Galway

Private car transfer
from Dublin to Galway

Door-to-door
in 2 h 20 min
From ...
per seat
Comfortable
car
One way
Cancel for free 24 hours before departure
Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice 2024
Excellent
trustpilot-stars

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 h 20 min.

  • 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 Galway.

  • Door-to-door service
  • Help with your luggage
In total
  • 209 km
  • 2 h 20 min

Car Trip From Dublin to Galway

The Land of a Thousand Welcomes will warmly greet you with a picture-perfect drive from Dublin to Galway. On an island where scenic views are as free-flowing as beer and stout, you can expect nothing less than a beautiful yet exhilarating 128-mile car trip.

From a modern, tech-savvy metropolis in the east to the traditional cobbled lanes in the west, you're about to venture across the entire width of the Republic of Ireland. But with some planning and preparation, you can turn this seemingly complicated journey into a walk in the park.

So, buckle up and get ready to uncover tips, tricks, and everything else you need to know to travel from Dublin to Galway!

About Galway

As you travel from Dublin to Galway, you'll be surprised to learn that the City of Tribes is the fourth largest urban center in the Republic of Ireland. Over 85,000 people live across 22 square miles situated along the River Corrib.

Galway started life as a small fishing village along its rich waters. It grew when the Normans settled and built a fort in the 12th century. For centuries, the city withstood endless raids. However, its position along the coast allowed for trade with Spain. As a result, the region continued to thrive until other cities like Cork and Waterford began trading in continental Europe.

Today, the city is a blend of modern and traditional. Irish pubs stand side by side with chic boutique stores. As a testament to the city's revival, it was named the European capital of culture in 2020. And for foodies, Galway's native oysters are often called the best in the world.

From Dublin to Galway: Travel Tips

Driving from Dublin to Galway is a trip across the whole country. So, to ensure you have a comfortable and memorable experience, we compiled three secret travel tips below!

Go Sightseeing

The Republic of Ireland is a nature-filled land. Due to this, many attractions are located outside the cities with no public transport.

A custom door-to-door service allows you to schedule a stop at remote attractions en route. Trim Castle and Castletown House are two extraordinary gems off the beaten track that you'd miss if you take any other transportation option.

Pack for the Weather

Ask any local for a tip when visiting Ireland, and the chances are they'll say to bring an umbrella and waterproof jacket! It doesn't matter if the sun is splitting the stones in the morning. You could see all four seasons of the year on your trip from Dublin to Galway. In addition, the west of Ireland receives the most rainfall on the island!

Speak to Your Driver

Whether it's a professional door-to-door driver or public transport bus operator, be sure to speak to them. Irish citizens are proud of their community and will gladly recommend outlets that aren't in guidebooks. After all, the nation was voted the friendliest in Europe.

How to Get From Dublin to Galway

To travel from Dublin to Galway, you have three transportation options available. This includes buses, trains, and Daytrip. To make things easier, we created an introduction to each mode of transport.

Bus From Dublin to Galway

The bus is the most popular way for locals and tourists to get from Dublin to Galway. Seats start at €17 one-way or €28 for a return trip when booking online with Aircoach. The ride is about 2.5 hours if you take a direct bus.

Note that there are several bus companies, all with a different ticket price and schedule. Bus Eireann is the most expensive and longest trip, as it stops at numerous towns.

Trains From Dublin to Galway

The train is the most affordable way to travel from Dublin to Galway. The quickest trip takes only 2 hours and 16 minutes, while the average is 2 hours and 34 minutes. Irish Rail is the only train provider in the Republic of Ireland.

Prices start at €14, but the cost can skyrocket on weekends and during the peak summer season. You should check the timetable and book 30 days in advance for the best deals.

Daytrip From Dublin to Galway

Daytrip offers a smooth car drive through the Republic of Ireland's green heartlands. Every minute of the 2-hour, 20-minute drive feels like a day at the spa. Recline your seat, stretch your legs, or adjust the temperature so you can unwind while watching nature pass by your window.

Whether you're traveling with children, pets, or those with limited walking capacity, your professional driver will go above and beyond to provide flawless service. Unlike public transport, our door-to-door ride will drop you off at your desired location, so you don't have to worry about handling luggage! And, of course, unlike any other transportation option, you can stop to visit castles, manors, and even the Tullamore Dew Distillery!

Things to Do When You Get to Galway

After driving from Dublin to Galway, you'll be part of the 1 million annual tourists exploring the city. You'll know why so many people flock here when you uncover the best things to see and do in town!

Take a Tour to The Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher are an iconic symbol of Ireland. The jaw-dropping coastline hangs over the choppy waters of the Atlantic Sea below. And you have a 360-degree view of the breathtaking scenery, as far as the eye can see.

The cliffs of Moher aren't located in the Galway region. Fortunately, they're less than a 1.5-hour tour from the city. You'll be replacing energetic streets with rugged walking trails.

Get Lost in the Latin Quarter

The Latin Quarter is one of the oldest sections of Galway today. While it still showcases Galway’s medieval heritage, the area is the city's beating heart, packed with bars, restaurants, hotels, and shops.

Turn off Google Maps and simply get lost in these pretty lanes. You'll be sure to uncover some hidden gems along the way!

Listen to Traditional Irish Music

There's only one way to truly appreciate live traditional Irish music: with a pint of stout! Guinness is the obvious choice, but if you want to blend in with the locals, opt for Galway Hooker Irish Stout.

There are endless settings where you can listen to live Irish music sessions featuring fiddles, flutes, and bodhráns. Some popular venues include Tig Coili, The Crane Bar, and Tigh Neachtain.

Enjoy the Fresh Local Food!

Galway’s gastronomy is worth making an international trip for. Along with having some of the world’s best oysters, smoked salmon and eel, seafood chowder, and local mussels cooked with garlic and cream sauce round out seafood spectacular. Then from the rolling hills, Connemara lamb, a European Protected Geographical Indication that can only be raised here, is a meaty treat.

Best Time to Visit Galway

Summer is the peak season for traveling from Dublin to Galway. Although temperatures don't reach the heights of continental Europe, it's the time when locals and tourists mingle outdoors.

However, Galway is a compact city, and it can feel overcrowded in July or August with only a few thousand daily visitors. As a result, spring is the best time to travel here.

Crowds are fewer, gray clouds make way for blue skies, and hotels and airlines offer attractive deals. But, most importantly, you can witness the various festivals. Saint Patrick's Day, Clifden Traditional Music Festival, Galway Film Fleadh, and more all happen in the Spring.

Questions & Answers about Traveling from Dublin to Galway

Galway and Dublin are on opposite sides of the island. The train is cheap and fast if you just want to get to Galway as quickly as possible. But if you want to experience as much of the Emerald Isle as possible, Daytrip's door-to-door service with a customer sightseeing itinerary is the best way to travel.
The road distance is 128 miles, which takes around 2.5 hours. As the crow flies, 115 miles separate the cities.
Galway is a small city, so you can easily explore the main sights in a day. However, you should spend at least 48 hours here to appreciate all the area's offerings.
The last train on the Dublin to Galway timetable is at 7:35 p.m. Aircoach offers a night bus starting at 11:50 p.m. from Dublin Airport and the city center.
Galway is a family-friendly city. There are plenty of activities for kids, but stores and restaurants make younger guests feel at home.
Trains are the cheapest way to get from Dublin to Galway. The price of tickets starts at €14 when booking online.
As of 2024, there are no direct flights from Dublin to Galway. Shannon Airport is the closest one to Galway, located over an hour's drive south. Therefore, a flight will be the most time-consuming and costly way to travel between the cities.

Visit these sights on the way

Castletown House

Castletown House

The first and largest manor of its kind in Ireland, this elegant estate immerses visitors in the beauty of days gone by. Principal Palladium 

Trim Castle

Trim Castle

Ireland’s largest Norman castle served as King John’s castle in the movie Braveheart. Big and Brave 

Tullamore Dew

Tullamore Dew

Experience the rich history (and flavor) of one of Ireland’s most famous exports. Do the Dew 

Clonmacnoise

Clonmacnoise

One of Ireland's most prominent medieval monasteries was renowned for its intricate metal and stone work. Cross Cut 

Athlone Castle

Athlone Castle

Now an interesting museum, for several centuries, this castle guarded the river crossing at Athlone. A Historic Ford-ification 

Derryglad Folk and Heritage Museum

Derryglad Folk and Heritage Museum

The several thousand objects showcased in this private collection offer a charming glimpse at rural Irish life. Everything but the Kitchen Sink 

Why people love Daytrip

Tripadvisor logo
4,800+ reviews
  • 2,133 travelers took this route with us
Dec 4, 2024

Excellent service for transfers in Thailand

I was unsure about this company but a few good reviews on Trip Advisor made me take the chance. I am so happy that we did. We needed a ride from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. Our driver Saksun was an excellent driver - it's not a long distance to drive (by Texas standards!) but the road is challenging and there are a lot of places where improvements to the road are being made. It took around 3 hours with a stop at a place with very clean bathrooms, very interesting hot springs and a place to get a snack and cold drinks. Saksun had a vehicle that was fantastic for this type of drive - a very comfortable ride indeed and was obviously well maintained and very clean. I highly recommend this company. I used to post on trip advisor as "lakekariba" but got out of the habit of doing so. This company was so easy to use and the result was so enjoyable that I felt that the company Daytrip and the driver Saksun had earned our trust and a glowing review. Gillian and Ted Pearsall Austin, Texas

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler lakekariba
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lakekariba

Dec 4, 2024
Dec 3, 2024

Excellent option to get to Vienna to Budapest!

We used Daytrip to travel between Budapest and Vienna with a 2 hour stop for lunch in Bratislava. Our driver Zsombor arrived on time at our hotel in Budapest and was very friendly and informative throughout our trip. His vehicle was roomy and clean and he was kind enough to provide us with some bottled water for the trip. Our quick visit stop in Bratislava was very nice as well. He gave us plenty of time to explore the city and have lunch before meeting him again when it was time to head for Vienna. Daytrip provided us with a happy and trouble free transfer between Budapest and Vienna. Many thanks to your team and especially to your driver Zsombor!

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler pgh1125
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pgh1125

Dec 3, 2024
Nov 9, 2024

Great communication with an actual person! They will take you ANYWHERE, No pre-set routes to choose from!

Last minute plan change and Daytrip was our last resort so I chatted with them and had an immediate response from a real person, best situation ever. Never used Daytrip before but the reviews were incredible so we took the chance and booked a driver at like 11-12pm and by 7am the next morning when we woke, they found us a driver and the driver had already texed us making contact! Very impressed and will definitely use them again. We went from Dubrovnik, Croatia to Tivat, Montenegro.

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler James B
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James B

Nov 9, 2024
Jun 6, 2023

Great way to travel between cities!

We used Daytrip to travel from Galway to Dublin. Our driver, Mick, was great! An efficient, friendly and helpful driver, he even swung back several minutes after drop off when we realized we left something in the vehicle. His vehicle was clean and he was on time, both of which I appreciated too. Booking was easy and clear too. We had a great overall experience and I would book again.

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler pattymA469HX
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pattymA469HX

Jun 6, 2023

Vehicle options for this trip

Most popular

sedan

Sedan

Comparable to aVolkswagen Passat
Passengers and luggage
  • 1-3
  • 3x
  • 3x
  • Clean
  • Comfortable
  • Air conditioned
  • Handicapped accessible
  • Child seats
  • Pet friendly
  • Smoke-free
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Best reviews

luxury sedan

Luxury sedan

Comparable to aMercedes Benz E-class
Passengers and luggage
  • 1-2
  • 2x
  • 2x
  • All standard sedan features
  • Luxurious vehicle
  • Chauffeur-style service
  • Extra amenities
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More options

mpv

Compact MPV

Comparable to aVolkswagen Touran
Passengers and luggage
  • 4
  • 4x
  • 4x
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van

Van

Comparable to aMercedes Vito
Passengers and luggage
  • 5-7
  • 7x
  • 7x
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The Daytrip driver advantage

Daytrip driver
  • Local knowledge about the route from Dublin to Galway
    Including available sights:
  • English speaking*

    All Daytrip drivers speak English* as well as their native language (and sometimes additional languages too!). They'll be happy to discuss local history and culture with you, as well as answer any questions you may have. And because they speak the language, they're able to provide you with a unique opportunity to connect with local culture. *Drivers for Lite service aren't required to speak English but must meet all other standards.

  • Safety first!

    We screen all our drivers for criminal and traffic records, and personally interview each one. We also inspect their cars for safety, comfort, and reliability. All cars must be less than ten years old, in excellent operating condition, and insured as required by local law. And because our drivers are locals, they're familiar with the rules and customs of the road.

World-class customer support

  • Available 24/7
  • Close relationship with drivers
  • Experts on the route from Dublin to Galway

Flexible cancellation policy

  • Cancellations: 100% refund up to 24 hours before the trip!
  • Changes: Free up to 24 hours before the trip!

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 the most convenient way to experience 13,800+ cities around the world.

Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries they’re visiting. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. We believe unique local knowledge and real human connection are irreplaceable when it comes to truly comprehending another culture.

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