Airport to City

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Dublin Airport is located about 6 miles north of the city center. While it’s a short distance, your arrival experience will depend on how you choose to navigate the “last mile” to your hotel.

Option 1: The Taxi (Most Convenient)

This is the best option if you have heavy luggage or are traveling in a group of 2–4.

  • Where to go: Follow the yellow signs for the “Taxi Rank” immediately outside Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. There is a dispatcher who will point you to your car.
  • Cost: Expect to pay between €25 and €40 to get to the city center.
  • Payment: All Dublin taxis are required to accept credit cards/contactless pay.
  • Note on Uber: You can use the Uber app in Dublin, but it will simply summon a licensed taxi at the standard metered rate. There are no “private” Uber drivers in Ireland.

Option 2: Express Buses (Best Value)

If you are staying in a major hotel near O’Connell Street or St. Stephen’s Green, the express buses are fantastic. They have free Wi-Fi and dedicated luggage racks.

  • Dublin Express (Blue Bus): Fast and frequent. Route 782 and 784 go directly to the city center.
  • Aircoach (Green Bus): The “classic” airport connector. Route 700 runs 24/7.
  • Cost: Roughly €8–€10 one way. You can buy tickets at the kiosks outside the terminal or directly from the driver.

The “Return Trip” Hack: US Pre-clearance

One of the best things about flying home from Dublin is that you clear US Customs and Immigration in Dublin before you even board the plane.

  • How it works: You’ll go through Irish security, then head to the “US Pre-clearance” wing. There, you’ll talk to a US Border Agent and scan your bags.
  • The Benefit: When you land in Miami or Boston, you are treated as a domestic passenger. You grab your bags and walk straight to the exit—no 2-hour customs lines!
  • Important: Because of this extra step, you must arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your flight home.

Pro Tip If you happen to have Global Entry (the US Trusted Traveler program) you will still get Global Entry privileges when you pre-clear customs in Dublin!

Avoid Rental Cars

Unless you plan on driving to the remote west coast for a week before the wedding, do not rent a car. Parking in Dublin is expensive and difficult, the streets are narrow, and they drive on the “other” side of the road. Stick to taxis and walking! Learn more at Getting Around Dublin.