Your driver will meet you at your address in Dublin.
Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage
Trip
Youâll travel in comfort for 2 h 20 min.
Optional sight-seeing
Clean, comfortable car
Professional driver
Bottled water
Child seats
Prepared for handicapped
Smoke-free
Pet friendly
Drop-off
Your driver will drop you off at your address in Galway.
Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage
In total
209 km2 h 20 min
Questions & Answers about Traveling from Dublin to Galway
What is the best way to get from Dublin to Galway?
Galway and Dublin are on opposite sides of the island. The train is cheap and fast if you just want to get to Galway as quickly as possible. But if you want to experience as much of the Emerald Isle as possible, Daytrip's door-to-door service with a customer sightseeing itinerary is the best way to travel.
What's the distance from Dublin to Galway?
The road distance is 128 miles, which takes around 2.5 hours. As the crow flies, 115 miles separate the cities.
How long should I spend in Galway?
Galway is a small city, so you can easily explore the main sights in a day. However, you should spend at least 48 hours here to appreciate all the area's offerings.
Can I get public transport tickets from Dublin to Galway at night?
The last train on the Dublin to Galway timetable is at 7:35 p.m. Aircoach offers a night bus starting at 11:50 p.m. from Dublin Airport and the city center.
Is Galway good for families?
Galway is a family-friendly city. There are plenty of activities for kids, but stores and restaurants make younger guests feel at home.
What's the cheapest way to get from Dublin to Galway?
Trains are the cheapest way to get from Dublin to Galway. The price of tickets starts at âŹ14 when booking online.
Is there a flight from Dublin to Galway?
As of 2024, there are no direct flights from Dublin to Galway. Shannon Airport is the closest one to Galway, located over an hour's drive south. Therefore, a flight will be the most time-consuming and costly way to travel between the cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions, here are the answers.
Daytrip is the most convenient way to experience 14,500+ cities around the world.
Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries theyâre visiting. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. We believe unique local knowledge and real human connection are irreplaceable when it comes to truly comprehending another culture.
The Land of a Thousand Welcomes will warmly greet you with a picture-perfect drive from Dublin to Galway. On an island where scenic views are as free-flowing as beer and stout, you can expect nothing less than a beautiful yet exhilarating 128-mile car trip.
From a modern, tech-savvy metropolis in the east to the traditional cobbled lanes in the west, you're about to venture across the entire width of the Republic of Ireland. But with some planning and preparation, you can turn this seemingly complicated journey into a walk in the park.
So, buckle up and get ready to uncover tips, tricks, and everything else you need to know to travel from Dublin to Galway!
About Galway
As you travel from Dublin to Galway, you'll be surprised to learn that the City of Tribes is the fourth largest urban center in the Republic of Ireland. Over 85,000 people live across 22 square miles situated along the River Corrib.
Galway started life as a small fishing village along its rich waters. It grew when the Normans settled and built a fort in the 12th century. For centuries, the city withstood endless raids. However, its position along the coast allowed for trade with Spain. As a result, the region continued to thrive until other cities like Cork and Waterford began trading in continental Europe.
Today, the city is a blend of modern and traditional. Irish pubs stand side by side with chic boutique stores. As a testament to the city's revival, it was named the European capital of culture in 2020. And for foodies, Galway's native oysters are often called the best in the world.
From Dublin to Galway: Travel Tips
Driving from Dublin to Galway is a trip across the whole country. So, to ensure you have a comfortable and memorable experience, we compiled three secret travel tips below!
Go Sightseeing
The Republic of Ireland is a nature-filled land. Due to this, many attractions are located outside the cities with no public transport.
A custom door-to-door service allows you to schedule a stop at remote attractions en route. Trim Castle and Castletown House are two extraordinary gems off the beaten track that you'd miss if you take any other transportation option.
Pack for the Weather
Ask any local for a tip when visiting Ireland, and the chances are they'll say to bring an umbrella and waterproof jacket! It doesn't matter if the sun is splitting the stones in the morning. You could see all four seasons of the year on your trip from Dublin to Galway.
In addition, the west of Ireland receives the most rainfall on the island!
Speak to Your Driver
Whether it's a professional door-to-door driver or public transport bus operator, be sure to speak to them. Irish citizens are proud of their community and will gladly recommend outlets that aren't in guidebooks. After all, the nation was voted the friendliest in Europe.
How to Get From Dublin to Galway
To travel from Dublin to Galway, you have three transportation options available. This includes buses, trains, and Daytrip. To make things easier, we created an introduction to each mode of transport.
Bus From Dublin to Galway
The bus is the most popular way for locals and tourists to get from Dublin to Galway. Seats start at âŹ17 one-way or âŹ28 for a return trip when booking online with Aircoach. The ride is about 2.5 hours if you take a direct bus.
Note that there are several bus companies, all with a different ticket price and schedule. Bus Eireann is the most expensive and longest trip, as it stops at numerous towns.
Trains From Dublin to Galway
The train is the most affordable way to travel from Dublin to Galway. The quickest trip takes only 2 hours and 16 minutes, while the average is 2 hours and 34 minutes. Irish Rail is the only train provider in the Republic of Ireland.
Prices start at âŹ14, but the cost can skyrocket on weekends and during the peak summer season. You should check the timetable and book 30 days in advance for the best deals.
Daytrip From Dublin to Galway
Daytrip offers a smooth car drive through the Republic of Ireland's green heartlands. Every minute of the 2-hour, 20-minute drive feels like a day at the spa. Recline your seat, stretch your legs, or adjust the temperature so you can unwind while watching nature pass by your window.
Whether you're traveling with children, pets, or those with limited walking capacity, your professional driver will go above and beyond to provide flawless service. Unlike public transport, our door-to-door ride will drop you off at your desired location, so you don't have to worry about handling luggage! And, of course, unlike any other transportation option, you can stop to visit castles, manors, and even the Tullamore Dew Distillery!
Things to Do When You Get to Galway
After driving from Dublin to Galway, you'll be part of the 1 million annual tourists exploring the city. You'll know why so many people flock here when you uncover the best things to see and do in town!
Take a Tour to The Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher are an iconic symbol of Ireland. The jaw-dropping coastline hangs over the choppy waters of the Atlantic Sea below. And you have a 360-degree view of the breathtaking scenery, as far as the eye can see.
The cliffs of Moher aren't located in the Galway region. Fortunately, they're less than a 1.5-hour tour from the city. You'll be replacing energetic streets with rugged walking trails.
Get Lost in the Latin Quarter
The Latin Quarter is one of the oldest sections of Galway today. While it still showcases Galwayâs medieval heritage, the area is the city's beating heart, packed with bars, restaurants, hotels, and shops.
Turn off Google Maps and simply get lost in these pretty lanes. You'll be sure to uncover some hidden gems along the way!
Listen to Traditional Irish Music
There's only one way to truly appreciate live traditional Irish music: with a pint of stout! Guinness is the obvious choice, but if you want to blend in with the locals, opt for Galway Hooker Irish Stout.
There are endless settings where you can listen to live Irish music sessions featuring fiddles, flutes, and bodhrĂĄns. Some popular venues include Tig Coili, The Crane Bar, and Tigh Neachtain.
Enjoy the Fresh Local Food!
Galwayâs gastronomy is worth making an international trip for. Along with having some of the worldâs best oysters, smoked salmon and eel, seafood chowder, and local mussels cooked with garlic and cream sauce round out seafood spectacular. Then from the rolling hills, Connemara lamb, a European Protected Geographical Indication that can only be raised here, is a meaty treat.
Best Time to Visit Galway
Summer is the peak season for traveling from Dublin to Galway. Although temperatures don't reach the heights of continental Europe, it's the time when locals and tourists mingle outdoors.
However, Galway is a compact city, and it can feel overcrowded in July or August with only a few thousand daily visitors. As a result, spring is the best time to travel here.
Crowds are fewer, gray clouds make way for blue skies, and hotels and airlines offer attractive deals. But, most importantly, you can witness the various festivals. Saint Patrick's Day, Clifden Traditional Music Festival, Galway Film Fleadh, and more all happen in the Spring.
Visit these sights on the way
Castletown House
The first and largest manor of its kind in Ireland, this elegant estate immerses visitors in the beauty of days gone by. Principal PalladiumÂ
Trim Castle
Irelandâs largest Norman castle served as King Johnâs castle in the movie Braveheart. Big and BraveÂ
Irish National Stud and Gardens
Surrounded by serene gardens, the legacy of Irish horse racing lives on at the only stud farm open to the public. HorsicultureÂ
Tullamore Dew
Experience the rich history (and flavor) of one of Irelandâs most famous exports. Do the DewÂ
Clonmacnoise
One of Ireland's most prominent medieval monasteries was renowned for its intricate metal and stone work. Cross CutÂ
Athlone Castle
Now an interesting museum, for several centuries, this castle guarded the river crossing at Athlone. A Historic Ford-ificationÂ
Derryglad Folk and Heritage Museum
The several thousand objects showcased in this private collection offer a charming glimpse at rural Irish life. Everything but the Kitchen SinkÂ
Kilmacduagh Abbey
The stone tower at this ruined medieval monastery was the tallest structure in Ireland until the modern age. The Leaning Tower of IrelandÂ
âI used this service for a transfer from Split in Croatia to Perast Montenegro. My experience was exceptional. My driver Bojan was helpful, informative and ensured my journey was comfortable and enjoyable. I highly recommend the service.â
âWe were extremely satisfied with the quality of service we received from Day Trip. We had two Day Trip rides on August 31 from Athens to Lefkada and September 7 from Lefkada back to Athens. Both trips included stops at scenic sites in Greece. Both drivers were excellent and accommodating. However, weâd especially like to recognize Panos Peppas, who was our driver from Lefkada to Athens. Panos was incredibly nice & pleasant and delivered outstanding customer service, which included handling all of luggage, providing us with cold waters throughout the trip, providing us protein bars, providing us with printed materials on the Corinth Canal (one of scenic stops), looking up and providing us with terminal & gate info for our flight back home and providing us with a recipe for tzatziki.â
Reviewed by Tripadvisor
traveler Daydream20046758137
âWe absolutely love this company and have used it many times over the years to get from A to B without the hassle of hiring a car ourselves. Excellent drivers every time. Efficient and professional. Itâs worth every penny and we can honestly recommend Day Trip to everyone. Itâs 5 star rating is well deserved.â
âWe traveled from Nuremberg to Munich in a beautiful Audi. Driver picked us at our hotel at the exact time requested. Got us to Munich in plenty of time for our next tour. Driver made sure we were comfortableâ
âGonzalo from daytrip was our driver and he was absolutely amazing. He went over and beyond trying to locate us as our service wasn't so good on our phones. He patiently awaited our arrival to the lobby so he could take us from Tulum Dreams Resort to our other hotel in cancun an hour and a half away near the airport prior to our departure flight home. He was polite, respectful and kind. Made sure we were comfortable during our long ride. Fast and to the point. I recommend this company as finding a one way ride from Tulum to Cancun isn't easy or cheap and this company provides a great service for a great price. I will definitely be using them again whenever I'm in the Cancun/Tulum area. Thank you DayTrip and Gonzola.â
âWe were picked up by Marianna to drive us from Heraklion to Chania. The weather was terrible & due to this Marianna arrived a few minutes late. She contacted me to advise of this. Marianna lives in Chana and she made our trip very interesting by informing us of local things to do and see in Chania. Marianna is a safe driver and we all felt comfortable with the speed she drove at and how good her driving was in heavy rain. She is a lovely person with fluent English. We highly recommend Daytrips and if you are in Heraklion or Chania please make sure you ask for Marianna.â
âUsed the service to go from Luxor to Hurghada, Egypt. Ahmed H was our driver and he was perfect. The car was new, clean, he had water and snacks for us, and accommodated our stops. Great service from him and would recommend it.â
âUsed Daytrip for two rides in Mexico, which were both great. So comfortable, and we arrived at each of our destinations at a great time. Both were incredible drivers, and we felt so safe. One of our drivers, Miguel, also played the best music! Will definitely use Daytrip on our next trip to Mexico.â
âWe did not know what to expect with this trip and booked from Australia. We were initially looking for an easy way to travel from Granada to Malaga. We decided not to waste the opportunity to see something additional on our way. Miguel certainly exceeded our expectations. His English was excellent (unfortunately we speak very little Spanish), and he was very friendly and helpful. We thoroughly enjoyed hearing about the regions as we passed through and also discussing some of the local ways. Miguel took us to Antequera as planned and ensured we were able to easily get our tickets to the attractions without any sense of rushing us. We were picked up and dropped off punctually and really enjoyed our trip. Hopefully we will return to Spain and we can use this service again sometime.â
âWe used Daytrip to travel from Galway to Dublin. Our driver, Mick, was great! An efficient, friendly and helpful driver, he even swung back several minutes after drop off when we realized we left something in the vehicle. His vehicle was clean and he was on time, both of which I appreciated too. Booking was easy and clear too. We had a great overall experience and I would book again.â
Reviewed by Tripadvisor
traveler pattymA469HX
Good to know
Children
If youâre traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!
Pets
Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.
Tips
Gratuity isnât included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).
Luggage
Big luggage
29x21x11 inches
74x53x28 cm
Small luggage
22x14x9 inches
56x36x23 cm
Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If youâre traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.
Payment methods
Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!
Daytrip is a platform that connects you with local drivers who will transport you door-to-door, from one city to the next. We also give you the opportunity to explore sights/attractions along the way. We drive, you discover.
Yes! A return trip will take you back to your city of origin in the same size car in which you arrived. Return trips can be booked for the any day. You can also add customized sightseeing stops separately for each trip! Donât worry if you donât know your exact address at the time of booking - youâll have the opportunity to update us closer to your travel date. Make sure to select âReturnâ when you start the booking process, then choose the dates and times of your departures.
For private trips, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure. For the Daytrip Pool shared shuttle, we offer 3 ticket options when booking: Non-refundable, Flexible with cancellations 24 hours before departure, and Super-flexible with cancellations up to 15 minutes before departure.
Simply choose your origin and destination via our homepage and enter your departure date and time. Browse and add sightseeing stops along the way by following the booking instructions provided on-screen. Select âOne Wayâ or âReturnâ to change the type of trip you need. Itâs a simple, easy, and fun way to book your next adventure! And if you donât see your desired route on our website, you can request a custom trip. You can even book without knowing your exact pick-up or drop-off address - we let you add these later!
Each passenger is allowed one large bag (29" x 21" x 11" / 74 x 53 x 28 cm) and one small bag (22" x 14" x 9" / 56 x 36 x 23 cm). Luxury sedans can only accommodate 2 large bags. We always send the vehicle that is the best fit for you and your luggage, so make sure to select the actual amount of luggage you are traveling with when booking. If you have oversized luggage, or are unsure if your luggage will fit, contact us.
Everywhere except the USA, drivers will supply appropriate child seats (just let us know during booking). In the USA, certain states require you to supply your own child seats.
