Getting to Ballina
How to reach Ballina by InterCity train, bus, or car.
InterCity Train
Ballina station, a few minutes' walk from the centre, sits at the end of a short branch line from Manulla Junction. There is no direct intercity train: you travel to or from Manulla Junction and change there for the Dublin Heuston line (via Athlone) and for Castlebar and Westport. The branch service is limited, around three trains a day each way, and is timed to connect with the main-line trains at Manulla, so check the timetable carefully before you travel.
- From
- Dublin Heuston Station (change at Manulla Junction)
- Duration
- About 3h 40m to 4h 20m from Dublin Heuston, including the change at Manulla
- Frequency
- Around three trains a day each way on the branch; timed to connect at Manulla
- Fare
- Adult single from around €25 advance from Dublin, more walk-on
- Station
- Ballina Station, Station Road
- Note
- A branch terminus: change at Manulla Junction for the Dublin, Castlebar and Westport trains.
Tips
- •Book advance fares online for the cheapest Dublin tickets.
- •The branch service is limited; always check the connection at Manulla Junction.
- •The station is a short walk from the town centre, near the Dolmen of the Four Maols.
🚆 InterCity from Ballina
Iarnród Éireann InterCity departures
InterCity service from Ballina. Updates every minute.
Bus & Coach
Ballina is served by Bus Eireann from its town-centre stops, with routes to Castlebar, Sligo, Galway and beyond, and connections towards Dublin. The most useful service for visitors is the link to Ireland West Airport Knock, reached with a change at Charlestown. Buses are often a more practical option than the limited branch-line train for getting to and from the town.
- From Knock Airport
- Bus Eireann via Charlestown (around 1h 50m with the transfer)
- From Sligo
- Bus Eireann to Ballina (around 1h)
- From Galway
- Bus Eireann / Expressway via Castlebar
- From Dublin
- Coach via the midlands (long; check current routings)
- City Fare
- Adult fares with Leap Card
Tips
- •The Knock airport bus involves a change at Charlestown; allow time.
- •Bus is often more practical than the limited branch-line train.
- •Check current Bus Eireann routings, which change seasonally.
Driving
Driving is the easiest way to reach Ballina and to explore North Mayo. The town is on the N26 from the south (via Foxford and the N5 from Dublin), the N59 from Sligo and Crossmolina, and the N57 towards Castlebar and Swinford. The centre is compact with pay-and-display parking; a car is genuinely useful here, because the best of the area, Downpatrick Head, the Céide Fields, Enniscrone and the Moy friaries, is spread out and poorly served by public transport.
- From Dublin
- ~3h via the N5 and N26 (about 240 km)
- From Galway
- ~1h 30m via the N17 and N5/N26
- From Sligo
- ~50m via the N59
- Parking
- Town-centre pay-and-display; free parking at Belleek Woods
Tips
- •A car is the practical way to reach the North Mayo coast and the friaries.
- •Park on the edge of the centre and walk; the core is small.
- •Belleek Woods has free parking for the woodland walks.
From the Airport
Live options for reaching the village from the nearest airports. Times and fares are a guide and can change with traffic or operator schedules.
Ireland West Airport KnockNOC
37 km away- Duration
- ~45m
- Cost
- Taxi or fuel
Ireland West Airport Knock is about 37 km southeast of Ballina, roughly 45 minutes by road.
- Duration
- ~1h 50m with the transfer
- Cost
- Adult single around €11-15
Airport bus to Charlestown, then a connecting Bus Eireann service to Ballina; allow time for the change.
Operator: Bus Eireann
Dublin AirportDUB
250 km away- Duration
- ~3h 15m
- Cost
- Fuel, tolls and parking
The most direct route, via the M4 and N5 through the midlands.
- Duration
- ~4h plus airport transfer
- Cost
- Adult single from around €25 advance
Airport bus to Dublin Heuston, then the Westport line train, changing at Manulla Junction for the Ballina branch.
Operator: Iarnrod Eireann
Shannon AirportSNN
165 km away- Duration
- ~2h 15m
- Cost
- Fuel and parking
Via Galway and the N17 north into Mayo.
Leap Card
The Leap Card is Ireland's national reusable transport card. It works on Bus Eireann services around Ballina and Mayo and on Iarnrod Eireann InterCity rail at off-peak fares, and across the Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway networks too. Useful if you are combining the train and bus around the west.
- Cost
- €5 for the card plus top-up
- Savings
- Off-peak rail discounts; cheaper than cash on the bus
- Where To Get
- Spar, Centra, Londis, Ballina station, or online
Parking
Parking options in and around Ballina. On busy weekends, arriving early or taking the InterCity train is recommended.
Town-centre pay-and-display and car parks
Mayo County Council pay-and-display; confirm current tariff on the day. Ballina uses council pay-and-display on-street parking and signed surface car parks around the centre, including by the Quay and the Market Square. The town core is compact and walkable. There is usually free parking at Belleek Woods for the woodland walks.
Planning the wider trip?
Our country-level primer covers national rail, intercity buses, airports, the Leap Card, and whether you actually need a hire car for your trip around Ireland.
Getting Around Ireland →Top Tip
The InterCity train is the best way to get to Ballina. You arrive right in the heart of Ballina, there’s no parking hassle, and you can enjoy a meal and a drink without worrying about driving home.