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Cork to Dublin from $18: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Cork, Ireland
to
Dublin, Ireland

How to Get from Cork to Dublin: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$18 by busBest price
221.5 kmDistance
2h 31m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Cork to Dublin with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
Irish Rail
Train
Average Duration
2h  31m
Estimated price
$23-35
Recommended
Company
Aircoach
Bus
Average Duration
3h 
Estimated price
$18-30
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 221.5 km
Duration: 2h 31m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
600
Bus
Average Duration
4h  42m
Estimated price
$27-36
Company
Various
Drive
Average Duration
2h  32m
Estimated price
$45-75
Company
Ryanair, Aer Lingus
Plane
Average Duration
3h  46m
Estimated price
$53-188

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 20/01Tu 21/01We 22/01Th 23/01Fr 24/01Sa 25/01Su 26/01
Bus $15 $15 $15 $15 $15 $15 $15

Traveling From Cork to Dublin

Traveling from Cork to Dublin presents a transition from the relaxed charm of the southern coastal city to the vibrant pulse of Ireland's capital, offering you a chance to experience both rich cultural heritage and dynamic urban life.

Best Neighbourhoods in Dublin

Dublin's neighborhoods offer diverse experiences, each with its own charm.

Temple Bar
• Famous for its lively nightlife and cultural events.
• Home to numerous galleries, shops, and local eateries.
Trinity College Area
• Features stunning historic architecture and lush green spaces.
• A hub for academics, tourists, and street performances.
Smithfield
• Known for its trendy eateries and craft markets.
• Offers a mix of traditional and contemporary Dublin experiences.

Best Times To Visit Dublin's Attractions

Timing your visits to Dublin's highlights can transform your experience.

Guinness Storehouse
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds.
Trinity College and the Book of Kells
Opt for weekdays, especially early in the day, for a quieter visit.
Dublin Castle
Late afternoon tours often feature smaller groups and provide flexibility.

Dublin Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Dublin enjoys a temperate maritime climate, with mild winters and cool summers, making it a welcoming destination throughout the year; late spring and early autumn often offer the best weather for outdoor exploration. However, be prepared for occasional rain, as it can influence your plans and should factor into your travel itinerary.

Dining Recommendation

Savor the traditional Irish stew at The Woollen Mills, where hearty flavors come together with local ingredients to create a dish that embodies Dublin's culinary spirit. This dining experience provides a lively atmosphere and a distinct urban vibe, contrasting with the cozy eateries found in Cork.

Cork - Dublin operators

Explore transport companies operating between Cork and Dublin, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+353 1 836 6222
Website
https://www.irishrail.ie/en-ie/

Train from Cork to Dublin Heuston

Average Duration
2h 31m
Estimated price
$23-35
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+353 0 1 844 7118
Website
https://www.aircoach.ie/

Bus from Lower Glanmire Rd to Batchelors Walk

Average Duration
3h
Estimated price
$21-29
Contact phone
+353091 564600
Website
https://gobus.ie/

Bus from Cork Lower Glanmire Rd to Dublin Bachelors Walk

Average Duration
3h
Estimated price
$18-24
Contact phone
+353 1 836 6111
Website
https://www.buseireann.ie/

Bus from Parnell Place to Dublin Busáras

Average Duration
3h 48m
Estimated price
$22-30
Contact phone
+353 (0)1 465 9972
Website
https://www.dublincoach.ie/

Bus from Andersons Quay to Red Cow Luas

Average Duration
4h
Estimated price
$23-35
Plane Show flights
Website
ryanair.com

Plane from Cork (ORK) to Dublin (DUB)

Average Duration
3h 46m
Estimated price
$53-188
Website
aerlingus.com

Plane from Cork (ORK) to Dublin (DUB)

Average Duration
4h 2m
Estimated price
$220-650

Cork to Dublin: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Cork and Dublin offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on a scenic journey from Cork to Dublin by car, covering a distance of 254.3 km. The approximately 2.5-hour drive promises breathtaking landscapes and charming pit stops along the way. 💶 Prices for the adventure from Cork to Dublin by car range from €42 to €69, offering flexibility and choice to suit your budget.
Average price
€42 - €69
🚆 Experience the convenience of traveling from Cork to Dublin by train, with services departing hourly and operating every day. The journey lasts approximately 2 hours and 31 minutes, offering a comfortable and scenic ride through the Irish countryside. 💰 Prices for the train journey between Cork and Dublin range from €21 to €32, offering an affordable and hassle-free transportation option for those looking to explore the cultural richness and historical charm of both cities.
Departure Point
Cork station
Arrival Point
Dublin Heuston station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On your train trip from Cork to Dublin, you can enjoy onboard catering services offered by Irish Rail, which includes a selection of snacks, beverages, and light meals. You can expect to find a trolley service that operates between carriage and offers items like sandwiches, tea, coffee, and soft drinks. Be sure to bring some cash or a card for payment.
• The train service from Cork to Dublin offers various seating options. You'll find Standard Class (Economy) seating, which is comfortable and quite spacious, and First Class, which provides extra legroom and a quieter environment. First Class also includes complimentary refreshments and a more exclusive experience. If you're traveling with family or friends, consider booking a group seating option to sit together.
• Multiple operators service the Cork to Dublin route, notably Irish Rail (Iarnród Éireann) and Bus Éireann for bus alternatives. You can check schedules and book tickets on their respective websites: Irish Rail and Bus Éireann. Additionally, for real-time travel updates and connections, visit Transport for Ireland.
🛫 Traveling from Cork to Dublin by plane requires a layover, making the quickest flight a total of 3 hours and 20 minutes. Aer Lingus and Ryanair are the main airlines offering this route. ✈️ The total travel time from Cork to Dublin by plane is approximately 3 hours and 46 minutes. 💸 Flight prices between Dublin and Cork can range from €49 to €173, providing a range of options for travelers seeking an affordable and time-saving means of transportation between the two Irish cities.
Departure Point
Cork Airport
Arrival Point
Dublin Airport. The quickest flight takes 3h 20m and has one stopover
Useful tips for plane travellers
• As there are no direct flights from Cork to Dublin, plan your schedule accordingly to accommodate the stopover, which could range from a short layover to a longer wait; check Aer Lingus and Ryanair for available connections at their websites: aerlingus.com and ryanair.com
• Upon arrival at Dublin Airport, keep an eye on the signs directing you to baggage claim and customs, as the airport can get busy; downloading the Dublin Airport app can help you navigate efficiently and access real-time flight information.
• Taxis from Dublin Airport to the city center typically cost between €25 and €35, and can take about 25-40 minutes depending on traffic; consider booking a taxi in advance through the official Dublin Airport taxi service at dublinairport.com to ensure a smooth ride.
🚌 The journey by bus from Cork to Dublin takes approximately 3 hours, with services departing every 20 minutes and operating daily. You can catch the bus at Lower Glanmire Rd in Cork and arrive at Batchelors Walk in Dublin. 💰 Bus ticket prices for the Cork to Dublin route range from €17 to €28, making it an affordable transportation option for those looking to travel between these two vibrant Irish cities. Plan your journey and enjoy a comfortable ride with Aircoach services.
Departure Point
Lower Glanmire Rd station
Arrival Point
Batchelors Walk station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• To ensure a smooth journey, consider booking your ticket in advance with Aircoach (aircoach.ie) or Bus Éireann (buseireann.ie), as prices can vary from €16 to €27 depending on demand and availability.
• Arrive at the Lower Glanmire Rd bus station at least 15 minutes before departure to allow enough time for boarding, and check the latest schedules at aircoach.ie to avoid last-minute rushes.
• Upon arrival at Batchelors Walk in Dublin, you’ll find yourself conveniently located close to popular areas like O'Connell Street and Temple Bar; be sure to have a map handy or download a navigation app to explore the city, as the area can be bustling and busy.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Cork to Dublin.

Or choose the category:
The distance between Cork and Dublin is approximately 220.5 km by road. By train, it takes around 2 hours and 35 minutes to travel from Cork to Dublin. If you choose to fly, the typical travel time is about 5 hours and 17 minutes. Traveling by car takes around 2 hours and 32 minutes, while taking the bus takes about 3 hours.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Cork to Dublin is by bus, with prices ranging from €17-€28. This mode of transportation will take approximately 3 hours. However, if time efficiency is a priority, driving would be the quickest option, taking around 2 hours and 32 minutes. Although driving may be more expensive, with costs ranging from €41-€69, it allows for a shorter travel time compared to other modes of transportation.
When traveling from Cork to Dublin, the prices of a train ticket range from €21 to €32. Alternatively, taking a bus between Dublin and Cork can cost anywhere from €17 to €28.
To get from Cork to Dublin without public transportation, you can consider driving. The distance between the two cities is approximately 254.3 km, and it takes around 2 hours and 32 minutes to drive from Cork to Dublin. The cost of driving can vary but is typically around €41 to €69, depending on factors such as fuel prices and tolls.
The best way to travel from Cork to Dublin without a car is by train, which takes approximately 2 hours and 35 minutes and costs between €21-€32. Alternatively, you can also take a bus which takes around 3 hours and costs between €17-€28. Another option is to fly, which takes approximately 5 hours and 17 minutes and costs between €41-€174.
Yes, there is a direct link between Cork and Dublin. Irish Rail operates trains that depart from Cork and arrive at Dublin Heuston station, with hourly services operating every day. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 35 minutes by train. Additionally, there are bus services provided by Aircoach that depart from Lower Glanmire Rd in Cork and arrive at Batchelors Walk in Dublin. These buses also operate hourly and the journey takes approximately 3 hours.
The flight between Cork and Dublin usually takes around 3 hours and 20 minutes, including one stopover. However, it is important to note that there is no direct flight between the two airports. The cost of a flight ticket can vary between €42 and €172, depending on the airlines, dates, and availability.
There are plenty of accommodation options available near Dublin. With over 714 hotels to choose from, travelers can find a variety of options to suit their budget and preferences. Prices start at €57 per night, offering affordable choices for visitors.