Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Dublin to Carlow
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Dublin to Carlow among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $12. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 4m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $12, and a bus costs an average of $16.
Distance: 44 miles (71 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$20 Average price | $12 Average price Cheapest | $19 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 59m Average total duration 1h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 34m Average total duration Fastest 1h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 14m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Dublin to Carlow:
A train is $8 (€7) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Dublin to Carlow costing on average $20 (€17).
Other travel options to Carlow take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 29m.
You'll arrive about -1h -15m sooner (1h 29m by bus vs 1h 14m by car) and save roughly $-1.52 (€-1.25) compared to fuel and tolls ($20 (€17) vs $19 (€15)). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by Infobus, Expressway (Bus Éireann), J.J.Kavanagh & Sons.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
Dublin to Carlow Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator J.J.Kavanagh & Sons | Departure Time 12:05AM | Arrival Time 01:25AM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator J.J.Kavanagh & Sons | Departure Time 05:50AM | Arrival Time 07:10AM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator J.J.Kavanagh & Sons | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 08:45AM | Duration 1h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator Expressway (Bus Éireann) | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 10:50AM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator Dublin Bus | Departure Time 09:31AM | Arrival Time 10:50AM | Duration 1h19 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator Expressway (Bus Éireann) | Departure Time 11:20AM | Arrival Time 12:55PM | Duration 1h35 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator J.J.Kavanagh & Sons | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 12:50PM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator J.J.Kavanagh & Sons | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator Expressway (Bus Éireann) | Departure Time 01:35PM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 1h25 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator J.J.Kavanagh & Sons | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator J.J.Kavanagh & Sons | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 1h25 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator Expressway (Bus Éireann) | Departure Time 03:35PM | Arrival Time 05:05PM | Duration 1h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator J.J.Kavanagh & Sons | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 05:30PM | Duration 1h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator J.J.Kavanagh & Sons | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 1h35 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator Expressway (Bus Éireann) | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 1h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator Dublin Bus | Departure Time 06:02PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 1h28 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator J.J.Kavanagh & Sons | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator Expressway (Bus Éireann) | Departure Time 07:45PM | Arrival Time 09:05PM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator J.J.Kavanagh & Sons | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 10:20PM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator Expressway (Bus Éireann) | Departure Time 10:35PM | Arrival Time 12:00AM | Duration 1h25 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator Expressway (Bus Éireann) | Departure Time 11:45PM | Arrival Time 01:00AM | Duration 1h15 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $24 |
Compare prices and tickets Dublin to Carlow 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.
Jul 12
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Jul 17
Jul 18
Why should you book Dublin to Carlow 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 Infobus, Expressway (Bus Éireann), Dublin Bus or J.J.Kavanagh & Sons to find the best option for your trip from Dublin to Carlow.
- 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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Dublin to Carlow.
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 train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Dublin to Carlow.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Dublin to Carlow
Buses from Dublin to Carlow run on average 56 times per day, taking around 1h 29m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $16 (€13) but you can travel from only $12 (€10) by train.
There are 41 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 06:00, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 44 miles (71 km) distance in 1h 15m.
Distance 44 miles (71 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 29m |
Cheapest ticket price $16 (€13) |
Buses per day 56 |
Direct buses 41 |
Fastest bus 1h 15m |
First bus 6:00 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 3 days |
Bus providers: Alibus, Infobus, Expressway (Bus Éireann), Dublin Bus, J.J.Kavanagh & Sons from Dublin to CarlowYou can travel by bus between Dublin to Carlow with Alibus, Infobus, Expressway (Bus Éireann), Dublin Bus, J.J.Kavanagh & Sons for as low as $12 (€10). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Infobus
Alibus
Expressway (Bus Éireann)
Dublin Bus
J.J.Kavanagh & Sons
FAQs: Bus from Dublin to Carlow
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Dublin to Carlow 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 Carlow, 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- Alibus
- For medium-sized dogs, an additional ticket is required.
- Infobus
- 10€ per additional bag.
- 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.
More options for your journey from Dublin to Carlow
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