Travel: Flights to Dublin

Dublin is served by a single terminal airport approximately 10km north of the city, although a second terminal is under construction and due to complete in 2009. Ireland's flag carrier Aer Lingus flies to Dublin from a large number of British and European cities, from the USA, and Dubai. It's fares are much lower than other flag carriers, it regularly features seat sales, while retaining high standards of service. Low service carrier Ryanair flies to Dublin from many regional airports in the UK as well as from some non-central European airports. Due to heavy competition from Aer Lingus, Ryanair can have low fares, although it is much more expensive than Aer Lingus if not booked in advance. A full list of airlines flying to Dublin, along with timetables, can be found on the Dublin airport website. If you are flying long-haul, you might also consider changing in London as the London-Dublin route is particularly well served with regular flights. Irelands third airline, Aer Arann, links Dublin to many regional Irish airports.

There are three types of bus transport back to the city:

• Aircoach express service (large blue bus) connects to the city centre and many of Dublin's major hotels, most of which are on the south side of the city. Buses leave every 15 minutes and the journey time to the centre is approximately 30 minutes. The cost is €7 single or €12 return. They also offer services to other destinations within Ireland including Cork and Belfast.
• Dublin Bus offer an express AirLink service (routes 747 and 748) every 10 minutes at peak times to the city centre and bus station for €5. A one-day rambler ticket can also be purchased from the ticket machine or inside the airport (but not on the bus) that gives unlimited all day bus travel, also for €5. A pack of five one-day ramblers can be purchased for €17 inside the airport.
• Dublin Bus also offer substantially cheaper standard services to the centre and further afield in the southern suburbs, but these are non-express, infrequent, and take a rather circuitous route to and from the airport. Cost is €1.90. The 16A goes right through the city stopping off at O'Connell St. and Continuing up George's St. On a good day you can get into town in about 30 mins but during rush hour this journey can be over an hour. These may be worth getting if you are on a tight budget and they happen to be leaving shortly after you arrive.

A taxi to the city centre should cost around €25-30 - as such it can be comparable/cheaper than the bus options if you are in a group of three or more (as well as a lot less hassle).

A metro system connecting Dublin Airport to the city centre is planned for the future, but no work has started on this yet.