Getting Around Dublin

Dublin Public Transport Guide

Dublin has a good public transport network that will get you to school, work, and around the city. Here's everything you need to know.

The Leap Card

This is the first thing you should get. The Leap Card is a prepaid travel card that gives you discounted fares on all public transport. You can buy one at any Spar, Centra, or Newsagent for EUR 5 (plus credit). Top it up at the same locations or online.

Student Leap Card: If you're studying for 15+ hours per week, you may be eligible for a Student Leap Card with even bigger discounts. Ask your school for the form.

Transport Options

• Dublin Bus: The main bus network. Covers the entire city and suburbs. Most journeys on Leap Card use the TFI 90 Minute Fare: EUR 2.00 (adult) or EUR 1.00 (student), with free transfers for 90 minutes — including switching to the Luas or DART. Buses run from approximately 6am to 11:30pm.
• Luas (Tram): Two tram lines — the Green Line (south Dublin to city centre) and the Red Line (west Dublin to the Docklands). Fast, frequent, and reliable, and charges the same TFI 90 Minute Fare as the bus.
• DART (Train): Coastal train running from Howth in the north to Greystones in the south. Great for day trips along the coast. Leap Card works on DART too.
• NiteLink: Night buses that run on Friday and Saturday nights from the city centre. Useful if you're out late.

Daily Spending Cap

A huge benefit of the Leap Card: there's a daily spending cap of EUR 6.00 (adult) or EUR 3.00 (Student Leap Card), plus a weekly cap of EUR 24.00 (adult) or EUR 12.00 (student). Once you hit the daily cap, all additional journeys that day are free.

Useful Apps

• TFI Live: Real-time arrival information for all buses and trams.
• Google Maps: Works well for route planning in Dublin.
• TFI Journey Planner: Official transport route planner.

Tips for Brazilian Students

• Buses in Ireland stop ONLY if you signal. At the bus stop, put your hand out. On the bus, press the "Stop" button before your stop.
• You board at the front and tap your Leap Card when getting on (and sometimes when getting off on DART).
• Unlike Brazil, there's no "cobrador" — you tap your card or pay the driver directly.
• Buses are generally on time but can be delayed during rush hour (8-9am and 5-6:30pm).