The cheapest and fastest buses from Cork to Galway
Cheapest price
$29
Average price
$33
Fastest journey
3 h 5 m
Average duration
3 h 35 m
Buses per day
10
Distance
158 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cork to Galway is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cork to Galway will cost around $33 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $29.
Of the 10 buses that leave Cork for Galway on Thu, May 28, 10 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, May 28 the direct buses cover the 158 km distance in an average of 3 h 35 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 5 m .
On Thu, May 28 the slowest buses will take 4 h 20 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.
8:00 AM3h05Cork11:05 AMGalway$291One-way0 transfers
11:00 AM3h05Cork2:05 PMGalway$291One-way0 transfers
1:00 PM3h05Cork4:05 PMGalway$291One-way0 transfers
7:25 AM4h20Cork11:45 AMGalway$351One-way0 transfers
8:25 AM4h20Cork12:45 PMGalway$351One-way0 transfers
8:00 AM3h05Cork11:05 AMGalway$291One-way0 transfers
11:00 AM3h05Cork2:05 PMGalway$291One-way0 transfers
1:00 PM3h05Cork4:05 PMGalway$291One-way0 transfers
7:25 AM4h20Cork11:45 AMGalway$351One-way0 transfers
8:25 AM4h20Cork12:45 PMGalway$351One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Cork to Galway
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Cork to Galway among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $29. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 3h 55m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $29, and a train costs an average of $32.
Distance: 98 miles (158 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$32 Average price Cheapest | $40 Average price | $45 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 25m Average total duration Fastest 3h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 10m Average total duration 5h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 41m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Cork to Galway:
A bus is $8 (€6) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cork to Galway costing on average $40 (€32).
Other travel options to Galway take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 40m.
Tickets start at around $32 (€26) compared to roughly $45 (€37) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $13 (€11). The journey takes 3h 55m versus 2h 41m 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 Infobus, Expressway (Bus Éireann), 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.
Cork to Galway Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Expressway (Bus Éireann) | Departure Time 07:25AM | Arrival Time 11:45AM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator Citylink | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 11:05AM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator Expressway (Bus Éireann) | Departure Time 08:25AM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator Expressway (Bus Éireann) | Departure Time 09:25AM | Arrival Time 01:45PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator Expressway (Bus Éireann) | Departure Time 10:25AM | Arrival Time 02:45PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator Citylink | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 02:05PM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator Expressway (Bus Éireann) | Departure Time 11:25AM | Arrival Time 03:45PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator Expressway (Bus Éireann) | Departure Time 12:25PM | Arrival Time 04:45PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator Citylink | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator Expressway (Bus Éireann) | Departure Time 01:25PM | Arrival Time 05:45PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator Citylink | Departure Time 02:15PM | Arrival Time 05:20PM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator Expressway (Bus Éireann) | Departure Time 02:25PM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator Expressway (Bus Éireann) | Departure Time 03:25PM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator Citylink | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 07:05PM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator Expressway (Bus Éireann) | Departure Time 04:25PM | Arrival Time 08:45PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator Citylink | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator Expressway (Bus Éireann) | Departure Time 05:25PM | Arrival Time 09:45PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator Expressway (Bus Éireann) | Departure Time 06:25PM | Arrival Time 10:45PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator Citylink | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 10:05PM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator Citylink | Departure Time 08:15PM | Arrival Time 11:05PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $29 |
Live departures
Cork to Galway bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cork to Galway buses for today, Wednesday, May 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:25 AM Cork | 4h20 | 11:45 AM Galway | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:00 AM Cork | 3h05 | 11:05 AM Galway | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:25 AM Cork | 4h20 | 12:45 PM Galway | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:25 AM Cork | 4h20 | 1:45 PM Galway | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:25 AM Cork | 4h20 | 2:45 PM Galway | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:00 AM Cork | 3h05 | 2:05 PM Galway | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:25 AM Cork | 4h20 | 3:45 PM Galway | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:25 PM Cork | 4h20 | 4:45 PM Galway | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:00 PM Cork | 3h05 | 4:05 PM Galway | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:25 PM Cork | 4h20 | 5:45 PM Galway | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:15 PM Cork | 3h05 | 5:20 PM Galway | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:25 PM Cork | 4h20 | 6:45 PM Galway | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:25 PM Cork | 4h20 | 7:45 PM Galway | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:00 PM Cork | 3h05 | 7:05 PM Galway | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:25 PM Cork | 4h20 | 8:45 PM Galway | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:00 PM Cork | 3h05 | 8:05 PM Galway | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:25 PM Cork | 4h20 | 9:45 PM Galway | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:25 PM Cork | 4h20 | 10:45 PM Galway | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:00 PM Cork | 3h05 | 10:05 PM Galway | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:15 PM Cork | 2h50 | 11:05 PM Galway | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cork to Galway by train or bus
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.
May 28
May 29
May 30
May 31
Jun 01
Jun 02
Jun 03
Why should you book Cork to Galway buses with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Irish Citylink?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Irish Citylink, but also compare tickets for the likes of Alibus, Infobus, Expressway (Bus Éireann) or Citylink to find the best option for your trip from Cork to Galway.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Irish Citylink with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cork to Galway.
ReviewsReviews for the bus trip from Cork to Galway

Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cork to Galway
Buses from Cork to Galway run on average 56 times per day, taking around 3h 55m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $29 (€23) if you book in advance.
There are 23 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 07:05, the last at 18:25. The fastest bus covers the 98 miles (158 km) distance in 2h 50m.
Distance 98 miles (158 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price $29 (€23) |
Buses per day 56 |
Direct buses 23 |
Fastest bus 2h 50m |
First bus 7:05 AM |
Last bus 6:25 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 70 days |
Bus providers: Irish Citylink, Alibus, Infobus, Expressway (Bus Éireann), Citylink from Cork to GalwayYou can travel by bus between Cork to Galway with Irish Citylink, Alibus, Infobus, Expressway (Bus Éireann), Citylink for as low as $29 (€23). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Irish Citylink
Infobus
Alibus
Expressway (Bus Éireann)
Citylink
FAQs: Bus from Cork to Galway
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cork to Galway 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 Galway, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

- Alibus
- Pram/stroller access and dedicated wheelchair accessibility are available.
- Infobus
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
- Irish Citylink
- Irish Citylink has several wheelchair-accessible coaches on the Galway to Dublin route, but it is recommended to reach out ahead of time to ensure necessary accommodations.
- Eyre Square, a central public park known for its historical monuments and vibrant atmosphere
- Galway Cathedral, an impressive stone cathedral featuring stunning architecture and stained glass windows
- Spanish Arch, a 16th-century stone archway and remnant of the city's medieval walls
- Galway City Museum, a cultural institution offering exhibits on local history and heritage
- Salthill Promenade, a scenic coastal walkway offering views of Galway Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
- Walk along the Salthill Promenade, offering scenic views of Galway Bay and a refreshing sea breeze
- Discover the Latin Quarter, a vibrant area filled with colorful shops, pubs, and street performers
- Explore the Claddagh, a historic fishing village known for its traditional Irish charm and iconic Claddagh ring
- Enjoy a traditional Irish music session in one of Galway's lively pubs
- Take a boat tour to the Aran Islands, offering stunning landscapes and a glimpse into traditional Irish life.
- Alibus
- The cancellation policy depends on the type of ticket chosen.
- Infobus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a partial refund. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a fee.
- Irish Citylink
- Refund requests may only be made by writing to the Customer Service Team, and Citylink will only consider refunding a ticket if the cancellation is due to the company being at fault, such as a late departure.
- Alibus
- One piece of baggage and one piece of hand luggage are allowed.
- Infobus
- One carry-on bag up to 5kg (40x20x25) and one checked bag up to 20kg (50x30x80).
- Irish Citylink
- Each passenger is permitted to carry one 20kg suitcase, one 10kg suitcase, and one small soft bag suitable for onboard storage.
- Alibus
- For medium-sized dogs, an additional ticket is required.
- Infobus
- 10€ per additional bag.
- Irish Citylink
- Additional luggage may be accepted if space permits, with a surcharge of €5.00 per extra item.
- Alibus
- Small pets are allowed in carriers, and dogs must be muzzled and leashed
- guide dogs are allowed for free.
- Infobus
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- larger pets may require a separate ticket.
- Irish Citylink
- One guide dog is permitted onboard per passenger.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Cork to Galway
- The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible
Most popular bus connections from Cork
More options for your journey from Cork to Galway
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
