Who Takes This Route?
Ballsbridge (Dublin 4) is one of Dublin's most affluent neighbourhoods — home to international embassies, the RDS (hosting events like the Dublin Horse Show and tech conferences), the Aviva Stadium, and premium hotels like the InterContinental, Herbert Park Hotel, and Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge.
This route is heavily used by business travellers staying in D4 hotels, conference and event attendees at the RDS, embassy visitors, and match-day visitors heading to or from the Aviva Stadium who need to catch a flight.
Staying at the Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge? It's on this route — €28–€36 by day from the airport, dropped at the hotel door in 25–40 minutes.
Fare Breakdown by Tariff
| Tariff | When | Estimated Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (1) | Mon–Sat, 8am–8pm | €28 – €36 |
| Premium (2) | Mon–Sat 8pm–8am, Sundays | €35 – €44 |
| Special (3) | Fri/Sat midnight–4am, holidays | €40 – €50 |
A €3 booking fee applies when pre-booked. €1 per extra adult. No luggage charge. For a precise estimate from your hotel, use the fare calculator.
Route to the Airport
Via Merrion Road, Grand Canal & Port Tunnel (most common)
The typical route goes north along Merrion Road, past the Grand Canal Dock area, and into the Port Tunnel. Journey time is 25–35 minutes off-peak. This is the fastest and most direct route. The Port Tunnel toll may be added to the fare.
Via Northumberland Road & City Centre (alternative)
Some drivers go through Northumberland Road, Baggot Street, and the city centre before entering the tunnel. This route is slightly shorter but passes through more traffic lights and congestion. Expect 30–45 minutes depending on traffic.
All Transport Options Compared
| Option | Price | Time | Direct? | Luggage? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi (CaminoCabs) | €28 – €36 | 25 – 40 min | Yes | Yes |
| Aircoach 702 | Around €9 | 35 – 55 min | Yes — stops in Ballsbridge | Luggage hold |
| DART + Dublin Bus 41 | Around €4 (Leap) | 55 – 75 min | No — 1 transfer | Difficult |
The Aircoach 702 — Ballsbridge's Direct Bus to the Airport
Ballsbridge is one of the lucky neighbourhoods with a direct airport bus. The Aircoach 702 runs from Dún Laoghaire through Booterstown, Blackrock, and Ballsbridge (Merrion Road) to Dublin Airport via the Port Tunnel.
At around €9 with a journey time of 35–55 minutes, it's a strong budget alternative. The bus has a luggage hold and stops right on Merrion Road — within walking distance of most Ballsbridge hotels. The main downside is frequency: the 702 runs roughly every hour at peak times, less frequently than the 700 route.
Ballsbridge vs Nearby Areas
| From | Distance | Day Fare | Direct Bus? |
|---|---|---|---|
| City Centre | ~12 km | €25 – €32 | Dublin Express, Aircoach 700 |
| Ballsbridge | ~14 km | €28 – €36 | Aircoach 702 |
| Ranelagh | ~14 km | €28 – €36 | Aircoach 700 |
| Dundrum | ~20 km | €35 – €45 | None direct |
Ballsbridge is similar in distance and fare to Ranelagh — both are in the D4/D6 area of south Dublin. The key difference is Ballsbridge has the Aircoach 702 while Ranelagh has the 700. Both are good alternatives for solo travellers.
Business Traveller Tips
Receipt and expenses. CaminoCabs provides a digital receipt for every journey — useful for business expense claims. The fare, route, and time are all logged in the app.
Pre-book for reliability. If you have a flight to catch after a meeting or conference, pre-book your airport taxi through CaminoCabs — or book a Dublin taxi with receipts and recurring bookings in the app. Set the pickup time and location, and your driver will be confirmed in advance.
Monday morning rush. Ballsbridge to the airport on a Monday morning (7–9am) can take 40+ minutes via the city centre. Ask your driver to use the Port Tunnel route and leave with at least 2 hours before your flight.
The Reverse — Dublin Airport to Ballsbridge
Flying into Dublin for a conference or hotel stay in Ballsbridge? Same fare — €28–€36 by day. Pre-book through CaminoCabs and give the driver your hotel name. The Aircoach 702 also runs from the airport to Ballsbridge for around €9.
For a full overview of all transport from the airport, see: How to Get From Dublin Airport to City Centre.
Airport Taxi From Ballsbridge
Pre-book your ride. Digital receipt for expenses. No surge pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a taxi from Ballsbridge to Dublin Airport?
€28–€36 during the day (Standard Rate) and €35–€44 at night. A €3 booking fee applies for pre-booked taxis. Port Tunnel toll may be added.
How long does it take from Ballsbridge to Dublin Airport?
25–40 minutes by taxi off-peak via the Port Tunnel. During rush hour or on event days, allow up to 50 minutes.
Is there a direct bus from Ballsbridge to Dublin Airport?
Yes — the Aircoach 702 stops on Merrion Road in Ballsbridge and goes directly to Dublin Airport for around €9. Runs roughly every hour at peak times.
How do I get to Dublin Airport from the RDS?
A taxi from the RDS to Dublin Airport costs €28–€36 by day and takes 25–40 minutes. On event days, leave early and pre-book through CaminoCabs to avoid congestion. The Aircoach 702 stop is a 5-minute walk from the RDS.
How do I get to Dublin Airport from the Aviva Stadium?
The Aviva Stadium is in Ballsbridge — same fare and journey time. After a match, the area is very congested. Pre-book well in advance or allow extra time to find a taxi.
Can I book a taxi for business travel from Ballsbridge?
Yes — Ballsbridge to Dublin Airport is one of the most popular business routes on CaminoCabs. Pre-book for a confirmed pickup, get a digital receipt for every journey, and request a Taxi XL if you're travelling with colleagues. Recurring bookings are available in the app.
Can I get a receipt for my business expenses?
Yes — CaminoCabs provides a digital receipt for every journey in the app, with fare, route, and time details. Ideal for business expense claims.
More: All Dublin Taxi Routes · Dublin Airport Taxi · Dublin Taxi Fares Explained · Save Money on Taxis · Plan Your Journey