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How to get from Cork to Galway
Driving from Cork to Galway takes about 2 h 30 via Limerick. Direct coaches take about 3 h 30 to 4 h, and the train needs at least one change and takes about 3 h 30 to 4 h.
Best option: Bus. Direct coaches are cheaper than the train, need no change and run several times a day.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| bus Direct coaches from Cork (Parnell Place bus station) to Galway via Limerick and Shannon (Bus Éireann and Citylink) | about 3 h 30 to 4 h | roughly every one to two hours | about €20–30 single | Some coaches stop at Shannon Airport; book online for the best fares. |
| car N20/M20 to Limerick, then M18 north via Ennis to Galway (about 200 km) | about 2 h 30 | fuel; tolls only if your route uses a toll section such as the Limerick Tunnel | Galway city centre is congested at rush hour; use a car park on the edge of the centre. | |
| train Irish Rail from Cork Kent, change at Limerick Junction and/or Limerick, then the Limerick–Ennis–Galway line to Galway Ceannt | about 3 h 30 to 4 h | a few connections a day | about €25–45 single | Connections at Limerick can involve long waits; check current timetables. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Galway's bus and train stations are next to each other near Eyre Square.
- Book coach tickets in advance on summer weekends and around festivals such as the Galway Races.
- Driving lets you stop at the Cliffs of Moher or the Burren with a short detour.
- Leap Cards work on local buses in both cities.
Common questions
Is there a direct train from Cork to Galway?
No. You need to change at Limerick Junction and/or Limerick, then take the Western Rail Corridor service via Ennis to Galway Ceannt. The trip takes about 3 h 30 to 4 h, depending on connections. Direct coaches are usually simpler and cheaper. Check current Irish Rail timetables before you travel.
How long is the bus from Cork to Galway?
About 3 h 30 to 4 h on direct coaches via Limerick, some of which call at Shannon Airport. Coaches leave roughly every one to two hours. Fares are about €20–30 one way, with lower prices online. They arrive at Galway's coach station near Eyre Square, a short walk from the centre.
What is the fastest way from Cork to Galway?
Driving, which takes about 2 h 30 for about 200 km via Limerick and the M18. There are no flights between the two cities. If you do not have a car, the direct coach is the quickest public option at about 3 h 30, not much slower than the train with changes.
Can I stop at the Cliffs of Moher on the way?
Yes, if you drive. Leave the M18 at Ennis and head west via Lahinch to the Cliffs of Moher, then continue north through the Burren to Galway. This adds about 1 h 30 of driving plus the time you spend there. Public transport makes this detour difficult without a tour.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.