Aircoach to Dublin Airport: Fares, Routes & Timetable

Anyone who has stood on O’Connell Street wondering how to get to Dublin Airport knows that choosing the right transfer can make or break a trip. Aircoach runs every 15 minutes at peak times, offering a direct link between the city centre and both terminals with contactless payment accepted onboard. The fares, routes, timetables, and payment details you need to ride with confidence are covered below.

Peak frequency: Every 15 minutes ·
Routes: 700 and 702 ·
Payment onboard: Contactless accepted ·
Free Travel Pass: Not accepted ·
Advance purchase: Recommended but not required ·
Online booking: Available at aircoach.ie

Six key details every passenger should know before boarding:

How much is an Aircoach from Dublin to the airport?

What is the fare from Dublin city centre?

One-way tickets start from around €6 if purchased online, according to the Aircoach Official site (primary operator). A return ticket costs from €8. For routes like Cork to Dublin Airport, fares start at $23 (about €21) with 34 daily connections, per Wanderu (bus booking aggregator).

• Dublin airport to city centre: from €6 one-way (Aircoach Official)
• Dublin to Belfast: from $13 (around €12) one-way, 34 daily trips (Wanderu)
• Dublin to Cork: from $23 (around €21), 34 daily trips (Wanderu)

Are there discounts for students or groups?

Aircoach’s official site does not clearly state student or group discounts. However, some third-party resellers list discounted economy tickets. The CheckMyBus platform (comparison site) shows economy fares from €24 for long intercity routes like Dublin to Londonderry. Best practice: book online to secure the lowest available fare.

The trade-off: paying a few extra euros onboard (if you forget to book) is still cheaper than a taxi.

How do I pay for Aircoach?

Can I pay with contactless or cash?

Contactless (credit/debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay) is accepted onboard. Cash is not. The Aircoach Official site explicitly states: “Cash is not accepted on Aircoach services.” Pre-booking online is recommended for best value.

Is it possible to buy tickets online?

Yes. Tickets can be purchased at aircoach.ie before travel. The site also shows real-time departures. For the 700 route, round-trip tickets bought online are valid for flexible travel. According to Headout (ticket reseller), these tickets cover delays and cancellations.

Step by step: How to buy your ticket and board

1. Go to aircoach.ie or the Aircoach app.
2. Select your route (700 or 702) and pick a time or “anytime”.
3. Pay by card or digital wallet – receive a mobile ticket.
4. Show the ticket on your phone to the driver when boarding at a stop.
5. If you haven’t booked, tap your contactless card on the onboard reader.

Why this matters: booking ahead locks in a lower fare and guarantees a seat during peak hours.

Can I use a Free Travel Pass on Aircoach?

What about student travel cards or Leap Card?

The Free Travel Pass (for seniors and certain beneficiaries) is not accepted. Leap Card is also not valid on Aircoach services. According to the Aircoach Official site, only standard purchased tickets or pre-booked tickets are valid. This is a common surprise for first-time visitors expecting the same system as Dublin Bus.

The catch: if you rely on a Free Travel Pass or Leap Card, you must use Dublin Bus route 16 or 41, which accept them but run less frequently and can be slower.

Do I need to buy Aircoach tickets in advance?

Can I buy tickets on the day?

Yes, you can buy tickets on the day – either online or by tapping contactless on the bus. However, advance purchase is recommended to secure a seat and sometimes offers lower fares. The Aircoach Official site says: “Onboard purchase is available subject to seating capacity.”

Is there a price difference between online and onboard?

Online fares start from €6 one-way, while onboard contactless fares may be higher. The official site does not provide a fixed onboard fare, but third-party sources suggest around €8–€10. Booking online also lets you buy round-trip tickets at a discount.

The pattern: online advance purchase gives you the best price and peace of mind. Onboard purchase costs more and risks a full bus during peak times.

Is Aircoach cheaper than a taxi in Dublin?

What does a taxi from Dublin Airport to city centre cost?

A taxi from Dublin Airport to the city centre costs roughly €25–€45 depending on time and traffic, with metered rates of €1.32–€1.72 per kilometre, per the Aircoach Official site. Aircoach, at €6 online, costs about one-quarter of that.

How much time does each mode take?

Aircoach takes approximately 40 minutes to O’Connell Street under normal traffic conditions (Aircoach Official). A taxi takes 25–40 minutes depending on route and traffic. Time difference is modest, but cost difference is dramatic.

One comparison, one decision: for solo travellers or pairs on a budget, Aircoach wins. For groups of three or more, a taxi becomes cost-competitive and offers door-to-door convenience.

The implication: Aircoach is the clear winner on cost for solo riders, but taxi becomes reasonable for groups of three or more when splitting the fare.

“Our Dublin airport services depart every 15 minutes, 364 days a year, with a journey of 40 minutes or less to the city centre.”

— Aircoach Official blog post

“Round-trip tickets bought online are valid for flexible travel, covering delays and cancellations.”

— Headout (ticket reseller)

Other ways to get to Dublin Airport

If Aircoach doesn’t suit your route, Dublin Bus route 16 and 41 also serve the airport and accept Leap Card. The Dublin Public Transport site (independent transport resource) notes that these services run less frequently and can be slower due to more stops. For Northern Ireland cross-border routes, Aircoach runs direct from Belfast and Derry to Dublin Airport – 35 buses per day from Belfast with average journey time 1h50, according to Omio (travel booking platform).

The trade-off for cross-border travellers: Aircoach is the direct option, but if you’re coming from Northern Ireland by train, the combined journey may be cheaper with a combination of train and Dublin Bus.

Frequently asked questions

Bottom line: Aircoach is the most cost-effective way to reach Dublin Airport from the city centre. For solo travellers or pairs: book online from €6 and board with a mobile ticket. For groups of three or more: a taxi may split to a similar cost. Check the official timetable for overnight services.