General
Overview
Dublin Airport (DUB) is Ireland’s primary international gateway, located approximately 10km north of the city center. Terminal 1 (T1) handles most European and short-haul carriers including Ryanair, while Terminal 2 (T2) is the base for Aer Lingus and all long-haul flights, including US transatlantic services with pre-clearance immigration.
Transfer Options
Dublin’s bus and rail services occasionally face industrial action or technical faults. Check TFI Live Travel Info before you travel. If services are disrupted, taxis and rideshare (Uber, Free Now) are reliable alternatives.
Luggage Storage
Excess Baggage Co. operates in Terminal 1 Arrivals and Terminal 2 Departures (Level 0).
Visitor Cards and Passes
The Leap Visitor Card is the best value for unlimited travel on Dublin Bus, Go-Ahead, Luas, DART, and Commuter Rail within the Short Hop Zone.
| Duration | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 Day (24h) | €8.00 |
| 3 Days (72h) | €18.00 |
| 7 Days (168h) | €24.00 |
Cards can be purchased at Dublin Airport (SPAR in T1/T2 Arrivals, TFI Information Desk) or city center shops displaying the Leap sign.
Ticket Types
- TFI 90-Minute Fare: €2.00 for adults when using a Leap Card. This allows for unlimited transfers between Dublin Bus, Luas, and most DART/Commuter Rail services within 90 minutes.
- Short Fare: €1.30 for short journeys (approx. 1-3 stages) on bus or tram using a Leap Card.
Children’s Fares
- Under 5: Free — just board, no card needed.
- Ages 5–15: Child TFI Leap Card (~67% off adult fares) — available at airport shops and TFI Leap agents on arrival.
- Ages 16–18: Photo card, online application only — not practical for short visits.
Public Transit
Bus
There is currently no rail link to Dublin Airport. Express coaches (Aircoach, Dublin Express) are the fastest options. Local Dublin Bus routes 16 and 41 provide a cheaper alternative (€2.00) but are slower and have limited luggage space.
Always use a Leap Card (physical or mobile app) instead of cash. Fares are significantly cheaper, and the TFI 90-minute fare automatically applies when you switch between modes.
Accessibility & Safety
Accessibility
Dublin Airport is fully accessible; OCS is the appointed service provider. Assistance should be requested via your airline or the PRM Assist App at least 48 hours before travel.
Dublin Airport - Requesting AssistanceSafety & Scams
Dublin transit hubs are generally safe, but remain vigilant against these common scams:
- The ‘Black Car’ (Airport): Ignore individuals inside the terminal offering “discounted” or private rides. Only use official taxis from the rank outside.
- The ‘Lost Tourist’ (Stations): Someone may claim they’ve lost their wallet and need money for a train ticket home.
- Ticket Machine ‘Helpers’: Avoid help from strangers at ticket machines who may try to distract you or swap your change.
Terminal 1 has long walking distances. Look for electric “Buggy” transfer staff who can transport passengers with limited mobility between gates.
Essential Services
Lost & Found
The Lost Property office is managed by Smarte Carte and is located in the Terminal 1 Arrivals hall. You can also search for lost items via their online tool.
Dublin Airport - Lost PropertyFirst Aid & Pharmacies
First Aid is available by contacting any airport staff member or visiting the Information Desks. Boots is located in Terminal 2 (Airside) for basic healthcare and over-the-counter supplies.
Dublin Airport Medical AidArrival
Official Taxi
Official taxis in Dublin are easily identifiable by their yellow and blue roof signs and a dashboard ID display showing the driver’s license. All taxis are metered, and you are entitled to a printed receipt.
Taxi Rank
Follow signs to the taxi rank located directly outside the arrivals doors of both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
- Average Price: €30–€45 to the city center.
Always request a printed receipt. It includes the taxi’s license number and the time of travel, which is essential if you accidentally leave a bag or phone in the vehicle.
Rideshare
Freenow is the leading local app, followed by Uber and Bolt. In Ireland, rideshare apps operate using licensed taxis and limousines, which means you get a professional driver and a regulated vehicle.
Rideshares (Freenow, Uber, Bolt) and taxis pick up passengers at Zone 18 in the Multi-Story Car Park. Follow signs for 'Pre-Booked Taxi'.
The walk to Zone 18 involves using elevators and crossing a pedestrian bridge. For passengers with mobility issues or heavy luggage, the official taxi rank at the curb (outside Arrivals) is much more accessible.
ATMs and Currency
The currency in Ireland is the Euro (€). Dublin is highly card-friendly, but cash is still useful for small tips or at smaller independent shops.
- Best ATMs: Use bank-affiliated ATMs such as Bank of Ireland, AIB, or Permanent TSB. They are safer and offer better rates than independent machines.
- What to Watch For: Avoid Euronet ATMs. They charge high withdrawal fees and use aggressive “Dynamic Currency Conversion” (DCC) to offer poor exchange rates.
When an ATM asks to charge you in your home currency, always select “Continue without conversion”. This ensures your own bank handles the exchange, saving you significantly on fees.
Departure
Arrival & Check-In
For European and UK flights, arrive at least 2 hours before departure. For long-haul and USA flights, arrive 3 hours early.
- Terminal 1: Handles Ryanair, Lufthansa, Air France, and most international carriers.
- Terminal 2: The hub for Aer Lingus, and all US carriers (Delta, American, United).
If you are flying to the USA from Terminal 2, you will clear US Customs and Border Protection in Dublin. This process adds an extra 45–60 minutes to your journey after you pass the main airport security.
Security Controls
Security & Screening
Dublin Airport has fully rolled out C3 scanners in both terminals. You do not need to remove liquids or electronics (laptops/tablets) from your hand luggage.
Passport Control
Ireland does not have a formal “stamp-out” exit passport control. Your airline will verify your documents at the boarding gate. However, for US-bound flights, you will undergo a full US CBP immigration interview at the US Preclearance area.
Dublin Airport - SecurityVAT Refunds
Kiosks for Planet and Fexco are located in the departures area after security in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
- Under €2,000: Scan your tax-free forms or receipts at the automated digital kiosks.
- Over €2,000: For high-value items, you must use the courtesy phone near the kiosks to summon a Customs Officer for physical validation before your refund can be processed.