Dublin Airport Transfer Guide
Everything you need to know about transfers from Dublin Airport. Meeting points, prices, transport options, and insider tips.
Introduction
Welcome to your comprehensive guide to Dublin Airport (DUB). Whether you're arriving in Dublin for the first time or are a seasoned traveler, this guide provides all the essential information you need for a smooth and stress-free experience. From navigating the terminals to finding the best transport options, we've got you covered.
Airport Overview
Dublin Airport (DUB) is the main international gateway to Ireland, located approximately 10-17.5 km (6-11 miles) north of Dublin's city center. It is operated by DAA (formerly Dublin Airport Authority) and consists of two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. In 2025, the airport handled a record 36.4 million passengers, making it the busiest year on record and the 12th busiest airport in Europe. [1]
Terminal Layout & Airlines
Dublin Airport has two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, which are connected by a walkway and a shuttle bus service.
Terminal 1 is the older and larger of the two terminals, handling mainly short-haul flights. Airlines operating from Terminal 1 include Ryanair, Air France, Flybe.com, Germanwings, Iberia, Lufthansa, Norwegian and SAS.
Terminal 2 is the newer terminal, which opened in 2010. It is the hub for Aer Lingus and also handles most of the long-haul flights from Dublin. Other airlines operating from Terminal 2 include American Airlines, Delta, Emirates, and United.
| Airline | Terminal |
|---|---|
| Aegean Airlines | 1 |
| Aer Lingus | 2 |
| Air Baltic | 1 |
| Air Canada | 1 |
| Air France | 1 |
| Air Transat | 1 |
| American Airlines | 2 |
| Anima Wings | 1 |
| Aurigny | 1 |
| Blue Islands | 1 |
| British Airways | 2 |
| Croatia Airlines | 1 |
| Dan Air | 1 |
| Delta | 2 |
| Egypt Air | 1 |
| Emerald Airlines | 2 |
| Emirates | 2 |
| Etihad Airways | 1 |
| Eurowings | 1 |
| Finnair | 1 |
| FlyOne | 1 |
| Hainan Airlines | 1 |
| HiSky | 1 |
| Iberia Express | 2 |
| Icelandair | 1 |
| JetBlue | 2 |
| KLM | 1 |
| Loganair | 1 |
| Lufthansa | 1 |
| Luxair | 1 |
| Norwegian | 1 |
| Pegasus Airlines | 1 |
| Qatar Airways | 1 |
| Ryanair | 1 |
| SAS | 1 |
| SkyUp Airlines | 1 |
| SunExpress | 1 |
| Swiss | 1 |
| TAP Air Portugal | 1 |
| Transavia | 1 |
| Turkish Airlines | 1 |
| United Airlines | 2 |
| Vueling | 2 |
| WestJet | 1 |
| Widerøe | 1 |
Arrivals & Meet Your Driver
Upon arrival at Dublin Airport, passengers will proceed through immigration and baggage claim to the arrivals hall in their respective terminal.
In Terminal 1, the arrivals hall is on the ground floor. After exiting the baggage claim area, the chauffeur and pre-booked taxi meeting point is to the right, near the exit.
In Terminal 2, the arrivals hall is also on the ground floor. The designated chauffeur meeting point is located in the arrivals hall, to the right after clearing customs. Look for the signs for "Pre-booked Taxis & Chauffeurs".
Taxi & Rideshare
Official taxi ranks are located directly outside both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Follow the signs for "Taxis" from the arrivals hall. A taxi dispatcher is available to assist passengers. The estimated fare to Dublin city center is between €25 and €40, and the journey takes approximately 20-40 minutes depending on traffic. [2]
Rideshare services like Uber are available at Dublin Airport. Passengers can book a ride through the app and meet their driver at the designated pick-up area, which for Uber is typically in the short-term car park, a short walk from the terminals.
Public Transport
Dublin Airport is well-connected to the city center and other parts of Ireland by a network of bus services. There is no direct rail link to the airport.
| Service | Route | Fare (approx.) | Journey Time (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dublin Express | Express service to Dublin city center | From €9 | 14-35 minutes |
| Aircoach | Express service to Dublin city center and other locations | From €6 | 25-35 minutes |
| Dublin Bus | Local bus services (Routes 16 and 41) | €2.00 - €3.10 | 60+ minutes |
Dublin Express and Aircoach offer the fastest and most direct services to the city center, with departures every 10-15 minutes. Dublin Bus routes 16 and 41 are local services that make more stops and have a longer journey time, but are a more economical option. The bus stops for all services are located directly outside both terminals.
Car Rental
Several major car rental companies have desks in the arrivals halls of both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, and Sixt. It is recommended to book your car rental in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure availability and the best rates.
Airport Facilities
Dublin Airport offers a range of facilities to enhance the passenger experience. Free, high-speed WiFi is available throughout both terminals. For relaxation, several lounges are available, including the T1 Lounge, 51st&Green Lounge, and the East Lounge; access can be purchased or may be complimentary for certain airline passengers. Currency exchange services are provided by ICE and Fexco in both terminals. For those needing to store luggage, a facility is available in the Terminal 1 arrivals hall, with prices starting from €9 for up to 4 hours. SIM cards can be purchased from WHSmith in the arrivals hall of Terminal 1 and from Lycamobile, Vodafone, and Three stores in the airport.
Parking Information
Dublin Airport offers a variety of parking options to suit different needs and budgets.
| Car Park | Type | Rate (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Short-Term | Short-stay | €3.00 for the first hour, €4.50 per hour thereafter, €40 daily max |
| Long-Term | Long-stay | From €10 per day |
| Holiday Blue | Long-stay | From €105 for 2 weeks |
Short-term car parks are located close to the terminals, while long-term car parks are further away and are served by a free 24/7 shuttle bus. It is advisable to pre-book parking online in advance to get the best rates.
Top Destinations & Drive Times
From Dublin Airport, you can easily access many of Ireland's top destinations. Here are some estimated drive times to popular locations:
| Destination | Estimated Drive Time |
|---|---|
| Dublin City Centre | 20-40 minutes |
| Galway | 2.5 - 3 hours |
| Cork | 2.5 - 3 hours |
| Belfast | 1.5 - 2 hours |
| Cliffs of Moher | 3 - 3.5 hours |
| Kilkenny | 1.5 - 2 hours |
Layover Tips
If you have a layover at Dublin Airport, there are several options to pass the time. For short layovers (4-6 hours), you can explore the airport's shops and restaurants. For longer layovers, you could take a bus or taxi into Dublin city centre to see some of the sights. Luggage storage is available at the airport if you want to explore unencumbered.
Dining & Shopping
Dublin Airport has a wide variety of dining and shopping options in both terminals. For dining, you'll find everything from fast food to full-service restaurants, including Burger King, Starbucks, and The Guinness Bar. The Loop is the main shopping area at Dublin Airport, with a wide range of stores selling everything from souvenirs to high-end fashion. You'll also find a WHSmith for books, magazines, and travel essentials.
Accessibility
Dublin Airport is committed to providing a positive experience for all passengers and has a range of services for people with reduced mobility (PRM). These services should be pre-booked with your airline at least 48 hours in advance. The airport is fully accessible with ramps, lifts, and accessible toilets.
FAQs
1. How many terminals does Dublin Airport have?
Dublin Airport has two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
2. How do I get between terminals?
You can walk between the terminals, which takes about 5 minutes, or take the free shuttle bus.
3. How early should I arrive for my flight?
It is recommended to arrive at least 2 hours before a short-haul flight and 3 hours before a long-haul flight.
4. Is there free WiFi at Dublin Airport?
Yes, there is free, high-speed WiFi available throughout both terminals.
5. Can I store my luggage at the airport?
Yes, luggage storage is available in the Terminal 1 arrivals hall.
6. What is the best way to get to the city center?
The fastest way to get to the city center is by taxi or by using one of the express bus services like Dublin Express or Aircoach.
7. Are there car rental desks at the airport?
Yes, several major car rental companies have desks in the arrivals halls of both terminals.
8. Can I exchange currency at the airport?
Yes, currency exchange services are available in both terminals.
9. What shops are in Dublin Airport?
The main shopping area is The Loop, which has a wide range of stores. There is also a WHSmith for books and magazines.
10. Is there a US pre-clearance facility at Dublin Airport?
Yes, Dublin Airport is one of the few airports outside North America that offers US pre-clearance. This means you can clear US immigration and customs before you depart from Dublin, saving you time on arrival in the US.
References
[1] Dublin Airport. (2026, January 16). Record 36.4 million passengers travelled through Dublin Airport in 2025. https://www.dublinairport.com/latest-news/2026/01/16/record-36.4-million-passengers-travelled-through-dublin-airport-in-2025
[2] Vagabond Tours of Ireland. (2025, May 8). How Do I Get From Dublin Airport to Dublin City Centre? https://vagabondtoursofireland.com/blog/how-do-i-get-from-dublin-airport-to-dublin-city-centre/
Last updated: March 2026
Popular Transfers from Dublin Airport
→ Docklands
→ Howth
→ Dublin Hotel District
→ Dublin City Center
→ St. Stephen's Green
→ Dublin Stadium
→ Dublin Ferry Terminal
→ Dublin Shopping District
→ Dublin Downtown
→ Dublin Airport Hotel
→ Dublin Exhibition Center
→ Grafton Street Area
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