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How to get from Dublin to Galway
Irish Rail trains from Dublin Heuston to Galway Ceannt take about 2 h 20 – 2 h 45 for roughly €15–35. Coaches from Dublin city and airport take about 2 h 30 – 3 h, and driving the M4/M6 takes about 2 h 15.
Best option: Bus. Coaches run more often than the trains and leave from both Dublin city and Dublin Airport; take the train if you prefer more legroom.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| bus Coaches such as Citylink and GoBus from Dublin city centre and Dublin Airport to Galway, plus Bus Éireann Expressway | about 2 h 30 – 3 h | roughly hourly or more through the day | about €15–25 | Airport departures make this the easiest option on arrival. |
| train Irish Rail (Iarnród Éireann) Intercity trains from Dublin Heuston to Galway Ceannt | about 2 h 20 – 2 h 45 | roughly every 1–2 hours | about €15–35, cheaper online in advance | Heuston is west of the centre; take the Luas Red Line. |
| car M4 then M6 motorway | about 2 h 15 | fuel plus a couple of motorway tolls (a few euro each) | Galway city traffic can be slow at rush hour. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- From Dublin Airport, coaches go straight to Galway without entering the city.
- Book Irish Rail online for cheaper fares and a seat reservation.
- Both Galway's train and coach stations are next to Eyre Square.
- Organised day tours from Dublin to Galway and the Cliffs of Moher are common.
Common questions
Is the train or bus better from Dublin to Galway?
Both take a similar time, about 2 h 20 to 3 hours. Coaches run more frequently and leave from Dublin Airport and the city centre. Trains from Heuston offer more space and a table. Fares are similar if you book the train online in advance.
Can I get from Dublin Airport to Galway directly?
Yes. Coaches such as Citylink and GoBus leave Dublin Airport for Galway frequently through the day, taking about 2 h 30 to 3 hours. There is no train from the airport, so the coach is the easiest option if you arrive by plane.
Can I do Galway as a day trip from Dublin?
It is possible, about 2 h 30 each way, and organised tours often combine it with the Cliffs of Moher. It makes a long day. Staying a night or two lets you enjoy Galway's evening music in the pubs and visit Connemara or the Aran Islands.
Are there tolls on the Dublin to Galway road?
Yes, there are a couple of toll plazas on the M4 and M6 motorways, each a few euro for a car, payable by cash or card. The drive takes about 2 h 15 without traffic. Allow extra time leaving Dublin at rush hour.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.