- Must visit
Athlone Castle Visitor Centre
Interactive museum inside Athlone Castle exploring conflict, trade, and daily life on the Shannon through modern displays.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Galway to Athlone
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Nov 03
- Cheapest price on Nov 03
- $20
- Average ticket price on Nov 03
- $20
- Fastest journey on Nov 03
- 1 h 30 m
- Average journey duration on Nov 03
- 1 h 30 m
- Buses on Nov 03
- 7
- Distance
- 75 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Galway to Athlone is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Galway to Athlone will cost around $20 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $20.
Fast buses
On Tue, Nov 03, we found 7 buses from Galway to Athlone, including 7 direct services.
On Tue, Nov 03 the direct buses cover the 75 km distance in an average of 1 h 30 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 30 m .
On Tue, Nov 03 the slowest buses will take 1 h 30 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.
5:00 AM 1h30 Galway 6:30 AM Arcadia $20 1 One-way 0 transfers7:30 AM 1h30 Galway 9:00 AM Arcadia $20 1 One-way 0 transfers10:00 AM 1h30 Galway 11:30 AM Arcadia $20 1 One-way 0 transfers12:00 PM 1h30 Galway 1:30 PM Arcadia $20 1 One-way 0 transfers2:00 PM 1h30 Galway 3:30 PM Arcadia $20 1 One-way 0 transfers
5:00 AM 1h30 Galway 6:30 AM Arcadia $20 1 One-way 0 transfers7:30 AM 1h30 Galway 9:00 AM Arcadia $20 1 One-way 0 transfers10:00 AM 1h30 Galway 11:30 AM Arcadia $20 1 One-way 0 transfers12:00 PM 1h30 Galway 1:30 PM Arcadia $20 1 One-way 0 transfers2:00 PM 1h30 Galway 3:30 PM Arcadia $20 1 One-way 0 transfers
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Galway to Athlone
IrelandIreland
Take a bus from Galway to Athlone and enjoy the approximately 46 miles (75 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest bus runs at 01:00, the last at 18:00.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 46 miles (75 km) |
First bus 1:00 AM |
Last bus 6:00 PM |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 4 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Frequently asked questions about your Galway to Athlone trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Galway to Athlone.
The earliest bus from Galway to Athlone leaves at 1:00 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Galway to Athlone leaves at 6:00 PM.
Galway to Athlone Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Citylink | Departure Time 01:00AM | Arrival Time 02:30AM | Duration 1h30 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator Citylink | Departure Time 05:00AM | Arrival Time 06:30AM | Duration 1h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator Citylink | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 09:00AM | Duration 1h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator Citylink | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 11:30AM | Duration 1h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator Citylink | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 01:30PM | Duration 1h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator Citylink | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 1h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator Citylink | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 05:30PM | Duration 1h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator Citylink | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 1h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $20 |
Live departures
Galway to Athlone bus times
The table below shows live departures for Galway to Athlone buses for tomorrow, Tuesday, November 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5:00 AM Galway | 1h30 | 6:30 AM Arcadia | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 7:30 AM Galway | 1h30 | 9:00 AM Arcadia | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 10:00 AM Galway | 1h30 | 11:30 AM Arcadia | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 12:00 PM Galway | 1h30 | 1:30 PM Arcadia | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 2:00 PM Galway | 1h30 | 3:30 PM Arcadia | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 4:00 PM Galway | 1h30 | 5:30 PM Arcadia | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 6:00 PM Galway | 1h30 | 7:30 PM Arcadia | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Bus providers: Citylink from Galway to AthloneYou can travel by bus between Galway to Athlone with Citylink. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Citylink
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Citylink Duration
1h 30m
Cheapest Citylink Price
$20
Citylink frequency
7 a day
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Galway and Athlone
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
When taking a bus from Galway to Athlone, you can count on Citylink for the best way to get you to Athlone. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Galway and Athlone and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
No, the bus from Galway to Athlone has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the bus from Galway to Athlone.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the bus from Galway to Athlone.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the bus from Galway to Athlone.
No, luggage for the bus from Galway to Athlone needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the bus from Galway to Athlone.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Galway to Athlone.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the bus from Galway to Athlone.
No, there is no WiFi on board the bus from Galway to Athlone.
Complete guide to Athlone
Things to do in Athlone
Discover the best of Athlone — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Athlone trip today.
- Recommended
Luan Gallery
Gallery space presenting changing exhibitions and cultural events, useful for seeing contemporary work during a visit to town.
Athlone Heritage Centre
Small local museum preserving regional memories, artefacts, and stories linked to Athlone and the wider Midlands area.
- Recommended
River Shannon Walk
Main riverside promenade in the centre, ideal for walking, boating views, and easy access to shops, bridges, and heritage sites.
- Recommended
Athlone Marina
Lockside and marina area with waterside paths and passing boats, giving visitors one of Athlone's most attractive urban views.
Burgess Park
Large public park with mature trees, sports facilities, and open lawns, popular for a relaxed walk close to the town centre.
- Gluten-free
Irish Stew
Slow-cooked Irish lamb stew with potatoes, onions and carrots. A long-standing pub and home staple valued for simple local ingredients.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Colcannon
Creamy mashed potatoes mixed with butter and spring onions. A classic Irish side dish tied to farmhouse cooking and comfort food.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Champ
Potato and cabbage mash, often richer and chunkier than colcannon. Traditional in Irish homes, especially in colder months.
Thyme Restaurant
Historic castle venue serving refined Irish dishes in elegant surroundings. Good choice for a more formal meal in central Athlone.
Dead Centre Brewing
Riverside restaurant and brewery known for house beers, burgers, seafood and relaxed industrial-chic dining near the Shannon.
The Fatted Calf
Long-running seafood restaurant and bar with a lively atmosphere. Best known for fish, shellfish and classic Irish hospitality.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Ireland: rooms and dining cost less than Dublin, while pubs, cafes and local transport are manageable for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €10-15 for fast food or casual lunch.
- Mid-range
- €18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €55+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €3-4.50 for cappuccino or latte.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, round up or leave 10% for good service. Taxis are usually rounded up. Cafes do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
Plan your visit to Athlone
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Athlone.
Ireland uses the euro (€) as its currency. Travelers generally find using cards more convenient and widely accepted for payments, though carrying some cash can be helpful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Athlone, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in busy areas like the town center and near transport hubs. Common scams include overcharging by taxi drivers not using meters and unofficial tour guides offering services at inflated prices. Staying alert in crowded places and using licensed transportation helps ensure a safe visit.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
FAQs: Bus from Galway to Athlone
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Galway to Athlone 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 Athlone, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Galway and Athlone including taking a train and bus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
More options for your journey from Galway to Athlone
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Athlone and Galway
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