Semih
Travel editor at Reisedrop · 2026-06-04
Dublin is an exception: the airport is only about ten kilometres north of the city, but it has no rail connection. Everything runs via bus, taxi or a pre-booked driver.
Buses instead of trains
Several airport bus routes run to the centre and the main hotel areas, and they are inexpensive and fairly reliable. At peak times, though, they get stuck in traffic, and boarding with several suitcases can be a challenge. To this day, there is still no train to the airport.
Private transfer: fixed price and a driver who waits
A pre-booked private transfer means: the driver knows your flight number, waits if you are delayed, the price is fixed before you book, and luggage is included. It is the right option for late arrivals, for families needing child seats, and for anywhere farther out than the city centre. If you are travelling light and want to stay spontaneous, you do not need it.
Uber in Ireland: taxi booking only
In Ireland, there is no private Uber. Through the app, you book an officially licensed taxi that runs on a regulated meter, plus a booking fee. Because the fare is the same for everyone, the apps mainly differ in their fee and the size of their fleet. It works for getting from the airport, but it is not something you can plan precisely.
When a private transfer makes sense
For an early arrival, when travelling with family, or if you are heading onwards towards Wicklow, Galway or the east coast, a pre-booked driver with a fixed price is the calmest choice, because Dublin traffic makes every taxi meter unpredictable.
Car hire: yes for the island, no for the city
In Dublin, a car is unnecessary because of left-hand traffic, bus lanes and parking prices. For the Wild Atlantic Way, Kerry or Donegal, on the other hand, it is essential. Pay attention to Irish insurance rules, which differ from those in other countries.
How Reisedrop handles the question after booking
After your hotel booking we do not ask whether you want to buy a transfer, we ask how you are getting to your accommodation in Dublin. You see two options side by side: a private transfer you lock in beforehand, and a direct link into the Uber app with your destination pre-filled if you would rather stay flexible. No flood of suppliers, no invented guide prices. Private transfers and rental cars are booked with external providers, and with Uber you are forwarded straight to Uber. Price, availability and booking sit with the respective provider. We are not a partner of Uber and deliberately show no Uber prices.
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