Getting to Galway
How to reach Galway by InterCity train, bus, or car.
InterCity Train
Galway Ceannt Station on Eyre Square is the western terminus of the Iarnrod Eireann InterCity line from Dublin Heuston via Athlone. Around eight to ten trains daily, fewer at weekends. A second line runs south to Limerick via Athenry.
- From
- Dublin Heuston Station
- Duration
- 2h 20m to 2h 40m
- Frequency
- Approx 8-10 trains daily, fewer at weekends
- Fare
- Adult single from around €25 advance, more walk-on
- Station
- Galway Ceannt Station, Eyre Square
- Note
- The station is a terminus right in the city centre on Eyre Square, beside the coach station.
Tips
- •Book advance fares online for the cheapest Dublin tickets.
- •Galway Ceannt is a two-minute walk from Shop Street and the Latin Quarter.
🚆 InterCity from Galway Ceannt
Iarnród Éireann InterCity departures
InterCity service from Galway Ceannt. Updates every minute.
Bus & Coach
Galway Coach Station beside Eyre Square serves Bus Eireann, Citylink and GoBus. Frequent coaches to Dublin city and Dublin Airport, plus Cork, Limerick and Shannon.
- From Dublin
- Citylink and GoBus to Dublin city and Dublin Airport (~2h 30m direct)
- From Airport
- Citylink 760/761 direct from Dublin Airport (~2h 30m)
- From Shannon
- Bus Eireann route 51/51X from Shannon Airport (~1h 50m)
- City Services
- Bus Eireann city routes under TFI; hub at Eyre Square
- City Fare
- Adult city fare with Leap Card
Tips
- •The coach station and rail station are side by side at Eyre Square.
- •Citylink and GoBus both run direct Dublin Airport coaches; compare times.
Driving
Galway is the end of the M6 motorway from Dublin, about 2h 15m. The city centre is congested and the Latin Quarter is pedestrianised, so use an edge car park and walk.
- From Dublin
- ~2h 15m via the M6
- From Limerick
- ~1h 15m via the M18
- From Cork
- ~2h 30m via the M18/N20
- Parking
- Long-stay car parks at the Cathedral and Dyke Road; Galway City Council park-and-ride
Tips
- •Park at the Cathedral or Dyke Road and walk into the centre.
- •Arriving by train or coach avoids the city-centre congestion entirely.
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.
Dublin AirportDUB
210 km away- Duration
- ~2h 30m
- Cost
- Adult single from around €17
Direct from Dublin Airport to Galway Coach Station, Eyre Square.
Operator: Citylink
- Duration
- ~2h 30m
- Cost
- Adult single from around €17
Direct from Dublin Airport to Galway Coach Station, Eyre Square.
Operator: GoBus
Shannon AirportSNN
92 km away- Duration
- ~1h 50m
- Cost
- Adult single from around €18
Coach service via Limerick to Galway Coach Station.
Operator: Bus Eireann
- Duration
- ~1h 20m
- Cost
- Fuel and tolls
Motorway most of the way; car parks on the edge of the city centre.
Ireland West Airport KnockNOC
88 km away- Duration
- ~1h 38m
- Cost
- Adult single around €15.50
Coach service to Galway Coach Station, Eyre Square.
Operator: Bus Eireann
Leap Card
The Leap Card is Ireland's national reusable transport card. It works on Bus Eireann city services in Galway, on Iarnrod Eireann InterCity rail at off-peak fares, and across Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway city networks.
- 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, Galway Ceannt Station, or online
Parking
Parking options in and around Galway. On busy weekends, arriving early or taking the InterCity train is recommended.
Cathedral Car Park
Long-stay car park; daily rate confirm on arrival. Long-stay car park beside Galway Cathedral and the Salmon Weir Bridge, an easy walk into the centre. The city centre is congested and the Latin Quarter (Quay Street, High Street, Shop Street) is pedestrianised, so park on the edge and walk.
Dyke Road Car Park
Long-stay car park near the Black Box Theatre on the north side of the centre. Galway City Council also operates a park-and-ride; arriving by train or coach avoids the city-centre congestion entirely.
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 Galway. You arrive right in the heart of Galway, there’s no parking hassle, and you can enjoy a meal and a drink without worrying about driving home.