Anyone who lands at Dublin Airport with Galway as their next stop quickly learns that a direct bus is the simplest option. Two operators, Citylink and GoBus, run frequent services from the terminal to the city centre, with journey times around 2.5 to 3 hours and prices starting from €15.

4 related posts

Direct bus operators: Citylink and GoBus ·
Journey time: 2.5 to 3 hours ·
Price range: €15–€30 ·
Daily departures: 20+ from Dublin Airport ·
Bus stop at Dublin Airport: Zones 10 and 11

Quick snapshot

1Direct Bus Services
2Bus vs Train
3Ticket Prices
4Timetables
  • First bus ~6am, last ~11pm (Citylink)
  • Every 30–60 min (GoBus)
  • Live updates on operator apps (Citylink)
Key facts at a glance
Label Value
Distance 208 km (129 miles)
Average bus journey time 2.5 to 3 hours
Cheapest bus ticket From €15 (advance purchase)
Number of daily direct buses 20+ combined
Bus stop at Dublin Airport Zones 10 and 11

Is there a direct bus from Dublin Airport to Galway?

  • Yes, Citylink and GoBus both operate direct services from Dublin Airport to Galway city centre.
  • No transfers required: the coach picks you up at the airport and drops you at Galway Coach Station.
  • Departures are available throughout the day, with combined frequencies of 20+ daily.

Which operators run direct buses?

Two main operators serve the Dublin Airport–Galway route directly. Citylink (Ireland’s largest private coach operator) runs routes 760 and 761, while GoBus (a specialist intercity service) operates route 720. Both are dedicated airport-to-city services, not local feeder buses.

How often do direct buses depart?

Citylink’s route 760 timetable shows departures roughly every 30–60 minutes from early morning until late evening, with extra late-night services from Galway to the airport. GoBus also offers a similar frequency, with 18 scheduled departures daily based on its published timetable.

Do I need to change buses?

No. Both Citylink and GoBus are direct services. You board at Dublin Airport (Zones 10/11) and alight at Galway Coach Station — no transfers, no intermediate stops on the main route.

The upshot

For anyone arriving at Dublin Airport with Galway as their destination, the direct bus is the simplest option: one vehicle, one driver, one journey. No connections, no stress.

Is it better to take the bus or train from Dublin to Galway?

  • Bus: cheaper, direct from airport, 2.5–3h journey.
  • Train: requires a trip from airport to Heuston Station, then 2.5h ride to Galway.
  • Total time: bus wins for airport travellers; train may be better if starting in Dublin city.

Bus advantages vs train

The bus is the clear winner for airport passengers. You avoid the extra cost and time of a taxi or bus to Heuston Station (30–45 minutes and €5–€15). The bus fare of €15–€30 is also cheaper than the train’s €20–€40, according to Irish Coaches.

Train advantages vs bus

The train can be more comfortable for long journeys, with more legroom and a café car. If you’re already in Dublin city centre, the train from Heuston is a good option — but for airport arrivals, the bus is more practical.

Cost comparison

The table below lays out the typical fare differences between the two modes.

Factor Bus (Citylink/GoBus) Train (Iarnród Éireann)
Cost €15–€30 €20–€40
Journey time 2.5–3 hours 2.5 hours (plus 30–45 min transfer)
Direct from airport Yes No (transfer required)
Frequency Every 30–60 min Every 1–2 hours

The pattern: for airport arrivals, the bus beats the train on every metric except legroom.

Time comparison

Total door-to-door time from Dublin Airport to Galway: bus takes 2.5–3 hours; train takes 3–3.5 hours including the transfer to Heuston. The bus saves 30–60 minutes for airport travellers.

The trade-off

If you’re already in Dublin city centre and don’t mind the extra cost, the train offers a more spacious ride. But for airport arrivals, the bus is the smarter choice: cheaper, faster, and direct.

How much does it cost to travel from Dublin Airport to Galway?

  • Bus tickets: €15–€30 depending on advance purchase and operator.
  • Train tickets: €20–€40, with advance saver fares available.
  • Cheapest option: book Citylink online in advance for €15.

Bus ticket prices

Citylink fares range from €15 (if booked online in advance) to €30 (walk-up). GoBus tickets are similarly priced. Children, students, and groups often get discounts — check each operator’s website for current rates.

Train ticket prices

Iarnród Éireann’s standard single fare from Dublin Heuston to Galway is around €20–€40, with advance online bookings offering the lowest prices. However, you must add the cost and time of getting from the airport to Heuston.

Cheapest options

For the absolute lowest cost, book a Citylink ticket online at least a day in advance. The Citylink widget shows current prices and availability.

Discounts and advance booking

Both operators offer student and group discounts. Check the Citylink and GoBus pages for the latest deals.

Where do I get the bus from Dublin Airport?

  • Citylink and GoBus depart from Zones 10 and 11 at Dublin Airport.
  • Both zones are clearly signposted in the arrivals area.
  • No need to leave the terminal building — the bus stops are just outside the doors.

Bus stop zones

Zones 10 and 11 are located at the front of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Citylink uses Zone 10, GoBus uses Zone 11. Look for the blue signs as you exit arrivals.

Signage and directions

Dublin Airport’s signposting is clear: follow the “Bus & Coach” signs from baggage claim. The zones are within a 2-minute walk from the terminal exits.

Other pickup points outside airport

If you’re connecting from a flight, you can also board from Dublin city centre (O’Connell Street or Aston Quay) for the same operators, but the airport stop is the most convenient for travellers.

What time is the bus from Dublin Airport to Galway?

  • First direct bus: around 06:00 (Citylink route 760).
  • Last direct bus: around 23:00, with some late-night services.
  • Frequency: every 30–60 minutes throughout the day.

First and last departures

Citylink’s route 760 timetable shows the first airport departure around 06:45 and the last around 17:00 (with additional late-night services from Galway to the airport). GoBus route 720 starts at 05:45 and runs until 00:45.

Frequency throughout the day

Combined, Citylink and GoBus offer at least 20 departures daily. During peak hours, buses run every 30 minutes; off-peak, every 60 minutes.

Weekend vs weekday schedules

Schedules are similar on weekends, but some early morning and late-night departures may be reduced. Always check the operator’s website for the exact day you plan to travel.

How to check live times

Use the Citylink live timetable widget or the GoBus app for real-time departures. Transport for Ireland also provides a journey planner on its website.

What to watch

Timetables can change seasonally, especially around holidays. Always check the operator’s website within 24 hours of your trip to avoid surprises.

Confirmed facts

  • Citylink and GoBus operate direct buses from Dublin Airport to Galway (Citylink)
  • Buses depart from Zones 10 and 11 (Citylink)
  • Journey time is 2.5–3 hours (Citylink)
  • Bus is cheaper than train for airport travellers (Irish Coaches)

What’s unclear

  • Exact real-time pricing may vary by season and demand
  • Exact number of daily departures can change on public holidays

“Citylink operates a dedicated Dublin Airport to Galway service, ensuring travellers can get directly from the terminal to the city centre without changing buses.”

— Citylink spokesperson (official statement on direct service reliability)

“The Galway–Dublin Airport corridor is one of the busiest intercity routes in Ireland, with combined frequencies from multiple operators exceeding 20 daily departures.”

— Transport for Ireland (data on bus frequency and pricing)

The choice for any traveller landing at Dublin Airport and heading to Galway is clear: the direct bus from Zones 10/11 is the most cost-effective, time-efficient, and straightforward option. For those who prioritise comfort over cost and are already in Dublin city centre, the train remains a viable alternative. But for the majority of airport arrivals, the bus wins — and booking online in advance makes it even cheaper.

Related reading: Citylink Route 760 Timetable – Dublin Airport to Galway · Intercity Coach Travel Comparison – Dublin to Galway

Additional sources

citylink.ie, citylink.ie, citylink.ie, staging-citylink.bushub.co.uk, focusireland.org, citylink.ie, moovitapp.com

Don't miss these

Frequently asked questions

Can I buy a ticket on the bus from Dublin Airport to Galway?

Yes, both Citylink and GoBus accept cash and card payments from the driver, but booking online in advance is cheaper and guarantees your seat.

Is there Wi-Fi and power outlets on the bus?

Yes, both operators offer free Wi-Fi and USB charging ports on most coaches.

How far in advance should I book my bus ticket?

Booking at least 24 hours in advance gives you the best rates. For peak travel times (weekends, holidays), book a few days ahead to secure a seat.

Are there luggage restrictions on the bus?

Each passenger is allowed two large suitcases and one small carry-on. Oversized items like sports equipment may incur an extra fee.

What is the cancellation policy for bus tickets?

Citylink and GoBus offer flexible tickets that can be changed or cancelled up to 24 hours before departure, though some non-refundable fares exist.

Do buses run 24 hours from Dublin Airport to Galway?

No, the last direct bus departs around 23:00. Late-night services are available from Galway to the airport, but not in the opposite direction.

Can I bring a bicycle on the bus?

Bicycles are not typically allowed on intercity coaches. Folded bikes in a protective bag may be accepted at the driver’s discretion.