for exploring the county's wild coastline.

Q. Is there mobile phone signal along the wild coast of County Donegal?

Not always: the most remote areas may have patchy mobile coverage, so it's wise to download offline maps in advance if you rent a car to explore the coast beyond the airport.