If you’ve been visiting Dublin for a few days, have checked out the capital’s greatest museums and spent time in its best non-touristy pubs, it may be time to move on and see what the rest of Ireland has to offer. And because the Republic of Ireland is a small country with a solid railway network, you can go from one end of it to the other very quickly and for very cheap. Irish Rail’s trains from Dublin to Galway allow you to cross the country, from the Irish Sea to the Atlantic Ocean (and vice-versa) in a flash.
Photo: mark gusev/Shutterstock
This Train Will Take You Across Ireland From East to West in Less Than 2.5 Hours
- How far is Galway from Dublin?
- Is there a high-speed train from Dublin to Galway?
- How much does it cost to take the train from Dublin to Galway?
- How long is the train from Dublin to Galway?
- How often are there trains between Galway and Dublin?
- Is it better to take a bus or a train from Dublin to Galway?
- Is Galway Ireland worth visiting?
- How many days do you need in Galway?
- The best hotels in Galway
How far is Galway from Dublin?
Galway is around 130 miles away from Dublin. You can opt to travel between the two cities by car which would take around 2.5 hours. (Note that in Ireland people drive on the left in right-hand drive cars.) Or you can choose to travel with one of the several bus companies that cover that route, including CityLink, GoBus, and Aircoach. But the quickest and most comfortable way to travel between Dublin and Galway is to ride the train with Irish Rail from Dublin Heuston Station to Galway railway station.
Is there a high-speed train from Dublin to Galway?
No, there is no high-speed train running between Dublin and Galway. The trains that operate on this route are InterCity Railcars (ICR) whose maximum speed is 99.4 miles per hour (160 kilometers per hour). InterCity trains between Dublin and Galway complete the trip in 2.5 hours or less.
How much does it cost to take the train from Dublin to Galway?
Photo: mark gusev/Shutterstock
The lowest fare to travel on the train between Dublin and Galway is $15.25 (13.99 €) and the highest fare is $17.43 (15.99 €). The price varies according to the level of flexibility you want in regard to canceling or modifying your reservation. The lowest fare seats tend to sell out quickly so book it early for the best price. Note that there is only one class of service on Irish rail’s InterCity trains.
How long is the train from Dublin to Galway?
The train between Dublin and Galway is direct and takes between two hours and 18 minutes and two hours and 31 minutes to reach its destination.
How often are there trains between Galway and Dublin?
Photo: Ronin of Rock/Shutterstock
Trains from Dublin Heuston to Galway railway station run daily. From Monday to Friday, there are nine departures per day, with the first train leaving at 7:35 AM and the last train leaving at 7:35 PM. On Saturday, there are eight departures, from 7:35 AM to 7:35 PM. On Sunday, there are six departures, from 8 AM to 8:30 PM.
Trains from Galway railway station to Dublin Heuston run daily. From Monday to Friday, there are 10 departures per day, with the first train leaving at 5:25 AM and the last train leaving at 7:20 PM. On Saturday, there are nine departure from 6:25 AM to 7:20 PM. On Sunday, there are six departures, from 8:05 AM to 6 PM.
Is it better to take a bus or a train from Dublin to Galway?
There are several bus companies traveling between Dublin and Galway daily, including CityBus, GoBus, and Aircoach. While buses are more frequent, they take just as long or longer than the trains to complete the trip, they stop more often, and they are less comfortable. Fares are very similar, but taking the train tends to be cheaper.
Is Galway, Ireland, worth visiting?
If you’re traveling around Ireland, you cannot skip a visit to Galway. Where Dublin is busy, modern, and trendy, Galway is low-key, artsy, and traditional. Galway feels more like a fishing town than Ireland’s third largest city, despite its large and celebrated university and 83,000 inhabitants. The population of Galway consists of a lot of students, making for a fun and lively atmosphere. The heart of the action, by day or by night, is around Quay Street with its great shopping and pubs where Irish music is played most nights. Galway is the halfway point on the Wild Atlantic Way, and it’s the getaway to the world-famous landscapes of the Cliffs of Moher, the Connemara, and the Aran Islands.
How many days do you need in Galway?
If you’re going to Galway, plan to stay three or four days. That way, you’ll get to see the highlights of the city and enjoy its bohemian vibe, as well as take a couple of full day trips to the Connemara or the Cliffs of Moher, both of which you’d be remiss to pass on.
The best hotels in Galway
For great places to stay in Dublin, check out Matador’s selection of Airbnbs near the city’s coolest attractions.
We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay.
The G Hotel and Spa
Just a five-minute taxi ride from the train station and the city center, the G Hotel and Spa is a five-star spa hotel with views on Lough Atalia. The property has a variety of rooms to accommodate your party and your budget, all of which are elegantly decorated thanks to a recent extensive $1 million refurbishment. The G Hotel and Spa is the perfect place to stay for those who want to enjoy the energy and attractions of the city and be able retreat from it when needed. The spa offers a variety of treatments including massages and facials, and there is a thermal suite equipped with a pool, a sauna, heated loungers, and more. The hotel is also home is a restaurant, a cocktail bar, and three lounges where to enjoy meals, drinks, or afternoon tea.
Harbour Hotel
The Harbour Hotel is a four-star property located in the heart of the action, a 10-minute walk from the Galway railway station and the city center. The interior decor of this 96-room hotel is tasteful and homely. There is a renowed on-site restaurant, Dillisk on the Docks, and an outdoors terrace from where guests can relax.
The Galmont
The Galmont is a four-star property located less than 15 minutes on foot from the railway station and the Galway city center. Home to an award-winning spa with a thermal suite, a sauna, and an indoor pool, the 275-room property is ideal for travelers who wish to relax or treat themselves to a massage, facial, scrub, manicure, pedicure, or more. The interior decor is elegant and understated, and the large terrace has views on Lough Atalia. The on-site Marinas Restaurant and the Coopers Bar & Lounge will fill all your dining needs, including afternoon tea. 