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Ireland flagTransportation & Infrastructure Guide

Public transit, airports, and getting around in Ireland

Ireland's transportation landscape features a car-dependent network with improving public transport in Dublin via Luas trams, DART rail, and expanding bus services, complemented by 128 airports including 11 major ones. Key strengths include heavy government investment (€4.74B in 2026, €24B over five years) in rail (DART+, MetroLink), roads, and active travel, while challenges persist in rural connectivity, traffic congestion, and limited high-speed rail outside cities. Vehicles drive on the left; options suit urban residents and tourists via buses/trains, with car rental essential for countryside exploration.
Public Transport
Moderate
Road Infrastructure
Moderate
Public Transport
5.8/10

Good coverage in Dublin with Luas trams, DART commuter rail, and BusConnects; regional Irish Rail connects major cities like Cork, Galway. Limited metro (MetroLink in planning), no high-speed trains. Integration improving via leap card, but rural services sparse. Frequency reliable in peaks, accessibility growing.

Road Infrastructure
7.2/10

Well-maintained national roads and motorways (M50, N-roads) with ongoing upgrades like M28 Cork. Good urban quality in cities, traffic management advancing (M50 upgrade). Rural roads narrower but safe; strong maintenance focus via €9.7B investment, safety features standard.

Internet Speed
7.8/10

Strong broadband with widespread fiber in urban areas, average fixed speeds ~250 Mbps. Mobile 5G/4G excellent. Rural gaps closing via National Broadband Plan; high investment supports gigabit potential.

Avg: 250+ Mbps • Extensive in cities/Dublin (70%+ homes), expanding rural via NBP to 95% gigabit-capable by 2026

Airport Connectivity
7.6/10

11 major airports provide strong European/US links; Dublin (DUB) primary hub for Aer Lingus/Ryanair. Good domestic coverage to Cork, Shannon, Knock. Quality modern, accessible by bus/rail.

Hubs: Dublin (DUB), Cork (ORK), Shannon (SNN), Knock (NOC)

Transportation Costs

Metro Pass
€120/month (Dublin Leap Card)
Bus Trip
€2-€3 single ride (Dublin Bus)
Taxi
€3.80 start + €1.10/km (Dublin)
High-speed Train
€40-80 Dublin-Cork Intercity

Mobile Network

5G Coverage: Widespread urban coverage (Dublin, Cork, Galway), expanding rural 2024-2026 via Eir, Vodafone, Three
4G Coverage: 99% population coverage, strong nationwide from major operators

Reliable networks with high speeds (100+ Mbps urban 5G); minimal downtime, excellent for navigation/apps even remotely.

Driving License

EU licenses validConversion needed

EU/EEA licenses valid indefinitely. Non-EU valid 12 months for visitors; residents must exchange after 6-12 months. IDP recommended with non-EU license. Drive on left.

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