- Must visit
National Gallery of Ireland
Ireland’s leading art museum, with major European and Irish collections and frequent temporary exhibitions in a central city location.
Cheapest price
$23
Average price
$23
Fastest journey
2 h 5 m
Average duration
2 h 9 m
Buses per day
8
Distance
113 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Athlone to Dublin is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Athlone to Dublin will cost around $23 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $23.
Of the 8 buses that leave Athlone for Dublin on Fri, Jun 19, 8 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 19 the direct buses cover the 113 km distance in an average of 2 h 9 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 5 m .
On Fri, Jun 19 the slowest buses will take 2 h 10 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.










Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Athlone to Dublin among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $17. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 30m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $17, and a bus costs an average of $23.
Distance: 70 miles (113 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$23 Average price | $17 Average price Cheapest | $32 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 29m Average total duration 1h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 0m Average total duration Fastest 1h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 33m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Athlone to Dublin:
A train is $6 (€5) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Athlone to Dublin costing on average $23 (€19).
Other travel options to Dublin take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 59m.
Tickets start at around $23 (€19) compared to roughly $32 (€26) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $9 (€7). The journey takes 1h 59m versus 1h 33m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by Citylink.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Citylink | Departure Time 02:30AM | Arrival Time 04:35AM | Duration 2h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator Citylink | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 08:40AM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator Citylink | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator Citylink | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator Citylink | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 03:40PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator Citylink | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 05:40PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator Citylink | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator Citylink | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 09:40PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $23 |
The table below shows live departures for Athlone to Dublin buses for tomorrow, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 2:30 AM Arcadia | 2h05 | 4:35 AM Dublin | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:30 AM Arcadia | 2h10 | 8:40 AM Dublin | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:00 AM Arcadia | 2h10 | 11:10 AM Dublin | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:30 AM Arcadia | 2h10 | 1:40 PM Dublin | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:30 PM Arcadia | 2h10 | 3:40 PM Dublin | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:30 PM Arcadia | 2h10 | 5:40 PM Dublin | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:30 PM Arcadia | 2h10 | 7:40 PM Dublin | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:30 PM Arcadia | 2h10 | 9:40 PM Dublin | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Athlone to Dublin run on average 7 times per day, taking around 1h 59m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $23 (€19) but you can travel from only $17 (€14) by train.
There are 7 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 02:30, the last at 19:30. The fastest bus covers the 70 miles (113 km) distance in 2h 5m.
Distance 70 miles (113 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 59m |
Cheapest ticket price $23 (€19) |
Buses per day 7 |
Direct buses 7 |
Fastest bus 2h 5m |
First bus 2:30 AM |
Last bus 7:30 PM |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 35 days |
Discover the best of Dublin — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Dublin trip today.
Ireland’s leading art museum, with major European and Irish collections and frequent temporary exhibitions in a central city location.
The key museum for Irish prehistory and early history, known for Celtic gold, Viking material, and famous bog bodies.
Major contemporary art museum housed in the historic Royal Hospital Kilmainham, with strong exhibitions and notable formal grounds.
Dublin’s most famous central quarter, known for lively streets, cobbles, cultural venues, and heavy visitor traffic.
The city’s best-known pedestrian shopping street, popular for buskers, energy, and easy access to major central sights.
A landmark Victorian city park ideal for a central walk, with landscaped gardens, ponds, and historic memorials.
A traditional hearty stew, usually made with lamb or mutton, potatoes, onions, and carrots. It is one of Ireland’s best-known comfort dishes.
A classic Dublin dish of sausages, bacon, onions, and potatoes slow-cooked together. It is closely associated with the city’s working-class food history.
A traditional Irish potato pancake or griddle bread, especially associated with the east and north-midlands but widely served in Dublin. It is valued for its crisp outside and soft center.
One of Dublin’s leading fine dining restaurants, celebrated for refined Irish cuisine and polished service in an elegant setting.
A long-established Temple Bar restaurant specializing in boxty and other traditional Irish dishes. Friendly and distinctly local in focus.
A well-regarded Irish restaurant above a historic bookshop, known for seasonal produce, Irish seafood, and views over the Ha’penny Bridge.
Dublin is pricey for lodging, dining, and drinks versus many European cities, though buses and casual eats can be manageable.
Service is often included only sometimes. Tip about 10% in restaurants for good service, round up taxis, and tipping in pubs or cafes is optional.
Official public transport app
Dublin Airport Terminal 2, Dublin -> Dublin Connolly Station, Dublin
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Athlone to Dublin by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Dublin, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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