The cheapest and fastest buses from Cork to Limerick
Cheapest price
$21
Average price
$24
Fastest journey
1 h 30 m
Average duration
1 h 42 m
Buses per day
22
Distance
86 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cork to Limerick is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cork to Limerick will cost around $24 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $21.
Of the 22 buses that leave Cork for Limerick on Tue, Jun 09, 22 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Jun 09 the direct buses cover the 86 km distance in an average of 1 h 42 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 30 m .
On Tue, Jun 09 the slowest buses will take 1 h 45 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 AM1h45Cork9:45 AMLimerick$211One-way0 transfers
11:00 AM1h45Cork12:45 PMLimerick$211One-way0 transfers
1:00 PM1h45Cork2:45 PMLimerick$211One-way0 transfers
2:15 PM1h45Cork4:00 PMLimerick$211One-way0 transfers
4:00 PM1h45Cork5:45 PMLimerick$211One-way0 transfers
8:15 PM1h30Cork9:45 PMLimerick$211One-way0 transfers
7:25 AM1h45Cork9:10 AMLimerick$261One-way0 transfers
8:00 AM1h45Cork9:45 AMLimerick$211One-way0 transfers
8:25 AM1h45Cork10:10 AMLimerick$261One-way0 transfers
9:25 AM1h45Cork11:10 AMLimerick$261One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Cork to Limerick
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Cork to Limerick among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $20. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 1h 44m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $20, and a bus costs an average of $21.
Distance: 53 miles (86 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$24 Average price | $20 Average price Cheapest | $22 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 14m Average total duration Fastest 1h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 17m Average total duration 1h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 45m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Cork to Limerick:
A train is $4 (€4) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Cork to Limerick costing on average $24 (€20).
Other travel options to Limerick take longer:
Train takes on average 1h 47m.
You'll arrive about 1m sooner (1h 44m by bus vs 1h 45m by car). Tickets start at around $24 (€20) compared to roughly $22 (€18) in fuel and tolls — a bit more, but you're getting time back, skipping traffic and parking, and you can work or rest on board.
Direct coaches are operated by Infobus, Expressway (Bus Éireann), Citylink.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel splits across several people), want flexibility on timing, or plan to stop en route.
Cork to Limerick Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Expressway (Bus Éireann) | Departure Time 07:25AM | Arrival Time 09:10AM | Duration 1h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator Citylink | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 09:45AM | Duration 1h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator Expressway (Bus Éireann) | Departure Time 08:25AM | Arrival Time 10:10AM | Duration 1h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator Expressway (Bus Éireann) | Departure Time 09:25AM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 1h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator Expressway (Bus Éireann) | Departure Time 10:25AM | Arrival Time 12:10PM | Duration 1h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator Citylink | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 1h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator Expressway (Bus Éireann) | Departure Time 11:25AM | Arrival Time 01:10PM | Duration 1h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator Expressway (Bus Éireann) | Departure Time 12:25PM | Arrival Time 02:10PM | Duration 1h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator Citylink | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 02:45PM | Duration 1h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator Expressway (Bus Éireann) | Departure Time 01:25PM | Arrival Time 03:10PM | Duration 1h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator Citylink | Departure Time 02:15PM | Arrival Time 04:00PM | Duration 1h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator Expressway (Bus Éireann) | Departure Time 02:25PM | Arrival Time 04:10PM | Duration 1h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator Expressway (Bus Éireann) | Departure Time 03:25PM | Arrival Time 05:10PM | Duration 1h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator Citylink | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 05:45PM | Duration 1h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator Expressway (Bus Éireann) | Departure Time 04:25PM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 1h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator Citylink | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 1h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator Expressway (Bus Éireann) | Departure Time 05:25PM | Arrival Time 07:10PM | Duration 1h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator Expressway (Bus Éireann) | Departure Time 06:25PM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 1h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator Citylink | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 08:45PM | Duration 1h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator Expressway (Bus Éireann) | Departure Time 07:25PM | Arrival Time 09:20PM | Duration 1h55 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator Citylink | Departure Time 08:15PM | Arrival Time 09:45PM | Duration 1h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator Expressway (Bus Éireann) | Departure Time 08:55PM | Arrival Time 10:40PM | Duration 1h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $26 |
Compare prices and tickets Cork to Limerick by bus or train
Compare bus and train 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.
Jun 09
Jun 10
Jun 11
Jun 12
Jun 13
Jun 14
Jun 15
Why should you book Cork to Limerick buses with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Alibus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Alibus, but also compare tickets for the likes of Irish Citylink, Infobus, Expressway (Bus Éireann) or Citylink to find the best option for your trip from Cork to Limerick.
- 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 Alibus with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cork to Limerick.
Why book with Omio over Busbud or Checkmybus?
- Official reseller: Alibus tickets can only be bought on Omio or Alibus's website as Omio is the only official third party seller for Alibus tickets. Busbud or Checkmybus do not sell Alibus tickets as they are not official sellers.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Cork to Limerick.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cork to Limerick
Buses from Cork to Limerick run on average 44 times per day, taking around 1h 44m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $21 (€17) but you can travel from only $20 (€16) by train.
There are 13 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 07:25, the last at 20:55. The fastest bus covers the 53 miles (86 km) distance in 1h 30m.
Distance 53 miles (86 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 44m |
Cheapest ticket price $21 (€17) |
Buses per day 44 |
Direct buses 13 |
Fastest bus 1h 30m |
First bus 7:25 AM |
Last bus 8:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 4 days |
Bus providers: Alibus, Irish Citylink, Infobus, Expressway (Bus Éireann), Citylink from Cork to LimerickYou can travel by bus between Cork to Limerick with Alibus, Irish Citylink, Infobus, Expressway (Bus Éireann), Citylink for as low as $20 (€16). 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 Limerick
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cork to Limerick 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 Limerick, 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.
- King John's Castle, a 13th-century fortress offering interactive exhibits and panoramic views of the River Shannon
- St. Mary's Cathedral, a historic church dating back to 1168 known for its medieval architecture and serene atmosphere
- The Hunt Museum, a museum housing an extensive collection of art and antiquities from Ireland and beyond
- Limerick City Gallery of Art, a contemporary art gallery featuring works by Irish artists and temporary exhibitions
- People's Park, a Victorian-era public park with landscaped gardens, a playground, and a variety of sculptures.
- Milk Market, a bustling market offering local produce, crafts, and live music on weekends
- Explore the Shannon River by taking a scenic boat tour
- Attend a traditional Irish music session at one of Limerick's lively pubs
- Visit the Frank McCourt Museum, dedicated to the author of "Angela's Ashes" and showcasing his life in Limerick
- Enjoy a rugby match at Thomond Park, home of Munster Rugby.
- 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 Limerick
- The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible
Most popular bus connections from Cork
More options for your journey from Cork to Limerick
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