Dublin is a small city and while you stick to the main attractions there should be, in truth, little need for public transport. If you do need to travel further afield the local network out to the suburbs and around the centre is extremely good and you should have little difficulty getting beyond the city limits.

To and From the Airport

Dublin International Airport
Dublin airport is located 10km north of the city, and is well served by public bus links.

Buses
There is a private bus link every 15 minutes called the Aircoach, which serves most major destinations in the centre of the city, with the stops arranged to be near most of the city centre hotels. Tickets cost EUR7 for adults; children under 12yrs travel free. Tel: +353 (0)1-844-7118 for specific details.

Dublin Bus also runs several routes to and from the airport. All leave from the arrivals road outside the airport terminal. Airlink is a dedicated airport express service that runs to the city centre every ten minutes and costs EUR5 (a discount applies for Aer Lingus passengers and children). The journey should take approximately 35 minutes. Public bus routes that visit the airport are routes 16A, and 230. These services cost EUR1.95 but can take substantially longer than the Airlink. Tel: +353 (0)1-872-0000.

Taxis
Taxis are easily available outside the airport, and the trip either way will cost roughly EUR25 (taxis are all metered). A cab ride to the city centre should take approximately 20-25 minutes.

Cars
Alternatively, you may wish to hire a car immediately on arrival at the airport. Dublin centre has the same problems of congestion that you find in other major cities throughout Europe but you should have little difficulty driving into the city's outskirts.

Public Transport

Dublin's public transport network is well thought out and modern. Tourists staying in the city centre will find that there is little need for public transport, with most sights within easy walking distance of each other.

The Dublin Pass provides unlimited travel on Dublin's buses and free travel from Dublin airport to the city centre with Aircoach as well as free access to most of the main tourist attractions. Passes are available for one, two, three, and six days and can be purchased at any of the tourist offices within the city. Rates are:

1 day: EUR29, adults; EUR17, children
2 days: EUR49, adults; EUR29, children
3 days: EUR59, adults; EUR34, children
6 days: EUR89, adults; EUR44, children

Bus
There is an extensive network of bus routes throughout Dublin, mainly along the arterial routes into and out of the city centre. The central station is located on Store St.

Buses are regular and plentiful and it should be no problem getting to and around the relatively small city centre by bus. However, it can be a bit of a mission finding the right bus for specific locations in the suburbs. If you need information, Tel: +353 (0)1-873-4222.

Single ride fares depend on the distance covered, but start at EUR0.95 for adults. A daily ticket is available on the bus (EUR5) that allows unlimited travel on the network. The ticket must be validated each time you board a bus. Tickets can be bought at the Dublin bus office on O'Connell Street and at most newsagents and Spar stores.

Train
Within Dublin there are two main types of train service, the DART and the Iarnród Éirann (Irish rail) suburban service. The DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) consists of a single line going along the coast as far as Howth in the north and Bray to the south. There are three stations within Dublin itself: Pearse, Connolly and Tara Street.

The other local rail services form a larger network throughout the city and the suburbs. Tickets can be obtained at most stations and should be bought before you travel where possible. There are a number of cheaper period and combination tickets too. For the visitor, the most useful is the one-day rail, DART and bus ticket, costing EUR8.20. For information, Tel: +353 (0)1-703-3504.

Tram
Although arguably rather less useful for getting to the main tourist attractions than the bus, the tram is an enjoyable way of getting around Dublin if nothing else. There are two lines of the Lucas Tram, the green line stretching from Sandyford to St Stephen's Green, and the red from Tallaght to Connolly, the latter being the more useful as it runs through the centre of the city.

Trams run Mon-Fri 05h30-00h30; Sat 06h30-00h30; and Sun 07h00-23h30 every 7-10mins at peak times and every 20mins the rest of the time. Tickets cost EUR1.25 (single, valid for 90 mins/ one stop only) or EUR2.50 (return). Alternatively tickets with unlimited travel for one day cost EUR4.60 (EUR10 for seven days). It is also possible to purchase a combined bus and tram ticket, which costs EUR6 for one day or EUR23 for seven days.

Driving

Driving is a good idea if you're planning to tour Ireland but a car will be of limited use in Dublin itself. The old streets of the town are not built with cars in mind, and parking is at a premium. Central Dublin is also extremely compact and it is unlikely you'll need a car as everywhere is easily reached on foot or by bus.

Navigation through the city centre can also be a problem, with one-way systems and pedestrianisation making the city a maze for the uninitiated driver. The narrow streets also mean that the city can become congested at peak times and traffic jams are not uncommon during rush hours.

A valid National Driving Licence is required if you wish to drive in Ireland. If your licence is not in English, then you are advised to have a translation. You will need to carry your licence, insurance papers and registration documents with you at all times.

The minimum driving age is 17. Driving is on the left and you must overtake on the right. Seatbelts must be worn by the driver and all passengers where fitted. All roads in Ireland are toll free, with the exception of the M50 Dublin ringroad between junctions N3 and N4 and the East link bridge, both of which carry tolls of EUR1.35. Research is ongoing into reducing the the capital's congestion levels however and a city centre road pricing scheme is one possible outcome of this. How this would be implemented is yet to be decided.

Ireland recently brought in metric speed limits so be aware signs will be in kilometres. The speed limits are 50km per hour (31mph) in built-up areas, 80km per hour (50mph) on regional roads, 100km per hour (62mph) on national roads (including dual carriageways) and 120km per hour (75mph) on the few motorways there are. There are also a few specially designated zones of 30km per hour (18mph) or 60km per hour (37mph). Please note that horns must not be used between 23h30-07h00.

If you do desire private transport in the city, there are many car hire companies in Dublin, including at the airport.

The following table provides approximate driving distances between Irish cities. Kilometres in the lower left of the table, miles in the upper right.

Taxis

There are simply loads of taxis in Dublin. You can hail a cab on the street or catch one at any of the city's taxi ranks. Most trips are metered but prices tend to be expensive with extra charges imposed for luggage and additional passengers. Expect to wait at a rank for a long time late at night and on weekends. Many "phone cab" companies will also organise pickups (there is a charge), or quote you a standard charge for a certain trip over the phone. Ask at your hotel for a cab company or try these companies: abc Taxis, Tel: +353 (0)1-285-5444; Blue Cabs, Tel: +353 (0)1-802-2222; Davis Taxi Service, Tel: +353 (0)1-847-6056.