Who Takes This Route?
Dún Laoghaire (pronounced "Dun Leery") is a Victorian harbour town about 12 km south of Dublin city centre and 25 km from Dublin Airport. There are several reasons people make this journey:
Ferry passengers. Dún Laoghaire is home to the ferry terminal connecting Dublin with Holyhead in Wales. If you're flying into Dublin and catching a ferry, or vice versa, you'll need to make this transfer.
Accommodation. Dún Laoghaire has a growing number of hotels, B&Bs, and Airbnbs. Many visitors choose to stay here for the seaside atmosphere while being close enough to the city centre by DART (20 minutes).
Day visitors. The harbour, pier walks, People's Park, and nearby Dalkey and Killiney make Dún Laoghaire a popular area for tourists. Some visitors head straight there from the airport.
Fare Breakdown by Tariff
At 25 km, this is one of the longer airport taxi routes in Dublin. The fare reflects the distance, and the tariff you travel under makes a big difference on a journey this long.
| Tariff | When | Estimated Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (1) | Mon–Sat, 8am–8pm | €45 – €58 |
| Premium (2) | Mon–Sat 8pm–8am, Sundays | €55 – €72 |
| Special (3) | Fri/Sat midnight–4am, Christmas, NYE | €62 – €80 |
A €3 booking fee applies when pre-booked. €1 per extra adult. Tolls may apply depending on the route (M50 eFlow toll and Port Tunnel toll are added to the fare at current rates). No luggage charge. For a precise estimate, 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.
Route Options
Via Port Tunnel & City Centre (most common)
The driver takes the Port Tunnel into the city, then south along the N11/Rock Road through Blackrock to Dún Laoghaire. Journey time is 35–50 minutes off-peak. This route is straightforward but passes through the city, which can add time during rush hour.
Via M50 Motorway (alternative)
Some drivers take the M1 south to the M50, then exit at the Bray/Dún Laoghaire junction. This avoids the city centre entirely but adds a few kilometres. Journey time is similar — 35–55 minutes — but more predictable during rush hour. The M50 toll (eFlow, current rate) will be added to the fare.
All Transport Options Compared
| Option | Price | Time | Transfers | Luggage? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi (CaminoCabs) | €45 – €58 | 35 – 55 min | None | Yes |
| Aircoach 702 | Around €9 | 50 – 75 min | None (direct) | Luggage hold |
| Dublin Express + DART | Around €12 | 60 – 80 min | 1 transfer (Tara St/Pearse) | Difficult |
| Dublin Bus + DART | Around €4 (Leap) | 75 – 100 min | 1 transfer (city centre) | Difficult |
The Aircoach 702 — Best Budget Option
The Aircoach 702 runs directly from Dublin Airport to Dún Laoghaire via the Port Tunnel, the 3Arena, Ballsbridge, Booterstown, and Blackrock. At around €9, it's a fraction of the taxi cost. The bus has a luggage hold and runs roughly every hour at peak times.
The main drawbacks are frequency (less frequent than the 700 route) and journey time (50–75 minutes depending on traffic). But for solo travellers or couples without heavy luggage, it's the best value option on this route by far.
The DART Option — Cheap but Complicated
There's no direct train or tram from Dublin Airport. But you can combine a bus to the city centre with the DART from Pearse or Tara Street station to Dún Laoghaire (about 20 minutes on the DART). The total journey takes 60–100 minutes and costs around €4–€12 depending on which bus you take to the city.
This is the cheapest option but involves a transfer with luggage through the city centre — not ideal after a long flight. It's better suited for travellers with light bags who are comfortable navigating Dublin's public transport.
For more on using the DART, see our guide: Best Day Trips From Dublin by DART.
Ferry Connection — Airport to Dún Laoghaire Harbour
If you're connecting from a flight to the Stena Line ferry to Holyhead, timing is critical. The ferry terminal is right on the harbour — a taxi drops you at the door. Allow at least 90 minutes between landing at the airport and the ferry departure for check-in and the taxi journey. Check current ferry times before you travel.
Pre-booking your taxi through CaminoCabs is strongly recommended for ferry connections. You know the driver is confirmed, the fare is estimated in advance, and there's no risk of queuing at the airport rank with a ferry deadline approaching.
Splitting the Fare
| Passengers | Total Fare (est.) | Per Person | vs Aircoach 702 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | €50 | €50 | €41 more |
| 2 people | €51 | €25.50 | €16.50 more |
| 3 people | €52 | €17.33 | €8.33 more |
| 4 people | €53 | €13.25 | €4.25 more — door-to-door |
For 4 passengers, the taxi is only about €4 more per person than the Aircoach — and you get door-to-door service from the airport terminal to your accommodation or the ferry terminal, with all luggage in the boot.
What to Do in Dún Laoghaire
If you're heading to Dún Laoghaire as a visitor rather than just for the ferry, here's a quick overview of what makes it worth the trip:
The East Pier. One of the longest piers in Europe — a 1.3 km walk each way with a lighthouse at the end. Flat, accessible, and perfect for an evening stroll with views across Dublin Bay.
The People's Park. A beautiful Victorian park with a Sunday market featuring food, crafts, and live music.
Nearby Dalkey & Killiney. Dún Laoghaire is a short DART ride (or 15-minute walk along the coast) from Dalkey village and the Killiney Hill viewpoint — two of Dublin's most scenic spots. See our DART day trips guide for details.
The Return — Dún Laoghaire to Dublin Airport
Heading back to the airport? The fare is the same — €45–€58 by day. Pre-book through CaminoCabs the night before for early morning flights. The Aircoach 702 also runs from Dún Laoghaire to the airport if you prefer the budget option.
If you're coming off the Stena Line ferry and need to get to Dublin Airport, pre-book your airport taxi with CaminoCabs before you board the ferry. Your driver will be waiting when you disembark.
Airport Taxi to Dún Laoghaire
Pre-book your ride. Door-to-door from the terminal to your destination. No surge pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a taxi from Dublin Airport to Dún Laoghaire?
€45–€58 during the day (Standard Rate) and €55–€72 at night. A €3 booking fee applies for pre-booked taxis. Tolls may be added depending on the route.
How long does it take from Dublin Airport to Dún Laoghaire?
35–55 minutes by taxi depending on traffic and route. Off-peak via the Port Tunnel and N11 it's typically 35–45 minutes.
Is there a direct bus from Dublin Airport to Dún Laoghaire?
Yes — the Aircoach 702 runs directly from Dublin Airport to Dún Laoghaire via Ballsbridge and Blackrock for around €9. Journey time is 50–75 minutes. Runs roughly every hour at peak times.
Can I take the DART from Dublin Airport to Dún Laoghaire?
Not directly — there's no train to Dublin Airport. You'd need to take a bus to the city centre first, then catch the DART from Pearse or Tara Street station to Dún Laoghaire (20 min on the DART). Total journey: 60–100 minutes.
How do I get from Dublin Airport to the Dún Laoghaire ferry terminal?
A pre-booked taxi is the most reliable option — it drops you directly at the ferry terminal. Allow at least 90 minutes between landing at the airport and the ferry departure. The Aircoach 702 is a cheaper alternative but less predictable on timing.
We're a family catching the ferry — can the taxi take all our luggage?
Yes — there's no luggage charge in Dublin taxis and the boot fits standard suitcases. For families or groups with lots of bags, book a Taxi XL (up to 8 passengers) and a larger vehicle is matched automatically.
Is the taxi worth it for one person going to Dún Laoghaire?
For a solo budget traveller, the Aircoach 702 at around €9 is much better value. For groups of 3–4, the taxi per-person cost drops to €13–€17, which is competitive with the bus and offers door-to-door convenience.
Need a Dún Laoghaire taxi service to the airport? Call +353 85 712 7547 (24/7) or book on WhatsApp — door-to-door from €45 by day.
More: All Dublin Taxi Routes · Dublin Airport Taxi · Airport to City Centre Guide · DART Day Trips · Dublin Taxi Fares Explained