- Must visit
Crawford Art Gallery
Major public art gallery in the city center, known for Irish and European art, sculpture casts, and rotating contemporary exhibitions.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Dublin to Cork
Showing times and prices for May 26
Cheapest price
$32
Average price
$32
Fastest journey
2 h 28 m
Average duration
2 h 31 m
Trains per day
15
Distance
219 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Dublin to Cork is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Dublin to Cork will cost around $32 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $32.
Fast trains
Of the 15 trains that leave Dublin for Cork on Tue, May 26, 15 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, May 26 the direct trains cover the 219 km distance in an average of 2 h 31 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 28 m .
On Tue, May 26 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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6:00 AM2h32Dublin8:32 AMCork$321One-way0 transfers- 7:00 AM2h35Dublin9:35 AMCork$321One-way0 transfers
- 8:00 AM2h38Dublin10:38 AMCork$321One-way0 transfers
- 9:00 AM2h41Dublin11:41 AMCork$321One-way0 transfers
- 10:00 AM2h32Dublin12:32 PMCork$321One-way0 transfers
- 4:00 PM2h28Dublin6:28 PMCork$321One-way0 transfers
- 5:00 PM2h29Dublin7:29 PMCork$321One-way0 transfers
- 6:00 AM2h32Dublin8:32 AMCork$321One-way0 transfers
- 10:00 AM2h32Dublin12:32 PMCork$321One-way0 transfers
- 3:00 PM2h32Dublin5:32 PMCork$321One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Dublin to Cork
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Dublin to Cork among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $30. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 36m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $30, and a train costs an average of $32.
Distance: 136 miles (219 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$32 Average price | $32 Average price Cheapest | $62 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 6m Average total duration Fastest 2h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 34m Average total duration 4h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 54m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Dublin to Cork is a bus with an average price of $32 (€26).
This is compared to other travel options from Dublin to Cork:
A bus is $0.30 (€0.24) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Dublin to Cork costing on average $32 (€26).
The fastest way to travel from Dublin to Cork is by train with an average journey time of 2h 36m.
Other travel options to Cork take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 4m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Dublin and Cork including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Dublin to Cork among Omio's users.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.
The journey is about 18m faster (2h 36m by train vs 2h 54m by car) and roughly $30 (€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.
Live departures
Dublin to Cork train times
The table below shows live departures for Dublin to Cork trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, May 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:00 AM Dublin | 2h32 | 8:32 AM Cork | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 7:00 AM Dublin | 2h35 | 9:35 AM Cork | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 8:00 AM Dublin | 2h38 | 10:38 AM Cork | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 9:00 AM Dublin | 2h41 | 11:41 AM Cork | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 10:00 AM Dublin | 2h32 | 12:32 PM Cork | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 11:00 AM Dublin | 2h41 | 1:41 PM Cork | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 12:00 PM Dublin | 2h33 | 2:33 PM Cork | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 1:00 PM Dublin | 2h33 | 3:33 PM Cork | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 2:00 PM Dublin | 2h39 | 4:39 PM Cork | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 3:00 PM Dublin | 2h32 | 5:32 PM Cork | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 4:00 PM Dublin | 2h28 | 6:28 PM Cork | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 5:00 PM Dublin | 2h29 | 7:29 PM Cork | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Dublin to Cork 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.
Tue
May 26
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Fri
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ReviewsReviews for the rail journey from Dublin to Cork
The customer opinion was acquired via Cimenio. Cimenio incentivises its users for giving an honest opinion and proving the booking with a photo of the travel ticket.
Advantages
PunctualNo changeNice serviceComfortDisadvantages
-The journey from Dublin to Cork on the IC 40 train was really great. The journey time of 2 hours and 30 minutes was very pleasant and quick. The train was modern, well maintained and had comfortable seats with plenty of leg room. The free wifi was available the whole time and worked great, which made the journey even more enjoyable. The staff were friendly and helpful and the train was on time, which was very important for me as a traveller. The journey was quiet and comfortable and I was able to relax and enjoy the scenery. I would highly recommend this service from Dublin to Cork. It is a convenient and reliable way to travel between these two cities. The good service and comfort make this journey a positive experience.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Dublin to Cork
IrelandIreland
Trains from Dublin to Cork run on average 12 times per day, taking around 2h 36m. 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 06:00, the last at 21:00. The fastest train covers the 136 miles (219 km) distance in 2h 28m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $30 (€24)
Distance 136 miles (219 km) |
Average train duration 2h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price $32 (€26) |
Trains per day 12 |
Direct trains 12 |
Fastest train 2h 28m |
First train 6:00 AM |
Last train 9:00 PM |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $30 (€24)
Train companies: Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) from Dublin to Cork trainsIarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) trains will get you between Dublin and Cork from $30 (€24). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 28m
Cheapest Price
$32 (€26)
Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) frequency
12 a day
Complete guide to Cork
Things to do in Cork
Discover the best of Cork — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cork trip today.
- Recommended
The Butter Museum
A small specialist museum telling the story of Ireland's butter trade and Cork's historic Butter Exchange, with local food-history context.
- Recommended
Cork Public Museum
Local history museum in Fitzgerald Park covering Cork's archaeology, civic history, and culture in an accessible park setting.
- Must visit
English Market
Historic covered market and one of Cork's signature places to experience the city's atmosphere, architecture, and everyday local life.
- Must visit
St Patrick's Street
Cork's main shopping street and civic thoroughfare, notable for its wide layout, bridges over the old channels, and city-center energy.
- Recommended
University College Cork Main Quadrangle
Historic university area with attractive stone buildings, leafy walks, and one of the city's most photographed academic settings.
- Gluten-free
Drisheen
A traditional Cork blood sausage, usually made with sheep's blood, milk, and spices. It is one of the city's most distinctive old-fashioned specialities.
Tripe And Drisheen
A classic Cork dish pairing slow-cooked tripe with drisheen in a rich oniony sauce. It is strongly associated with the city's food heritage.
Ballycotton Seafood Chowder
A hearty chowder from the Cork coast, made with local fish, shellfish, cream, and vegetables. It reflects the county's strong seafood tradition.
Goldie
A highly regarded restaurant focused on sustainably sourced fish and seafood. Contemporary, intimate, and one of Cork's standout dining rooms.
Jacques Restaurant
A long-running Cork favourite with French influence and excellent local ingredients. Warm, bistro-like atmosphere with a strong reputation for quality cooking.
Market Lane
A popular central Cork restaurant serving modern Irish food with strong local sourcing. Lively, polished, and reliable for seafood, meat, and seasonal dishes.
Euro
Moderate by Irish standards. Pubs and casual dining are manageable, but hotels and fine dining cost more in peak season.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- EUR 10-15 for takeaway or casual lunch.
- Mid-range
- EUR 20-35 per person at a standard restaurant.
- Fine dining
- EUR 70+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- EUR 3.50-4.50 for a regular coffee.
Tipping culture
Service is often included or not expected in casual places. In restaurants, 10% is appreciated for good service. Round up taxis. Tipping in pubs is uncommon unless for table service.
TFI Live
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- EUR 1.90
- Day pass
- None
To the city center
Cork Kent Railway Station, Cork -> St Patrick's Street, Cork
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Leap Card fares are usually cheaper than cash fares on Cork city buses. Buy and top up via official TFI channels.
- Card payment is not generally available onboard Bus Éireann city buses, so use cash or a Leap Card.
FAQs: Trains from Dublin to Cork
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Dublin to Cork 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 Cork, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from Dublin to Cork can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $32 (€26), while the average price is around $32 (€26).
The train from Dublin to Cork takes 2h 28m and runs 12 per day.
The distance by train from Dublin to Cork is 136 miles (219 km).
The first train from Dublin to Cork leaves at 6:00 AM.
The last train from Dublin to Cork leaves at 9:00 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Dublin to Cork.
Yes, there is a direct train from Dublin to Cork. This service operates 12 times per day, provided by Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail).
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Dublin to Cork.
The cheapest way to get from Dublin to Cork is by bus, with a cost of around $30 (€24).
The train journey from Dublin to Cork offers scenic views of the Irish countryside, including lush green fields, rolling hills, and picturesque towns, providing a relaxing and visually pleasing travel experience.
A day trip from Dublin to Cork is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 28m. Trains run 10 times per day over a distance of 136 miles (219 km).
In Cork, you can enjoy a scenic walk along the River Lee, explore the vibrant street art scene, and attend a traditional Irish music session at a local pub. Visit the Crawford Art Gallery for an impressive collection of art, or take a boat tour of Cork Harbour. Don't miss the best sights: Blarney Castle, St. Fin Barre's Cathedral, the English Market, Cork City Gaol, and Fitzgerald Park.
For a fulfilling experience in Cork, spending 2 to 3 days is ideal to explore its vibrant cultural scene, historical sites, and nearby attractions like Blarney Castle.
Yes, you can take the train from Dublin to Cork.
Since neither Dublin nor Cork are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of Ireland and Ireland. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Dublin to Cork among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
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 Cork, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like markets and public transport. Avoid unlicensed taxi services and always use official transportation options. Be wary of distraction scams where someone may try to divert your attention to steal belongings. It's also advisable to keep an eye on personal items and avoid poorly lit or isolated areas at night.
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.
Most popular train connections from Dublin
More options for your journey from Dublin to Cork
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Most popular trains to and from Cork and Dublin
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