Dublin’s city centre is compact and very walkable. Most major attractions are within a 30-minute walk of each other. For longer distances, public transport is reliable and affordable.
Leap Card (Essential)
Get a Leap Card as soon as you arrive. It’s a reloadable contactless travel card that works on Dublin Bus, Luas trams, and DART trains. Fares are significantly cheaper than paying with a contactless debit/credit card. Visitor Leap Cards are sold at Dublin Airport arrivals and include unlimited travel for 1, 3, or 7 days.
Dublin Bus
Dublin Bus is fully cashless. Since 2023 you cannot pay cash on board — you must use a Leap Card or a contactless debit/credit card (Apple Pay and Google Pay both work). Just tap on when boarding. Real-time info is available at most stops and on the Transport for Ireland (TFI) Live app.
Luas (Tram)
Two lines serve the city. The Green Line runs from Broombridge in the north through the city centre down to Brides Glen in the south, passing St Stephen’s Green and Ranelagh. The Red Line runs from Saggart/Tallaght in the west to The Point in the Docklands, passing Heuston Station, Smithfield, and the Convention Centre. Tap your Leap Card at the platform validator before boarding.
DART (Coastal Train)
The DART runs along Dublin Bay from Malahide and Howth in the north to Greystones in the south. It’s the best way to reach coastal villages like Howth (cliff walks and seafood), Dalkey (charming village with castle views), and Bray (seaside promenade). A scenic journey in itself.
Taxis & Ride-Hailing
Uber does not do regular rides in Dublin. Uber operates only as “Uber Taxi” here, dispatching licensed hackneys — so you may as well use the dominant local apps. Free Now and Bolt are the go-to taxi-hailing apps; both are widely used and work like Uber elsewhere. Regular taxi ranks are also outside hotels, shopping centres, and on O’Connell Street.
Dublinbikes
The city’s bike-sharing scheme has over 100 stations across the centre. A 3-day subscription is €5 and the first 30 minutes of each trip are free. Great for short hops between attractions on a dry day. Annual membership is €35.
Secure Your Dream Irish Experience Before It’s Gone!
Planning a trip to Ireland? Don’t let sold-out tours or packed attractions spoil your journey. Iconic experiences like visiting the Cliffs of Moher, exploring the Rock of Cashel, or enjoying a guided walk through Ireland’s ancient past often sell out quickly—especially during peak travel seasons.
Booking in advance guarantees your place and ensures you can fully immerse yourself in the rich culture and breathtaking scenery without stress or disappointment. You’ll also free up time to explore Ireland’s hidden gems and savour those authentic moments that make your trip truly special.
Make the most of your journey—start planning today and secure those must-do experiences before they’re gone!