Who Takes This Route?
Ranelagh is one of Dublin's most popular residential neighbourhoods — a mix of young professionals, expats, and families drawn by its village atmosphere, excellent restaurants, and proximity to the city centre. If you live in Ranelagh, Rathmines, Beechwood, or the surrounding streets, this is your route to Dublin Airport.
Ranelagh is also a popular area for Airbnbs and short-term rentals, so tourists staying here often need this route on departure day.
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, Christmas, NYE | €40 – €50 |
A €3 booking fee applies when pre-booked. €1 per extra adult after the first. No luggage charge. For a precise estimate from your exact address, 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.
Ranelagh's Big Advantage: The Aircoach 700
Unlike most Dublin neighbourhoods, Ranelagh has a direct express bus to Dublin Airport. The Aircoach 700 route passes through Ranelagh on its way between Leopardstown and Dublin Airport, with a stop right on Ranelagh Road (opposite the tram stop).
At around €9 with a journey time of 35–50 minutes, the Aircoach is a genuine alternative to a taxi for solo travellers. It has a luggage hold, runs every 15–30 minutes, and goes directly to both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 without transfers.
All Transport Options Compared
| Option | Price | Time | Luggage? | Direct? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi (CaminoCabs) | €28 – €36 | 25 – 40 min | Yes — boot | Yes, door-to-door |
| Aircoach 700 | around €9 | 35 – 50 min | Luggage hold | Yes, direct |
| Green Line tram + Dublin Express | ~€11 | 50 – 70 min | Difficult | No — 1 transfer |
Taxi Route — How the Driver Gets There
Via Leeson Street & Port Tunnel (most common)
The typical route goes north on Ranelagh Road, through Leeson Street, along the canal, and into the Port Tunnel via the Docklands. Journey time is 25–35 minutes off-peak. This is the fastest and most predictable route for Ranelagh.
Via Rathmines Road & City Centre (alternative)
Some drivers go via Rathmines Road and through the city centre along the quays before entering the Port Tunnel. This route is similar in distance but can be 5–10 minutes slower due to traffic lights and congestion around Camden Street and Dame Street.
Both routes avoid the M50 motorway, so there's no motorway toll. The Port Tunnel toll may apply depending on the driver's exact route.
Ranelagh vs Nearby Areas — Fare Comparison
Ranelagh is centrally located in south Dublin. Here's how the fare to Dublin Airport compares with nearby neighbourhoods:
| From | Distance to Airport | Day Fare |
|---|---|---|
| City Centre (O'Connell St) | ~12 km | €25 – €32 |
| Ranelagh | ~14 km | €28 – €36 |
| Rathmines | ~14 km | €28 – €36 |
| Dundrum | ~20 km | €35 – €45 |
Ranelagh is only €3–€4 more than the city centre but significantly cheaper than Dundrum (€7–€9 less). It's a sweet spot — close enough to the city for a reasonable fare, far enough south to have a peaceful neighbourhood feel.
Early Morning Flights
If you have an early morning flight (6–8am), you'll need to leave Ranelagh around 4–5am depending on check-in requirements. At this hour, the roads are empty and the taxi journey takes just 20–25 minutes. However, the Aircoach frequency is reduced in the early hours.
Pre-book your taxi the night before through CaminoCabs. Set your pickup time, confirm your address, and your driver will be outside your door. No alarm-anxiety wondering if a taxi will be available at 4:30am.
Getting Back — Dublin Airport to Ranelagh
Landing at Dublin Airport and heading to Ranelagh? The fare is the same — €28–€36 by day. You can take a taxi from the rank at the airport or pre-book through CaminoCabs. The Aircoach 700 also runs from the airport to Ranelagh for around €9 — the stop is right on Ranelagh Road.
For a full overview of all airport transport options, see: How to Get From Dublin Airport to City Centre.
Airport Taxi From Ranelagh
Pre-book your ride. Door-to-door, fare estimate upfront, no surge pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a taxi from Ranelagh to Dublin Airport?
€28–€36 during the day (Standard Rate) and €35–€44 at night. A €3 booking fee applies for pre-booked taxis. No surge pricing.
How long does it take from Ranelagh to Dublin Airport?
25–40 minutes by taxi depending on traffic. Off-peak via the Port Tunnel it's typically 25–30 minutes.
Is there a direct bus from Ranelagh to Dublin Airport?
Yes — the Aircoach 700 stops on Ranelagh Road (opposite the tram stop) and goes directly to Dublin Airport for around €9. Journey time is 35–50 minutes. Check the Aircoach 700 timetable for exact departure times.
Should I take the Aircoach or a taxi from Ranelagh?
Solo with one bag? The Aircoach at around €9 is excellent value. In a group of 2+, with heavy luggage, or needing a guaranteed early morning pickup? A taxi is better — split between 2 people it's only €14–€18 each.
Is Ranelagh cheaper than Dundrum for airport taxis?
Yes — Ranelagh is about 6 km closer to the airport than Dundrum. The fare from Ranelagh is typically €7–€9 less (€28–€36 vs €35–€45).
Is a taxi worth it from Ranelagh for 2+ people?
Usually yes. A taxi costs €28–€36 — split between 3 people that's €9–€12 each, essentially the same as the Aircoach, with door-to-door service and your luggage in the boot. For solo travellers with one bag, the Aircoach is often the better deal.
Can I get a taxi from Ranelagh to the airport at 4am?
Yes — pre-book through CaminoCabs the night before. Set your pickup time and the driver will be at your address. Roads are empty at that hour, so the journey takes just 20–25 minutes.
Dublin's Ranelagh taxi service — book door-to-door airport transfers from €28 by day, or call +353 85 712 7547 (24/7).
More: All Dublin Taxi Routes · Dublin Airport Taxi · Dublin Taxi Fares Explained · Save Money on Taxis · Plan Your Journey