How To Use Dublin Public Transport: Trams

Navigating public transport in a new city can be intimidating, especially if it’s your first day at work or class, but we’re here to help. Read on for Twin’s handy step-by-step guide to using the Luas in Dublin.

There are three main types of public transport in Dublin: the Luas, buses, and DART. If you live anywhere near a tramline, you’ll be spending most of your time on the Luas, meaning ‘speed’ in Irish. While these trams don’t quite live up to their name, they’re the cheapest and most convenient way to travel around the city centre and its suburbs.

1) Find the Best Ticket for You

Whichever ticket you decide to buy, make sure that you have it with you when you travel. Controllers on the Luas will often check passengers’ tickets and leap cards, and fines can reach €100 for failing to show a valid ticket.

Leap Card - If you want to make the most of your trip

If you plan to commute almost every day for work or class, then buying a Visiter Leap Card is best. These versatile travel cards allow you to hop on and off an unlimited number of trams, buses, and trains during a set time period. This is a great idea if you want to experience as much as possible while you’re in Dublin. With a Leap Card, you don’t have to worry about taking the wrong tram or train because your fare is already paid for. However, make sure you tap on when you get on a tram and off when you leave. Failing to do so can result in a hefty fine.

How to Buy: Leap cards can be purchased online in advance and delivered to your door. If you don’t have time to wait around, you can buy them at the Wrights Airport Conv Store (T1 Arrivals) airport or the Dublin City Centre Bus Office on Upper O’Connell Street.

1, 7 and 30-Day Tickets - If you’ll be commuting on the tram

If you know you won’t be using any other form of public transport while you’re in Dublin, buying a 1, 7, or 30-day ticket for the Luas may be more cost-effective. A 1-day Flexi ticket is only €5.80 for adults, and a 7-day Flexi ticket is €15.60. Students and young adults also get reduced fairs, with a 30-day student Flexi ticket costing €61.

How to Buy: You can purchase these tickets at the ticket machines located at every tram stop. All you need to do is select the ticket you need and then pay with cash or card.

Single/return tickets - If you’ll be using the Luas sparingly

For those who will only be taking the occasional trip, buying single or return tickets for individual journeys means you won’t be wasting any money.

How to Buy: Like 1, 7, and 30-day tickets, single and return journeys can be bought at the tram stop ticket machines.

2) Plan your route

If you’re feeling a bit lost, try entering your destination on Google Maps. The app will often give you exact routes telling you where to get on and off, making the whole process a lot easier.

Red and Green Lines

With only two lines, red and green, the tram system in Dublin is very simple to use once you know the right stops. The red line goes from Saggart/Tallaght to The Point/Connolly and vice versa. If your stop is located before Belgard or Busaras, there’s no need to worry about which tram you’re getting, so long as it’s going in the right direction. The green line connects Broombridge/Parnell to Brides Glen.

Changing Routes

Sometimes it is necessary to change tram lines. This is easy to do: you can switch between the two lines at Abbey Street, O’Connell GPO, and Marlborough Street.

Timetable

The two tramlines operate from 5.30 am to 12.30 am Monday-Friday, from 6.30 am to 12.30 am on Saturdays, and from 7.30 am to 12 am Sundays. If you’re out late, then it’s usually better to catch a bus.

3) Start Your Journey

Now you’ve purchased your tickets and planned your journey, it’s time to set off! Head to your nearest Luas stop, tap in if you need to, and press the button on the door to get on.

Studying English in Dublin gives you the chance to visit attractions around the city and take day trips to scenic destinations like Howth and Malahide Castle. If you'd like to combine language learning with cultural immersion, take a look at Twin's English Language courses.