- Must visit
Crawford Art Gallery
Major regional museum with archaeology, natural history, and Irish revolutionary displays in a grand riverside building.
Cheapest price
$23
Average price
$27
Fastest journey
3 h
Average duration
3 h 32 m
Buses per day
10
Distance
158 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Galway to Cork is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Galway to Cork will cost around $27 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $23.
Of the 10 buses that leave Galway for Cork on Thu, Jul 30, 10 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jul 30 the direct buses cover the 158 km distance in an average of 3 h 32 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h .
On Thu, Jul 30 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.



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Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Galway to Cork among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $23. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 3h 57m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $23, and a train costs an average of $26.
Distance: 98 miles (158 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$26 Average price Cheapest | $33 Average price | $37 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 27m Average total duration Fastest 3h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 15m Average total duration 4h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 48m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Galway to Cork:
A bus is $7 (€7) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Galway to Cork costing on average $33 (€33).
Other travel options to Cork take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 45m.
Tickets start at around $26 (€26) compared to roughly $37 (€37) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $11 (€11). The journey takes 3h 57m versus 2h 48m 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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Expressway (Bus Éireann) | Departure Time 07:05AM | Arrival Time 11:25AM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator Expressway (Bus Éireann) | Departure Time 08:05AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator Citylink | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 11:30AM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator Expressway (Bus Éireann) | Departure Time 09:05AM | Arrival Time 01:25PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator Expressway (Bus Éireann) | Departure Time 10:05AM | Arrival Time 02:25PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator Citylink | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 01:30PM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator Expressway (Bus Éireann) | Departure Time 11:05AM | Arrival Time 03:25PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator Citylink | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 02:30PM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator Expressway (Bus Éireann) | Departure Time 12:05PM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator Expressway (Bus Éireann) | Departure Time 01:05PM | Arrival Time 05:25PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator Citylink | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator Expressway (Bus Éireann) | Departure Time 02:05PM | Arrival Time 06:25PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator Citylink | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 05:30PM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator Expressway (Bus Éireann) | Departure Time 03:05PM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator Expressway (Bus Éireann) | Departure Time 04:05PM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator Citylink | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator Expressway (Bus Éireann) | Departure Time 05:05PM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 4h25 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator Citylink | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator Expressway (Bus Éireann) | Departure Time 06:05PM | Arrival Time 10:25PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator Citylink | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 10:20PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $23 |
The table below shows live departures for Galway to Cork buses for today, Wednesday, July 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:05 AM Galway | 4h20 | 11:25 AM Cork | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:05 AM Galway | 4h20 | 12:25 PM Cork | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:30 AM Galway | 3h00 | 11:30 AM Cork | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:05 AM Galway | 4h20 | 1:25 PM Cork | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:05 AM Galway | 4h20 | 2:25 PM Cork | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:30 AM Galway | 3h00 | 1:30 PM Cork | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:05 AM Galway | 4h20 | 3:25 PM Cork | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:30 AM Galway | 3h00 | 2:30 PM Cork | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:05 PM Galway | 4h20 | 4:25 PM Cork | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:05 PM Galway | 4h20 | 5:25 PM Cork | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:30 PM Galway | 3h00 | 4:30 PM Cork | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:05 PM Galway | 4h20 | 6:25 PM Cork | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:30 PM Galway | 3h00 | 5:30 PM Cork | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:05 PM Galway | 4h20 | 7:25 PM Cork | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:05 PM Galway | 4h20 | 8:25 PM Cork | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:30 PM Galway | 3h00 | 7:30 PM Cork | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:05 PM Galway | 4h25 | 9:30 PM Cork | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:30 PM Galway | 3h00 | 8:30 PM Cork | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:05 PM Galway | 4h20 | 10:25 PM Cork | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:30 PM Galway | 2h50 | 10:20 PM Cork | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.

Buses from Galway to Cork run on average 99 times per day, taking around 3h 57m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $23 (€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 57m |
Cheapest ticket price $23 (€23) |
Buses per day 99 |
Direct buses 23 |
Fastest bus 2h 50m |
First bus 7:05 AM |
Last bus 6:25 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 42 days |
Discover the best of Cork — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cork trip today.
Major regional museum with archaeology, natural history, and Irish revolutionary displays in a grand riverside building.
National museum branch covering Cork’s history, wildlife, and decorative arts. A strong all-round introduction to the region.
Contemporary art space presenting rotating exhibitions by Irish and international artists in a bold modern setting.
Lively central street lined with shops and historic facades. It is the commercial heart of Cork and ideal for a first walk.
Leafy riverside park near University College Cork, loved for walks, birdlife, and views over the River Lee.
Revitalized Victorian market quarter with murals, independent shops, and a creative local atmosphere near the city centre.
Tripe and drisheen is Cork’s signature dish: stewed tripe served with drisheen, a spiced blood sausage unique to Cork’s food heritage.
Crubeens are pig’s feet, traditionally boiled and breaded or battered. They are an old Cork street and pub food with strong working-class roots.
Spiced beef is salt-cured beef with warming spices, long linked to Cork Christmas tables and the city’s historic meat trade.
Elegant Michelin-starred restaurant in a Georgian townhouse, known for refined Irish tasting menus and polished fine-dining service.
Long-running city centre seafood restaurant praised for fresh fish, oysters and classic Irish hospitality in a relaxed brasserie style.
Historic covered market with celebrated food stalls, local produce and casual bites; ideal for tasting Cork specialties in one stop.
Moderate for Ireland: rooms are often pricey, but dining and local buses are manageable versus Dublin or other Western European city breaks.
Service is usually included or modest. In restaurants, round up or leave 10% for good service. Taxis: round up. Cafes: tipping is optional.
Official public transport app
Cork Bus Station -> Patrick Street, Cork
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Galway to Cork 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 Cork, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Galway to Cork buses use the Galway, GMIT (Old Dublin Rd) to Cork, Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Cork, Curraheen Road (Marymount Hospice). Use this guide to compare Galway and Cork bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need