Getting to Sligo
How to reach Sligo by InterCity train, bus, or car.
Rail
Sligo is the terminus of the Dublin Connolly-Sligo line, serving several trains a day in each direction. Station code SLIGO verified directly against Irish Rail's live station list.
- Station
- Sligo Mac Diarmada, SLIGO
Useful Links
🚆 InterCity from Sligo (Mac Diarmada)
Iarnród Éireann InterCity departures
InterCity service from Sligo (Mac Diarmada). Updates every minute.
Bus
Bus Éireann Expressway Route 23 connects Sligo to Dublin via Longford, and local/regional Bus Éireann and Local Link routes serve Strandhill, Rosses Point and surrounding towns from Sligo's bus station on Lord Edward Street, next to the rail station.
- Route
- Bus Eireann Expressway 23 (Dublin - Sligo)
Useful Links
Driving
Sligo sits on the N4/M4 corridor from Dublin (roughly 217km, about 3 hours) and the N17/N15 from Galway and Donegal. Free and paid on-street parking is available in the town centre, along with several car parks; check current rates locally as they are reviewed periodically by Sligo County Council.
- Route
- N4/M4, N17/N15
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
65 km away- Duration
- approx. 50 minutes
- Cost
- Not verified for this pass; check current fares
Most direct option; airport rental desks are on site.
- Duration
- check current timetable
- Cost
- Not verified for this pass; check current fares
Bus Éireann serves Ireland West Airport Knock; confirm the current route and connection via Sligo bus station before relying on it for a flight connection.
Operator: Bus Éireann
- Duration
- approx. 50 minutes
- Cost
- Not verified for this pass; check current fares
Pre-booking recommended for early or late flights.
Dublin AirportDUB
220 km away- Duration
- approx. 3.5-4 hours
- Cost
- Not verified for this pass; check current fares
Direct coach services run between Dublin Airport and Sligo; check current timetable and journey time.
Operator: Bus Éireann Expressway
- Duration
- approx. 3 hours
- Cost
- Not verified for this pass; check current fares
Via the M4/N4.
Leap Card
TFI Leap cards are accepted on Bus Éireann's PSO (publicly subsidised) local and regional bus services nationwide, which generally includes Sligo's local Bus Éireann routes; Expressway intercity coach fares are typically paid separately. Confirm current Leap acceptance for a specific route before travelling.
Parking
Parking options in and around Sligo. On busy weekends, arriving early or taking the InterCity train is recommended.
Town centre on-street and car park parking
Rates reviewed periodically by Sligo County Council; check current signage.
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 Sligo. You arrive right in the heart of Sligo, there’s no parking hassle, and you can enjoy a meal and a drink without worrying about driving home.