I am travelling to Dublin this summer on a budget. What is the best way to get around the city?

There are lots of ways to get around Dublin that won’t break the bank! And thanks to the city’s compact size, walking and cycling are great options, alongside buses, trams and trains. 

If you are going to be on public transport a fair amount, then it’s worth getting a Leap Visitor Card with one (€8), three (€16), and seven-day (€32) options. This tap-on and tap-off card can be used on Dublin City Bus services, Luas, Dart and Commuter rail, and is available in many convenience stores across the city, as well as tourist offices. 

If you’re only going to use public transport just once in a while, you can pay as you go on buses, Dart, trains, and the Luas (tram). 

First up, there’s Dublin Bus with stops in almost every part of the city. All buses are accommodated with free Wi-Fi and outlets to recharge your phone making the ride more enjoyable and seamless. Fares vary depending on the destination, from about €1.30 to roughly €3 for longer distances. Make sure to do your research and bring the exact amount in coins as no change is given back and debit/credit cards are not accepted. For a fun way to get around, you might want to try a hop-on-hop-off bus. BigBus Dublin allows you to visit and learn about all the emblematic spots of Dublin while having the best angles to snap a photo! 

Another great option is the Luas, Dublin’s tram system. The Luas has two lines, the green and red line, which connect suburban areas with the city centre. You can expect a tram every six-to-ten minutes and you can get a ticket at any stop (ticket machines accept debit cards and coins) or simply tap-on and tap-off with a Leap card before and after you get on. 

For travel along the coast, you can hop on board the DART – a train line that runs north and south from the city centre. Discover lovely seaside gems such as Howth, Malahide, Dún Laoghaire and Dalkey. You can get a ticket at any station or simply use your Leap card.

Feeling a little more adventurous? Then you might want to look into Dublin Bikes, the city bike rental scheme. You can choose from a one-day to a three-day pass and obtain an accessible fare with all benefits included. If you need the extra boost, check out GreenAer and rent an electrical bike. 

Lastly, do not discard the option of walking! Dublin is compact and easy to get around – the streets are filled with pedestrians, and there are lots of coffee shops, pubs, and attractions to explore along the way. Irish people are very welcoming and kind so don’t be afraid to ask a question if you get lost. They will be happy to help you out and put you on the right track. Plus, there’s no better way to get to know a city than chatting with the locals for some insider information.

Feel free to share your experience if you chose to use any of these transport methods, and let us know if you have any tips or tricks for getting around Dublin on a budget!

Traveling to Dublin on a budget? You’re in for a treat! Here are some of the best ways to get around the city without breaking the bank:
1. Public Transport: Dublin's public transport system includes buses, trams (Luas), and trains (DART). The Leap Card offers the best value for unlimited travel across all these modes.
2. Walking: Dublin is a very walkable city. Many of the main attractions are within a short distance from each other, and you can soak in the city’s charm at your own pace.
3. Cycling: Dublinbikes is a public bike rental scheme with stations all over the city. It's an affordable and eco-friendly way to get around.
4. Airport Hopper: If you’re traveling to and from Dublin Airport, Airport Hopper provides a budget-friendly shuttle service. Their reliable and comfortable buses connect the airport with key locations like Maynooth and Tallaght, and their online ticketing system makes it easy to plan your journey.
Using these options, you can explore Dublin efficiently and economically, leaving you with more to spend on enjoying the local culture and cuisine. Happy travels!