Transportation Within Dublin

Public transport in Dublin is extensive, yet a little complicated and confusing.  There are three major public transport providers: Dublin Bus and Irish Rail and Luas. For more information about these services, please consult www.dublinbus.ie, www.irishrail.ie, and www.luas.ie.

Students may purchase a student travel card after arriving in Dublin.   In tandem with a ISIC card, this will allow students to use all public transport at reduced rates.  Please inquire about this at your on site orientation in Dublin.

Trains and Trams

Dublin rail services include DART, Luas and commuter train lines. The DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transport) is an efficient rapid transit line running along the Dublin coast from Malahide/Howth in the north, to Greystones in the south.  Trains are very regular and usually on time starting at 6 am with the last DART leaving the city centre at 11.30 pm 7 days a week.  Student fares are also available in weekly and monthly increments.

The Luas is a light rail “tram” service in Dublin. The Luas comprises two lines: the Green, which runs from St Stephen’s Green to Sandyford; and the Red, which runs from both Connolly Station and The Point to Tallaght.  Service begins at 5.30 am and runs until 12:30 am.  Student fares are available, but only in tandem with a Dublin Bus monthly ticket.

Commuter trains run from the major train stations to outer County Dublin.

Dublin Buses

Dublin buses are the workhorses of the public transport system.  Buses start running as early as 6 am and the last bus from the city centre leaves at 11.30 pm 7 days a week.  If paying in cash, exact fare is preferred, however drivers will distribute refund tickets in lieu of change, which can be redeemed at the Dublin Bus offices on O’Connell Street. Coins should be used as notes are not accepted. Make sure that you are in possession of your ticket for the duration of the journey. Fares are charged by “stages.” If you are uncertain of the correct fare for your journey, ask the driver.  If you stay on the bus for more stages than you have paid, you could be subject to a fine.

Buses must be “hailed” from bus stops, so make sure to extend an arm to indicate that you want to be collected! Buses are the cheapest method of public transport - multiple journey tickets, and student rated tickets (available at most newsagents) make getting around even cheaper.

Dublin Bus runs a late night service called Nitelink, with buses leaving from the city centre from 12.30 am on the half hour until 4 am Friday and Saturday. Nitelink routes are not as extensive as regular bus routes, so you may expect a significant walk from the nearest bus stop.  The Nitelink also has something of a reputation due to the fact that many passengers will be showing the effects of a night out drinking.  While it’s generally safe, we don’t recommend it for anyone traveling alone.  If you are by yourself, the safest option is always a taxi. See http://www.dublinbus.ie for the Nitelink timetable.

Taxis

Dublin taxis are safe and reliable, yet in very high demand on weekend nights, so keep this in mind.  Taxis can be hailed from the street, hired at a taxi rank, or booked over the phone. While tipping is not mandatory, it is suggested to leave a small bit of change. The main taxi ranks in the city centre are on Dame Street in front of Trinity College, across from the Savoy Cinema on O’Connell Street, and on St Stephen’s Green.

Taxis must display roof signs and the driver’s information and “medallion number” must be clearly displayed inside the cab. Rates depend on the time of day, with a premium for fares between 8 pm and 8 am, Sundays, and holidays.  The initial minimum charge is 4.10EUR/4.45EUR (standard/premium) with charges in increments of 1.03EUR/1.35EUR per km or .36EUR/.46EUR per minute for fares up to 18.70EUR/23.45EUR. You are entitled to a printed receipt. There are additional charges for phone bookings, additional passengers, airport pickups, and luggage (you should not be charged for a handbag or a small amount of shopping). Tips are discretionary and are usually just a euro or two.

Hackney cabs are a private car service that can be booked by telephone or email but NOT hailed on the street. Hackney drivers may not stop for people hailing them on the street, and you should never get into an unmarked car stopping for you on the street.

Some taxi company numbers (put them in your phone now!):

Radio Cabs: (01) 677 2222
Speed Cabs: (01) 475 0800
Castle Cabs: (01) 831 9000

YOU ARE ENTITLED TO A PRINTED RECEIPT. THE DRIVER’S INFORMATION AND FARE INFORMATION SHOULD BE CLEARLY POSTED.

• Next >