World City Guide

Getting Around

Public Transport
Dublin’s public transport system is a bus and rail network, although a new network of 40 trams is currently being introduced by Luas Light Rail Lines (tel: (01) 646 3400; website: www.luas.ie), with two lines currently in operation.

Iarnrd ireann (see Getting There By Rail section) runs the clean and speedy electrical DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transport) rail services (tel: (01) 836 6222; website: www.irishrail.ie), which operate Monday to Saturday 0630-2400 and Sunday 0930-2300. Rail fares vary according to routes. The lowest DART fare is 1.30 and tickets are available for purchase from any DART station and at 35 Abbey Street Lower.

Bus tha Cliath (Dublin Bus) runs the city bus services (tel: (01) 873 4222; website: www.dublinbus.ie), which operate daily 0600-2330, with a night bus service (Nitelink) running daily 0030-0430. Bus fares vary according to the number of stops: one to three stops cost 1.80, four to seven stops cost 2.60, eight to 13 stops cost 3, 14 stops and over cost 3.50 (concessions available). Nitelink tickets cost 4–6, depending on the destination. Drivers prefer exact change. Pre-paid tickets may also be purchased at the CIE Information desk at Dublin Airport, Dublin Bus Head Office or at bus ticket agencies.

Information on fares and timetables are provided at the Dublin Bus Information Office and Irish Rail, O’Connell Street, and Dublin Tourism Centre (see Tourist Information section).

Luas, the city’s new tramway system opened in the summer of 2004 and at present only has two routes to the suburbs (arranged into three zones) and is primarily used by commuters. Luas offers a range of ticket options ranging from a single trip, (costing 1.30-2 single or 2.50-3.80 return) to a 7-day pass (costing 10-16) and a 30-day pass (costing 40-60). There are also one-, seven- and 30-day combi-tickets for the Luas and Dublin Bus, covering all zones and costing 6, 23 and 85 respectively.

Various passes for bus, rail or both combined are available. There are one-, three-, five- and seven-day Rambler Tickets, costing 5, 10, 15 and 18 respectively, which offer unlimited travel for consecutive days on all Dublin Bus scheduled services, excluding the night buses. A weekly pass for the DART costs 23.80, or 28 including the use of buses, while a monthly pass costs 92, or 105 including buses. There is also an Adult Short Hop pass at 8.20, valid for unlimited travel for one day on all Dublin Bus, DART and suburban rail services, or a Family Short Hop pass, costing 12.50.

Taxis
Taxis (standard saloon cars) can be hailed on the street, hired at taxi ranks (O’Connell Street, Dame Street and St Stephen’s Green) or booked by telephone. Radio Link (tel: (01) 478 1111) is a reputable company. So is ACE Taxis (tel: (01) 478 3333). There is often a considerable waiting period for a taxi at peak times, especially Friday and Saturday nights. Taxis cost 2.75 for journeys under three minutes 20 seconds and an extra 0.15 for each additional 30 seconds (or each additional ninth of a mile). There is a 0.50 surcharge for each additional passenger or item of luggage and during unsociable hours. It is customary for passengers to tip the driver 10-15% of the fare.

Limousines
The Limousine Company (tel: (01) 843 9055; website: www.limousine.ie) specialises in corporate hire and offers the latest, conference-seated limousines from 124 for the first hour, and 65 per subsequent hour (for a minimum four-hour hire period). Eurolimo (tel: (087) 799 1259; website: www.eurolimos.ie) offers a range of limousine services from airport pick-ups to special occasions, with standard 8-seater cars costing 150 for the first hour, and 50 per subsequent hour.

Driving in the City
The volume of traffic in Dublin is increasing and parking is expensive and limited, although some hotels and guesthouses provide private parking for guests. Visitors should avoid driving during morning and late afternoon rush hours if possible. Drivers should keep out of bus lanes at all times, whether driving or parking. There are also numerous one-way systems in the centre, including the quays alongside the River Liffey (the south bank flows east to west and the north bank, west to east).
Street parking is limited in the city centre and official car parks are usually the best bet. The city’s main car parks, with various hourly rates, are Arnotts, Middle Abbey Street, on the Northside and Brown Thomas, Clarendon Street 2, on the Southside. Both are located in the middle of shopping districts. Expect to pay around 2.50-2.70 per hour. For street parking, kerbside pay-and-display meters are standard; the maximum time for parking is usually three hours. Parking prices on the city centre streets are 2.50 per hour Monday to Saturday 0800-1900. Sunday parking charges are 1.30 per hour between 1200 and 1800.

Clamping zones operate within the city centre and the recovery of a clamped vehicle will cost around 80. Recovery of clamped or towed-away vehicles is from Control Plus (tel: (01) 602 2500).

Car Hire
A full national driving licence and deposit are necessary for visitors to hire a car in Ireland; most firms require the driver to be over 23 and under 70 years old and to have held a full driving licence for a minimum of two years without endorsements.

Avis, 1 East Hanover Street (tel: (01) 605 7500; website: www.avis.com); Budget, 151 Drumcondra Road Lower (tel: (01) 837 9611; website: www.budget.com), and Europcar, Dublin Airport (tel: (01) 812 0410; website: www.europcar.ie), are among the main providers. Rates vary on a seasonal basis and start from around 200 per week upwards for the hire of a small car. Pre-booking is strongly recommended in summer and payment is usually only accepted by credit card.

Bicycle Hire
The best tracks are along Dublin Bay and across the Wicklow Mountains, as central Dublin is sadly lacking in cycle paths. Cycle Ways, 185-186 Parnell Street (tel: (01) 873 4748; fax: (01) 872 9462; e-mail: rentabike@cycleways.com; website: www.cycleways.com) offers a seasonal bicycle hire service for 20 per day (including insurance) or 80 per week. A deposit of at least 100 is usually required.