Dublin Airport is Ireland’s busiest airport, handling over 33 million passengers annually, and serves as a major connecting hub between North America and Europe. What sets it apart is US pre-clearance, meaning you clear US immigration in Dublin rather than upon landing stateside. The airport operates two terminals that continue expanding to accommodate both low-cost carriers and traditional airlines, and its northwest European location makes it ideal for transatlantic connections.
Getting to and from Dublin Airport
Beyond taxis and traditional rideshare services, there are buses that operate 24 hours a day, including double-decker rides that take travelers into the city center. I love sitting upstairs for better views, though I wouldn’t recommend hauling heavy luggage up those narrow stairs.
Keep in mind that there are multiple airport bus services, and they have slightly different routes. Be sure to get on the one closest to your destination. Dublin Express provides express service to the city center and Heuston Station, Aircoach offers express routes to the city and suburbs and Dublin Bus operates local routes including the 16 and 41. Note, while Dublin Bus is much cheaper, it makes many more stops, and the time trade-off isn’t worth the savings.
Rental cars are a popular option for visitors to Ireland, but there are some key things to know. I’ve driven in Ireland, and getting used to the other side of the road can be jarring at first, especially after a long flight.
It’s also important to know that most U.S. credit card rental insurance policies explicitly exclude the Republic of Ireland from coverage, and rental companies may require written proof of coverage or the purchase of additional insurance. Be sure to ask in advance if your credit card insurance will cover any incidents.
If you plan on driving your own car, I recommend pre-booking a parking spot because the airport has limited options. Many airport hotels offer airport parking if you cannot find a spot at the parking garage.
How to navigate Dublin Airport
Dublin Airport is home to Ireland’s national carrier, Aer Lingus, and the famous low-cost airline, Ryanair. The latter is famous for its notoriously low fares, which can mean traveling with limited carry-ons or less legroom.
This makes the airport experience even more important so you can enjoy your trip before you even board. Remember that when traveling on Ryanair, you’ll be charged to check in at the airport. Do it at home and arrive with a printed or electronic boarding pass.
Ireland isn’t part of the Schengen Zone, so you’ll need your passport for most destinations. The terminal your airline uses may vary based on destination, and it is important to check the departure boards.
Terminal assignments are straightforward: Aer Lingus operates from Terminal 2, while Ryanair uses Terminal 1. Just know that most Ryanair flights board via air stairs rather than jet bridges, so you’ll be exposed to Irish weather (come prepared).
Walking between terminals takes time, especially between the long-haul US gates in Terminal 2 and gates 101-121 in Terminal 1, where it can take 20-30 minutes. Luckily, there are moving walkways in some areas of the terminal, but I always allow plenty of time.
Part of the walkway wraps around the original airport building, which is a listed building and protected by the government. Some passengers still pass through this historic structure.
Security and US pre-clearance
US pre-clearance means you complete US immigration and customs in Dublin before boarding your flight. You’ll clear these formalities while still in Ireland, going through the same process you’d normally face upon landing in America.
Dublin Airport advises arriving 3 hours before long-haul and U.S. flights (allow extra time if checking bags or traveling in a group). Each time I pass through Dublin, there are lengthy queues with many travelers fretting over missing their flight. Allow plenty of time because you will need it (especially during the busy summer months). The airport lists security waits in real time on its website, but this doesn’t cover immigration lines.
What sounds like a hassle is actually a huge benefit. By completing these formalities in Dublin, you land in the U.S. as if you were on a domestic flight. No more waiting in long passport control lines after an overnight journey.
Travelers with Global Entry can use the program when departing from Dublin, which can save a lot of time. But even those lines can get long, so it’s still smart to arrive early. Dublin offers a paid fast-track security service that you can pre-book online, and it’s much cheaper than buying an upgraded ticket. The Fast Track lane enables departing passengers to clear security in less than 10 minutes, with pricing ranging from €7.99 to €13.99 depending on the date and time of travel. The airport also offers lounge access, which can make crowded terminal waits more manageable.
Dining, shopping and airport amenities
Once you’re through security, there’s time to relax and do a little shopping. I appreciate that the airport has an impressive selection of duty-free products.
Whether it’s Irish whiskey and local salmon, Waterford crystal or just some Emerald Isle souvenirs, there is plenty to peruse once through security. Pro tip: sign up for the airport’s online newsletter via its website, and you can save 10% off your first duty-free purchase.
If you are flying within the European Union and returning to Ireland, you can purchase items from duty-free, but then store them in a secure area of the airport to collect upon your return. This allows you to avail of duty-free savings without having to carry them on your journey.
I also recommend using the airport’s online “Click & Collect” service to save time. You can also do a better job of comparing the price savings in advance, which can help guide your decision making on what is actually a good deal.
You can find plenty to eat and drink at Dublin airport, including several bars for a pre-flight pint of Guinness. Terminal 1 has two of my favorite venues: Marquette food hall, which is self-service and has plenty of grabandgo options, or Street Kitchen for grain bowls and salads. There are more dining options in Terminal 1 than Terminal 2, but you can walk between them if you have enough time.
Airport hotels near Dublin Airport
Dublin Airport doesn’t have any hotels directly attached to the terminals, but several are just a short drive away via free shuttle. You can also walk across the parking lot, though it’s not ideal in bad weather.
When flying Aer Lingus and staying at an airport hotel, I like to use the “evening before check-in” service. If your flight leaves early (between 5:30-8am), you can drop your checked bags at the airport between 4:00 PM and 7:45 PM the evening before. This is a huge timesaver, letting you sleep in a bit longer.
My preferred option is the Radisson Blu, which is easily walkable from Terminal 2 if you follow the footpaths (though there’s no covered walkway, so rain can be an issue). Terminal 1 is farther on foot, but both terminals connect to the hotel via free 24-hour shuttle service.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
