Dublin Airport is the busiest in Ireland with many flights throughout Europe, as well as being a major connecting point for travellers heading to the US. Bursting at the seams, the pair of terminals continues to grow adding more space for low-cost and traditional airlines. A big feather in Dublin’s airport cap is that it offers pre-clearance immigration for U.S.-bound flights, minimising time upon arrival at the destination. This, along with its geographic position in northwestern Europe, has helped the airport to significantly grow its connecting traffic. Here’s how to get around this crowded airport with ease.
Getting to and from Dublin Airport
Beyond taxis and traditional rideshare services, there are buses that operate 24 hours a day, including double-decker rides that take travellers into the city centre. I love sitting upstairs to take in the better views although I would not recommend bringing heavy luggage up the narrow stairway.
Keep in mind that there are multiple airport bus services, and they have slightly different routes. Be sure to get on the one closest to your destination. There is also a local bus that stops at the airport. While much cheaper, it makes many more stops and is not worth the extra savings.
Hire cars are a popular option for visitors to Ireland, but there are a couple of considerations. I have driven in Ireland, and luckily they drive on the left side of the road, like the UK.
Another important thing to know is that the hire car insurance that is sometimes built into a credit card’s list of benefits is often not eligible to use in Ireland. Be sure to ask in advance if your credit card insurance will cover any incidents.
If you plan on driving your own car, I recommend pre-booking a parking spot because the airport has limited options. Many airport hotels offer airport parking if you cannot find a spot at the parking garage.
Dublin Airport is home to Ireland’s national carrier Aer Lingus as well as low-cost airline Ryanair. The latter is famous for its notoriously low fares, which can mean travelling with limited cabin bags or less legroom.
This means the airport experience becomes even more important so travellers can enjoy their trip before they board the plane. Remember that when travelling on Ryanair, you will be charged to check in and receive a boarding pass if you wait until arriving at the airport. Check in at home and arrive with a printed or electronic boarding pass.
Ireland is not part of the Schengen Zone, which means travelling to most destinations requires carrying a passport. The terminal your airline uses may vary based on destination, and it is important to check the departure boards. The airport serves most major U.S., European and Middle Eastern airlines.
Aer Lingus flights leave from Terminal 2 while Ryanair flights leave from Terminal 1. Most Ryanair flights board using air stairs rather than a jet bridge, which means travellers are exposed to the elements like rain or wind. Come prepared or you may be caught off guard in the Irish weather.
Walks can be long, especially if travelling between long-haul U.S. flights in Terminal 2 and Terminal 1’s gates 101-121 where it can take 20-30 minutes to walk. Luckily, there are moving walkways in some areas of the terminal, but I always allow plenty of time.
Part of the walkway wraps around the original airport building, which is a listed building and protected by the government. Some passengers still pass through this historic structure.
U.S. Pre-clearance
Each time I pass through Dublin, there are always lengthy queues with many travellers fretting over missing their flight. If you're off to the States via Dublin, allow plenty of time because you'll need it (especially during the busy summer months). The airport lists security waits in real time on its website, but this does not cover immigration lines.
What may sound like a hassle is actually a benefit, however, because it will save you time when arriving in the U.S. By completing these formalities in Dublin, you disembark your flight as if you had landed from a U.S. destination.
Everyone must pass through security before their flight, but not everyone will have a special access lane due to their ticket or elite status tier. Luckily, Dublin offers a paid fast-track service of its own, which can be pre-booked online and much cheaper than buying an upgraded ticket type.
Dining and duty-free
By allowing enough time for immigration and security for your flight, there is now time to relax and do a little shopping. I appreciate that the airport has an impressive selection of duty-free products.
Whether it’s Irish whiskey and local salmon, Waterford crystal or just some Emerald Isle souvenirs, there is plenty to peruse once through security. Pro tip: sign up for the airport’s online newsletter via its website, and you can save 10% off your first duty-free purchase.
If you are flying within the European Union and returning to Ireland, you can purchase items from duty-free, but then store them in a secure area of the airport to collect upon your return. This allows you to avail of duty-free savings without having to carry them on your journey.
I recommend using the airport’s online “click and collect” service to save time when travelling within the European Union. You can also do a better job of comparing the price savings in advance, which can help guide your decision making on what is actually a good deal.
You can find plenty to eat and drink at Dublin airport, including several breweries or bars to sip a pint of Guinness before the flight. Terminal 1 has two of my favourite venues: Marquette food hall, which is self-service and has plenty of grab and go options, or Street Kitchen for grain bowls and salads.
Airport hotels
Dublin airport does not have any hotels directly attached to the terminal, but there are several within a short drive via free shuttle. You can also walk across the parking lot (not ideal in inclement weather though).
When flying Aer Lingus and staying at an airport hotel the night before, I like to take advantage of “evening before check in,” which is a service that the airline offers between April and September due to heavier passenger volumes.
My preferred option is the Radisson Blu, which is easily walkable in less than minutes (if it is not raining since there is no covered walkway) from Terminal 2. Just follow the footpaths that guide you there. Terminal 1 is a bit further on foot, but both are connected with the hotel via a free shuttle.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
