Dublin Airport: Ireland's Busiest Airport

Welcome to Dublin Airport, Ireland's largest and busiest international airport, located just 10 kilometres north of Dublin City centre. In 2025, Dublin Airport handled a record 36.4 million passengers, cementing its status as one of Europe's major aviation hubs. The airport operates two terminals and offers excellent onward connections to Dublin City, Belfast, and beyond.

Terminals at Dublin Airport

Dublin Airport has two terminals, Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2 (T2), situated close together, making it easy to walk between them.

Terminal 1

Terminal 1 is Dublin Airport's main terminal and serves the majority of airlines flying to and from Dublin, primarily on short-haul European routes. Key airlines operating from T1 include:

• Ryanair, Dublin Airport's busiest airline, connecting passengers to dozens of destinations across Europe

• British Airways, Air France, KLM, Lufthansa and other European carriers

• Air Canada, seasonal transatlantic flights to Toronto

• Various airlines serving Africa and the Middle East

If you are flying with any airline other than Aer Lingus, American Airlines, Emirates, El Al, or United Airlines, you will most likely depart from Terminal 1. Always check your boarding pass to confirm.

Terminal 2

Terminal 2 is a modern, purpose-built facility opened in 2010 and designed primarily for long-haul and transatlantic traffic. It is the home terminal for Aer Lingus, Ireland's national carrier, and hosts all US-bound departures, which benefit from Dublin Airport's unique US Pre-Clearance facility, allowing passengers to complete US immigration and customs checks before they leave Ireland.

Airlines operating from Terminal 2 include:

• Aer Lingus, short-haul and long-haul routes, including extensive US and European services

• American Airlines, Delta, United Airlines, major US carriers serving North America

• Emirates, daily service to Dubai

• El Al, flights to Israel

Terminal 2 features 58 check-in desks, 26 boarding gates, and 19 air bridges.

Travel Tips

Dublin Airport recommends arriving at least:

• 2 hours before departure for short-haul flights

• 3 hours before departure for long-haul flights (including transatlantic)

If travelling by bus from Dublin City, allow additional time for city centre traffic, particularly during peak hours (07:30–09:30 and 16:30–18:30). From Belfast, please note your journey time of approximately 1 hour 50 minutes on top of the recommended airport arrival time. Early booking is strongly advised.

For full information on facilities and servces, visit the Dublin Airport website.

Bus Travel to Dublin Airport with Dublin Express

Dublin Express is the fastest and most frequent bus service to and from Dublin Airport. Our buses feature free onboard Wi-Fi, USB charging ports, and generous luggage storage, making your airport transfer comfortable and stress-free.

• Services depart every 7½ minutes at peak times from Dublin City

• Stops directly outside arrivals at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2

• Open return tickets available, flexibility built in

• Bus tickets from €9 one-way (Dublin City) and £8.50 (Belfast)

• Track your bus in real time with our Bus Tracker

Dublin Express Stop Locations at Dublin Airport

Cheap coach tickets to Dublin Airport

Looking to transfer from Belfast or Dublin City to Dublin Airport? There's no better way to get there than onboard a Dublin Express coach. Enjoy frequent services to and from Dublin Airport, with affordable ticket prices, plenty of luggage space, free Wi-Fi and drop-off points at both terminals!

To see departure times, prices and to book your ticket, use the journey planner above. Or take a look below for more information on coach travel to Dublin Airport, including our routes from Dublin City and Belfast, and frequently asked questions.

Please note: We recommend giving yourself extra time to get to Dublin Airport from both Belfast and Dublin City. It is recommended to arrive at the airport 2 hours before short-haul flights and 3 hours before long-haul flights. Also bear in mind that city centre traffic can sometimes be busy at rush hour times and can create delays so please allow yourself additional time for your journey.

Arriving at Terminal 1

When you exit arrivals at Terminal 1, turn left through the terminal exit door. Dublin Express is located in Zone 1, directly outside, you'll see our buses immediately. Look for the digital sign with a QR code to purchase your ticket quickly, or speak to a team member at the kiosk.

Most airlines land at Terminal 1, including Ryanair, Air Transat, and British Airways.

Arriving at Terminal 2

When you exit arrivals at Terminal 2, walk straight ahead, cross the covered glass walkway, turn left, and take the escalator down to the bus stops. Dublin Express is in Zone 21 and is clearly signposted. Purchase your ticket online, scan the QR code on the sign beside the escalator, or speak to a team member at the kiosk at the bottom of the escalator.

Airlines that land at Terminal 2 include Aer Lingus, American Airlines, and Emirates.

Frequently asked questions