Public Transport Info

Ticket Types

There are a variety of ticket types available for Dublin Bus, DART, LUAS or a combination of each.
These include single use tickets, tickets valid for a fixed number of journeys and the most popular option with foreign students, unlimited travel tickets. Tickets vary in price depending on duration and chosen combination and some services have special ticket prices for foreign students. Ticket types and up to date prices can be found on the relevant transport provider’s website.

SLS are happy to advise any student on the best ticket for them. We can also organise the purchasing of the relevant ticket(s) and include them in the students welcome pack. Please note public transport tickets are not included in our base price and will be invoiced as an extra. The price charged is set by the relevant transport provider and not SLS.

Dublin Bus

The Dublin Bus fleet comprises modern double-deck vehicles (which offer a great view from the top. deck), some single deckers and a few articulated (“bendy”) buses.
Bus drivers are generally very helpful and are usually willing to give advice on your journey, for example if you want to be alerted when you are arriving at your stop. Many bus signs and destinations are in Irish as well as English. A useful phrase to remember is “An Lár” which means City Centre. Please note that Dublin Bus timetables indicate when the bus leaves the terminus, not when it arrives / departs from a particular stop, unless otherwise stated.

Bus fares can be paid in one of two ways:

Cash: Correct change must be given (coins only). No change is provided.

Prepaid Ticket: The ticket must be presented to the machine on the right hand side of the door when getting on the bus.

Read more

DART

While the rail service in Dublin is not extensive, it does serve particular areas very well. The DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) line runs along the coast and linking Howth to the north of Dublin with Bray in the south via the city centre.
Many of our host families live close to DART stations and it is often the best method to travel to the city centre. It also offers the opportunity to visit the attractive suburban towns of Howth to the north and Dun Laoghaire, Dalkey and Bray to the south of the city. Even if you don’t get off the train you can enjoy the view of the coastline from sections of the line south of Dublin.

DART fares can be paid in one of two ways:

Cash: Tickets can be bought at DART stations using cash.

Prepaid Ticket: The ticket must be presented to the turnstile before entering DART platform.

Read more

LUAS

Dublin also has a modern, sleek, almost silent LUAS (tram service) since 2004. There are currently only two lines services South Dublin and West Dublin to Dublin City Centre. It is approximately a 15 minute walk through the city centre to get from one to the other.

The Green Line runs from St Stephen’s Green in the heart of the city to the foothills of the Dublin Mountains. The Red Line runs from Dublin City Centre to the West side of Dublin.

LUAS fares can be paid in one of two ways:

Cash: Tickets can be bought at LUAS stations using cash.

Prepaid Ticket: The ticket must be presented to the machine on the LUAS platform before boarding the LUAS. Please note that this card will also need to be presented after alighting the LUAS.

Read more