- Must visit
Crawford Art Gallery
Major public art gallery in central Cork with Irish and European works, including sculpture, painting, and temporary exhibitions.
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Waterford to Cork among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $20. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 2h 10m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $20, and a train costs an average of $26.
Distance: 62 miles (101 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$23 Average price Cheapest | $26 Average price | $29 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 40m Average total duration Fastest 2h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 41m Average total duration 3h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 55m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Waterford to Cork:
A bus is $3 (€2) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Waterford to Cork costing on average $26 (€21).
Other travel options to Cork take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 11m.
Tickets start at around $23 (€19) compared to roughly $29 (€24) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $6 (€5). The journey takes 2h 10m versus 1h 55m 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, Dublin Coach, Expressway (Bus Éireann).
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 Dublin Coach | Departure Time 06:25AM | Arrival Time 08:15AM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator Dublin Coach | Departure Time 08:25AM | Arrival Time 10:15AM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator Expressway (Bus Éireann) | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 11:15AM | Duration 2h15 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator Dublin Coach | Departure Time 10:25AM | Arrival Time 12:15PM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator Expressway (Bus Éireann) | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 01:15PM | Duration 2h15 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator Dublin Coach | Departure Time 12:25PM | Arrival Time 02:15PM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator Expressway (Bus Éireann) | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 2h15 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator Dublin Coach | Departure Time 02:25PM | Arrival Time 04:15PM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator Expressway (Bus Éireann) | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 2h15 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator Dublin Coach | Departure Time 04:25PM | Arrival Time 06:15PM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator Expressway (Bus Éireann) | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 07:15PM | Duration 2h15 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator Dublin Coach | Departure Time 06:25PM | Arrival Time 08:15PM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator Expressway (Bus Éireann) | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 09:45PM | Duration 2h15 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator Dublin Coach | Departure Time 08:25PM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator Expressway (Bus Éireann) | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 11:15PM | Duration 2h15 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator Dublin Coach | Departure Time 10:25PM | Arrival Time 12:15AM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $20 |
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.
Buses from Waterford to Cork run on average 47 times per day, taking around 2h 10m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $20 (€16) if you book in advance.
There are 47 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 08:00, the last at 21:16. The fastest bus covers the 62 miles (101 km) distance in 1h 50m.
Distance 62 miles (101 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $20 (€16) |
Buses per day 47 |
Direct buses 47 |
Fastest bus 1h 50m |
First bus 8:00 AM |
Last bus 9:16 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 2 days |
Discover the best of Cork — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cork trip today.
Major public art gallery in central Cork with Irish and European works, including sculpture, painting, and temporary exhibitions.
Restored former prison museum with dramatic cells, exhibitions, and strong insight into 19th-century penal history.
Local history museum in Fitzgerald Park covering Cork's archaeology, civic life, and revolutionary history.
Historic covered market and one of Cork's best-known attractions, lively for atmosphere, architecture, and local produce culture.
Characterful hillside district famous for colourful streets, church tower views, and a strong local identity.
Cork's main shopping street and urban spine, useful for orienting yourself and seeing the city's daily rhythm.
A traditional Cork blood sausage, usually gently spiced and often served with tripe. It is one of the city’s most distinctive old-fashioned specialties.
A classic Cork dish pairing stewed tripe with drisheen. Deeply associated with the city’s culinary heritage and traditional markets.
Boiled or braised pig’s feet, an old Cork working-class dish once common in homes and pubs. It is a rare but authentic local specialty.
A long-established vegetarian restaurant with creative seasonal cooking and a refined yet relaxed setting.
Cork’s historic covered market, famous for local produce and traditional specialties such as drisheen, spiced beef, and fresh seafood.
A well-known Cork venue for steak, barbecue, and house-brewed beer, with an energetic and casual atmosphere.
Moderate by Irish standards. Pub meals and coffee are manageable, but hotels and fine dining can be pricey in peak season.
Tipping is not obligatory. In restaurants, 10% is appreciated for good service if not already added. Round up in taxis. Small tips are optional in cafes, bars, salons, and for hotel staff.
Official public transport app
Cork Bus Station, Cork -> Patrick Street, Cork
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Waterford 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 Waterford to Cork buses use the Waterford, Bus Station to Cork, Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Waterford 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