Dublin Connolly

How to Get to Dublin Connolly

Dublin Connolly is the city’s primary hub for DART and Belfast rail services. Dublin Airport (DUB) is the nearest international gateway.

From Airport There is no direct train from the airport to Connolly Station. The most convenient options are direct express coaches:

• Dublin Express (Routes 782/784): These coaches run every 20–30 minutes directly to stops near Connolly Station (Custom House Quay/Gardiner Street).
  • Journey Time: Approximately 20–30 minutes depending on traffic.
  • Cost: Fares vary by booking time, generally €8–€13. Book online in advance for the best rates.
• Aircoach (Route 700): Frequent service to the city center. You will need to alight at O'Connell Street and take a short 10-minute walk or a quick ride on the Luas (Red Line) to reach the station.
  • Cost: Approximately €9.
• Payment: All services accept contactless credit/debit cards or pre-booked online tickets. Avoid cash if possible, as drivers may not carry change.

From City Center

• Luas (Tram): Take the Red Line to the "Connolly" stop. It is the most reliable way to avoid city traffic.
• Train: If you are staying near Pearse or Tara Street stations, take any northbound DART or Commuter train; the journey to Connolly is only 3–5 minutes.
• Walking: If you are near O'Connell Street, the station is a straightforward 10–15 minute walk east via Talbot Street.

By Taxi

• Journey Time: 25–40 minutes from the airport, depending heavily on peak-hour congestion.
• Cost: Expect to pay between €25 and €40. Taxis are available 24/7 at airport ranks; credit cards are accepted in all official taxis.

Dublin Connolly is a straightforward station, though its layout can be slightly surprising for first-timers because it functions as both a terminal and a through station. The station features seven platforms numbered 1 through 7, all situated one floor above street level. Think of the station as two distinct zones side-by-side: the terminal section and the through section.

Platforms 1 through 4 are terminal platforms, meaning they are dead-end tracks where trains arrive from and depart toward the north, including the cross-border Enterprise trains to Belfast. These platforms are typically accessed directly from the main concourse area near the ticket office.

Platforms 5, 6, and 7 are through platforms, forming the suburban part of the station. These tracks accommodate the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) services as well as southbound InterCity and commuter trains heading toward Wicklow, Wexford, and Rosslare. Because these are through tracks, they are physically separated from the terminal platforms. To reach platforms 5, 6, and 7, you will need to use the designated subway or pedestrian bridge accessible from the main concourse.

Navigation is generally simple due to the small number of platforms. However, do not expect a massive complex; the entire station is compact enough that walking between the furthest points—from the terminal end of platform 1 to the through platforms 6 or 7—will take you no more than 3 to 5 minutes, even with luggage.

If you are arriving by the Luas tram, you will likely enter the station from the street-level entrance below the main concourse. Simply follow the signs for the escalators or lifts that take you up one level to the main ticket hall. Once in the main concourse, check the overhead electronic departure boards immediately. These will clearly display your train’s destination and its assigned platform number. If you are ever in doubt, the station is well-staffed, and the ticket office is centrally located near the main entrance to assist you. Just remember that while the station is divided into two operational sections, everything is consolidated within one building, making it very difficult to get lost.

Navigating a busy transit hub like Dublin Connolly can be overwhelming, but a little prep goes a long way. I wish someone had told me these specifics before my first trip; it would have saved me a lot of stress.

Before You Arrive

• Download the TFI Live or Irish Rail app: These are essential for tracking real-time platform changes and checking service updates. Don’t rely solely on station boards, as they can update rapidly.
• Ticket Strategy: For Intercity journeys, book online in advance via the Irish Rail website to secure better fares. If you are just using the DART (local train) or short-distance commuter lines, you don’t need to pre-book; you can use a TFI Leap Card or buy a ticket at the machine.
• Expect a busy, older station: Connolly is a major, historic hub. It can feel chaotic compared to modern, sleek European stations. It’s large and can be quite busy, so keep your belongings close at all times.

At the Station

• Platform Access: Access to platforms varies. While there are lifts and escalators, they can occasionally be out of service. If you have heavy luggage, give yourself extra time to navigate the stairs or find the lift.
• Facilities: Toilets are located on the main concourse. There is also a Changing Places toilet in the Belfast waiting area—ask at the information desk for access.
• Food and WiFi: You’ll find coffee shops like O’Briens and Insomnia on-site. WiFi is available, including within Madigans Bar.
• Safety Tip: Keep your valuables on your person. Unfortunately, theft can happen in busy transit areas, so never leave bags unattended on luggage shelves or while waiting.

Common Mistakes

• Platform Changes: Don’t assume your train will depart from the platform you saw on the board an hour ago. Check the live departure screens 20–30 minutes before your train is due; platforms change frequently.
• Payment Confusion: Ticket machines accept most major credit/debit cards (Visa/Mastercard) and contactless payment. However, they do not accept American Express. Avoid the stress of a declined card by having a backup payment method ready.
• Avoid the Area at Night: Locals advise exercising extra caution around the station area and to the east, especially late at night. Stick to well-lit main routes when leaving the station.

Through station serving Dublin, Ireland. Originally opened in 1844 as Dublin Station, this major transport hub features a distinctive Italianate facade and serves as the headquarters for Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail). Following extensive renovations in the late 1990s, the station remains a focal point for the national rail network, connecting travelers to regional destinations as well as the north-south Dublin Area Rapid Transit (DART) line.

For first-time visitors, the station layout is generally straightforward, though it is larger than many suburban stops. It currently operates with seven platforms. While it is a significant hub, it is well-signposted with clear English-language displays to assist with navigation. Travelers should note that platform assignments for trains can change 30 to 60 minutes before departure; always verify your specific train on the digital information screens located throughout the concourse rather than relying solely on pre-printed schedules.

If you are unfamiliar with European rail hubs, allow extra time to familiarize yourself with the signage and the location of your platform. The station is fully integrated with the Luas light rail system, providing easy access to the rest of the city. While the environment is busy, the station is designed for accessibility, featuring lifts and ramps to ensure all travelers can move between levels with confidence.