Getting from an Irish airport to your destination is one of the first practical decisions you face when planning a trip to Ireland. Whether you land at Dublin, Cork, Shannon, or Ireland West Airport Knock, each has its own transport options, costs, and quirks. This guide breaks down what to expect at each one, so you can plan ahead with confidence.
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Dublin Airport Transfers
Dublin Airport is the busiest airport on the island of Ireland, handling tens of millions of passengers each year. It has two terminals — Terminal 1 for most non-Aer Lingus flights, and Terminal 2 for Aer Lingus and a handful of other carriers. Always check which terminal your flight uses before you book a transfer, as the two buildings are a 10-minute walk apart.
Bus
The Aircoach and Dublin Express services run frequently into the city centre and to several hotels. Journey times vary from around 30 minutes at quiet times to over an hour in heavy traffic. The 747 Airlink bus, operated by Dublin Bus, connects both terminals to Connolly and Heuston train stations via O’Connell Street. Fares start around €8 one way. Pre-booking online is usually a few euro cheaper than paying on board.
Taxi and rideshare
Taxis queue at designated ranks outside each terminal. A metered taxi to the city centre typically costs €25–€40 depending on traffic. Free Now and Uber both operate at Dublin Airport. Agree on fares or check the app before getting in to avoid surprises.
Car rental
Major international and local car hire companies have desks in both terminals. Ireland drives on the left, and city centre driving can be stressful if you’re not used to it. If you’re heading straight to rural areas or along the Wild Atlantic Way, renting at the airport and driving directly is often the most practical option.
Train
There is no direct rail link from Dublin Airport to the city. The nearest train stations — Drumcondra and Connolly — require a bus transfer first. The planned MetroLink project (formerly known as Metro North), which would connect the airport to the city by rail, had its Railway Order become operative in January 2026, with enabling works beginning that year — but the line itself isn’t expected to be running until the mid-2030s.
Cork Airport Transfers
Cork Airport sits about 6 km south of Cork city. Compared to Dublin, it is a far smaller and more manageable airport, which most travellers find straightforward to navigate.
Bus
Bus Éireann runs a regular service between Cork Airport and Cork city bus station. The journey takes around 20–30 minutes. The 226 route also connects to several suburbs and the city centre. Fares are affordable, and services run throughout the day and into the evening. The last bus typically departs around midnight, so check timetables if you’re on a late arrival.
Taxi
Taxis are available from the rank outside arrivals. The fare to Cork city centre is generally €15–€25. For travel further afield — say, to Kinsale, Cobh, or Blarney — expect to pay more and consider pre-booking a local taxi firm to avoid waiting.
Car rental
Cork is a useful starting point for exploring West Cork and the Beara Peninsula. Car hire desks are in the arrivals hall. Picking up a car here avoids the pressure of Dublin traffic and puts you directly into Ireland’s southwest, which many visitors rate as the most scenic part of the country.
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Shannon Airport Transfers
Shannon Airport, in County Clare, is often overlooked by first-time visitors, but it is the main gateway to the west of Ireland. It is well-placed for anyone visiting the Cliffs of Moher, Galway, the Burren, or the Aran Islands.
Bus
Bus Éireann operates routes from Shannon Airport into Limerick city and to Galway. The Limerick service (route 343) takes roughly 45 minutes and connects with the rail network. The Galway service runs several times daily and takes just over an hour. There is also a local 330 bus to Ennis, the county town of Clare, which is a useful connection for onward travel.
Taxi
Taxis wait outside the terminal. Limerick city is around €30–€40 by taxi. Galway city is a longer journey at around 90 minutes by road and can cost €90–€120 depending on the operator. Pre-booking a private transfer from a Clare or Limerick firm often brings the cost down.
Car rental
Shannon is arguably the best airport for picking up a hire car if you plan to explore Connemara, County Clare, or County Kerry. You can drive directly along the Wild Atlantic Way without the delays of Dublin’s motorway network. Most major car hire companies are represented in the terminal building.
Ferry connection
One transfer option unique to Shannon is the Killimer–Tarbert car ferry across the Shannon Estuary. This is useful if you’re heading to Kerry and want to avoid driving back through Limerick. It’s not an airport transfer in the traditional sense, but worth knowing about if you’re hiring a car from Shannon and heading south.
Ireland West Airport Knock Transfers
Ireland West Airport Knock, in County Mayo, is a small regional airport that has grown steadily in recent years. It is particularly popular with travellers heading to Connaught — Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo, and Leitrim — and those making a pilgrimage to the nearby Knock Shrine.
Bus
Bus Éireann runs several routes from the airport: the 440 service connects to Knock village, Castlebar, and Westport; the 64 route runs to Galway and Sligo; and the 438 service connects to Ballina. Services are less frequent than at the larger airports, so it is worth checking timetables in advance and matching them to your flight arrival time.
Taxi
Taxis meet arrivals but availability can be limited, particularly late at night or on Sundays. It is strongly advisable to pre-book a local taxi or private hire car if you are arriving outside peak hours. Local firms in Claremorris and Knock are reliable options. The drive to Galway by taxi takes around 90 minutes and costs roughly €80–€100.
Car rental
Car hire is available at the airport, though the selection of companies is smaller than at Dublin or Shannon. If you plan to explore the Connaught coastline — Achill Island, Westport, Sligo Bay — having your own vehicle is the most practical option, as public transport in this region is limited. Book your hire car well in advance, especially in summer when availability tightens.
Which Airport Transfer Is Easiest?
There is no single answer, because it depends on where you are going and how you are travelling.
- Dublin has the most options — frequent buses, taxis, and ride-hailing apps — but traffic congestion means journey times to the city can be unpredictable. The lack of a rail link is a genuine inconvenience.
- Cork is compact and easy. The bus connection into the city is reliable, and the airport is small enough that you are rarely waiting long for taxis.
- Shannon is the most useful gateway for western Ireland. Onward bus connections are reasonable, but a hire car gives you far more flexibility in Clare, Galway, and Kerry.
- Knock is the most rural of the four. Transport links are improving but limited. Pre-booking everything — taxi or car hire — is not optional here; it is essential.
Practical Tips Before You Travel
- Always book airport transfers and car hire in advance during summer (June–August) and at Easter. Last-minute availability dries up quickly.
- If you are arriving late at night, check that your chosen bus service is still running. The last buses at Cork and Knock are earlier than at Dublin.
- Irish taxis are metered and regulated, so you should not be overcharged. Always ask for a receipt, and check that the driver starts the meter on Tariff 1 (the standard day rate), not the higher Tariff 2 rate, which applies between 8pm and 8am, on Sundays, and on public holidays.
- If travelling with children, note that car hire companies in Ireland require child seats to be booked in advance. Most charge a daily fee.
- Driving licences from the UK and EU are valid in Ireland. Visitors from outside the EU should check whether an International Driving Permit is required.
Arriving in Ireland should be the start of the adventure, not the stressful part. A bit of planning around your transfer — matching bus timetables, pre-booking a taxi for rural airports, or reserving a hire car — makes the whole trip start on the right foot.
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