LogoLocal Link
ChatPlacesAccount

Loading map...

šŸš† Dublin, Ireland Rail

Practical guide to rail in Dublin, Ireland ā€” DART, commuter, intercity services, major stations, fares, timetables, connections and the DART+ expansion for travelers.
Dublin's rail network is run by IarnrĆ³d Ɖireann (Irish Rail) and combines the high-frequency DART coastal service with commuter and intercity trains that link the city with the Greater Dublin Area and the rest of Ireland. This guide covers how the system works, major stations, fares (Leap Card zones), service patterns, connections to Luas and airport coaches, and the DART+ expansion program. (irishrail.ie, transportforireland.ie)

šŸŒ Geography

Dublin sits on Irelandā€™s east coast; the DART line runs along the Irish Sea from north suburbs (Howth, Malahide) to south coastal towns (Bray, Greystones), while commuter routes fan inland to counties like Kildare, Meath and Wicklow. Coastal alignment shapes peak commuter flows and scenic commuter journeys. (irishrail.ie, dublinpublictransport.ie)
More on Geography

šŸ—ŗļø Overview

The rail system has three layers: high-frequency electric DART services, diesel commuter services that extend beyond the electrified spine, and intercity services to provincial cities (e.g., Cork, Galway, Limerick). Timetables, fares and station info are published by IarnrĆ³d Ɖireann. (irishrail.ie, en.wikipedia.org)
More on Overview

šŸšŠ DART

The DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) is the electrified coastal commuter backbone, operating frequent services between Howth/Malahide in the north and Greystones in the south. Trains typically run at high frequency during weekdays with modern EMU rolling stock; DART is the easiest option for many inner-city trips. (irishrail.ie)
More on DART

šŸš‰ Commuter Rail

Commuter routes link Dublin with surrounding counties (Northern, Western, South Western, South Eastern commuter lines). These diesel or EMU services extend DART reach and serve towns such as Maynooth, Kildare, Drogheda and Enfield. Commuter trains feed central stations and the DART trunk. (irishrail.ie, transportforireland.ie)
More on Commuter Rail

šŸš„ Intercity Services

Intercity trains terminate at principal terminals ā€” notably Heuston Station (south/west services such as Cork, Limerick) and Connolly Station (north/west/east services such as Belfast, Sligo, Rosslare). Intercity services operate with reserved-seat and open-ticket options; check Irish Rail for route-specific details. (en.wikipedia.org)
More on Intercity Services

šŸ›ļø Major Stations

Each central station connects to Dublin Bus, Luas or coach services for onward travel. (en.wikipedia.org)
More on Major Stations

šŸ’³ Tickets Fares Leap Card

The TFI Leap Card is the recommended way to pay for DART and commuter rail in Dublin; new Dublin Commuter Fare Zones (Zone 1ā€“4) were introduced in April 2025 and affect ePurse/Leap fares and caps. Leap tap-on/tap-off is required to get the correct fare and daily/weekly caps apply within Zone 1. For intercity services buy tickets on irishrail.ie or at stations. (irishrail.ie, transportforireland.ie, about.leapcard.ie)
More on Tickets Fares Leap Card

ā° Timetables Frequency

DART runs at high frequency (around every 10 minutes on core sections during weekday daytimes); commuter and intercity frequencies vary by line and time of day. Always check live timetables on the IarnrĆ³d Ɖireann website or app before travel. (irishrail.ie)
More on Timetables Frequency

āœˆļø Connections Luas Bus Airport

Central rail stations link with the Luas tram network and Dublin Bus. For airport journeys, Irish Rail offers integrated bookable coach connections via partners such as Aircoach and Dublin Express (e.g., Aircoach routes serve Pearse and Drumcondra stations) ā€” these add-ons can be bought with rail tickets on irishrail.ie. (irishrail.ie, en.wikipedia.org)
More on Connections Luas Bus Airport

šŸ”§ DART+ Expansion

The DART+ programme will grow the electrified DART network (bringing DART services to new corridors and many more stations across the Greater Dublin Area). Project stages (Coastal North, West, South East, etc.) are underway with statutory planning and procurement activity in the 2020sā€”expect phased delivery and service increases over the coming years. (dartplus.ie)
1 of 10
DART+ Dublin
Image 1
Image 2
Image 3
Image 4
Image 5
Image 6
Image 7
Image 8
Image 9
Image 10
Image 1
Image 2
Image 3
Image 4
Image 5
Image 6
Image 7
Image 8
Image 9
Image 10
Image 1
Image 2
Image 3
Image 4
Image 5
Image 6
Image 7
Image 8
Image 9
Image 10
More on DART+ Expansion

šŸš» Accessibility Parking

Most central stations offer step-free access, lifts and wheelchair spaces on DART units; many suburban stations provide park-and-ride facilities. Check individual station pages on Irish Rail for exact accessibility features, bike parking and car parking details. (transportforireland.ie, en.wikipedia.org)
More on Accessibility Parking

āœ… Traveler Tips Safety

  • Always tap on and tap off with your Leap Card for the correct fare and capping. (about.leapcard.ie, irishrail.ie)
  • For airport transfers, consider the integrated Aircoach add-on when booking intercity or commuter tickets on irishrail.ie to avoid separate bookings. (irishrail.ie)
  • Mind peak times (weekday mornings/evenings) ā€” DART is frequent but can be crowded; reserve intercity seats where offered. Check live service alerts for weekend engineering works. (irishrail.ie)
More on Traveler Tips Safety

Last updated: Mon Aug 18, 2025