Getting Around in Dublin

Dublin City is split in two by the River Liffey and bordered on the east by the Irish Sea. An old city founded centuries ago, Dublin has expanded gradually and comprises many narrow alleys and broad streets.

Dublin's transport infrastructure has improved markedly recently, and getting around the city has never been easier. Indeed, owning a car here is no longer necessary, although having one can be useful for families or if you are looking to explore the city and its surroundings.

Public transport in Dublin

Dublin’s transport network includes buses, light rail (Luas) and surface rail (DART). It's cheaper and faster for you to take public transport than to drive or take a taxi in rush hour. Like most public transport, there are crowds at peak times, but services are clean, frequent and punctual.

You can purchase tickets for trains, buses, and trams online, via an app, from the driver, or from station terminals. Tickets are available in multiple options, including single-, return-, and multi-journey options. Different routes start and end at different times, so you should research routes carefully.

Leap Card

The Leap Card is Dublin’s integrated ticketing system. Although you can buy tickets on the bus or at the station, this is the best option if you commute frequently and want to save money.

You can buy and top up Leap Cards at stations, newsagents or online. Leap Cards can be used on Dublin buses, the Luas, Commuter Rail and the DART. Leap Card fares are typically 20–30 percent cheaper than single tickets, and a daily and weekly fare cap limits the total amount you pay.

Buses

The Dublin Bus Service provides the iconic yellow and blue double-deckers seen all over County Dublin. Most are wheelchair accessible. You can buy tickets from the driver. Designated lanes for buses mean that you can often beat the traffic.

Dublin Bus operates over 100 routes across the city, connecting most neighbourhoods, while Go-Ahead Ireland operates more than 20 additional routes.

Trains

The DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) is a surface rail service, with trains arriving every 10 to 20 minutes during the day. It runs from around 6am to 12am.

Commuter rail provides services out of Dublin, which is handy for day trips and for those who live outside County Dublin but work in the city.

Trams

Dublin has a light rail service, the Luas, servicing the inner city as well as the south and southwestern suburbs. Luas services are frequent and reliable, running every 5 to 15 minutes. Operating hours are from around 5.30am to 12.30am on weekdays, with slightly later start times on weekends.

Useful links

• Dublin Bus
• Luas Tram
• DART and Commuter Rail
• Leap Card

Taxis in Dublin

Taxis are widely available in the city centre, especially outside large hotels and in designated and undesignated spots along the main city streets. They look like private cars with a yellow light on top, indicating that they are in service.

Ireland has restrictive laws for ride-sharing services, so all drivers for services such as Uber must be licensed taxi drivers. Fares are calculated based on a base rate plus a per-kilometre charge, with additional fees for luggage, late-night travel and waiting time.

You can hail a taxi on the street, use a taxi rank, or book through a licensed taxi company's app or phone number. Reputable companies include Dublin Taxi, Lynk and Free Now, which allow you to track the driver's location and get an estimated fare.

For safety, only use licensed taxis displaying the NTA licence number. Sit in the back seat and keep your seatbelt on. Avoid sharing a taxi with strangers, especially at night, and keep your valuables secure. If you feel unsafe, ask the driver to stop and exit the vehicle.

Useful links

• Dublin Taxi
• Lynk Taxis
• Free Now

Driving in Dublin

Driving in Dublin can be a challenge if you're new to the city. The one-way system can be confusing at first, but greatly improves traffic flow. Parking in the city centre is expensive and limited, so it might be easier to catch public transport, cycle or walk, depending on where you live.

The M50 motorway, which forms a ring around Dublin, has several toll plazas. Other toll roads include the Dublin Port Tunnel and the M4 motorway. To avoid tolls, you can plan alternative routes or use public transport like the Luas or DART.

You can drive on a valid foreign driving licence for up to 12 months in Ireland. After that, you must apply for an Irish driving licence. Ireland has agreements with numerous countries for licence conversion without testing. Other countries can convert their licences after completing testing.

Useful links

• Road Safety Authority
• National Driver Licence Service
• Transport Infrastructure Ireland

Cycling in Dublin

Cycling is becoming more popular in Ireland. With the development of dedicated cycle lanes, it is also becoming safer to ride a bicycle. These lanes have significantly enhanced cycling safety by separating cyclists from motorised traffic.

You should always wear a helmet and preferably light clothing and bike lights. Although riding without a helmet is illegal, many people ignore this law. Bicycles must follow the rules of the road like any other vehicle. If you are a confident cyclist, you will have no trouble cycling into town from the suburbs.

Popular routes include the Howth Peninsula Loop, which offers stunning coastal views and the Sally Gap Loop, which provides a challenging ride into the Wicklow Mountains. The Canal Way Cycle Route follows tranquil green spaces along the Grand Canal.

Dublinbikes is a growing service with distinctive blue bicycles that you can hire and ride between specified bicycle parks. There are more than 110 stations across Dublin which accept Dublin Bikes Long Term Cards and offer three-day tickets. In addition to the subscription, there is a small fee for rides longer than half an hour.

Useful links

• Dublin Cycling Campaign
• Cycling Ireland
• Dublin Bikes

Walking in Dublin

Dublin's compact size makes it ideal for walking. Many locals and visitors regularly travel to work and do errands on foot. Exploring the city on foot reveals many hidden treasures you may not notice when travelling in a vehicle or by public transport.

Recommended walking tours include Dublin Free Walking Tours, which offers free tours twice daily from the Spire on O’Connell Street and the Dublin Literary Pub Crawl, a two-hour tour combining literary history with pub culture. The Dublin Tasting Trail is a three-hour food tour that stops at various eateries, offering a culinary experience of the city.

For those interested in history, the Historical Walking Tours of Dublin provide a comprehensive tour led by history graduates, covering significant events from the Great Famine to the Northern Ireland conflict.

Hidden Dublin Walks offer guided tours that explore the real Dublin, focusing on characters, mysteries and histories across various historical periods. The Hellfire Club tour takes visitors to this infamous location, known for its eerie atmosphere.

Useful links

• Dublin Free Walking Tours
• Dublin Literary Pub Crawl
• Hidden Dublin Walks