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

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Dublin, Ireland
to
Cork, Ireland

How to Get from Dublin to Cork: 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
220.4 kmDistance
2h 31m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Dublin to Cork 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  33m
Estimated price
$23-35
Recommended
Company
Aircoach
Bus
Average Duration
3h 
Estimated price
$18-30
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 220.4 km
Duration: 2h 31m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
various
Train
Average Duration
3h  24m
Estimated price
$27-38
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
2h  31m
Estimated price
$45-75
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
4h  45m
Estimated price
$54-193

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 06/01Tu 07/01We 08/01Th 09/01Fr 10/01Sa 11/01Su 12/01
Bus $12 $14 $14 $14 $13 $12 $14
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Traveling From Dublin to Cork

The journey from Dublin to Cork offers a captivating contrast between the vibrant urban life of Ireland's capital and the charming, laid-back atmosphere of the southern city.

Best Neighbourhoods in Cork

Cork boasts diverse neighborhoods, each with its own charm and attractions.

Shandon
• Home to the iconic Shandon Bells.
• Vibrant street art and local markets abound.
Douglas
• Offers a mix of restaurants and shops.
• Features lovely parks and waterfront views.
Cork City Centre
• Bustling with shops, cafes, and cultural sites.
• Close to the River Lee, perfect for scenic walks.

Best Times To Visit Cork's Attractions

Timing your visits can greatly enhance your experience in Cork.

Blarney Castle
Early mornings or late afternoons on weekdays offer a quieter experience.
English Market
Visiting on Thursdays allows you to enjoy fewer crowds and fresh produce.
Cork City Gaol
Midweek visits tend to have smaller groups and more personal tours.

Cork Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Cork experiences a mild maritime climate, with frequent rain and temperate temperatures year-round; late spring and early autumn are often the best times to visit for pleasant weather. Always being prepared for changing conditions can enhance your travel experience, ensuring you make the most of outdoor activities.

Dining in Cork: A Culinary Delight

Don’t miss trying the traditional Cork dish, 'Coddle', at the cozy atmosphere of Café Paradiso, where local, organic ingredients shine in innovative vegetarian dishes. The rich flavors and commitment to local produce in Cork create a dining experience that stands apart from the more cosmopolitan food scene in Dublin, offering you a taste of the city's culinary heritage.

Dublin - Cork operators

Explore transport companies operating between Dublin and Cork, 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 Dublin Heuston to Cork

Average Duration
2h 33m
Estimated price
$23-35

Train from Dublin Heuston to Limerick Junction

Average Duration
1h 31m
Estimated price
$16-24

Train from Limerick Junction to Cork

Average Duration
1h
Estimated price
$10-15
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+353 0 1 844 7118
Website
https://www.aircoach.ie/

Bus from Aston Quay to Lower Glanmire Rd

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

Bus from Dublin Bachelors Walk to Cork Lower Glanmire Rd

Average Duration
3h
Estimated price
$18-24
Contact phone
+353 (0)1 465 9972
Website
https://www.dublincoach.ie/

Bus from Burgh Quay to Andersons Quay

Average Duration
4h 15m
Estimated price
$21-29
Contact phone
+353 1 836 6111
Website
https://www.buseireann.ie/

Bus from Dublin Busáras to Parnell Place

Average Duration
3h 57m
Estimated price
$22-30
Plane Show flights
Website
https://www.aerlingus.com/

Plane from Dublin Airport to Cork Airport

Average Duration
3h 53m
Estimated price
$220-650
Website
https://www.ryanair.com/

Plane from Dublin Airport to Cork Airport

Average Duration
3h 57m
Estimated price
$35-190

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

Traveling between Dublin and Cork 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 picturesque road trip from Dublin to Cork, spanning a distance of 254.3 km. Enjoy the smooth journey that takes around 2 hours and 31 minutes, passing through scenic landscapes and charming towns along the way. 💸 Explore the flexible price range of €42 to €69 for the journey from Dublin to Cork by car, offering options to suit various budgets.
Average price
€42 - €69
🚂 Experience a scenic journey from Dublin to Cork by train, departing from Dublin Heuston and arriving at Cork station. With services operating hourly every day, the trip takes approximately 2 hours and 33 minutes. 🌳 Enjoy a smooth ride as you cover the distance of 266 km between the two vibrant cities. Irish Rail operates the Dublin to Cork train services, providing a comfortable and convenient travel option for your journey. 💰 Ticket prices for the train ride from Dublin to Cork range from €21 to €32, offering an affordable and efficient way to explore the beautiful landscapes and attractions that await you in Cork.
Departure Point
Dublin Heuston station
Arrival Point
Cork station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard services for the train trip from Dublin to Cork are quite convenient. Depending on the operator, you can usually expect to find a cafe bar offering snacks and beverages, including tea, coffee, and light meals. Some trains even have a trolley service that comes around during the journey for additional convenience.
• The most common seating options on this route are Economy Class and First Class. Economy Class is suitable for budget travelers, featuring comfortable seating with decent legroom. First Class offers more spacious seats and a quieter environment, as well as complimentary refreshments. If you prefer more comfort during your journey, consider upgrading to First Class for a more premium experience.
• The primary operators for the Dublin to Cork train route are Irish Rail (Iarnród Éireann) and Bus Éireann. You can find schedules and ticket information on their websites: Irish Rail at irishrail.ie and Bus Éireann at buseireann.ie
🛫 Flying from Dublin to Cork involves a journey with a duration of around 3 hours and 20 minutes, including one layover. Both Aer Lingus and Ryanair provide flights between the two destinations. 🌍 While there is no direct flight connecting Dublin Airport to Cork Airport, the overall travel time by plane is approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes. 💸 Passengers can expect ticket prices for flights from Cork to Dublin to range between €50 and €178, depending on the airline and booking conditions.
Departure Point
Dublin Airport
Arrival Point
Cork Airport. The quickest flight takes 3h 20m and has one stopover
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Since there are no direct flights, make sure to check the specifics of your layover; most flights involve a stop in cities like Birmingham or London, which could add valuable time to your journey.
• Upon arrival at Cork Airport, you can expect to navigate through a relatively small terminal; it’s user-friendly but do look out for the information desk if you need assistance, particularly regarding onward travel options.
• Taxi fares from Cork Airport to the city center typically range from €25 to €30 and take about 15 to 20 minutes, but it’s wise to check for any shuttle services that may offer more budget-friendly options.
🚌 Traveling from Dublin to Cork by bus is a convenient and affordable option. The direct bus operated by Aircoach departs from Aston Quay in Dublin and arrives at Lower Glanmire Rd in Cork, with services running every 15 minutes. 🛣️ The journey takes approximately 3 hours, covering a distance of 253 km. 💰 Ticket prices for the bus from Dublin to Cork range from €17 to €28, offering a budget-friendly transportation option for travelers looking to explore different parts of Ireland.
Departure Point
Aston Quay station
Arrival Point
Lower Glanmire Rd station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Consider purchasing your bus ticket in advance through the Aircoach website (aircoach.ie) to secure a better fare, as prices for the Dublin to Cork route can vary significantly from €16 to €27.
• On arrival at Lower Glanmire Road in Cork, make sure to have a local map handy or download the City of Cork map from the Cork City Council website (corkcity.ie) to easily navigate your way around, as this area is well-connected to public transport and local attractions.
• If you have time, consider taking a break in Glanmire before entering the city; it's a charming suburb with local cafés ideal for a quick snack, which you can find detailed on the Visit Cork website (visitcork.ie).

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Dublin to Cork.

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The distance between Dublin and Cork is approximately 220.5 km by road. By train, it takes around 2 hours and 37 minutes to travel from Dublin to Cork. If you prefer air travel, the journey typically takes 4 hours and 59 minutes by plane. For those driving, it takes about 2 hours and 31 minutes to travel from Cork to Dublin by car, while the bus journey usually takes around 3 hours.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Dublin to Cork is by bus, with ticket prices ranging from €17 to €28 and a travel time of approximately 3 hours. This option allows you to save money while still reaching your destination comfortably. However, if time is a priority, driving is the quickest way to get from Dublin to Cork, taking around 2 hours and 31 minutes.
When traveling from Dublin to Cork, the prices for a train ticket range from €21 to €32, depending on the class and time of travel. Taking a bus between Cork and Dublin will cost you between €17 to €28, with prices also depending on the time of travel and type of bus service.
To get from Dublin to Cork without using public transportation, you can choose to drive. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 254.3 km, and it takes about 2 hours and 31 minutes to drive from Dublin to Cork. You can either rent a car or use your own vehicle for this journey. The prices for car rentals typically range from €42 to €69, depending on the rental company and the type of car you choose.
The best way to travel from Dublin to Cork without a car is by train, which typically takes 2 hours and 37 minutes and costs around €21-€32. Alternatively, you can take a bus, which usually takes around 3 hours and costs €17-€28. If you prefer to fly, there are flights available that take approximately 4 hours and 59 minutes, with prices ranging from €37-€185.
Yes, there is a direct link between Dublin and Cork. Irish Rail operates a train service that departs from Dublin Heuston station and arrives at Cork station. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 37 minutes. In addition to the train, there is also a direct bus service operated by Aircoach, which departs from Aston Quay in Dublin and arrives at Lower Glanmire Rd in Cork. The bus journey takes approximately 3 hours.
The flight duration between Dublin and Cork varies depending on the number of stopovers. The quickest flight with one stopover takes approximately 3 hours and 5 minutes. However, there are no direct flights available between Dublin and Cork. The cost of a flight between the two cities typically ranges from €38 to €177, depending on factors such as the airline, time of booking, and availability.
There are many accommodation options available near Cork. With over 165 hotels to choose from, there is something to suit every budget and preference. Prices start at €63 per night, providing a range of affordable options.