Dublin Airport
Airport guide 2026

Dublin Airport DUB

Ireland

Dublin Airport is Ireland's primary airport, located approximately 10 km north of the city center.

It is the gateway to Dublin itself and to most of the country's tourist itineraries.

Content verified on 04/09/2026
Official source: www.dublinairport.com

How to get to Dublin Airport

Dublin city centre is approximately 10 km from the airport: the transfer takes approximately 25-45 minutes by bus, depending on traffic.

By Car

By car, you reach the city centre of Dublin in approximately 25-40 minutes, with a toll of approximately 3.80 euros on the M50 depending on your route.

By Train

Ireland does not have a direct railway connection to Dublin airport.

By Bus

Two main bus services connect the airport to the city center: Airlink Express (747/757, 8 euros, 30 minutes) to O'Connell Street and Connolly, and Aircoach (700, 9 euros at the counter/from 6 euros online in advance, 35-45 minutes) to St Stephen's Green and the south side of the city. Both depart every 15-20 minutes until late evening.
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Tips Choose Airlink if your destination is in the north/centre zone (O'Connell Street, Connolly), Aircoach if it's south of the River Liffey (St Stephen's Green, Ballsbridge): they stop at different points in the city.

Average travel time to DUB

TrainNot available
Shuttle bus30-45 minutes (by service)
Taxi / Private hire27-50 minutes (by schedule)

Parking near Dublin Airport

A multi-story parking facility is adjacent to the terminal.

Hourly rate: 4 euro the first hour, 6 euro each subsequent hour, up to a maximum daily rate of 50 euro. Long-term parking more economical: Holiday Blue from 20 euro/day (the most economical option), Express Red from 25 euro/day.

How to get to Dublin from DUB

By Train

Ireland has no railway connection for Dublin airport.

By Bus

Airlink Express: 8 euro, 30 minutes, to O'Connell Street/Connolly. Aircoach: 9 euro on board (from 6 euro pre-booked online in advance), 35-45 minutes, to St Stephen's Green and the south zone.

By Taxi

Official taxis await in the arrivals area with metered fare: approximately 27-35 euro by day, 35-45 euro in the night band (20:00-8:00), 40-50 euro in the special band 00:00-4:00 on Friday/Saturday/Sunday, plus the M50 toll of approximately 3.80 euro if applicable.

Airport transfers you can book in advance

Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.

Car rental at Dublin Airport

Car rental company counters are located near arrivals.

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

 

Hotels near Dublin Airport

The airport is about 9.5 km north of the centre, but Dublin still has no rail link: the MetroLink that will connect the terminals to the city centre is in the tendering phase and won't open before the mid-2030s, so today the only alternative to a taxi is the Aircoach and Dublin Express coaches. That's why the difference between sleeping near the terminals and sleeping in the city is measured in minutes on a bus, not in transfer comfort: those with a dawn flight or a short layover gain time by staying close to the airport, while those staying a few days still find the centre 15-40 minutes away by bus depending on traffic.
Airport area

Airport area

The Hilton Dublin Airport is about 8 km from the terminals, with a free hotel shuttle covering the route in 15 minutes; it isn't reachable on foot.

Best for: Very early morning flights and short layovers, when you'd rather not depend on traffic toward the centre.

Pros
  • A dedicated shuttle that avoids traffic on the M1 and M50 during peak hours
  • Convenient for those who need to check in very early, without depending on coach timetables to the centre
Cons
  • The hotel isn't literally at the terminal: you still need to wait for the shuttle
  • An area of offices and warehouses along the M1, nothing to do on foot in the evening
See more hotels in this area
City centre

Old town and Temple Bar

Aircoach takes 30-40 minutes from the airport (stops in the centre, about 8-10 euros), Dublin Express 15-30 minutes with more stops including Temple Bar; no direct train, so traffic can stretch either trip.

Neighbourhood

Grand Canal Dock and Docklands

Same Aircoach and Dublin Express coaches as the centre, 25-40 minutes depending on traffic and stop; no direct rail line from the airport.

Best for: Business travel in the tech district and those who prefer a quieter evening area than Temple Bar while still staying in the city.

Pros
  • Grand Canal Square and the walks along the canal, quieter in the evening than Temple Bar
  • A convenient base for the tech district and the offices of major technology companies
Cons
  • Fewer evening venues than the old town, especially outside the hotels themselves
  • The same dependence on bus or taxi for the airport, with no direct train
See more hotels in this area
 

Airport services

The airport is Ireland's main hub, with significant transatlantic traffic thanks to US preclearance.

Shopping & Duty Free

The duty-free area offers a selection of renowned Irish whiskey and typical local products.

Lounges & relaxation

In Dublin almost all the lounges are located in the corridor between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 or inside Terminal 2, mostly run by daa besides the Aer Lingus branded lounge. Entry conditions vary a lot from one lounge to another: only one accepts Priority Pass, another is reserved for those who have already gone through US preclearance, others still are paid for only at the direct rate. It's therefore worth checking the conditions before choosing.
lounges
5
with Priority Pass
1
paid entry
from €35
earliest opening
04:00
Which lounge to choose: full comparison

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal area. Mobile operators Vodafone Ireland, Three, and Eir have SIM card stands at the airport.

Families & Children

The terminal provides both play areas and assistance services for families.

Terminal guide

The two terminals (1 and 2) are well organized, with a complimentary shuttle connection between them.

For international flights, arriving at least 2–3 hours early is recommended; flights to the United States benefit from U.S. customs preclearance available directly at the airport.

Map of Dublin Airport

Map of Dublin Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. Is Airlink or Aircoach better for getting to Dublin?

It depends on your destination: Airlink (8 euros) serves the north/central area (O'Connell Street, Connolly), while Aircoach (9 euros, from 6 online) serves the area south of the River Liffey (St Stephen's Green).

Q. What is US preclearance at Dublin?

It's a service that lets you complete US customs and border checks directly at the airport before departure, so you land in the US like a domestic flight, without going through checks again on arrival.

Q. Do you tip in Ireland?

It's not mandatory but is appreciated: roughly 10-15% at restaurants with table service, while it's not necessary at the bar of a pub for a beer.

Q. Do they drive on the left in Ireland?

Yes, as in the United Kingdom: keep this in mind if you rent a car at the airport.

Q. Which lounges accept Priority Pass?

The Liffey Lounge (T2).

Q. How much does lounge access cost without a business class ticket?

The lowest entry price is €35, at The Phoenix Lounge (T1/T2).

Q. What time does the first lounge open?

At 04:00: The Martello Lounge (T1/T2) and The Phoenix Lounge (T1/T2).

Flight board

Real-time status of arriving and departing flights

Nearby Airports

Things to do in Dublin

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