Trains to Dublin

Dublin is Ireland’s rail hub, connecting the city to key destinations across the country and beyond. Here’s what you need to know:

• Connolly Station: Links Dublin to Belfast, Sligo, and Rosslare. The Enterprise service to Belfast now arrives at Grand Central Station, taking 2 hours 15 minutes.
• Heuston Station: Connects to Cork (2h 35m), Galway (2h 25m), Limerick (2h 5m), and Waterford (2h 10m).
• DART: A rapid transit system running along Dublin’s coastline, connecting suburbs like Howth, Malahide, and Bray.
• Tickets: Buy online for discounts or at stations. Options include single, return, and rail passes like the Trekker Four Day Pass (€88).
• Transfers: Use the Luas tram to move between Connolly and Heuston stations.

Dublin’s rail network is efficient, affordable, and easy to navigate, making it a great choice for exploring Ireland.

Train Stations in Dublin

Heuston Station

Heuston Station, located on St. Johns Road West in Dublin 8, is a key connection point linking Dublin to Ireland’s south, southwest, and west. It features nine platforms serving intercity and commuter routes to destinations like Cork, Limerick, Waterford, Galway, Mayo, and Kerry.

Here’s what you’ll find at Heuston Station:

Connolly Station

Connolly Station, found on Amiens Street (D01 V6V6) in north Dublin, is the busiest railway station in Ireland. It serves as the terminus for trains heading to Belfast, Rosslare, Wexford, and Sligo, while also accommodating DART and commuter services.

Amenities at Connolly Station include:

Local Dublin Stations

Dublin’s local stations enhance the city’s rail network with suburban services:

• Pearse Station: Located on Westland Row (D02 T958), this station handles intercity, DART, and commuter services. It holds the distinction of being the world’s first commuter terminus station.
• Docklands Station: Focused on commuter routes, this station primarily serves the M3 Parkway line.
• Tara Street Station: A vital hub for commuter connections, linking to destinations such as Arklow, Dundalk, Greystones, Howth, Longford, Maynooth, and Newbridge.

These local stations play an essential role in supporting Dublin’s broader rail infrastructure.

Dublin DART Train Ride: Connolly Station to Dun Laoghaire

Train Companies and Routes

Dublin’s rail network is managed by several operators, each covering specific regions and routes.

Irish Rail Services

Irish Rail (Iarnród Éireann) operates the primary rail network in the Republic of Ireland, with Dublin as the central hub. The company provides regular intercity services connecting Dublin to major cities nationwide.

InterCity trains are equipped with three-pin power sockets, restrooms, and Wi-Fi. These services primarily depart from Dublin’s main stations, such as Connolly and Heuston. The Dublin–Cork route features Mark 4 trains, which include a quiet carriage where phone use is not allowed.

Dublin-Belfast Enterprise

The Enterprise service, jointly operated by Irish Rail and Northern Ireland Railways, connects Dublin Connolly Station to Belfast Grand Central. Starting October 2024, the service runs hourly Monday through Saturday, with a reduced schedule on Sundays.

"Whether you are travelling for business or leisure, just sit back, relax, enjoy the journey, and arrive in Dublin refreshed and ready to go." – Translink ^[4]

Enterprise trains operate up to 15 times Monday–Saturday and 8 times on Sundays. Tickets start at €13.99 each way, available in euros and pounds sterling. The trains feature first-class amenities, offering a comfortable experience for travelers.

Dublin’s commuter network is further supported by the DART system.

DART Train Network

The Dublin Area Rapid Transit (DART) system, run by Irish Rail, provides frequent electric rail service along Dublin’s coastline. It operates from Malahide or Howth in the north to Greystones in the south, with trains running every 10 minutes during the day ^[3].

DART services connect with Dublin’s commuter network, linking suburbs and nearby towns in the Greater Dublin area. They also provide key transfer points at Connolly and Pearse stations for intercity and Enterprise services.

Rail passes include options like the Trekker Four Day pass (€88) for unlimited travel over four days, the Explorer pass (€128 for adults/€64 for children) valid for five days within 15 days, and the Sunday Fun Day Tracker ticket for unlimited Sunday travel in Northern Ireland at £10 (£5 for children).

How to Buy Train Tickets

Ticket Booking Methods

You can buy Dublin train tickets through official platforms. For domestic routes, head to the Irish Rail website (www.irishrail.ie). If you’re traveling on the Dublin–Belfast Enterprise route, visit Translink’s website (www.translink.co.uk).

Once you’ve chosen your booking method, take a look at the ticket types and classes available.

Ticket Options and Classes

There are several ticket types to suit different travel needs, including Adult Single, Day Return, Open Return, Weekly, and Monthly passes. On certain Enterprise services, you can enjoy first-class perks like complimentary newspapers and breakfast.

Example fares:

• Dublin Heuston – Cork:
  • Adult Single: $5.15 – $50.70 (around €4.80 – €47.35)
  • Adult Day Return: $9.50 – $71.10 (around €8.85 – €66.40)
  • First-class options are available on select services
• Dublin – Belfast Enterprise:
  • Fares start at $16.05 (around €14.99) each way with advance booking
  • First-class service includes additional amenities

Looking for discounts? Check out rail passes and other savings options.

Savings and Rail Passes

Discount cards like the TFI Young Adult and Student Leap Cards offer reduced fares and access to the TFI 90-Minute Fare for multi-modal travel in Dublin.

Students and young adults can also benefit from TFI Student Leap Cards, TFI Young Adult Leap Cards (for ages 19–25), or Translink yLink cards. For the lowest fares, book online up to 90 days in advance. Plus, children under five and passengers aged 66 and over can travel free on Irish Rail services.

Transport in Dublin

Public Transit Network

Dublin’s public transit system connects major train stations through buses, trams, and the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit). To make navigating easier, the Transport for Ireland (TFI) Journey Planner app provides real-time updates and route options for all these services.

The Luas tram system operates two main lines: the Green Line (Broombridge to Brides Glen) and the Red Line (Saggart to The Point), both offering direct connections to Connolly and Heuston train stations. For a budget-friendly option, consider using a Leap Card, which can save you up to 31% compared to single-ticket prices ^[5]. This integrated transit system makes it easy to travel to both urban and coastal attractions in and around Dublin.

Popular Train Destinations

Dublin’s train network provides quick access to several scenic coastal towns and attractions. Here’s a snapshot of popular destinations you can reach from the city’s main stations:

The DART service is a great way to explore Dublin’s coastline, running from Malahide and Howth in the north to Greystones in the south.

Station to Hotel Transport

Getting from train stations to your hotel is straightforward with several convenient options:

• Public Bus – Extensive citywide routes with Leap Card discounts
• Luas – Direct tram service to the city center
• Taxi – Door-to-door service available 24/7
• Dublin Bikes – Affordable for short trips (1-day ticket: €3.50)

For airport transfers, dedicated bus routes (782 and 784) connect Connolly and Heuston stations, while the Aircoach service offers direct trips for about €7.00 one-way or €14.00 return ^[6]. If you’re traveling during peak hours (8:00–9:30 AM and 4:30–6:30 PM), plan for extra time to avoid delays.

Travel Seasons and Schedule Changes

Holiday Train Schedules

Dublin trains often run on adjusted schedules during holidays and major events. For instance, on St. Patrick’s Day, Intercity trains and DART services typically follow a Sunday timetable, with extra services added to handle the surge in passengers^[8].

For St. Patrick’s Day 2025, extended late-night services will depart from Pearse Station as follows:

• Maynooth line: 12:20 AM
• Howth line: 12:30 AM
• Greystones line: 12:35 AM
• Dundalk line: 12:40 AM
• Kildare line: 12:50 AM^[8]

Weekday rush hours, particularly Friday evenings, see heavy passenger demand. Morning trains from cities like Cork, Galway, and Limerick heading into Dublin are also particularly busy during business days^[1].

Weather conditions can further impact train schedules, adding another layer of unpredictability.

Weather and Train Service

Severe weather can lead to changes or even cancellations in train services. Here’s what to expect:

Transport for Ireland (TFI) offers real-time updates via their journey planner, website, and social media channels^[9]. Train operations may face delays both before and after severe weather alerts due to track inspections and cleanup efforts^[10].

Summary

Dublin’s rail system connects both local and international routes, making travel convenient for passengers. The network revolves around two main stations: Connolly Station, which serves intercity routes to Belfast, Sligo, and Rosslare, and Heuston Station, which links travelers to Cork, Limerick, Galway, and Kerry ^[2].

This breakdown reflects the more detailed network described earlier. Tickets can be purchased online up to 90 days in advance through Irish Rail ^[1]. For those seeking extra comfort, First Class options are available with added perks ^[11].

Dublin’s train stations are well-connected to other transport options, including the Luas tram, Dublin Bus, taxis, and bike-sharing services. Using a Leap Card can save up to 31% on public transport fares across these services ^[5]. For airport transfers, the Airlink Express (routes 747 and 757) provides a direct link between Dublin Airport and key city stops, such as O’Connell Street and Heuston Station ^[7].

Trains reach speeds of up to 99 mph (160 km/h) ^[1]. Keep in mind that schedules may change during holidays or severe weather – check updates through the TFI Journey Planner.

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