Dublin to Galway Trains

For most passengers, the best way to travel from Dublin to Galway is by Irish Rail train or direct bus. The train is more comfortable and has more space to walk around and view the Irish countryside. It departs from Dublin Heuston and arrives at Ceannt Station, right in Galway city centre.

Driving and the train are the fastest ways to get from Dublin to Galway, with similar travel times. Car: Driving takes approximately 2 hours 10 minutes in light traffic, and typically about 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes. Train: The fastest train takes 2 hours 20 minutes, and the longest trips take about 2 hours 51 minutes. The train doesn’t depend on traffic and delivers you right into the city centre, so for most travelers it is the fastest way door to door.

The rail distance between Dublin and Galway is about 206 km, via Kildare and Athlone. The driving distance along the M6 motorway is close to 208 km.

Travel times range from 2 hours 20 minutes on the fastest trains to about 2 hours 51 minutes. Bus: Buses from Dublin to Galway typically take about 2 hours 30 minutes. Travel times can be longer on busy days or at peak hours. Car: Driving takes about 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes, depending on traffic and stops.

All Dublin to Galway trains depart from Dublin Heuston Station, one of the two main train stations in Dublin. Heuston Station is located on the west side of Dublin city, next to Phoenix Park. You can reach it easily by Luas tram, bus or taxi from the city centre. Heuston Station also serves trains to Cork, Limerick and other destinations in the south and west of Ireland.

Trains arrive at Ceannt Station, the main train station in Galway. Ceannt Station is located in Galway city centre, just a short walk from Eyre Square, Shop Street and the Latin Quarter. The Citylink and Bus Éireann coach stations are close by, which makes it easy to connect onward to Connemara and the Wild Atlantic Way.

There are about 11 trains a day from Dublin to Galway, with departures in the morning, afternoon and evening. All trains run from Dublin Heuston to Galway Ceannt. Sundays and public holidays have a reduced timetable with fewer departures.

All trains on the Dublin to Galway route are operated by Irish Rail (Iarnród Éireann), Ireland's national rail company. Irish Rail services on this route run via Kildare, Athlone and Athenry. The trains have comfortable seating, luggage space and a trolley service on many services.

Train tickets from Dublin to Galway start at €27. Fares vary by date, time of day and how early you book.

Yes. Take a bus or taxi from Dublin Airport to Dublin Heuston Station, then board an Irish Rail train to Galway. Direct buses from Dublin Airport to Galway are also available if you’d rather not change.

The first train leaves Dublin at around 05:45 and the last one at around 20:30. Departure times can shift slightly between the summer and winter timetables.

It depends on your plans: Train: Take the train if you want a relaxing trip straight to Galway city centre, with no traffic or parking to deal with. Car: Drive if you want to make stops along the way or travel beyond Galway city.

Yes. Most Dublin to Galway trains stop at Kildare, Athlone and Athenry, among other stations.

Passengers can usually bring hand luggage and a suitcase at no extra cost. Bags go on the overhead racks or in the luggage areas in each carriage. For details, see Rail Ninja’s Irish Rail luggage rules guide.

Book train tickets in advance to get the cheapest fares, especially for weekends, holidays and busy summer days. You can buy tickets on the Rail Ninja website or app, choose your date and departure time, and receive an e-ticket. If you need help with your booking, you can contact Rail Ninja support at any time.

Yes. Irish Rail runs direct trains from Dublin Heuston to Galway Ceannt Station, so you don’t need to change. The fastest direct trains take 2 hours 20 minutes.