Getting to Cork
How to reach Cork by InterCity train, bus, or car.
InterCity & Commuter Train
Cork Kent Station is the southern hub of the Iarnród Éireann network. InterCity trains run to Dublin Heuston roughly hourly, and the Cork Suburban line runs local Commuter services to Cobh and Midleton, and north to Mallow. It is not a DART city; the local service is branded Commuter.
- From
- Dublin Heuston Station
- Duration
- 2h 30m typical to Dublin
- Frequency
- Hourly InterCity to Dublin Heuston; Commuter trains to Cobh and Midleton roughly every 30 minutes
- Fare
- Dublin adult single from around €25 advance; suburban day returns to Cobh or Midleton around €10
- Station
- Cork Kent Station, Lower Glanmire Road
- Note
- New through-platforms opened at Kent Station in 2025, improving connections across the suburban network.
Tips
- •Book Dublin InterCity fares online at irishrail.ie a week ahead for the cheapest singles.
- •Kent Station is about a 15-minute walk or a short bus ride from the city centre across the river.
- •For day trips, the Commuter line to Cobh (around 24 minutes) and Midleton (around 23 minutes) is the easiest car-free option.
- •Check the live timetable at irishrail.ie before travelling; suburban frequencies vary by time of day.
🚆 InterCity from Cork Kent
Iarnród Éireann InterCity departures
InterCity service from Cork Kent. Updates every minute.
Bus
Bus Éireann runs intercity routes to Cork from Dublin, Limerick, Galway and elsewhere, plus the Cork city bus network. The X8 Expressway links Dublin to Cork; the 226 connects Cork Airport with the city centre and Kent Station.
- From Dublin
- Bus Éireann / Aircoach / GoBus from Dublin (~3h)
- From Airport
- Bus Éireann Route 226 from Cork Airport to the city centre and Kent Station (~20-30 min)
- City Services
- Cork city bus network covers the suburbs from the city-centre stops
- City Fare
- Adult city fares from around €2 with Leap Card
Tips
- •The 226 from Cork Airport runs frequently and is the cheapest airport connection.
- •Leap Card works on Cork city buses and is cheaper than cash.
- •City-centre bus stops cluster around St Patrick's Street and the South Mall.
Driving
Cork is reached on the M8 motorway from Dublin, the N20 from Limerick, and the N25 from Waterford. Approximately 2h 30m from Dublin and 1h 30m from Limerick. The city centre is compact and parking is best in the multi-storeys.
- From Dublin
- ~2h 30m via M8 (tolls on the M8)
- From Limerick
- ~1h 30m via N20
- From Waterford
- ~1h 45m via N25
- Parking
- Multi-storeys at Paul Street and Grand Parade; on-street pay-and-display in the centre
Tips
- •Paul Street and Grand Parade car parks are closest to the English Market.
- •The city-centre island is compact; park once and walk.
- •The M8 from Dublin carries tolls; have change or use the barrier-free toll account.
Useful Links
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.
Cork AirportORK
8 km away- Duration
- ~20-30 minutes
- Cost
- Adult single around €3 with Leap Card
Frequent bus from Cork Airport to the city centre and Kent Station. The cheapest and easiest airport connection.
Operator: Bus Éireann
- Duration
- ~15-20 minutes
- Cost
- Taxi around €20-25; car hire from ~€35/day
Cork Airport is only about 8 km south of the city centre via the N27, so a taxi is quick and reasonable.
Operator: Taxi rank and car hire desks in arrivals
Dublin AirportDUB
255 km away- Duration
- ~3h 30m
- Cost
- Adult single from around €20
Direct coaches run from Dublin Airport to Cork city centre through the day. Slower but no transfer needed.
Operator: Aircoach / GoBus
- Duration
- ~3h 45m
- Cost
- Aircoach plus train from around €30
Aircoach from Dublin Airport to Heuston Station, then the hourly InterCity train to Cork Kent (about 2h 30m).
Operator: Aircoach + Iarnród Éireann
- Duration
- ~3 hours
- Cost
- Car hire from ~€35/day plus M8 tolls
M50 to the M7 then the M8 motorway the whole way to Cork. Mostly motorway with tolls.
Operator: Car hire desks in airport arrivals
EV & Essentials
Practical infrastructure on the ground: charging, water, and accessibility facilities worth knowing about before you arrive.
EV Charging
ESB ecars at Paul Street car park
ESB ecars · Standard 22 kW AC · 2 stalls · Per-kWh PAYG via the ESB ecars app; membership rate cheaper
Paul Street Multi-Storey, Cork. Central charging close to the English Market. Verify live availability on the ESB ecars charge-point map before relying on it.. Type 2
Accessibility Facilities
Kent Station
Ramp access · Kent Station, Lower Glanmire Road, Cork
Step-free access to the platforms following the 2025 through-platform works. Iarnrod Eireann can arrange ramp boarding with advance notice.
Bishop Lucey Park public toilets
Accessible toilet · Grand Parade, Cork
Accessible facilities in the city centre close to the English Market. Confirm opening hours, which follow daylight hours.
Leap Card
The Leap Card is Ireland's national reusable transport card. It works on Cork city buses, on Iarnród Éireann InterCity and Commuter rail (off-peak fares), and across Dublin, Galway and Limerick city transport.
- Cost
- €5 for the card plus credit top-up
- Savings
- Off-peak rail discounts; cheaper than cash on Cork city buses
- Where To Get
- Spar, Centra, Londis, Kent Station, or online
- Visitor Option
- Leap Visitor Card available but most useful in Dublin
Parking
Parking options in and around Cork. On busy weekends, arriving early or taking the InterCity train is recommended.
Paul Street Car Park
Around EUR 2.20/hour; daily and evening caps apply. Central multi-storey close to the English Market and the Huguenot Quarter. Confirm current tariff at the barrier.
Grand Parade Car Park
Around EUR 2.20/hour. Closest large car park to the English Market and Grand Parade.
On-street pay-and-display
City-centre on-street parking is metered; pay by app via the city parking provider. On-street spaces in the centre are time-limited. The multi-storeys are easier for a longer visit.
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 Cork. You arrive right in the heart of Cork, there’s no parking hassle, and you can enjoy a meal and a drink without worrying about driving home.