Dublin Airport's Tram Service: An Efficient Travel Option

Dublin Airport is located approximately 10km north of Dublin City Centre, which is accessible by bus, taxi, car, bicycle, or on foot. There are several transport options for those travelling to the city centre and beyond. While there is no direct mention of a tram service to Dublin Airport, the Luas is Dublin's tram system, and the Airlink 747 route connects with the Luas at 3 Arena, Convention Centre Dublin, Connolly Station, O'Connell Street, Temple Bar, and Heuston Station.

Tram routes and timetables

Dublin Airport is located approximately 10km north of Dublin City Centre. The city centre is accessible by bus, taxi, car, bike, or on foot. There are several transport options for those travelling to Dublin City Centre and beyond. You can travel directly to central locations such as O'Connell Street or connect to the rest of Ireland by reaching Connolly and Heuston train stations, as well as Ireland's central bus station, Bus Áras.

Dublin's tram network is called 'Luas' (the Irish for 'speed'). There are two lines, the Green Line and the Red Line, which serve many areas of Central Dublin and some residential areas (mainly in the south and southwest of the city). The two tram lines intersect at various locations with Dublin's DART and Commuter train services and airport bus services.

The Green Line runs from Broombridge in North Dublin down to Bride's Glen in the south, via Central Dublin. The Red Line runs from The Point or Connolly Station in Central Dublin to Saggart or Tallaght in southwest Dublin.

Trams run at regular intervals. You can usually expect trams every 4-6 minutes during rush hour (7am-10am and 4pm-7pm), and roughly every 10 minutes outside of these times. Some late services (11pm onwards) may involve a slightly longer wait, so if travelling late at night, you may wish to consult a timetable beforehand. Real-time travel information is provided on screens at every Luas stop. You can also view it online or use a mobile app to access it. Tickets for Dublin trams can be purchased at each stop, using the ticket machine provided. Alternatively, you can use a smartcard ticket called a 'Leap Card', which provides you with up to a 31% discount on travel and can be topped up as necessary with credit. You can buy a Leap Card online from the Leap Card website or from various outlets in Dublin. The tram network is divided into several zones. Fares range from €2.00 for one zone up to €2.60 for 8 zones. You can use the Luas fare calculator to work out the cost of your journey and the best type of ticket to buy.

Tickets and fares

Tickets for the Luas tram in Dublin can be purchased at each tram stop using the ticket machine provided. You can also buy tickets online or from a variety of outlets in Dublin. These include ticket machines at rail stations, retail outlets, and on buses.

The Luas tram network is divided into several zones, and the cost of your journey depends on how many zones you travel through. Fares range from €2.00 for one zone to €2.60 for eight. You can use the Luas fare calculator to work out the cost of your journey and the best type of ticket to buy.

You can also buy a Leap Card, which provides up to a 31% discount on travel and can be topped up as needed with travel credit. The Leap Card is a smartcard ticket with two types: the regular Leap Card and the Leap Visitor Card. The regular Leap Card is best for those commuting regularly in Dublin or travelling for more than seven days. In contrast, the Leap Visitor Card allows you to travel for one, three, or seven days at set prices. You can buy a Leap Card online from the Leap Card website, at ticket machines, or from various outlets in Dublin.

Note that the Visitor Leap Card is not accepted on Aircoach and Dublin Express bus services to Dublin Airport. If you plan to use these services, you will need to purchase separate tickets.

Dublin Airport also offers bus services to and from the city centre and other destinations in Ireland. You can buy bus tickets online, at ticket machines, or from the driver, depending on the route. Some routes only accept prepaid tickets or cash, while others accept bank cards, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. It is recommended to check the accepted payment methods for your chosen route before travelling.

Accessibility

Dublin Airport is located approximately 10 km north of Dublin City Centre. The city centre is accessible by bus, taxi, car, cycling, or walking. There are several transport options for those travelling to Dublin City Centre and beyond.

Dublin Airport is accessible by over 1,000 buses and coaches daily, connecting many areas in and around Dublin and other towns and cities across Ireland. Taxis are available from the forecourts directly outside Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. There are also seven car rental companies located on-site or in close proximity to the airport.

Dublin's tram system, Luas, has been designed to be fully accessible and is the easiest mode of transport in Dublin for those with a mobility impairment. All tram stations provide step-free access to the platforms, and trams are wheelchair-accessible. If you have a mobility impairment and would like assistance with your journey, you can contact Luas Customer Care, who can advise you on your travel and arrange for a member of staff to accompany you on your journey.

The Luas train map outlines all the train and tram lines for the Greater Dublin Area, as well as key Dublin Airport bus connections. The map provides wheelchair accessibility, bike parking, and car parking information. It is available for download in both JPG and PDF formats.

Bikes and parking

Dublin Airport is located approximately 10 km north of Dublin City Centre. The airport is accessible by bus, taxi, car, or bicycle.

If you are travelling to the airport by bicycle, there are bike racks in one of the corners of the ground floor of short-term car park A, on the terminal end of the car park, just left of the central car park mall as you walk towards the terminal. There are usually motorcycles parked in the vicinity. It is recommended that you use an old bicycle if you plan to leave it at the airport, as there is a chance it could get stolen.

If you are taking your bicycle with you on a Dublin tram, only fold-up bikes are permitted. If you are using a full-sized bicycle, you can park your bike at many stops. You can view which stops facilitate bike parking by downloading the Dublin rail map. A bike icon beside a stop indicates that bike parking is available.

History

The history of Dublin's tram service dates back to the 19th century, with the establishment of the Dublin tramways. The system commenced line-laying in 1871 and began its service in 1872, following trials in the mid-1860s. The Dublin Tramways Company (DTC) acquired the rights of the City of Dublin Tramways Co. and started laying lines in 1871, with the first service to Terenure commencing on 1 February 1872. The Dublin tramways were established by several companies, but the majority of the system was eventually operated by the Dublin United Tramways Company (DUTC).

The tram service in Dublin has a long and interesting history. At its peak, the system boasted over 60 miles (97 km) of active lines and was known for its heavy usage, profitability, and technological advancements. Most of the services ran within the city centre and near suburbs, with the majority of major suburbs served. There were also two longer-range services, including one that reached Poulaphouca Falls and two services concerning Howth. The last trams ran in Dublin city in 1949, and in 1959 on Howth Head, near Dublin.

In the following decades, Dublin witnessed a revival of its rail system, with a significant expansion of the tram network and the re-opening of commuter rail lines. The Transport Act of 1996 played a pivotal role in this revival by creating a legal framework for CIÉ to construct a modern tram system. In May 1997, CIÉ applied for a Light Railway Order to build the first phase of this new system. After an inquiry and considerations for underground sections, the government decided in May 1998 to construct two lines. The first line would run from Tallaght to Connolly Station, and the second would connect Sandyford Industrial Estate to Dublin Airport via the city centre and Ballymun.

The responsibility for developing this new tram system, named Luas, was transferred from CIÉ to the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) in December 2001. Today, Luas provides regular tram services in Dublin, with intervals of 4-6 minutes during rush hour and approximately every 10 minutes outside of these times. The Luas network is divided into zones, with fares ranging from €2.00 for one zone to €2.60 for eight zones. Tickets can be purchased at each stop or through the Leap Card system, which offers discounted fares.

Frequently asked questions