Galway City Bus Services
Getting Around Galway
Galway’s public transport system is part of the wider Transport for Ireland (TFI) network, offering a reliable and environmentally friendly way to travel around the city and explore the surrounding areas.
The city is well served by frequent local bus services that connect key locations such as the city centre, residential neighbourhoods, and educational institutions. Download the Galway City Services PDF Map here
Transport is mainly operated by Bus Éireann and City Direct giving you multiple options for convenient travel throughout Galway. For detailed and up-to-date travel information, including routes, timetables, and fares, you can visit the Transport for Ireland website. To make travelling easier, students are encouraged to:
- Check bus routes and schedules in advance
- Use digital tools for real-time updates
- Buy a Leap card ( a reusable smart travel card used for public transport in Ireland)
What is a Leap Card?
A TFI Leap Card is a prepaid travel card that is the easiest way to pay your fare on public transport around Ireland. It is valid on buses, trains, DARTs and Luas trams in cities & towns throughout Ireland. It’s more convenient because you don’t have to carry cash or queue at ticket machines and it can save you money because fares are usually up to 31% less than cash single tickets. You can travel on bus services in Galway, for as little as €1.35 with a TFI Leap Card.
If you are studying in Ireland for longer than 6 months, you can apply for a student leap card. You must be enrolled in a course for a minimum of 6 months with a minimum of 16 hours of class per week.
How to apply for your Student Leap Card:
The quickest way to buy TFI Leap Card in one of the available outlets in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford, Sligo or Athlone. Find your nearest agent using the map under where to buy section in TFI Leap Card website.
1. Go to: www.studentleapcard.ie
2. Click “APPLY NOW” and follow instructions
3. Go to NUIG Student Union to collect your card (within 7 days)
4. You need to bring:
Your student ID and one other form of ID ; The order number from your student leap card application; €10 fee
After you pick up your student leap card, you need to go to www.leapcard.ie to register your card.
Galway City Bus Services
401 - Parkmore – Eyre Square – Salthill (Bus Éireann)
Frequency: Weekday 20 min | Saturday 20 min | Sunday 20 min
402 - Shangort Road (Seacrest) – Eyre Square – Merlin Park (Bus Éireann)
Frequency: Weekday 30 min | Saturday 30 min | Sunday 60 min
405 - Rahoon – Eyre Square – Ballybane (Bus Éireann)
Frequency: Weekday 20 min | Saturday 20 min | Sunday 40 min
410 - Eyre Square – Knocknacarra (City Direct)
Frequency: Weekday 60 min | Saturday 60 min
411 - Eyre Square – Cappagh Road (City Direct)
Frequency: Weekday 30 min | Saturday 30 min | Sunday 30 min
412 - Eyre Square – Western Distributor Road (City Direct)
Frequency: Weekday 30 min | Saturday No services | Sunday No services
424 - Eyre Square – Barna (Bus Éireann)
Frequency – varies – see timetable
Galway City Bus Eireann Route Map