- Must visit
Crawford Art Gallery
Major public art gallery in the city centre with Irish and European works, including sculpture and rotating exhibitions.
.png){kind=small}
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
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 $29. 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 $29, and a train costs an average of $32.
Distance: 136 miles (219 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$32 Average price | $31 Average price Cheapest | $61 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 $31 (€26).
This is compared to other travel options from Dublin to Cork:
A bus is $0.29 (€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 $29 (€24) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($32 (€26) vs $61 (€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.
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.
Sat
Jul 11
Jul 11
Sun
Jul 12
Jul 12
Mon
Jul 13
Jul 13
Tue
Jul 14
Jul 14
Wed
Jul 15
Jul 15
Thu
Jul 16
Jul 16
Fri
Jul 17
Jul 17
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 $29 (€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 $29 (€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 $29 (€24)
Train companies: Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) from Dublin to Cork trainsIarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) trains will get you between Dublin and Cork from $29 (€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
Cork Public Museum
Local history museum in Fitzgerald Park covering Cork’s civic, military, and cultural past in an accessible setting.
- Recommended
The Butter Museum
Small specialist museum explaining Ireland’s butter trade and Cork’s role in the historic butter exchange network.
- Must visit
The English Market
Historic covered market area and one of Cork’s signature attractions, valued for atmosphere, architecture, and local character.
- Must visit
Oliver Plunkett Street
Lively pedestrian-friendly street lined with historic buildings, shops, and a strong day-to-evening city-centre atmosphere.
- Recommended
Fitzgerald Park
Popular riverside park with landscaped walks, sculptures, and museum access, ideal for a relaxed break from the centre.
Drisheen
A Traditional Cork Blood Sausage Made With Sheep’s Blood, Milk, Fat, And Breadcrumbs Or Oatmeal. It Is One Of The City’s Most Distinctive Heritage Foods.
- Gluten-free
Tripe And Drisheen
A Classic Cork Dish Pairing Stewed Tripe With Drisheen, Often Served With Onions And Seasoning. It Is Closely Associated With The English Market And Local Food Culture.
- Gluten-free
Bacon And Cabbage
A Traditional Irish Meal Of Boiled Or Braised Bacon Served With Cabbage And Potatoes. It Is A Familiar Comfort Dish Across Cork Homes And Pubs.
Ichigo Ichie Bistro and Natural Wine
A Highly Regarded Cork Dining Room Offering Refined Japanese-Inspired Cooking, Excellent Ingredients, And An Intimate, High-End Experience.
The English Market
Cork’s Historic Covered Market With Renowned Food Stalls, Traditional Produce, And Local Specialties Such As Drisheen And Fresh Seafood.
Jacques Restaurant
A Well-Known Cork Institution Serving French-Influenced Cooking With Strong Seafood Options In A Warm, Classic Brasserie Setting.
Euro
Prices are high by European standards, especially for hotels and dining, though pubs, cafes, and public transport can still fit a moderate daily budget.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- EUR 10-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- EUR 20-35 per person at a casual restaurant.
- Fine dining
- EUR 70+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- EUR 3.50-4.50 for a cappuccino or latte.
Tipping culture
Tipping is not mandatory. In restaurants, 10% is appreciated for good service if not already included. Round up taxis; small tips are optional in cafes, pubs, and hotels.
TFI Live
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- EUR 1.90
- Day pass
- EUR 5.40
To the city center
Cork Kent Railway Station, Cork -> Patrick Street, Cork
- Distance
- 1.3 km
- Travel time
- 17 min
- Use a TFI Leap Card for cheaper fares than cash on Bus Éireann city services in Cork.
- Card payment is not generally available on board Bus Éireann city buses, so use cash or a TFI 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 first train from Dublin to Cork leaves at 6:00 AM.
The distance by train from Dublin to Cork is 136 miles (219 km).
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 $29 (€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
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cork and Dublin
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
