Waterford Airport
Airport guide 2026

Waterford Airport WAT

Ireland

Waterford Airport serves Ireland's oldest city, founded by Vikings, approximately 10 km from the city center.

It is a small airport with limited connections.

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

How to get to Waterford Airport

Waterford city centre is approximately 10 km from the airport: the transfer takes approximately 15 minutes by taxi.

By Car

By car, you reach the city centre of Waterford in approximately 15 minutes.

By Train

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

By Bus

There is no bus service specifically dedicated to airport connections.
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Tips Always verify flight operations at this airport, with generally limited connections.

Average travel time to WAT

TrainNot available
Shuttle busNot a dedicated service
Taxi / Private hire15 minutes

Parking near Waterford Airport

The parking area is compact and reachable on foot in just a few minutes from the terminal.

Parking is not attended, but rates remain reasonable.

How to get to Waterford from WAT

By Train

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

By Bus

A dedicated bus service for flights is not available.

By Taxi

Taxis generally wait upon flight arrivals; approximately 14-25 euros to the city center.

Need an airport transfer?

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Car rental at Waterford Airport

Not all car rental companies are represented; only some have a counter here.

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

 

Hotels near Waterford Airport

The airport has had no scheduled flights since 2016: in 2026 work began to extend the runway to 2,287 metres, with the stated aim of becoming operational again for commercial jets in 2027-2028. While waiting for the reopening, this guide covers those reaching the city of Waterford from another airport or by car: the old town sits on the River Suir, while a few kilometres toward the estuary lies Faithlegg, a country estate with a golf course. The choice is between the quays of the centre and the quiet of the estate on the estuary, both still close to the airport site itself.
City centre

Waterford city centre

The centre is about a 10-minute drive from the airport site, which currently has no scheduled flights; the Travelodge on the Cork Road is about a 20-minute walk from the city centre.

Best for: Those who want the Museum Quarter, the Waterford Greenway and the quays on the River Suir within walking distance.

Pros
  • Dooley's Hotel is on the historic Merchants Quay, a few steps from the Museum Quarter and the entrance to the Waterford Greenway
  • More choice of restaurants and pubs than the surrounding countryside
Cons
  • The Travelodge is set apart from the historic core, requiring a 20-minute walk or a short taxi ride
  • Limited parking on the most central streets near the river
See more hotels in this area
Nearby town

Faithlegg and the Suir estuary

About 8 km (5 miles) from the airport site and about 6 miles from Waterford's centre; a car is needed, there are no direct public transport links.

Best for: Those who want a resort with a golf course and spa on the Suir estuary, a few minutes from the airport site.

Pros
  • An eighteenth-century residence on 200 acres with an 18-hole golf course and views over the Suir estuary
  • Its own spa and wellness centre, an alternative to Waterford city centre's urban life
Cons
  • Isolated from the city: a car is needed for restaurants outside the estate
  • Designed more for golf or relaxation stays than for a single overnight
See more hotels in this area
 

Airport services

The airport provides essential services aligned with its limited traffic volume.

Shopping & Duty Free

The airport does not have a duty-free area, given its small size.

Lounges & relaxation

The airport does not offer VIP lounges, consistent with its traffic volume.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

Despite its modest size, the terminal has Wi-Fi access in common areas.

Families & Children

With no significant family user base, dedicated family services remain limited.

Terminal guide

As a regional hub, the terminal is modestly sized.

An advance allowance of 1 hour is recommended for flights.

Map of Waterford Airport

Map of Waterford Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. Why is Waterford called Ireland's oldest city?

It was founded by the Vikings in the year 914, making it the oldest Irish city still in existence, with a historic center that still bears its traces.

Q. What is Waterford Crystal?

A famous crystal manufacturer founded in the city in 1783, one of the most renowned crystal brands in the world, which can be visited on guided tours.

Q. Does Waterford Airport have many flights?

No, connections are generally limited: always check operating status before planning your itinerary.

Q. Are contactless cards accepted everywhere in Waterford?

Yes, as in the rest of Ireland, contactless payment is the norm even in a mid-sized city like Waterford, often preferred over cash even for the smallest amounts.

Flight board

Real-time status of arriving and departing flights

Nearby Airports

Things to do in Waterford

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