Transportation in Ireland (2025): Trains, Buses & Car Hire

Updated: Oct 9, 2025 Ireland Transportation

Ireland’s network is straightforward: trains link the big hubs, buses reach most towns, and renting a car unlocks the rural coast and national parks. Use this primer to plan your moves—then get neighborhood-level and city-by-city guidance inside The Awesome Guide to Ireland.

Trains (Intercity)

• Best for: Fast, comfortable links between major hubs (e.g., Dublin–Cork, Dublin–Galway, Dublin–Belfast).
• Pros: Predictable schedules, comfy seats, Wi-Fi on many routes.
• Cons: Rural/remote areas often require bus or car connections.

The guide lists common journey times and station tips so you can connect smoothly on arrival.

Buses & Coaches

• Coverage: Extensive network between cities, airports, and small towns.
• Value: Often cheaper than trains; watch for express vs. local services.
• Comfort: Modern coaches; store larger bags below, keep valuables with you.

For airport transfer options and late-night services, see the city sections inside the guide.

City Transport (Dublin & beyond)

• Dublin: Buses cover most areas; LUAS (tram) for cross-city; DART for coastal trips.
• Galway & Cork: Walkable cores with local buses; taxis and rideshares are widely available.
• Belfast: Glider bus routes and regular city services; walkable center.

Our Where to Stay post pairs areas with the most convenient transport options.

Car Hire (Road Trips)

• Why rent? Flexibility for the Wild Atlantic Way, national parks, and coastal peninsulas.
• Book early: Reserve automatics ahead of peak seasons; check insurance inclusions.
• Plan your day: Rural roads are slower—budget extra time and daylight.

For safety pointers (rain, wind, narrow lanes), read Ireland Safety Tips.

Driving Basics (LHT & Roundabouts)

• Left-hand traffic: Keep left; the driver sits right. Take a short practice loop before longer drives.
• Roundabouts: Yield to traffic already inside; indicate clearly before exiting.
• Passing places: On narrow rural roads, pull into bays to let oncoming traffic through—give a friendly wave.

Parking, Tolls & Fuel

• Parking: City centers use pay-and-display or apps; consider park-and-ride for stress-free days.
• Tolls: Some motorways are tolled; one (M50 near Dublin) uses barrier-free e-tolling—pay online by deadline to avoid penalties.
• Fuel: Diesel and petrol widely available; stations are less frequent in remote areas—top up before long rural legs.

Tickets, Passes & Timing

• Advance fares: Trains can be cheaper booked ahead; buses often have flexible day-of options.
• Peak vs off-peak: Avoid commuter peaks in/around Dublin when possible.
• Seat selection: Reserve seats on longer train journeys; arrive early for busy coach routes.

The guide summarizes typical journey times and planning tips in one quick-scan table.

Accessibility & Families

• Stations: Major hubs have lifts/ramps; request assistance in advance for smoother boarding.
• Strollers & luggage: Trains/Coaches can accommodate, but platforms and historic streets may be uneven—plan a little extra time.
• Kids: Many services offer discounted child fares; snacks + short breaks keep travel pleasant.

Quick FAQs

Train or car for the West?

Train to Galway, then rent a car for Connemara and coastal drives if you want full flexibility.

Is driving difficult?

City traffic and left-side driving take getting used to, but rural drives are manageable with patience and daylight.

Do I need cash?

Cards are widely accepted; carry some coins for rural parking or small purchases.

Helpful Add-Ons for Any Trip

• The Awesome Travel Safety Handbook
• The Awesome Packing Guide
• The Awesome Pre-Trip Checklist
• The Awesome Travel Photography Guide

Pair these with your Ireland guide to travel safer, pack smarter, and capture better photos on the move.

Keep planning: Where to Stay in Ireland · Ireland Safety Tips · Ultimate Ireland Travel Guide