Landing Late at Dublin Airport? How to Get into the City Without the Stress
Published: 10th November 2026
Landing Late at Dublin Airport? How to Get into the City Without the Stress
Arriving at Dublin Airport late in the evening can make the start of a trip feel a little more complicated. You might be travelling to Dublin for Christmas, catching up with friends, heading to a hotel after a long flight or visiting the city for the first time. Whatever brings you here, knowing how to get from the airport into the city before you land can make all the difference.
The good news is that getting into Dublin doesn't have to be difficult. With a little preparation, you can spend less time figuring out your onward journey and more time enjoying your trip.

1. Check Your Airport Transfer Before You Fly
After a flight, the last thing you want is to be standing in arrivals trying to work out your transport options. Before travelling, check the available airport bus services, their departure times and where they stop in Dublin City.
Dublin Express operates services between Dublin Airport and Dublin City, with stops across the city centre. Coaches serve both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, making it easier to find your connection regardless of where your flight arrives.
A little planning before you leave home can save a lot of uncertainty when you land.
2. What If Your Flight Is Delayed?
Flight times don't always go to plan. You might land earlier than expected, spend longer than anticipated collecting your luggage or find that your flight has been delayed.
This is where Dublin Express offers some extra flexibility. On routes 782, 783 and 784 between Dublin Airport and Dublin City, tickets can be used up to 12 hours before or 12 hours after the departure time booked, on a standby basis and subject to seat availability.
That means you're not necessarily tied to the exact departure time printed on your ticket if your plans change.
3. Find Your Bus Stop Before You Leave Arrivals
Dublin Airport has two terminals, and knowing where to go makes the next part of your journey much easier.
Dublin Express serves both terminals:
Terminal 1: The Dublin Express stop is in Zone 1, directly outside arrivals.
Terminal 2: The stop is in Zone 21. Follow the airport signage towards the designated coach stops.
You can check the Dublin Express stop map before you travel to familiarise yourself with the pick-up point and your destination stop.
Start Your Dublin Trip with Less Stress
A late arrival doesn't have to mean a stressful start to your trip. Check your transport options before flying, familiarise yourself with your airport pick-up point and keep an eye on your departure time.
And if you're travelling with Dublin Express between Dublin Airport and Dublin City, remember that your ticket offers a 12-hour travel window either side of your booked departure time, subject to standby availability.
Planning a Christmas visit? Check the latest timetable for your travel date before setting off, and give yourself plenty of time to get where you need to go.
Ready to plan your journey? Book your Dublin Express airport transfer online and check the latest routes, timetables and stop information before you travel.