Private car transfer from Dublin to Waterford

Door-to-door
in 2 hours
From €64
per seat
Comfortable
car
One way
One way
Cancel for free 24 hours before departure
Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice 2024
Excellent

Trip Information

Pick-up

Your driver will meet you at your address in Dublin.

  • Door-to-door service
  • Help with your luggage

Trip

You’ll travel in comfort for 2 hours.

  • Optional sight-seeing
  • Clean, comfortable car
  • Professional driver
  • Bottled water
  • Child seats
  • Prepared for handicapped
  • Smoke-free
  • Pet friendly

Drop-off

Your driver will drop you off at your address in Waterford.

  • Door-to-door service
  • Help with your luggage
In total
171 km2 hours

Overview: car trip from Dublin to Waterford

Dublin is a must-visit city for most people with its energetic nightlife, historic sights like Trinity College and Dublin Castle, and, of course, its Guinness Storehouse. With so much to see and do, drawing yourself away from Dublin and toward other parts of Ireland can be challenging, but we promise a car trip from Dublin to Waterford will be well worth the effort.

Waterford gives travelers an authentic taste of Irish culture. It might not be as big as Dublin, but as Ireland's oldest city, it's home to some of the country's most famous attractions, including Reginald's Tower and the House of Waterford.

It is charming, friendly, and welcoming and offers incredible shopping and dining experiences. So why not book with Daytrip today and have a professional driver transport you so that you can begin your explorations? Your trip with Daytrip will be as unforgettable and exciting as your visit to Waterford!

About Waterford

Waterford is a city along the River Suir in southeast Ireland that isn't far from Dublin. Although it sees its fair share of eager visitors, it's not as known as places like Dublin and Galway.

As Ireland's oldest city, it's unsurprising that it is historically significant, as evidenced by its many cultural and historical attractions and landmarks. Not to mention, Waterford is also home to the incredibly famous Waterford Crystal – yes, the pristine crystalware you're thinking of – which you won't see being made anywhere else in the world.

Waterford is also known for experiencing less rainfall than other Irish destinations with a cool and temperate climate. This makes it even more appealing to visit for those who want an authentic Irish experience without all the bad weather. However, this is not to say that you won't encounter rain on your trip, so pack a raincoat or umbrella.

Ultimately, if you're in Ireland already and want to explore a truly fascinating city with exquisite local culture, ancient historical monuments, incredible architecture, and exciting activities, Waterford is the place to be.

From Dublin to Waterford: travel tips

With its emerald green landscape and wild, untamed outdoors, Waterford deserves to be on your travel bucket list if you plan an Irish escape. And if you've already made your way to Dublin and are in the thick of your Irish explorations, you're in luck. Waterford is only a short distance away. Just check out a few travel tips before you set out:

Pack layers

Waterford might not experience as much rain as the rest of Ireland, but it's still important to pack layersβ€”especially if you're driving from Dublin to Waterford.

The weather along this route can be temperamental. Having a jacket and warmer layers at hand will keep you ready if the weather changes from sunny and bright to cold and dreary while exploring outdoors.

Choose your transportation carefully

Choosing your transportation wisely is crucial when traveling from Dublin to Waterford. Typically, you won't need to rent a car if you travel with a private car service like Daytrip. With Daytrip, you can squeeze into little country roads and explore a few of the hidden gems that lie off the beaten path.

For example, there are the Powerscourt House Gardens, the Irish National Stud and Gardens, the Irish National Heritage Park, and Dunamase to explore. With Daytrip, you can also visit parts of Ireland along the way that you won't get to with a bus or train, so you'll have access to much more.

Book as much as possible online in advance

If you want to keep your trip as affordable and stress-free as possible, book as much as you can online as soon as possible. From transportation and accommodation to tickets to popular attractions along the way and in Waterford, booking in advance will save you time and money.

How to get from Dublin to Waterford

Getting from Dublin to Waterford can be a bit of a challenge. To help you decide how to make the trip, we've shared a few of the best ways to travel from one city to the next below:

From Dublin to Waterford by bus

As with most countries, bus travel is the cheapest way to get from one city to the next. If you want to take the bus from Dublin to Waterford, you have a few coach-line options, but the most popular is J.J. Kavanagh & Sons.

Tickets with J.J. Kavanagh & Sons cost between $15 and $25, and the trip takes about two hours and ten minutes since most buses with this coach drive directly. If you don't want to travel with J.J. Kavanagh & Sons, you can take a bus with Dublin Coach. They are slightly cheaper, but the trip time is a little longer by about 15 minutes. Just be sure to check the timetable of both bus lines to ensure they offer trips when you want to travel. Aside from filling up, the other downside of the bus is that you can't stop at any of the attractions along the way.

From Dublin to Waterford by train

Surprisingly, a train trip is not as fast as a bus if you're traveling from Dublin to Waterford. On average, a train trip between these two cities takes two hours and 25 minutes, even though the trains travel directly with no changeovers.

If you want to travel by train through the Irish countryside, use Irish Rail. A train departs every hour, and tickets cost between $17 and $25 – not much different from the bus. The one plus side is that you will get more amenities on the train than on the bus, but like the bus, you won't be able to stop and sightsee.

From Dublin to Waterford by private car service

To truly enjoy your Irish travel experience, the best, and fastest way to travel from Dublin to Waterford is with Daytrip's private car service. With Daytrip, you'll have access to a comfortable vehicle and a private driver who can tell you more about the region and the places you want to visit.

Not to mention, Daytrip drivers can take you where public transportation cannot, so you won't miss out on seeing some of the truly wonderful attractions along this route. You also won't need to check a timetable when booking.

In addition, Daytrip is affordable, with prices starting at about 68 euros per person. This might be more than the bus or train, but you can't put a price on thrilling explorations and timeliness, considering a car trip will only take about one hour and 40 minutes.

Things to do when you get to Waterford

Dublin might be Ireland's largest city, but Waterford is the oldest. As such, it has a few unique attractions and landmarks you won't want to miss out on when you visit. Have a look at this list of the best things to do when you get to Waterford:

House of Waterford Crystal

You might be familiar with the House of Waterford Crystal. Their crystalware is world-famous, and they even made the chandeliers hanging at Westminster Abbey.

This brand was founded in 1783 and is now the leading supplier of crystalware in the world. Touring the factory lets you see how these spectacular crystal items are made. You can also browse a collection of magnificent crystal pieces. Just don't blame us if you might be tempted to take one home.

Hook Lighthouse

If you want to tour one of the oldest still operational lighthouses in the world, visit the Hook Lighthouse. This squat, black-and-white-striped lighthouse is over 800 years old and is located at the tip of the Hook Peninsula, marking the entrance to Waterford Harbor. When you visit, you can tour the lower tower and learn more about the lighthouse's interesting history.

Waterford Treasures Medieval Museum

Don't be deceived by the modernness of the Waterford Treasures Medieval Museum. Although this museum is housed in a modern building, it encompasses two historic sites. These include a 15th-century wine cellar and the 13th-century Choristers' Hall. When you visit, you can see both alongside rare artifacts like medieval-era records and 15th-century gold vestments that reveal the fascinating history of what the port was like in Waterford during the Middle Ages.

When is the best time to visit Waterford?

The best time to visit Waterford is usually in the Summer months when the weather is at its warmest and most pleasant. Since it's not a super popular tourist destination, you don't have to worry about crowds as much.

However, summer is still peak season, so there are some tourists, and accommodation prices can be steep. So, visiting in the spring or autumn might be a better idea if you want to avoid crowds and enjoy lower prices. Plus, in the spring you can enjoy festivities like St. Patrick's Day!

Questions & Answers about Traveling from Dublin to Waterford

Is it worth it to go to Waterford, Ireland?
It is worth visiting Waterford in Ireland if you're interested in Irish history and culture. Not only does this city have some of the best attractions since it is the oldest city in Ireland, but its nightlife, food scene, and activities are also on par with those of bigger cities like Dublin.
How much is the fare from Dublin to Waterford?
The fare from Dublin to Waterford depends on the type of transportation you choose and when you decide to travel. A bus or train ticket can set you back 25 euros, while a private car service like Daytrip starts at 68 euros per person.
How many days do you need in Waterford, Ireland?
You only need a day or two to visit most of Waterford's main attractions. However, if you’d like to wander its museum quarter and uncover the secrets of its historic center, you should plan at least 4 days.
How long is the train ride from Dublin to Waterford?
The train ride from Dublin to Waterford takes about two hours and 25 minutes, but it can be shorter or longer depending on the trains and how busy they are. If this timeframe is too long for your day trip, consider driving with a door-to-door car service like Daytrip.

Visit these sights on the way

Powerscourt House Gardens

Powerscourt House Gardens

This historic manor and its breathtaking grounds have been named one of the best gardens and one of the best houses in the world.Β Attractive AccoladesΒ 

Irish National Stud and Gardens

Irish National Stud and Gardens

Surrounded by serene gardens, the legacy of Irish horse racing lives on at the only stud farm open to the public.Β HorsicultureΒ 

Kildare Village

Kildare Village

This outlet shopping center in the heart of Ireland’s horse-racing mecca offers deals on designer goods all year round.Β Race to the BottomΒ 

Dunamase

Dunamase

Destroyed multiple times, this once mighty medieval castle is now an atmospheric ruin.Β A Slightly Rocky HistoryΒ 

Kilkenny

Kilkenny

With its picture-perfect medieval neighborhood wedged between a historic cathedral and castle, this quintessential Irish city is a pleasure to explore.Β The Marble CityΒ 

Irish National Heritage Park

Irish National Heritage Park

Several thousand years of Irish history comes to life at this open-air museum.Β A Walk through the AgesΒ 

Why people love Daytrip

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5,100+ reviews
  • 195 travelers took this route with us
Oct 2, 2025

Great transfer option.

β€œI used this service for a transfer from Split in Croatia to Perast Montenegro. My experience was exceptional. My driver Bojan was helpful, informative and ensured my journey was comfortable and enjoyable. I highly recommend the service.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Robyn C
Sep 20, 2025

It was a fantastic trip.

β€œWe were extremely satisfied with the quality of service we received from Day Trip. We had two Day Trip rides on August 31 from Athens to Lefkada and September 7 from Lefkada back to Athens. Both trips included stops at scenic sites in Greece. Both drivers were excellent and accommodating. However, we’d especially like to recognize Panos Peppas, who was our driver from Lefkada to Athens. Panos was incredibly nice & pleasant and delivered outstanding customer service, which included handling all of luggage, providing us with cold waters throughout the trip, providing us protein bars, providing us with printed materials on the Corinth Canal (one of scenic stops), looking up and providing us with terminal & gate info for our flight back home and providing us with a recipe for tzatziki.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Daydream20046758137
Sep 15, 2025

Best transport company anywhere

β€œWe absolutely love this company and have used it many times over the years to get from A to B without the hassle of hiring a car ourselves. Excellent drivers every time. Efficient and professional. It’s worth every penny and we can honestly recommend Day Trip to everyone. It’s 5 star rating is well deserved.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Mary L
Aug 20, 2025

Excellent experience in traveling

β€œWe traveled from Nuremberg to Munich in a beautiful Audi. Driver picked us at our hotel at the exact time requested. Got us to Munich in plenty of time for our next tour. Driver made sure we were comfortable”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Steve N
Apr 22, 2025

Reasonably Priced and Safe Transportation

β€œGonzalo from daytrip was our driver and he was absolutely amazing. He went over and beyond trying to locate us as our service wasn't so good on our phones. He patiently awaited our arrival to the lobby so he could take us from Tulum Dreams Resort to our other hotel in cancun an hour and a half away near the airport prior to our departure flight home. He was polite, respectful and kind. Made sure we were comfortable during our long ride. Fast and to the point. I recommend this company as finding a one way ride from Tulum to Cancun isn't easy or cheap and this company provides a great service for a great price. I will definitely be using them again whenever I'm in the Cancun/Tulum area. Thank you DayTrip and Gonzola.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler COCO
Apr 2, 2025

Daytrip never disappoints

β€œWe were picked up by Marianna to drive us from Heraklion to Chania. The weather was terrible & due to this Marianna arrived a few minutes late. She contacted me to advise of this. Marianna lives in Chana and she made our trip very interesting by informing us of local things to do and see in Chania. Marianna is a safe driver and we all felt comfortable with the speed she drove at and how good her driving was in heavy rain. She is a lovely person with fluent English. We highly recommend Daytrips and if you are in Heraklion or Chania please make sure you ask for Marianna.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Julie M
Feb 28, 2025

Great driver in Egypt

β€œUsed the service to go from Luxor to Hurghada, Egypt. Ahmed H was our driver and he was perfect. The car was new, clean, he had water and snacks for us, and accommodated our stops. Great service from him and would recommend it.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Maps315861
Feb 20, 2025

Comfortable and Safe Rides in Mexico

β€œUsed Daytrip for two rides in Mexico, which were both great. So comfortable, and we arrived at each of our destinations at a great time. Both were incredible drivers, and we felt so safe. One of our drivers, Miguel, also played the best music! Will definitely use Daytrip on our next trip to Mexico.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Golourdesduarte
Feb 10, 2025

Great way to travel and see some sights on the way

β€œWe did not know what to expect with this trip and booked from Australia. We were initially looking for an easy way to travel from Granada to Malaga. We decided not to waste the opportunity to see something additional on our way. Miguel certainly exceeded our expectations. His English was excellent (unfortunately we speak very little Spanish), and he was very friendly and helpful. We thoroughly enjoyed hearing about the regions as we passed through and also discussing some of the local ways. Miguel took us to Antequera as planned and ensured we were able to easily get our tickets to the attractions without any sense of rushing us. We were picked up and dropped off punctually and really enjoyed our trip. Hopefully we will return to Spain and we can use this service again sometime.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Michelle R
Jan 25, 2025

Excellent service

β€œWe used the service twice while in Thailand. Extremely prompt and efficient customer service. Best rate being offered in Chiang Mai for the travels. Polite, punctual, professional and English speaking drivers. Clean, comfortable vehicles. Being a regular visitor to Thailand, this was hands down the best service. Most pleased with the company. I hope it sustains the excellence of service that was rendered to us.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Omar

Good to know

Children

If you’re traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!

Pets

Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.

Tips

Gratuity isn’t included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).

Luggage

  • Big luggage
  • 29x21x11 inches
  • 74x53x28 cm
  • Small luggage
  • 22x14x9 inches
  • 56x36x23 cm

Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If you’re traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.

Payment methods

Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions, here are the answers.
Daytrip is a platform that connects you with local drivers who will transport you door-to-door, from one city to the next. We also give you the opportunity to explore sights/attractions along the way. We drive, you discover.
Yes! A return trip will take you back to your city of origin in the same size car in which you arrived. Return trips can be booked for the any day. You can also add customized sightseeing stops separately for each trip! Don’t worry if you don’t know your exact address at the time of booking - you’ll have the opportunity to update us closer to your travel date. Make sure to select β€œReturn” when you start the booking process, then choose the dates and times of your departures.
For private trips, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure. For the Daytrip Pool shared shuttle, we offer 3 ticket options when booking: Non-refundable, Flexible with cancellations 24 hours before departure, and Super-flexible with cancellations up to 15 minutes before departure.
Simply choose your origin and destination via our homepage and enter your departure date and time. Browse and add sightseeing stops along the way by following the booking instructions provided on-screen. Select β€œOne Way” or β€œReturn” to change the type of trip you need. It’s a simple, easy, and fun way to book your next adventure! And if you don’t see your desired route on our website, you can request a custom trip. You can even book without knowing your exact pick-up or drop-off address - we let you add these later!
Each passenger is allowed one large bag (29" x 21" x 11" / 74 x 53 x 28 cm) and one small bag (22" x 14" x 9" / 56 x 36 x 23 cm). Luxury sedans can only accommodate 2 large bags. We always send the vehicle that is the best fit for you and your luggage, so make sure to select the actual amount of luggage you are traveling with when booking. If you have oversized luggage, or are unsure if your luggage will fit, contact us.
Everywhere except the USA, drivers will supply appropriate child seats (just let us know during booking). In the USA, certain states require you to supply your own child seats.

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