Dublin Airport

Dublin Airport (DUB) is Ireland's busiest airport and the primary gateway to the country, located approximately 10 km north of Dublin city center. The airport handles over 32 million passengers annually and serves as a major hub for both Aer Lingus and Ryanair.

The airport has two terminals:

• Terminal 1: The original terminal, handling most airlines including Ryanair, British Airways, Lufthansa, Emirates, and most European carriers
• Terminal 2: Opened in 2010, serves as the Aer Lingus hub and handles US preclearance flights. Also used by American Airlines, United, Delta, and Etihad

The terminals are connected by a covered walkway (approximately 5-minute walk). Both terminals are on the same side of the runway, making transfers straightforward compared to airports with disconnected terminals.

US Preclearance: Dublin is one of only a handful of airports outside North America with US Customs and Border Protection facilities. Passengers flying to the US clear immigration and customs in Dublin, arriving in the US as domestic passengers.

Dublin Airport is located 10 km north of Dublin city center. There is currently no rail connection to the airport, though a Metro Link project is planned for future years.

Typical travel times:

• Dublin city center by bus: 25-40 min (traffic dependent)
• Dublin city center by taxi: 20-35 min (traffic dependent)
• O'Connell Street by Dublin Express: 30 min
• Heuston Station: 45-60 min

Traffic congestion is common during morning (7:30-9:30) and evening (16:30-18:30) rush hours. Allow extra time during these periods.

Important: Uber does not operate in Ireland. The app exists but only connects to licensed taxi drivers at standard taxi rates.

Alternatives

• Free Now (formerly MyTaxi): The main rideshare app in Ireland, widely used and reliable. Download before arrival.
• Bolt: Available in Dublin with competitive pricing.
• Traditional taxis: Queue outside both terminals, metered fares.

Fares to Dublin City Center

Destination	Taxi/Free Now Fare	Notes
O'Connell Street	€25-35	Peak hours higher
Temple Bar	€25-35	Central location
Grafton Street area	€28-38	South city center
Dublin Docklands	€25-35	Tech district
Heuston Station	€35-45	Further west

Taxi pickup: Follow signs to the taxi ranks outside Arrivals at both terminals. Expect queues during peak arrival times.

Dublin Express (Recommended)

The Dublin Express is the fastest and most reliable bus service to the city center.

Route 782/784:

1. Departs from outside both terminals (every 15-30 min)
2. Direct service to Dublin city center
3. Stops at O'Connell Street, Trinity College, and other central locations
4. Journey time: 25-30 minutes (off-peak)

Fares (2025):

• Single: €9
• Return: €15
• Children (under 16): €4 single

Purchase tickets online at dublinexpress.ie, via app, or from the driver (contactless accepted).

Aircoach (Route 700)

24-hour service to Dublin city center and south Dublin.

Key stops: O'Connell Street, Trinity College, St. Stephen's Green, Ballsbridge, Leopardstown Fare: €8-10 single, €14-16 return Frequency: Every 15-30 min

Dublin Bus (Routes 16, 41)

Budget option using standard Dublin Bus routes.

Route 16: To Dublin city center via Drumcondra Route 41: To Abbey Street via Swords

Fare: €3.80 (Leap Card) or €3.60 (contactless/cash) Journey time: 40-60 min depending on traffic

Tip: Get a Leap Visitor Card for unlimited travel on Dublin Bus, Luas, and DART for 1-7 days. Available at Spar shops in the airport.

Dublin Airport offers multiple parking options across several car parks.

Short-Term Parking

• Express Red: Closest to terminals, from €4.50/hour, €36/day
• Express Green: Short walk to terminals, from €3.50/hour, €30/day

Long-Term Parking

• Blue Long Term: Free shuttle to terminals (5 min), from €8.50/day (online booking)
• Holiday Red/Green: Pre-book online, from €6/day for extended stays

Online booking: Save up to 60% by booking at dublinairport.com. Walk-up rates are significantly higher.

Terminal Parking

Car Park	Walk to Terminal	Daily Rate (Online)
Express Red T1	2 min	€36
Express Red T2	3 min	€36
Express Green	5-8 min	€30
Blue Long Term	Shuttle	€8.50

Dublin Airport has significantly expanded its food offerings in recent years.

Terminal 1

Before Security:

• Butlers Chocolate Cafe: Irish chocolate chain, good coffee
• Subway: Quick sandwiches

After Security:

• The Kitchen: Irish cuisine, full meals
• Lemon: Fresh juices and healthy options
• O'Brien's: Irish sandwich chain
• Burger King, Starbucks: Fast food standards
• Camden Street Kitchen: Casual dining with Irish dishes

Terminal 2

Before Security:

• Aptus Cafe: Coffee and light bites
• WHSmith: Grab-and-go options

After Security:

• Harvest by the Cooks: Fresh, locally sourced meals
• The Loop Bar: Full bar with pub food
• Caviston's Seafood Bar: Quality Irish seafood
• Starbucks, Costa: Coffee chains
• Wrights Cafe: Irish bakery chain

Best food: Terminal 2 has superior dining options overall. Caviston's Seafood Bar is a standout for quality Irish seafood.

Free WiFi is available throughout both terminals.

• Network name: _DublinAirport_Free_WiFi
• Duration: Unlimited
• Quality: Adequate for browsing and email; can be slow during peak hours
• How to connect: Select network, accept terms (no email registration required)

For faster connections, visit airline lounges or use mobile data.

Irish SIM cards are available at the airport, though selection is limited.

Airport Locations

• WHSmith (both terminals): Basic prepaid SIMs
• Vodafone kiosk (Terminal 1 Arrivals): Vodafone prepaid plans
• Three store (Terminal 1): Full service, prepaid and postpaid options

Pricing

• Basic prepaid SIM with data: €10-20
• 30-day plans with 15-20GB: €20-30

Better value: Buy a SIM in Dublin city center at Vodafone, Three, or Eir stores where prepaid plans start from €10 with more data.

Good to know: EU roaming is included on Irish SIMs. Visitors from the EU can use their home SIM at no extra charge.

ATMs are located throughout both terminals in Arrivals and Departures halls. Major Irish banks represented include Bank of Ireland and AIB.

Currency: Euro (€)

Currency exchange: Bureaux de change are located in both terminals but offer poor rates. Use ATMs with your bank card for better rates, or services like Wise or Revolut.

Tip: Ireland is largely cashless. Contactless payment is accepted almost everywhere, including small shops and pubs.

Duty-Free

The Loop is Dublin Airport's duty-free retailer, with large stores in both terminals after security.

• Irish whiskey selection (Jameson, Redbreast, Green Spot)
• Irish cream liqueurs
• Cosmetics and perfumes
• Confectionery (Butlers, Lily O'Brien's chocolates)

Note: Duty-free alcohol prices are competitive, particularly for Irish whiskey.

Irish Souvenirs

• Avoca: Quality Irish crafts, woolens, and food products (T2)
• Carrolls Irish Gifts: Traditional souvenirs (both terminals)
• Kilkenny Shop: Irish design and crafts
• Butlers Chocolates: Irish-made chocolates

General Retail

• WHSmith: Books, magazines, travel essentials
• Boots: Pharmacy and toiletries
• Electronics stores: Chargers, headphones, travel adapters

Dublin Airport has several lounge options for travelers.

Terminal 1

51st & Green (Priority Pass, paid access):

• Location: After security, Departures
• Access: Priority Pass, Diners Club, €35 walk-up
• Amenities: Hot and cold food, bar, WiFi, newspapers
• Hours: 04:30-21:00

The Lounge (paid access):

• Location: After security, mezzanine level
• Access: €25-30 walk-up or online booking
• Amenities: Basic refreshments, comfortable seating

Terminal 2

US Preclearance Lounge (Aer Lingus):

• Location: After US Preclearance
• Access: Aer Lingus Business Class, AerClub Platinum, oneworld Emerald/Sapphire on transatlantic flights
• Amenities: Full breakfast/lunch, bar, showers, business facilities

Aer Lingus Lounge (Gold Circle):

• Location: After security, before US Preclearance
• Access: Aer Lingus Business Class, AerClub Concierge
• Amenities: Full service lounge with dining and bar

The Loft (paid access):

• Location: After security, T2
• Access: €35 walk-up, various credit cards
• Amenities: Food, drinks, comfortable seating

Credit Card Access

• Priority Pass: 51st & Green (T1)
• Lounge Key: 51st & Green (T1), The Loft (T2)
• Various premium cards may offer access - check with your card provider

At the Airport

• Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport: Connected to Terminal 2 by covered walkway, 3-minute walk. Modern rooms, restaurant, bar. From €130/night
• Radisson Blu Hotel Dublin Airport: Adjacent to the airport, free shuttle. Full-service hotel with pool and fitness. From €140/night

Near the Airport

• Crowne Plaza Dublin Airport: 5-minute shuttle, business-focused. From €120/night
• Maldron Hotel Dublin Airport: Budget-friendly, 5-minute shuttle. From €90/night
• Premier Inn Dublin Airport: Good value, 24-hour shuttle. From €80/night
• Holiday Inn Dublin Airport: Family-friendly, free shuttle. From €100/night

Tip: The Clayton's direct connection to T2 makes it ideal for early morning flights or late arrivals.

Dublin offers rich history, vibrant culture, and excellent pubs, all easily accessible from the airport.

Getting to Key Attractions

Destination	Travel Time	Route
Trinity College	30-35 min	Dublin Express to Nassau Street
Temple Bar	30-35 min	Dublin Express to O'Connell Street + 10 min walk
Grafton Street	35-40 min	Dublin Express to Trinity + 5 min walk
Guinness Storehouse	45-50 min	Dublin Express + Luas or bus
Dublin Castle	35-40 min	Dublin Express + 10 min walk
Phoenix Park	50-60 min	Dublin Express + Luas/bus

Travel Tips

• Leap Visitor Card: Unlimited travel on Dublin Bus, Luas tram, and DART train for 1, 3, or 7 days (€10/€19.50/€40)
• Dublin Pass: Includes entry to 35+ attractions and airport transfer
• Pubs close at 23:30 Sunday-Thursday, 00:30 Friday-Saturday (some have late licenses)
• Rain is common - bring layers and waterproof jacket
• Tipping: 10-15% at restaurants, not expected at pubs

Day Trip Ideas

• Howth: 40 min by DART, seaside village with cliff walks and seafood
• Malahide Castle: 25 min by bus from airport, medieval castle and gardens
• Glendalough: 90 min by tour bus, monastic ruins in Wicklow Mountains
• Bray to Greystones cliff walk: 45 min by DART to Bray, scenic coastal walk
• Kilkenny: 90 min by bus/train, medieval town with castle and craft breweries

Best Neighborhoods to Explore

• Temple Bar: Touristy but lively, pubs and street performers
• Georgian Dublin (Merrion Square, St. Stephen's Green): Elegant architecture, parks
• Smithfield/Stoneybatter: Hip neighborhood, craft bars, local feel
• Docklands: Modern architecture, tech hub, good restaurants