Transport in Ireland
Leap Card
Leap Card is a re-usable smartcard that can be used across multiple public transportation modes. You can even travel to and from the Airport at the start and end of your trip without any additional charge. A Leap Visitor Card can be purchased online and delivered to your home before you travel. You may also purchase Leap Cards from many local agents.
Once you have a Leap Visitor Card, you can top-up with additional time periods (1, 3 or 7 days) at any Leap Card Payzone outlet in Dublin (up to a maximum of five times).
Your Leap Visitor Card allows you unlimited travel for the period you have selected on most transport services in Dublin:
- All Dublin Bus scheduled services (not valid on tours)
- All Luas (tram) services
- DART and Commuter Rail in the Short Hop Zone (all of Dublin city and county)
Aircoach
Aircoach provides a range of high frequency, quality scheduled coach services to and from Dublin City Centre and Dublin Airport. It operates five key services connecting Dublin Airport with Dublin City Centre and its suburbs, as well as non-stop express services connecting Dublin Airport with both Cork and Belfast. You can purchase return tickets to and from Dublin Airport from €12 and pre-book online.
Dublin Bus
Dublin Bus is Dublin’s public bus system. It has a wide network all over Dublin including to/from Dublin Airport. Leap Cards, pre-paid bus passes and exact change are the only forms of payment used on Dublin Bus. For more information on fares and to plan your route please click here.
DART/ Irish Rail System
DART stands for Dublin Area Rapid Transit. The DART is an electrified commuter rail system servicing Dublin’s coastline and city centre. It is a very scenic way to explore Dublin’s coastal towns and city centre and offers fantastic views of Dublin Bay. It provides a quick and efficient method of transport for those who may wish to stay outside the city centre and congress venue.
Leap cards and tickets are accepted by the Dart with tickets available at all stations. For more information please click here.
Taxi
On arrival to Dublin airport, directly outside the arrivals hall is the official airport taxi rank. The average current price from Dublin airport to the city centre is approximately €25 and to the congress venue DCU is approximately €20.
There are many official taxi ranks in Dublin City Centre. Ensure to only travel in a registered taxi displaying their badge and taxi number- they will have their taxi license displayed on the dashboard. Most taxis will only accept cash with a few having card facilities available. If you are using card as a method payment it is advised you use the taxi app below to book any taxis.
Many visitors and locals use the “Free Now” taxi app, which allows you to book a taxi online and pay with card. Please note you will need your card details to use this app. You may already have an account as this app is used in a number of European countries.
Dublin Bikes
Dublin Bikes is a self-service bike rental system open to everyone from 14 years of age. It enables you to travel through the city centre and to get out and about to enjoy Dublin city at your leisure.
All stations are equipped for Annual Card and 3 Day Ticket users. A number of credit card enabled terminals allow you to purchase a 3 Day Ticket. Once purchased, you can use the 3 Day Ticket similar to the Annual Card to rent or return a bike from any station in the network. Dublin Bikes can also be accessed also by using an associated Leap Card.
You can enjoy the many benefits of an Annual Card for just €25. A 3 Day Ticket costs €5. The first 30 minutes of use is free on every bike. After this first half-hour, a service charge applies. See here for pricing structure
Car Hire
Hiring a car in Ireland is a fantastic way to get around at a leisurely pace to visit more remote parts of Ireland. There are a range of car hire companies with branches at Dublin Airport including Hertz, Avis and Enterprise. For more information please click here.
Please note that in Ireland we drive on the left side of the road.