# A guide to transport in Dublin for international students

**Source**: https://www.ucd.ie/global/international-blog/2026/a-guide-to-transport-in-dublin/
**Parent**: https://www.ucd.ie/global/

*Wednesday, 4 February, 2026*

## Share

Post by Mark Jackson. Photo Credit: Vincent Hoban.

Finding your way around a new city can be challenging, so we have compiled a short guide to help you understand your transport options in Dublin and across Ireland. 

There are many different modes of transport to choose from in Dublin and nationwide, so once you know your options, travelling will be a breeze. 

#### **Leap Cards**

Leap Cards are what Dubliners use across Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann, the Luas, the DART, Aircoach, and national trains. It’s your key to travelling around Dublin and Ireland, so make sure you apply for one as soon as you start your trimester at UCD!

Student Leap Cards allow you to travel with a **50% fare discount** on public transport services, meaning you will save money that could be better spent on your academic or social life! Applying for a Leap Card is straightforward, and you can do so on the [UCD SU website](https://www.ucdsu.ie/news/young-adult-and-student-card "Go to '<span style=\"font-weight: 400\">UCD SU website</span>' page"). 

Once you have successfully applied for one, you can collect your Student Leap Card at the UCD Campus Bookshop, which is beside the James Joyce Library. You can also top up your card on both the Google Play and the App Store apps. 

Find out more information on the [Leap Card website](https://leapcard.ie/ "Go to '<span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Leap Card website</span>' page").

#### **Aircoach**

The Aircoach 700 route travels from both airport terminals to UCD Montrose Student Accommodation, which is the main UCD bus stop on the N11.

Student Leap Cards can also be used on this service, allowing you to travel at a discounted rate. 

For more information about using Aircoach, visit the [Aircoach website](https://www.aircoach.ie/ "Go to '<span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Aircoach website</span>' page").  

> As well as the traditional pedal bike, Dublin Bikes also allows you to rent e-bikes for even faster and smoother travel around the city. Although a bit pricier, this could be a great option if you like cycling, but you’re in a rush. 

#### **Dublin Bus**

The iconic yellow and green double-decker buses of Dublin Bus are never far from view in the city centre, and there are over 130 routes in operation across Dublin. 

Dublin Bus operates over a thousand wheelchair-accessible buses throughout Dublin with free Wi-Fi and comfortable seating on board. Choose whether you want to sit upstairs or downstairs, and the all-important question: will you choose a window or aisle seat? 

Learn more on our [Getting Around](https://www.ucd.ie/global/globalpartnerships/visitingucd/gettingaround/ "Go to 'Getting Around' page") page and the [Dublin Bus](http://www.dublinbus.ie/ "Go to '<span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Dublin Bus</span>' page") website. 

#### **DART**

The Dublin Area Rapid Transit (DART) is an electric rail service that serves coastal areas in Dublin. It also offers Commuter Services to some surrounding counties, like Louth, Meath and Kildare. 

The DART itself runs from Malahide and Howth southwards as far as Greystones in County Wicklow. This rail line is known for beautiful coastal views as you travel, so simply take a seat and take in the view!

Learn more on the [Iarnród Éireann website](https://www.irishrail.ie/en-ie/about-us/iarnrod-eireann-services/dart-commuter "Go to '<span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Iarnród Éireann website</span>' page") and our [Getting Around page](https://www.ucd.ie/global/globalpartnerships/visitingucd/gettingaround/ "Go to '<span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Getting Around page</span>' page"). 

#### **Luas**

The Luas has two lines: the red and the green lines. The red line runs from Saggart and Tallaght to the 3Arena and Connolly Station. The green line runs from Brides Glen to Broombridge. 

The nearest Luas stop to UCD is Milltown, although it is about a thirty-minute walk, so it is advisable to use Dublin Bus to get to campus instead. 

The Luas is perfect if you want to get from the city centre to the 3Arena for a concert or to Heuston Station to visit the iconic Guinness Storehouse. It’s also ideal to get from the Southside suburbs to Dundrum Shopping Centre. 

Find out more on the [Luas website](https://www.luas.ie/ "Go to '<span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Luas website</span>' page") and our [Getting Around page](https://www.ucd.ie/global/globalpartnerships/visitingucd/gettingaround/ "Go to '<span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Getting Around page</span>' page"). 

#### **Irish Rail (Iarnród Éireann)**

Irish Rail (Iarnród Éireann) is Ireland’s national rail service and offers routes across Ireland. Hoping to see Eyre Square in Galway? There’s a train for that. Looking forward to visiting the English Market in Cork on a bank holiday weekend? There’s a train for that. 

The main train stations in Dublin city centre are Connolly Station and Heuston Station, which run trains that serve many counties and offer many routes. 

For detailed information about train routes and times, please see the [Irish Rail website](https://www.irishrail.ie/en-ie/ "Go to '<span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Irish Rail website</span>' page"). 

#### **Bus Éireann and Expressway**

Bus Éireann and Expressway provide coach services that operate across Ireland, meaning if there’s no train station near where you’re travelling to, Bus Éireann and Expressway will likely be your best bets.

Bus Éireann and Expressway both accept Student Leap Cards, so you can travel with ease. Time to book that Monday trip to Macroom!

For information on routes and timetables, visit the [Bus Éireann website](https://www.buseireann.ie/ "Go to 'Bus Éireann website' page").

#### **Dublin Bikes**

Dublin Bikes racks are dotted across the capital, meaning you will never be far from seeing the city while staying active. Dublin Bikes offer various day tickets or an annual subscription, which allows unlimited journeys. 

As well as the traditional pedal bike, Dublin Bikes also allows you to rent e-bikes for even faster and smoother travel around the city. Although a bit pricier, this could be a great option if you like cycling, but you’re in a rush. 

To find your nearest available bike, visit the interactive map on the [Dublin Bikes website](https://www.dublinbikes.ie/ "Go to 'Dublin Bikes website' page"). 

***Note:** when cycling in the city centre, please exercise caution as you would in any capital city. You should always wear a helmet to protect yourself.*

```
 
```

For further information about travelling around Dublin, visit our [Getting Around page](https://www.ucd.ie/global/globalpartnerships/visitingucd/gettingaround/ "Go to 'Getting Around page' page"). For travel itinerary ideas, check out our [Discover Dublin and Ireland page](https://www.ucd.ie/global/study-at-ucd/about-ucd/discover-dublin-and-ireland/ "Go to 'Discover Dublin and Ireland page' page"). 

```
 
```

## Contact UCD Global

UCD Global, Gerard Manley Hopkins Centre (UCD International Office), Belfield, Dublin 4.
 T: [+353 1 716 8500](tel:+353 1 716 8500) | [Location Map](https://maps.app.goo.gl/gWX6DrTCTAsF1d2cA "Go to 'Location Map' page")