Menu
Expat.com
Search
Magazine
Search

Transportation in Dublin

Getting around Dublin
shutterstock.com
Updated byDebbie O Halloranon 05 October 2025

If you are moving to Dublin to work, it is important that you are aware of what the commute times are like, and what forms of transport are available to you as these factors will often influence your decision regarding where you are going to live in the city.

Work commute in Dublin

The average work commute in Dublin is 45 minutes. Some people come from much farther down the country to work in Dublin every day. However, most workers will be based somewhere in the city. Traffic in and around the city centre gets busy from 7:30 am until approximately 9 am, and from 4 pm until about 6 pm.

Some people have flexible working arrangements to avoid peak times when the roads are the busiest, so they end up saving time on their daily commute.

Public transportation in Dublin

There are a few different public transport options available if you are living in Dublin and looking to commute to work. The main bus service is operated by Dublin Bus. There are bus routes running throughout Dublin, with some having a more regular service than others.

You can check the times for upcoming buses through the Dublin Bus real-time app. These buses drive in the bus lanes, which means they don't get stuck in traffic. The DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transport) is an electric rail system that services those living along the east coast of Dublin. It is a quick and easy way to get around Dublin. This rail line runs along the coast of the Irish Sea from Malahide or Howth in North County Dublin southwards as far as Greystones, Co Wicklow.

The Luas is Dublin's Light Rail Transit System or tram service that also caters to Dublin city and its surrounds. This service also goes through the heart of the city centre and is a great option for a lot of commuters. There are two main lines, the Red Line and the Green Line, that connect suburban areas with the city centre. The Irish word “luas” means speed.

Carpooling in Dublin

For those working in the city centre, public transport, walking or cycling are the most popular ways to get to work. However, those who drive will often carpool together with co-workers or friends and family who are working close to one another. If someone from your workplace is living near you, try having a conversation with them to see if you could come to a carpooling arrangement.

Options in Dublin to live close to work

Of course, it would be optimal to be within walking or cycling distance of work. Naturally, the availability of options will depend on where your workplace is. However, no matter where you may be working, there are always going to be viable accommodation options for you to choose from, including house sharing, apartment sharing, or living in a studio apartment. Bear in mind that the closer you live to major transport links, the more expensive the rental price of accommodation will be, which is why so many people commute into Dublin city to work.

We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.

About

Debbie has a degree in English, and also studied journalism in Dublin. She is a digital content writer for a number of online publications. She loves swimming in the sea or pool, walking her Labrador retriever Casper, thrifting, and travel. She takes the ferry to France every year with her beloved dog in tow, and one day hopes to own her own cottage in Brittany, preferably with blue shutters. She currently lives by the sea in Galway.

Comments

Discover more