Who Takes This Route?
Connolly Station serves the DART coastal line (Howth, Malahide, Dún Laoghaire, Bray), Northern Commuter services (Drogheda, Dundalk), the Enterprise to Belfast, and Sligo/Rosslare Intercity trains. If you're arriving from any of these services and need to get to Dublin Airport, Connolly is your closest connection point.
It's also the nearest mainline station to the IFSC, Docklands, and north inner city — so travellers staying in this area will often use Connolly as their airport transfer starting point.
Fare Breakdown by Tariff
| Tariff | When | Estimated Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (1) | Mon–Sat, 8am–8pm | €22 – €30 |
| Premium (2) | Mon–Sat 8pm–8am, Sundays | €30 – €38 |
| Special (3) | Fri/Sat midnight–4am, Christmas, NYE | €34 – €42 |
A €3 booking fee applies when pre-booked. €1 per extra adult after the first. No luggage charge. For a precise estimate with your exact pickup point, use the fare calculator.
Travelling as a group or with lots of luggage? Book a 7 or 8 seater taxi: same regulated meter, room for up to 8 passengers.
Why Connolly Is Cheaper Than Heuston
Connolly Station is about 4 km closer to Dublin Airport than Heuston Station. That translates to roughly €8–€10 less on the taxi fare. If you have a choice of which station to use (for example, if you're coming from a city served by both routes), Connolly is the better option for airport connections.
| Station | Distance to Airport | Day Fare | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connolly Station | ~11 km | €22 – €30 | 20 – 30 min |
| Heuston Station | ~15 km | €30 – €38 | 25 – 40 min |
Where to Get a Taxi at Connolly Station
The taxi rank is on Amiens Street, right outside the main station exit. Walk out through the front doors of the station and you'll see the rank on your left. There are usually taxis available during the day, but the rank can be quiet late at night.
If no taxis are at the rank, book through the CaminoCabs app — a driver will come to you within minutes. See our Connolly Station taxi rank page for hours and availability, or check the taxi rank locator for live driver counts.
Route to the Airport
Via Drumcondra & Santry (surface route)
The most common route goes north via Amiens Street, Drumcondra Road, and Santry to the airport. Journey time is 20–30 minutes off-peak. Drumcondra Road can be slow during morning rush hour.
Via Port Tunnel (faster in traffic)
Some drivers use the Port Tunnel, especially during rush hour. The tunnel entrance is close to the Docklands area, just east of Connolly. This avoids Drumcondra traffic entirely. Journey time via the tunnel is typically 15–25 minutes. The tunnel toll will be added to your fare.
All Transport Options Compared
| Option | Price | Time | Frequency | Direct? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi (CaminoCabs) | €22 – €30 | 20 – 30 min | 24/7 | Yes |
| Dublin Bus (city routes) | €2 (Leap) | 35 – 50 min | Day & night services | Near-direct |
| Dublin Express 784 | €9 | 30 – 40 min | Every 15 min | Yes (from nearby stop) |
| Aircoach 700 | €9 | 35 – 45 min | Every 15–30 min | From O'Connell St (10 min walk) |
The Night & 24-Hour Bus Alternative
Several Dublin Bus routes serve the airport from Lower Abbey Street — a 5-minute walk from Connolly — including late-night services on weekends. At just €2 with a Leap Card, they're by far the cheapest option. The journey takes 35–50 minutes with multiple stops along the way. Check current routes and live times in the Dublin bus tracker.
The bus is a good option if you're travelling solo on a budget and have time. But it's not ideal with heavy luggage (limited space on the bus), during late-night hours (frequency drops overnight), or when you're tight on time for a flight.
Late-Night & Early Morning Transfers
Connolly Station closes overnight (typically last trains around 11:30pm, first trains around 6am). If you need to get to the airport outside these hours from the Connolly area, a taxi is your only practical option.
Dublin Bus services to the airport run day and night from nearby Lower Abbey Street, but frequency is reduced overnight. For guaranteed pickup at a specific time — especially for early morning flights — pre-book through CaminoCabs.
For more late-night options, see our guide: Getting Around Dublin at Night.
The Reverse — Dublin Airport to Connolly Station
Flying into Dublin and need to catch a train from Connolly? The taxi fare is the same — €22–€30 by day. The taxi rank at the airport is outside Arrivals at both terminals. Pre-book if you're on a tight connection to ensure the driver is waiting when you land.
Dublin Bus also runs from the airport to Lower Abbey Street (near Connolly) for €2 — useful if your train isn't for a couple of hours and you want to save money.
Connecting to a Flight From Connolly?
Pre-book your taxi to Dublin Airport. Shortest station-to-airport route in Dublin.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a taxi from Connolly Station to Dublin Airport?
€22–€30 during the day (Standard Rate) and €30–€38 at night. A €3 booking fee applies for pre-booked taxis. No surge pricing.
How long does it take from Connolly to Dublin Airport?
20–30 minutes by taxi off-peak. During rush hour, allow up to 35 minutes. Via the Port Tunnel, it can be as fast as 15–20 minutes.
Is Connolly or Heuston closer to Dublin Airport?
Connolly is closer — about 11 km vs 15 km from Heuston. The taxi fare from Connolly is typically €8–€10 cheaper than from Heuston.
Is there a bus from Connolly Station to Dublin Airport?
Yes — Dublin Bus services run between Lower Abbey Street (a 5-minute walk from Connolly) and Dublin Airport for €2 with a Leap Card, including night services. Journey time is 35–50 minutes. Check live times in the bus tracker.
Is there luggage space on the taxi from Connolly?
Yes — there's no luggage charge in Dublin taxis and the boot fits standard suitcases. For groups with lots of bags, book a Taxi XL (up to 8 passengers) and a larger vehicle is matched automatically.
Where is the taxi rank at Connolly Station?
On Amiens Street, right outside the main station exit. Walk out through the front doors and the rank is on your left.
Can I get a taxi from Connolly to the airport at night?
Yes — taxis operate 24/7. The rank may be quiet late at night, so pre-booking through CaminoCabs guarantees a driver. Dublin Bus night services also run with reduced frequency.
More: All Dublin Taxi Routes · Dublin Airport Taxi · Airport to City Centre Guide · Dublin Taxi Fares Explained