dublin bus travel pass

• Money-Saving tips

Leap Visitor Card

The Leap Visitor Card is a handy Dublin transport pass for tourists who wish to use the city’s public transportation frequently.

The Leap Visitor Card offers unlimited journeys on the following means of transport: Airlink (bus that connects the airport and city centre), Dublin Bus, Luas, DART and Commuter Rail during the validity of the pass.

 Leap Visitor Card Price

There are 3 different cards: 24-hour ( € 8 ( US$ 8.90)), 72-hour ( € 16 ( US$ 17.80)) and 7 days ( € 32 ( US$ 35.50)).

The card is activated the first time it is used.

Where to Buy the Leap Visitor Card?

You can purchase the Leap Visitor Card online or in Dublin. The best option is to get it as soon as you land, at Dublin Airport , so you can use it to get to the city centre. If you prefer to wait a few days, you can also purchase the pass at the  Dublin Bus station , 59 Upper O’Connell St.

Once you purchase the card, you can top up your card and extend its period of validity (1, 3 or 7 days) up to 5 times at any of the 650 Leap outlets in the country.

Where is it Valid?

The transport card may be used on most means of transportation in Dublin , including Airlink airport buses 747 and 757, all the Dublin buses , the Luas  lines and the DART trains.

You may also be interested in

Dublin Pass

The Dublin Pass offers free access to over 30 of the city’s top attractions. It also includes a ticket for the Dublin sightseeing bus, as well as discounts at many stores and restaurants.

Dublin has dozens of shopping streets packed with national and international clothing brands, luxury boutiques or vintage shops to cater for all tastes.

ConcertExpress is back for 2025! Heading to a gig at Malahide Castle? Here’s everything you need to know. Read More

DoDublin Freedom Ticket - Travel Pass

The Freedom Ticket is all-in-one sightseeing and transport ticket, that gives you the freedom to travel anywhere in Dublin using the extensive public transport system, and visit all the most famous locations and attractions on Dublin's No.1 Hop-on Hop-off tour. It's Dublin's best value travel pass!

Please note; The Hop-on hop-off tour will not operate on Sunday 27 October due to the Dublin City Marathon, but 48 hour tickets activated on Saturday 26 can be used on Monday 28 October.

• 72 Hours Travel Pass
• Includes Airport Bus Routes 16 + 41
• Includes Entire Dublin Bus Network
• Tram (Luas) and Train (DART) Networks
• Also Includes 48 Hours Hop-on Hop-off Tour

The Freedom Ticket is Dublin's Most Popular Transport & Sightseeing Travel Pass.

Includes Dublin Airport Bus routes 16 and 41 which travel between Dublin Airport and the City Centre. The 41 route operates 24 hours a day 7 days a week .

The Freedom Ticket is our best value product and offers huge savings while providing for all your transportation needs.

How Does the Ticket Work?

The Freedom Ticket combines the Leap Visitor Card with a 48 Hour Hop-on Hop-off tour. The Leap Visitor Card's 72 hour duration activates from the first time you use it. Simply hold the card up to validators* provided on all the transportation listed. Once you hear the tone you know you've activated the card correctly.

For the Luas (tram) network you will find a validator on the platform beside where the tram stops. (no need to tap off once you leave the tram).

Similarly for the Dart and Commuter trains, you must touch on at the validators you will find at the entry gate. - no need to tap off again. Please note, the card is only valid for short hop journeys, which covers Dublin city and county only.

Dublin Bus Core Routes Map

TFI Tram and Train map:

Buy Freedom Tickets

DoDublin Freedom Ticket voucher can be redeemed at;

• 1. ICE (International Currency Exchange), Terminal 1 & Terminal 2. T1: Arrivals Hall, Landside Open 07:00 - 23:15, 7 Days a week. T2; On exiting arrivals, follow the directional signposts across the walkway, ICE is on left hand side. Open 05:00 – 17:00. Phone +353 (0)1 814 1453
• Dublin Bus Head Office, 59 Upper O'Connell Street, D01RX04 ; Open 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday
• Day Tours and Trips Tickets Kiosk, St. Stephen's Green Shopping Centre Dublin 2 Open Monday to Saturday 09:00 to 18:00, Sunday 11:00 to 18:00
• Carrolls Gift Shop - 57 Upper O'Connell Steet

Vouchers cannot be redeemed at any other locations.

Download the Apps;

Transport for ireland.

(Covers all public transport options)

Dublin Bus App:

Irish rail app:.

Service News

Thu, 15 Aug 24

Reserve your seat with your free travel pass

It's just the ticket to enjoy more!

If you have a Free Travel Pass, remember to use it on the Expressway Network. It’s perfect for connecting with friends and family and doing the things you love.   It's just the ticket to enjoy more!  

There's no better way of exploring what Ireland has to offer than with Expressway and our 14 routes nationwide! You can use your free travel card, on board the coach by simply presenting your free travel card to the driver or you have the option to book online at www.expressway.ie to reserve a seat and get priority boarding for only €2 per trip.  

If you don't want to book online that's ok too as we have ticket machines in stations and travel without a booking is more than welcome provided we have space on board. 

So what are you waiting for?   We can't wait to welcome you on board!

Click here to watch our new Free Travel video

Latest News

Wed, 7 Aug 24

The NEW Six Journey Commuter Ticket is here!

Expressway has your commuting options covered

Mon, 15 Jul 24

Hassle-Free Dublin Airport travel

Travel to Dublin airport stress-free with Expressway -it's way Better!

Sun, 14 Jul 24

Fares and Ticket Changes

Our fares are changing from 29 July.

Cookies on citizensinformation.ie

We use cookies to collect information about how you use citizensinformation.ie. This helps us to improve your experience. You can find out more about the cookies we use in our Cookie notice . You can also read our Privacy policy . You can accept all cookies or you can chose which cookies to accept or reject. You can change your cookie preferences at any time by using the My cookie preferences link at the bottom of each page.

Cookie preferences

Cookies used by google analytics.

We use Google Analytics to measure how you use the website so we can improve it. We have configured Google Analytics to anonymise your IP address so that you are not personally identified. We gather information on:

• How you got to the site
• The pages you visit on citizensinformation.ie, and how long you spend on each page
• What you click while you are visiting the site

Bus services

Introduction, bus éireann, how much does a bus fare cost, how do i pay for bus fare in ireland, bus timetables, rural transport, passengers with disabilities, useful contacts.

Different bus service operators provide urban and rural services.

Dublin Bus serves Dublin and the greater Dublin area which services including the Nitelink (late night) and a 24-hour service .

Bus Éireann runs commuter and intercity services countrywide for longer journeys.

Go-Ahead Ireland is a private transport company that runs Dublin city bus routes. Commercial bus operators run services for the Transport for Ireland (TFI). TFI Local Link bus services connect communities throughout rural Ireland.

The easiest way to plan your journey is to use the TFI journey planner or one of the smartphone apps .

Dublin Airport has information on its website about getting to and from the Airport .

Public bus services are regulated by the National Transport Authority under the Public Transport Regulation Act 2009 .

Operators need licensing under a Public Services Obligation Contract .

Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ) is a state-owned company that operates most of the bus services in Ireland.

Fare increases

The first phase of fare adjustments for some public transport services began on Sunday, 23 June 2024.

The €2 TFI 90-minute fare in Dublin continues.

Short Journey Fare Increases

TFI Leap Card users increased from €1.30 to €1.50.

Cash fares increased from €1.70 to €2.

Regional Town Bus Services

Bus services for Athlone, Balbriggan, Carlow, Drogheda, Dundalk, Navan and Sligo.

A flat town fare for Leap Card users is €1.50 and the cash fare is €2.

Dublin Bus is part of CIÉ, providing bus services in Dublin.

These services include:

• City Bus Services : Regular bus routes throughout Dublin.
• Airport Services (Airlink) : Direct bus routes to and from Dublin Airport.
• Night Services (Nitelink) : Late-night bus services.
• Express Routes (Xpresso) : Faster bus services with fewer stops.
• Rail Connection: Bus services connecting Connolly and Heuston Railway Stations.
• School Services: Managed through private contractors, with all coaches displaying the Dublin Bus logo.

Bus Éireann is a subsidiary of CIÉ and provides bus services throughout Ireland except for Dublin City.

Bus Éireann services include:

• Expressway Inter-Urban Coaches : Long-distance coach services between cities.
• Town and City Services: Bus services within various towns and cities.
• Commuter Buses: Services to and from Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, and Waterford.
• Airport Services : Bus routes connecting airports to multiple destinations.
• Local Town-to-Town and Rural Services : Bus services between smaller towns and rural areas.
• School Bus Services : Operated on behalf of the Department of Education, including student services.
• Eurolines : Coach services to Britain and Europe.

Most reduced fares of 20% will continue on public transport in 2024 as well as a 50% reduction on the Young Adult Leap Card. See the National Transport Authority Fare (NTA) Plan 2024 for more details.

Since 23 June 2024 there are fare increases on some services.

Dublin Bus fares and tickets

Generally, the fare you pay is based on the number of stages you travel.

The TFI-90 fare allows free transfers between Dublin Bus, Luas, DART, commuter rail (zones 1 to 4 in the Short Hop Zone) and Go-Ahead Ireland services. It applies to most journeys in the Dublin area, whether involving multiple services within 90 minutes or a single trip.

The fare costs:

• €2 for an Adult
• €1 for a Young Adult and Student
• 65 cents for Child Leap Card holders

Bus Éireann fares and tickets

Bus Éireann services are run throughout Ireland.

When using a TFI Leap Card Bus Éireann single city fares in Cork, Galway, Limerick, and Waterford are:

• €1.50 for adults
• €0.75 for Young Adults (19-25), Students, and Children

When using a TFI Leap Card, Bus Éireann town fares in Drogheda, Athlone, Sligo, Navan, and Carlow are:

• €0.75 for Young Adults, Students and Children

The same fares apply to City Direct Kilkenny city services.

Get more detailed information about bus fares on the TFI website.

• Buy a bus ticket by paying the bus driver with exact change
• Use a Leap Card for up to 30% savings
• Buy a prepaid ticket: At the bus station, through the TFI app or online for Bus Éireann services

Paying with cash

You must have the exact fare and only coins (not notes) are accepted. No change is given. You can pay the bus driver.

You can save up to 30% by using a Leap Card compared to paying with cash. Leap Cards are accepted by all Dublin Bus services, such as Airlink, Xpresso and Nitelink. They are also valid for Bus Éireann city and town services, and commuter and rural routes (TFI Local Link). They can be used to buy tickets using Expressway services.

There are different types of Leap Cards :

• Adult personalised
• Child 5-15 years old
• Child 16-18 years old
• Young adult 19-25 years old

You can buy a visitor Leap Card and choose between a one-day or 3 days or 7-day pass. You can buy a ticket online or at various locations. See where you can buy a leap card on leapcard.ie.

Prepaid tickets

You can also pay your fare before you travel using a prepaid ticket. You can buy one ahead of time at the bus station or download it to your phone from the TFI app .

On Bus Eireann services, you also have an option to order your ticket online .

Free Travel Passes

Free Travel is available to some people who are permanently living in Ireland. You can use a Free Travel Pass on most Bus Éireann services and on Local Link services. You cannot use it on Airlink services.

Departure times are available on the TFI website , at certain bus stops or through the smartphone app .

You can plan your journey and access bus timetables on the Dublin Bus website.

On the Bus Éireann website, you can plan your journey and check timetables .

TFI (Transport for Ireland) Local Link provides links between rural transport and national bus and rail services throughout Ireland.

As well as regular rural services, Local Link provides door-to-door services that can be pre-booked with your Local Link office .

Find out more about rural transport and Local Link services .

Complain about a Dublin Bus service

If you have a complaint about a Dublin Bus service, you can:

• Phone 01 873 4222
• Email [email protected]
• Write to their customer comment desk
• Visit their office in-person

You should include as much detail as possible, such as:

• The date and time of travel
• The bus route number
• The bus registration number and
• Where you were leaving and going.

You can read the Dublin Bus customer charter on its website.

Complain about a Bus Éireann service

If you have a complaint about a Bus Éireann service, you can:

• Phone 0818 836 611
• Fill out the contact form
• Email [email protected]

You can also read the Bus Éireann customer charter on its website.

Taking a complaint further

If you are not satisfied with the service providers reply to the complaint, you can make a complaint to the National Transport Authority .

Passenger rights

Under EU Regulation 181/2011 , bus and coach passengers have minimum rights when travelling in the European Union.

Public transport companies offer a range of accessibility services.

You can find information on the Dublin Bus website about bye-laws and information for people with disabilities .

Read more about travelling on public transport with a disability or reduced mobility .

59 Upper O'Connell Street Dublin 1 Ireland

National Transport Authority

Dún Scéine Harcourt Lane Dublin 2 Ireland

Related documents

• Inspector of Mental Health Services This document describes the Inspector of Mental Health Services who is appointed under the Mental Health Act 2001. 1059.2058
• Public Services Card The Public Services Card is designed to replace other cards such as the free travel pass and the social services card of the Department of Social Protection. 1053.9412
• Rural transport and Local Link services Information about Local Link buses linking towns and villages in rural Ireland and other rural transport options available. 1017.8452

If you have a question about this topic you can contact the Citizens Information Phone Service on 0818 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm).

You can also contact your local Citizens Information Centre .

Manage cookie preferences

• Buy Tickets
• Fare Finder
• Routes / Timetables
• Bicycles & Electric Scooters
• Standard Fare
• Ticket Information
• Free Travel Scheme
• Our Services
• City and Town Services
• Rural, Local and Commuter
• Service Updates
• Airport Services
• Bus Station Information
• Eurolines Coach & Sail
• Private Hire & Special Events
• Wheelchair Accessible Routes
• Bus Station Accessibility
• Web Accessibility
• How to book wheelchair accessible transport
• Accessibility FAQs
• Travel Assistance Scheme
• Mobility Scooter
• Please offer me a seat badge
• Contact Information
• Management Team
• Corporate Reports
• Sustainability
• Customer Charter
• Passenger Rights
• Conditions of Carriage
• Lost Property
• Expressway FAQs
• Expressway - Conditions of Carriage
• Eurolines Conditions of Carriage
• School Transport Home
• Apply & Pay
• Child Safeguarding
• Weather Warnings
• Garda Vetting
• Becoming a Provider
• Terms and Conditions

Dublin to Donegal with Expressway Route 30

Expressway's Route 30 bus service is one of the most convenient ways of travelling between Dublin and Donegal, with twelve services operated daily in each direction.

Departing from Dublin’s Busáras Bus Station to Donegal and back, Route 30 passes through Dublin Airport, Cavan and Ballyshannon before arriving at the Abbey Hotel in Donegal. 

More Routes

Copyright © 2024 Bus Éireann