How to get from Dublin Airport to Temple Bar
Getting from Dublin Airport (DUB) to Temple Bar in Dublin city centre is easy once you choose between fast express coaches, 24/7 city buses, taxis or private transfers, and self-drive car rentals—this guide walks you through each option with rough costs, booking links, and step-by-step directions.
At A Glance (Dublin Airport to Temple Bar)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🚌 Express Airport Bus (Dublin Express / Aircoach) | ~25–40 minutes to city centre (traffic-dependent) | Most visitors, good value & frequent |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~€8–€12 one-way » compare airport buses | airport bus tickets on Klook | ||
| 🚌 City Bus 16 / 41 (Dublin Bus) | ~40–55 minutes to city centre | Cheapest ride, budget travelers |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~€2.60–€3.30 with Leap Card, slightly more cash fare » route timetables | ||
| 🚕 Taxi & Private Transfer | ~20–35 minutes door-to-door | Door-to-door comfort, late arrivals, heavy luggage |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~€30–€45 to Temple Bar by meter taxi; private transfers from ~€60 per car » prebook transfer | fixed-price rides | ||
| 🚗 Car Rental / Self-drive | ~25–40 minutes driving via Port Tunnel | Road trips beyond Dublin |
| 🏷️ Cost: Small car from ~€35–€70/day + fuel & tunnel tolls » compare car rentals | alt. car hire deals | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest / Most Convenient for most travelers: Express airport buses (Dublin Express / Aircoach) — frequent, fast via Port Tunnel, good luggage space.
- Cheapest: Dublin Bus 16 or 41 to the city centre, then a short walk to Temple Bar.
- Most Comfortable / Door-to-door: Taxi or private transfer, especially if you arrive late, with family, or lots of bags.
- Best if you’re touring Ireland by road: Car rental / self-drive from the airport, combining your city stay with wider road trips.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Book express buses & transfers ahead at busy times: For weekends and summer, reserve airport coaches or private transfers on platforms like 12Go, Klook and GetYourGuide to lock in prices and seats.
- Use Leap Card or contactless for city buses: Leap Card or contactless bank cards are cheaper and easier than paying coins on Dublin Bus routes 16 & 41.
- Mind rush-hour traffic: Morning (07:30–09:30) and evening (16:30–19:00) peaks can slow buses, taxis and rental cars, especially outside the Port Tunnel.
- Luggage & storage: Express coaches and taxis handle big bags easily; if you want to explore before hotel check-in, stash bags at a city-centre location via Radical Storage Dublin.
- Plan your onward city transport: Once in Temple Bar you can walk much of central Dublin, or rent a bike/scooter with BikesBooking for exploring further afield.
- Stay near Temple Bar if you want to walk everywhere: Compare hotels and apartments within walking distance using Booking.com (Temple Bar area) or Temple Bar hotels on Trip.com.
🚌 Option #1 — Express Airport Bus (Most Popular, Great Value)
Fast Good value Traffic-dependent
- Overview: Dublin Express (routes 782/784) and Aircoach run frequent services from both terminals at Dublin Airport via the Port Tunnel to central stops like Aston Quay, Wellington Quay and Trinity College — all within a short walk of Temple Bar.
- Typical duration: Around 25–40 minutes to the city centre, depending on traffic and stop.
- How to book (with price): Expect around €8–€12 one-way per adult. You can check and compare airport buses on 12Go (Dublin Airport→City), or secure mobile tickets and combo deals on Klook and GetYourGuide airport transfers.
- Pros: Fast, frequent, runs most hours, lots of luggage space, drops you close to Temple Bar.
- Cons: Slightly pricier than city buses; still subject to tunnel/traffic delays at peak times.
Step-by-step: Express Airport Bus
- After landing, follow signs for “Buses / Coaches” from Arrivals in Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 to the coach zones outside.
- Decide which company and stop work best: for Temple Bar, Dublin Express stops at Aston Quay / Wellington Quay or Trinity College are very convenient.
- Compare departure times and prices on 12Go, or buy mobile tickets in advance through Klook or GetYourGuide so you can head straight to the bus.
- Join the correct queue for your route and show the driver your QR code or booking confirmation; store large luggage in the hold and keep valuables with you.
- Get off at Aston Quay, Wellington Quay or Trinity College; from any of these, walk 5–10 minutes across the Liffey/through the side streets into Temple Bar.
Getting to the main embarking points (Airport Coach Stops & City Centre)
- At Dublin Airport: Express coaches pick up outside both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 — follow the blue “Buses / Coaches” signs to the dedicated stops.
- To Temple Bar by foot: From Aston or Wellington Quay, cross the river via the Ha’penny Bridge or Millennium Bridge and follow signs towards Temple Bar Square.
- Late arrivals: Check last departures for your arrival day on the operator website; if you land very late, consider a taxi or private transfer instead.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚌 Option #2 — City Bus 16 / 41 (Cheapest, 24/7 Coverage)
Lowest cost Frequent More stops
- Overview: Dublin Bus routes 16 and 41 run between Dublin Airport and the city, serving O’Connell Street and nearby streets from where you can walk to Temple Bar. They’re standard city buses used by commuters and locals.
- Typical duration: Around 40–55 minutes depending on traffic and where you get off in the city centre.
- How to pay & approximate fare: A single adult fare is typically ~€2.60–€3.30 with a Leap Card or contactless; cash fares require exact coins. Check current fares and downloadable timetables via Dublin Airport’s Dublin Bus info or the Dublin Bus timetable page.
- Pros: Very cheap, frequent, runs early and late, integrates with the rest of the bus network.
- Cons: Slower than express buses, no dedicated luggage racks, can be crowded at peak hours.
Step-by-step: City Bus 16 / 41
- From Arrivals, follow signs for “Public Bus / Zone 15” — city buses depart here from outside Terminal 1.
- Check on the stop listing or on your phone which route (16 or 41) is due next and that it serves O’Connell Street / city centre.
- Use a Leap Card, contactless card, or coins to pay as you board. For route details and frequency, you can also check the TFI Journey Planner via Transport for Ireland.
- Ride into the city and get off around O’Connell Street or D’Olier Street; these are within walking distance of Temple Bar.
- Walk 10–15 minutes towards the River Liffey and cross to the south bank; Temple Bar is the historic quarter between Dame Street and the river.
Getting to the main embarking points (Zone 15 Public Buses)
- Airport bus zone: Zone 15 for Dublin Bus is directly outside Terminal 1; from Terminal 2, walk the short signed walkway to Terminal 1 and follow signs to Zone 15.
- City centre stops: Look for stops labelled O’Connell Street, Parnell Square or D’Olier Street — all central and within walking range of Temple Bar.
- Planning routes: Use the government-backed TFI Journey Planner to see live departure times and the best stop to alight for your hotel.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚕 Option #3 — Taxi & Private Transfer (Fastest Door-to-door)
Door-to-door Fast Higher cost
- Overview: Metered taxis are available 24/7 outside both terminals and will take you straight to your hotel or apartment in Temple Bar. You can also prebook a private transfer for a fixed price and meet-and-greet in the arrivals hall.
- Typical duration: Around 20–35 minutes to Temple Bar in light-to-moderate traffic using the Port Tunnel.
- Price guide: Dublin Airport estimates ~€30–€45 to the city centre depending on time of day and traffic (see official guidance under “Taxi” on Dublin Airport taxi info). Private transfers through Welcome Pickups or GetTransfer usually start around €60–€80 per car for central Dublin.
- Pros: Easiest with luggage or kids, available 24/7, goes directly to your exact address.
- Cons: Most expensive option; cost rises with heavy traffic or night/weekend surcharges.
- Ride-hailing alternatives: Apps like Uber (as a taxi dispatcher), FREE NOW and Bolt all work in Dublin and can be a good alternative to hailing a cab on the spot.
Step-by-step: Taxi or Private Transfer
- After collecting luggage, follow signs for “Taxi” if you plan to use the official ranks, or meet your prebooked driver at the agreed point in the arrivals hall.
- For a prebooked ride, arrange a pickup time and fixed fare in advance via Welcome Pickups or GetTransfer, entering “Temple Bar” or your exact hotel as the destination.
- If using an app like FREE NOW, Uber or Bolt, order once you are in Arrivals so the driver can reach the pickup point as you exit.
- Confirm with the driver that you’re heading to Temple Bar (name your hotel or street) and that the taximeter is running if it’s a standard taxi.
- Pay by card or cash at the end of the trip; most taxis accept major cards, but it’s useful to have some euro notes and coins just in case.
Getting to the main embarking points (Taxi Ranks & Pickup Zones)
- Taxi ranks at Dublin Airport: Clearly signed outside the arrivals areas of both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2; airport staff typically direct you to the next available car.
- Private transfer meeting points: Many transfer services arrange to meet you in the arrivals hall with a name sign; check your confirmation email for the exact spot.
- Temple Bar drop-off: Some streets in Temple Bar are pedestrianized; your driver may drop you at the nearest accessible corner (for example, Dame Street or Wellington Quay) for a very short walk.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚗 Option #4 — Car Rental / Self-drive (Best for Road Trips)
Flexible Ideal for exploring Ireland City driving & parking
- Overview: All major car hire companies have desks at Dublin Airport. Driving to Temple Bar is straightforward via the M1 and Port Tunnel, but one-way streets and limited parking mean this is best if you plan onward trips beyond Dublin.
- Typical duration: Roughly 25–40 minutes drive to the Temple Bar area, depending on traffic and parking.
- How to book (with price): Small cars often start around €35–€70/day excluding insurance and fuel. Compare rental companies and full-protection packages on Booking.com Car Rental or search alternatives on Trip.com Car Hire.
- Pros: Maximum flexibility for trips to the coast, Wicklow Mountains or around Ireland; easy luggage handling; no need to rely on public transport schedules.
- Cons: City centre parking can be expensive and scarce; narrow streets and one-way systems in Temple Bar; Port Tunnel tolls may apply.
Step-by-step: Car Rental from Dublin Airport
- Book your car in advance through platforms like Booking.com Car Rental to compare suppliers, insurance options and pickup terms at Dublin Airport.
- On arrival, follow signs to “Car Rental” desks in the arrivals hall and complete paperwork, or head to the shuttle for off-airport depots if specified.
- Pick up your car, note any existing damage on the inspection form and set your GPS to Temple Bar (or your hotel postcode).
- Drive south towards the M1 and follow signs for the Dublin Port Tunnel/city centre; from there, follow signs for the city core and then for Temple Bar or your car park.
- Park in a nearby multistorey (for example, Fleet Street or Jervis) and explore Temple Bar on foot — you won’t want to drive through the pedestrian lanes themselves.
Getting to the main embarking points (Car Rental Depots & Parking)
- Rental desks: Most major brands have desks in the arrivals area with car pickup in nearby car parks or via shuttle to off-site depots.
- Parking near Temple Bar: Look for multistorey car parks advertised around Fleet Street, Jervis Street, or Christchurch; always check closing times and tariffs.
- One-way streets: Use a sat-nav or navigation app to avoid no-entry lanes around the old city centre.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Dublin Airport to Temple Bar)
How long does it take to get from Dublin Airport to Temple Bar?
Most journeys take around 25–40 minutes by express bus, taxi or car outside rush hour. City buses can take 40–55 minutes because of more stops and surface traffic.
What is the cheapest way to reach Temple Bar from the airport?
The cheapest option is Dublin Bus routes 16 or 41 from Zone 15 to the city centre, using a Leap Card or contactless; from central stops like O’Connell Street it’s a short walk to Temple Bar.
What is the easiest option if I have heavy luggage or arrive late?
A taxi or prebooked private transfer is the easiest door-to-door option, especially for late-night arrivals. You can prebook fixed-fare transfers through services like Welcome Pickups, GetTransfer or book a taxi-style ride via Uber/FREE NOW/Bolt.
Is there a train or tram directly from Dublin Airport to Temple Bar?
No — Dublin Airport currently has no rail or tram link. All trips start by bus, taxi, private transfer or car, after which you can connect to rail or tram services in the city if needed.
Can I store my luggage somewhere if my hotel check-in is later?
Yes, there are several private luggage storage locations in the city centre where you can leave bags securely for a few hours or longer; you can search and book locations near Temple Bar through Radical Storage Dublin.