How to get around Dublin is a fair question for newly-arrived expats. Read this article to learn everything about public transport in Dublin like the back of your hand.
Types of public transport in Dublin
Leap card Ireland
The cost of public transport in Dublin
Dublin transport zones
Useful links
Types of public transport in Dublin
Once in Dublin, you can explore the city by bus, tram, train, taxi, or bike. Currently, there is no underground subway system, but this may change in the future.
The bus system in Dublin
There are private and public bus providers. However, the price is set similarly, and you can pay using the Leap Card Ireland, which we’ll cover later.
Areas. To check where you can get by bus, go to dublinbus.ie or goaheadireland.ie and find journey planners there. The first company is a private provider, while the latter is private, so their routes and districts vary.
Working hours. There are no regulated timings for the first and last buses, but most of them start circulating at 5 AM and stop around 12 AM. It’s one of the best ways to travel in Dublin if you need to get to work early.
Night routes. Ten routes are available 24/7. Check their list here. So, if you decide to enjoy your life in Dublin as an expat and drink Guinness or explore hiking destinations until early morning, you’ll get home somehow.
Frequency. During rush hour, the waiting time is around 5-15 minutes, depending on the location and the bus. In the ideal world, buses follow the timetables perfectly, so you can check them when planning a trip. Where? On the official websites or Google Maps. Overall, public transport in Dublin is convenient because all main operators keep you updated on schedules and route changes.
Wheelchair travellers. Buses are low-floor and accessible to those in wheelchairs. Read more about it here.
Explore: ATMs in Ireland.
Trains in Dublin
There are two train options for commuters: The commuter train and DART train Dublin.
Areas. By DART train Dublin you can get from Malahide or Howth to Greystones in County Wicklow and everywhere in between. Commuter trains cover suburbs and satellite towns in the Greater Dublin area. Choose which of the four lines (Northern, Southeastern, Southwestern and Western) has the target stop and get there. Trains are the best way to travel in Dublin far from the centre.
Working hours. Commuter trains start operating around 5:40-6 AM during workdays and Saturdays. As for the Dart trains in Dublin, their schedules vary a lot, so it’s better to always get up-to-date information from the official timetable.
Parking. If you’re planning to get to a train station by bike or car, research in advance whether it has a suitable parking space. You can do it on the Dublin Train Map. However, it cannot be guaranteed that there’ll be available parking slots because some stations’ capacities are too low. If possible, go to the station on foot, as walking in Dublin is a pleasant pastime.
Luas trams in Dublin
Those living in Dublin as an expat adore trams because it’s like a sightseeing tour for a reduced price.
Areas. Luas tram network misses some stations in the Nortern area, but it’s the best way to travel in Central Dublin. There are only two lines: red and green, check their routes on the Dublin rail map.
Working hours. Weekdays — from 5:30 AM until 12:30 AM, Saturdays — from 6.30am until 12.30am, Sundays — from 7am until 11.00pm. Unlike buses, there are no night routes for Luas trams in Dublin. Inconvenient for the late travellers, but drivers also need some rest!
Frequency. You’ll wait for 4-6 minutes during rush hours and around 10 minutes during the rest of the day. Late-evening runs have bigger intervals.
Read more: PAYE for expats in Ireland.
Bikes in Dublin
So, public transportation in Dublin is diverse and makes it easy to explore the city. There are various bike rental providers in Dublin, but the most known are Dublin Bikes by City Council. It’s official and safe.
You can purchase a 1-day, 3-day or yearly ticket and use the bikes freely. It may be a good choice to cut the costs of public transport in Dublin. And, if you’re living in Dublin as an expat, bikes offer flexibility in exploring the city. Saw an amazing church? Stop by and appreciate the architecture. Spotted a calm park? Relax a little bit before continuing your journey. While there, quickly send money back home with Profee—funds will arrive in minutes, even before you sit on the bike again.
Taxi apps Ireland
The most popular taxi apps Ireland are:
- Freenow
- Bolt
- Uber
They work well in major cities, so if you’re ready to spend extra money on comfort, you can easily request a ride in Dublin. Most apps allow you to choose from different car types, track your driver in real-time, and pay via card or app wallet. While taxis are more expensive than buses or trams, they’re a convenient option if you're in a hurry, carrying luggage, or travelling late at night when public transport is limited.
With all this information in our hands, let’s learn how to purchase tickets for public transport in Dublin.
Leap card Ireland
It’s a travel card that you can use to purchase bus, tram, and train tickets within the TFI (Transport for Ireland) network. It's cheaper than paying drivers in cash and helps you avoid the hassle of carrying coins or figuring out exact fares. The Leap card is accepted on Dublin buses, Luas trams, DART, and commuter trains — making it a convenient, all-in-one solution for getting around the city.
How to order
You can order the card online on this website. Choose your category (for example, a young adult), provide the necessary information and a photo, and receive the card.
How to top up
To add money on your Leap card Ireland, you can download the Leap Top-Up app, available on Android and iOS.
How to use Leap card
For example, if you are wondering how to use Leap card on bus—enter the bus and touch the validator on the right hand with your card. And you’re amazing. After the validation, you’ve officially paid for the ride and are free to use the vehicle.
May be interesting: International money transfer fees in Ireland.
The cost of public transport in Dublin
Assuming you’re an adult who got the Leap card. This is how much you’ll need to pay:
| Type | Price, EUR |
|---|---|
| Single ticket, short | 1.50 |
| Single ticket, 90 minutes | 2.00 |
| Weekly travel pass, zone 1 only | 31.80 |
| Weekly travel pass, all zones | 69.60 |
| Monthly transport pass, zone 1 only | 96.00 |
| Monthly transport pass, all zones | 235.20 |
When you’re living in Dublin as an expat for a long time, monthly passes become a cost-effective option.
Note that children and young adults can purchase reduced tickets.
Dublin transport zones
Life in Dublin as an expat may be confusing. Especially, when you see that tickets prices vary depending on a zone but you have no idea what these zones are.
If you live and work in the city centre, Zone 1 tickets will be enough for you. In case you travel beyond Rush & Lusk, Maynooth or Bray, all zone tickets are a better choice. The zone map can be found here.
Useful links
We’ve collected some handy resources to help you navigate Dublin like a local — whether you're hopping on a tram, catching a bus, or cycling around the city. Use them to understand how to get around Dublin.
- Luas fare calculator. Pick your starting point and destination and see the price.
- Transport journey planner. Check the routes and time schedules.
- Moovit. Another trip planner that makes your life in Dublin as an expat more pleasant. One of the travel apps in Ireland.
- Bike stations. The full map of the spots where you can rent or park a rented bike.
- Leap card information. Contains plenty of useful tips, for example, how to use Leap card on bus. This website is your smart way to pay for public transport in Dublin with cheaper fares and daily/weekly caps.
Final thoughts
Buses and trams are the best way to travel in Dublin. But, If public transport in Dublin is not your thing, you can try driving in Dublin. Find car sharing services and learn driving and parking rules in Ireland. Or go with eco transport options like bikes and electric scooters in Ireland.
Once settled down in the country, send money back home fast and easy with Profee.
