- Must visit
National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology
Flagship archaeology museum with prehistoric gold, Viking finds, and the famous bog bodies central to Ireland’s ancient story.
Cheapest price
$32
Average price
$32
Fastest journey
2 h 14 m
Average duration
2 h 27 m
Trains per day
15
Distance
219 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cork to Dublin is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cork to Dublin will cost around $32 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $32.
Of the 15 trains that leave Cork for Dublin on Tue, Aug 25, 15 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Aug 25 the direct trains cover the 219 km distance in an average of 2 h 27 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 14 m .
On Tue, Aug 25 the slowest trains will take 2 h 32 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 Cork to Dublin among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $32. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 33m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $32, and a bus costs an average of $30.
Distance: 136 miles (219 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$32 Average price Cheapest | $33 Average price | $62 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 3m Average total duration Fastest 2h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 38m Average total duration 4h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 56m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Cork to Dublin:
A train is $0.94 (€0.76) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Cork to Dublin costing on average $33 (€27).
Other travel options to Dublin take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 8m.
The journey is about 23m faster (2h 33m by train vs 2h 56m by car) and roughly $29 (€24) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($32 (€26) vs $62 (€50)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail).
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Cork to Dublin trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, August 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:40 AM Cork | 2h40 | 8:20 AM Dublin | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:15 AM Cork | 2h14 | 8:29 AM Dublin | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:00 AM Cork | 2h28 | 9:28 AM Dublin | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:25 AM Cork | 2h32 | 11:57 AM Dublin | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:25 AM Cork | 2h33 | 12:58 PM Dublin | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:25 AM Cork | 2h34 | 1:59 PM Dublin | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:25 PM Cork | 2h34 | 2:59 PM Dublin | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:25 PM Cork | 2h34 | 3:59 PM Dublin | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:25 PM Cork | 2h30 | 4:55 PM Dublin | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:25 PM Cork | 2h35 | 6:00 PM Dublin | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:25 PM Cork | 2h39 | 7:04 PM Dublin | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:25 PM Cork | 2h38 | 8:03 PM Dublin | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:25 PM Cork | 2h37 | 9:02 PM Dublin | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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.
Trains from Cork to Dublin run on average 12 times per day, taking around 2h 33m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $32 (€26) but you can travel from only $30 (€24) by bus.
There are 12 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:40, the last at 20:25. The fastest train covers the 136 miles (219 km) distance in 2h 14m.
Distance 136 miles (219 km) |
Average train duration 2h 33m |
Cheapest ticket price $32 (€26) |
Trains per day 12 |
Direct trains 12 |
Fastest train 2h 14m |
First train 5:40 AM |
Last train 8:25 PM |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Discover the best of Dublin — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Dublin trip today.
Flagship archaeology museum with prehistoric gold, Viking finds, and the famous bog bodies central to Ireland’s ancient story.
National gallery with Irish and European masters, rotating exhibitions, and one of the city’s finest free cultural collections.
Engaging museum on Irish emigration, social change, and family history inside a restored Georgian house on St Stephen’s Green.
Prestigious Georgian square and garden, ideal for architecture, sculpture, and a central stroll near museums and shopping streets.
Lively cultural quarter known for cobbled lanes, street performers, galleries, and nightlife, making it a classic Dublin walk.
Historic university campus with elegant squares, Book of Kells access, and one of the city’s most atmospheric pedestrian spaces.
A hearty stew of lamb or mutton, potatoes, onions, and carrots. It is a classic Irish comfort dish long tied to home cooking and pub menus.
A traditional breakfast with sausages, rashers, eggs, black and white pudding, tomatoes, and toast. It is a staple Irish morning meal.
Mashed potatoes blended with butter and kale or cabbage. This beloved side is strongly linked to Irish family meals and seasonal cooking.
Celebrated fine dining restaurant known for polished Irish cooking, tasting menus, and an elegant Georgian setting near St Stephen's Green.
Well-known gastropub for refined Irish comfort food, seafood, and an excellent drinks list in a stylish but relaxed space.
Historic literary pub serving oysters, chowder, Guinness, and classic Irish dishes in atmospheric Victorian rooms.
Dublin is pricey versus many European cities, with high hotel rates, restaurant prices, and pub costs. Public transport is reasonable but overall tourist spending is often high.
Service is not always included. In restaurants, 10% is common for good service. Round up or add a little for taxis. Tipping in cafes is optional.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cork to Dublin by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Dublin, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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