Rail travel to/from Galway

The Irish Rail Network

The train is the ideal way of traveling from Dublin to Galway. The journey time is about 3 hours. A bar and restaurant service is available on most trains. Return trip tickets vary from €25 - €40 depending on the the time of week.

The Dublin/Galway train departs from Heuston Station Dublin and terminates at Ceannt Station in Galway (located near Eyre Square behind the Great Southern Hotel). Towns serviced on the route include Kildare, Tullamore, Athlone, Ballinasloe and Athenry.

The Dublin/Galway route is currently the only direct rail route to Galway.

Travel Tips

• Arrive at least 30 minutes early. Many trains (especially those leaving from Dublin on Friday and from Galway on Sunday) are popular and seats are not guaranteed.
  

• Frequent weekend travelers can avail of the Weekender Card. This enables the holder to avail of substantial discounts.

• Much of the Galway / Dublin route is a single rail line. Consequently trains often wait at stations for oncoming trains to overtake. These delays can add as much as 30 minutes to the journey.

• Check the Iarnrod Eireann (Irish Rail) web site for up-to-date information on timetables and disruptions to service.

Useful links

• Irish Rail fare price list
  
• Irish Rail web site
• Rail Transport in Ireland (Wikipedia)
• The History of Rail Transport in Ireland (Wikipedia)