Train from Dublin to Galway options
September 2, 2024 5:46 PM Subscribe
We're planning on traveling from Dublin to Galway mid-week, closest station looks like Pearse but it also seems that Heuston is the major station we're doing the bulk of the ride from. https://www.irishrail.ie isn't letting me book Pearse -> Ceannt, and some bus/local rail connections look a little tight. What's the best way to do this?
This will be our first time in Dublin so I'm unsure on reliability of transit timetables, whether it's more time/cost effective to do a taxi of some kind, or what. Would love to be in Galway sometime 4pm-6pm at the latest.
This will be our first time in Dublin so I'm unsure on reliability of transit timetables, whether it's more time/cost effective to do a taxi of some kind, or what. Would love to be in Galway sometime 4pm-6pm at the latest.
It’s Houston to go to Galway, busses are good too, about the same time, similar cost, loads of trips per day. I generally cab to Heston cos it’s a tiny bit awkward and I am lazy. Have fun!
posted by Iteki at 10:54 PM on September 2 [1 favorite]
posted by Iteki at 10:54 PM on September 2 [1 favorite]
Trains from Pearse to Heuston leave every 30 mins & the trip is only 6 mins.
There are no trains from Pearse to Heuston; it’s not a regular service at all. Searching for the connection on the Irish Rail website will confuse you as it returns a combo of a Dart ride to Connolly (two stops) and the Luas tram to Heuston (about 10-15 mins). That’s a straightforward connection to make (did it myself last December: train into Connolly and onto the Luas before lunch for the 1.30pm-ish train to Galway).
posted by macdara at 12:55 AM on September 3 [1 favorite]
There are no trains from Pearse to Heuston; it’s not a regular service at all. Searching for the connection on the Irish Rail website will confuse you as it returns a combo of a Dart ride to Connolly (two stops) and the Luas tram to Heuston (about 10-15 mins). That’s a straightforward connection to make (did it myself last December: train into Connolly and onto the Luas before lunch for the 1.30pm-ish train to Galway).
posted by macdara at 12:55 AM on September 3 [1 favorite]
Also, if you’re going to do the Connolly > Luas > Heuston thing, don’t wait for a tram at the Connolly stop if there isn’t one there ready to depart soon; cross the street and go to the Busáras stop a couple of minutes away as they’re far more frequent there.
posted by macdara at 12:58 AM on September 3
posted by macdara at 12:58 AM on September 3
Echo Macdara. Trains for Galway only leave from Dublin Heuston [timetable]. Almost all trains out of Dublin use Heuston. Pearse is one of three stations (with Tara St and Connolly) in Central Dublin which serves a separate rail corridor up the East coast from Wexford to Belfast. So to be Irish "if you want to get there, you don't want to start from here". You can embrace the Connolly + Luas Red Line options advised by Macdara. The Red Line splits in two just East of Busáras so more options going West from there.
Yesterday I caught a 145 bus to Heuston from Aston Quay at the SW corner of O'Connell Bridge. They go on the reg'lar and take ~10 mins, traffic permitting. A little further West on Aston Quay you can catch C1 C2 C3 C4 buses; which have also just passed Tara St rail station.
City Centre Bus and Luas stops have accurate LED displays saying when the next vehicle is due.
otoh: Due to Ireland's woeful rail infrastructure, the country is better served by an express Bus network. eg. CityBus from Dublin Centre and Airport to Galway [timetable] which is time and price competitive.
posted by BobTheScientist at 4:59 AM on September 3 [2 favorites]
Yesterday I caught a 145 bus to Heuston from Aston Quay at the SW corner of O'Connell Bridge. They go on the reg'lar and take ~10 mins, traffic permitting. A little further West on Aston Quay you can catch C1 C2 C3 C4 buses; which have also just passed Tara St rail station.
City Centre Bus and Luas stops have accurate LED displays saying when the next vehicle is due.
otoh: Due to Ireland's woeful rail infrastructure, the country is better served by an express Bus network. eg. CityBus from Dublin Centre and Airport to Galway [timetable] which is time and price competitive.
posted by BobTheScientist at 4:59 AM on September 3 [2 favorites]
Go directly to Heuston station for the train to Galway, do not mess around with trying to transfer from Pearse or Connolly. Depending on where you are in the city you can take the Red line Luas to Heuston or just get a taxi. There are several Dublin -> Galway trains during the day, looks like you have a couple of options for meeting your 4-6pm arrival time. I recommend getting a ticket with a reserved seat.
posted by 4rtemis at 10:06 AM on September 3
posted by 4rtemis at 10:06 AM on September 3
I have traveled Dublin-Galway a load of times and always take the bus. It's much more convenient than the train. BobTheScientist had a link up there.
Just don't forget to thank the bus driver...
posted by Morpeth at 1:57 PM on September 3
Just don't forget to thank the bus driver...
posted by Morpeth at 1:57 PM on September 3
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Trains from Pearse to Heuston leave every 30 mins & the trip is only 6 mins. No need to book. You could of course taxi if you prefer.
posted by HiroProtagonist at 6:40 PM on September 2 [1 favorite]