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. Buses depart more often and are often the cheapest way to make the trip. If you want to explore the west of Ireland at your own pace, driving is the most flexible option.

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 18 minutes. Most trains take approximately 2 hours 20 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.

Dublin and Galway are 208 km apart. Depending on your exact route and starting point, traveling from Dublin to Galway covers about 185 to 220 km. The driving distance along the M6 motorway is close to 208 km. The rail distance via Kildare and Athlone is similar.

• Train: Travel times range from about 2 hours 10 minutes to 2 hours 50 minutes. The fastest train takes 2 hours 18 minutes, and most trains take approximately 2 hours 20 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.

Irish Rail operates trains every 2 to 3 hours from Dublin to Galway, with regular departures throughout the day. The first train usually departs in the morning and the last in the evening. Timetables can vary on Sundays and public holidays, so check the schedule for your travel date before you go.

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.

Typical train fares are €24-65 one-way, and train tickets usually fall within €24–28. Fares vary by date, time of day and how early you book. 

Yes. Direct buses depart from Dublin Airport to Galway throughout the day, so you don't need to go into the city first. Citylink and Bus Éireann both serve Dublin Airport, and the trip takes around 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on traffic. If you'd rather take the train, travel from Dublin Airport to Heuston Station by bus or taxi, then board your Irish Rail train to Galway.

Most Galway buses depart from Dublin city centre, including stops near Bachelors Walk, Busáras (the central bus station) and Heuston Station. Many services also depart from Dublin Airport. Check your ticket for the exact departure point before your trip.

The M6 motorway connects Dublin and Galway and provides a direct driving route across Ireland. Driving from Dublin to Galway takes approximately 2 hours 10 minutes without stops, and typically 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes. The M6 is a toll road, and parking in Galway city centre can be limited on busy days. Park-and-ride options can help.

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 stop along the way, visit sights such as Clonmacnoise or Trim Castle, or explore County Galway and the Wild Atlantic Way beyond the city.

Yes. Most Dublin to Galway trains stop at Kildare, Athlone and Athenry, among other stations. Athlone is a great place to break the journey for a day and explore the town before you continue west.

Galway is a lively city known for its music, pubs and festivals. You can walk around Eyre Square, the Latin Quarter and the Spanish Arch, or visit Salthill Promenade on Galway Bay. Galway is also the main gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way. From here, you can take day trips to Connemara National Park, the Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands.

Yes. Galway is one of the best starting points for the Wild Atlantic Way, the scenic coastal route along Ireland's west coast. From Galway city, you can drive or join tours to Connemara, Kylemore Abbey and the Burren.

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.

There's no direct train, but you can travel from England to Dublin by ferry, for example from Holyhead to Dublin Port. From there, you can continue to Dublin Heuston and take an Irish Rail train west to Galway.