How to use Public Transportation in Ireland
I love many things about Ireland, including the ease of the public transportation system. In the Republic of Ireland, they use the TFI public transport network, which includes Buses, DART, Luas, and Irish Rail. Are you confused? Don’t be; I’ll break these down for you.
Even if you are not experienced, you can easily navigate public transportation in Ireland.
Types of Public Transportation in Ireland
DART—The Dublin Area Rapid Transit (DART) is an electric commuter rail system in Dublin. It’s a quick way to get around the city and suburbs and can also be used to reach tourist attractions outside of Dublin. I used the DART on my day trip to hike in Howth.
Irish Rail – As the National Rail provider in Ireland, Irish Rail offers a simple, convenient, and comfortable way to travel around the country. You can travel to different counties using the Irish Rail.
Luas – Luas in Irish means “speed.” The Luas are trams. There are two tram lines that cross the city center taking you from the suburbs across the city in two directions.
Buses—There are plenty of bus lines in Dublin, and they are one of the easiest ways to traverse the city. I loved the double-decker buses.
All of the different forms of public transportation are modern, clean, and easy to navigate.
How do I pay for public transportation in Ireland?
A TFI Leap Card is a prepaid travel card that is the easiest way to pay your fare on public transport around Ireland. It is valid on most TFI services and commercial bus operators throughout Ireland. .
Using the Leap Card for public transportation in Ireland is quite convenient. Here’s a guide on how to use it.
Getting a Leap Card
You can purchase a “visitors” Leap Card at the Dublin Airport, which gives you 3, 5, or 7 days’ worth of fares for a set price. After you leave baggage claim and before you leave the airport, look for the convenience store; that’s where they are sold. This card is good in Dublin and the surrounding areas. If you are traveling to other counties you will want to get a regular Leap transit card.
Leap transit cards are sold at the Dublin airport as well as locations such as Luas and DART stations, Dublin Bus offices, and certain shops displaying the Leap Card sign
Adding the Leap card to your phone
- Download the Leap app to your phone. I always do this before I leave for my trip so I’m not relying on airport Wi-fi.
- Once you purchase your Leap card, you will open the Leap app and tap it to your phone.
- Your card will load into the app and will show the balance you are starting with.
- Store your leap card in a safe but accessible place in case you need it.
- Enter your credit card information into the app to top up your card during your trip.
If you have not purchased the visitor card and have a Leap card with no pre-set value, you will need to load your Leap card with funds.
Loading Credit to the Leap Card:
- You can load funds onto your card by using the Leap app, following the directions above.
- You can do this online, at ticket machines in stations, at Payzone outlets, and in some retail stores that display the Leap card.
- Depending on your needs, you can load your Leap Card with travel credit or with specific travel passes (e.g., daily, weekly, or monthly passes).
Using the Leap Card:
- When using buses, simply tap your Leap Card against the card reader as you enter the bus.
- When using the Luas (tram), you need to tap your card on the platform before boarding.
- When using Irish Rail services (DART, Commuter Rail), tap your card on the platform validators or at the gates to enter and exit.
Fares and Discounts:
- Using a Leap Card often provides discounted fares compared to buying tickets with cash.
- There are also cap limits, so once you reach a certain spending threshold in a day or week, your additional journeys may be free or at a reduced cost.
Managing Your Leap Card:
- You can check your balance and manage your Leap Card online through the Leap Card website or app.
- You can also set up auto top-up to ensure you always have credit on your card.
Additional Information:
- Remember to always tap your card when entering and exiting transport to ensure correct fare calculation.
- Keep your Leap Card in a safe place, as it’s reusable and can be topped up indefinitely.
The screenshots below show what the Leap app looks like. It’s very easy to add your card, top up your funds, and even see how much each ride costs you along the way!
How to Navigate Public Transportation in Ireland
Your best bet is going to be Google Maps or Apple Maps. I personally used Google Maps on my trips, and except for one time when I got off at the wrong bus stop, I was successful. I am not great at using buses. They are the trickiest for me for some reason, and I always get off one stop too soon or one stop too late. I keep trying though!
Most of the buses are good about announcing the next stop, but the names can be really tricky. I kept a close eye on my map as I traveled around. The trains and trams were easier for me as the signage was faster to update than some of the buses, but that was my experience. Make sure you have a decent amount of data on your phone. If you aren’t sure how to use your phone internationally, read this piece we wrote about some of your options.
Manners on Public Transportation in Ireland
- Food and drink are prohibited on buses.
- If you are traveling with a backpack, keep it on your lap. Do not set it on the seat next to you.
- If you are traveling with a suitcase, put it in the designated luggage area, and sit nearby, or keep it as close to your body as you can.
- Follow normal safety measures against pick-pockets. This is true of any public transportation in any city anywhere.
- Use headphones if listening to music.
- Turn off the sound on your phone if playing games.
- Avoid making or taking calls.
- Enter from the front doors of buses and exit from the rear doors.
- Thank the bus driver, you’ll notice residents doing it, and it’s so charming.
- Wait until passengers have exited a train or tram before entering.
- Observe how residents are behaving and follow suit.
Using public transportation in Ireland is a safe, easy and economical way to see a lot of the country and is especially helpful in the cities. If you’ve never used public transportation and have a trip planned, it would be good to understand the basics; we’ve got you covered!
Read about the Howth Cliff Walk and my other amazing adventures.
Have questions? Email hello@journeyhere.travel
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