Getting to Galway

Getting to Galway is easy!

Reaching Galway is straightforward, with excellent transport links connecting the city to major airports across Ireland. Whether you’re arriving from within Europe or further afield, you’ll find a range of convenient options to complete your journey. 

You can fly into any of Ireland’s main airports, including Dublin Airport, Shannon Airport, Ireland West Airport Knock, or Cork Airport. 

From each of these locations, Galway can typically be reached within a few hours, making it an accessible and well-connected study destination. You can book your preferred transfer option once you send us your flight arrival times.

Planning your transfers with the school 

To make your journey even smoother, you can arrange your transfer in advance. Once you share your flight details with GBS, the team can help you choose and organise the most suitable travel option for your arrival. With a little planning, getting to Galway is simple—so you can focus on settling in and starting your experience in Ireland. 

Travel options

There are several ways to travel from the airport to Galway, depending on your preference and budget:

• Bus: The most popular option—affordable, frequent, and direct services available
• Train: A comfortable alternative, particularly from Dublin
• Taxi: A faster but more expensive door-to-door option
• Car Hire: A flexible and often cost-effective choice if you plan to travel around Ireland

For most students, taking the bus from the airport is the easiest and most convenient option. Services run regularly from Dublin, Shannon, Knock, and Cork airports directly to Galway.

Bus From Dublin Airport

• Buses from Dublin airport to Galway city centre (Galway Coach Station) run every half hour almost all day.
• www.citylink.ie
• The journey takes 2.5 - 3 hours. You get on the first stop and get off at the last stop (Galway Coach Station).
• Dublin airport bus service to Galway is both cheap and easy, and there are lots of bus times to choose from.

Bus From Shannon & Knock Airport

Buses from Shannon and Knock take about 1.5 hours. If you wish to take a bus from Shannon or Knock airport to Galway you will need to take the Bus Eireann bus and you can view times and book your ticket on their website (www.buseireann.ie)

From Cork Airport

A bus trip from Cork airport will take about 3.5 hours. You can take a Citylink bus that will bring you to Galway City. You can view Citylink bus times and buy tickets at www.citylink.ie.

Train From Dublin City

• There is no direct train route from Dublin Airport to Galway City.
• If you would like to take a train you must first take a bus from Dublin airport > Heuston Train Station in Dublin city. 
• This bus journey usual takes a half an hour. Trains from Heuston station to Galway City take between 2.5 – 2.45 hours. You can view times and purchase tickets at www.irishrail.ie

Travel by sea - Boats to Ireland

If you wish to travel to Ireland by boat you can choose two companies who have regular sailings during the day, Stenaline (www.stenaline.ie) and Irish Ferries (www.irishferries.ie). They depart from France or the United Kingdom to Dublin Harbour, Dublin and Rosslare Harbour, Wexford. 

Private Taxi Service

The Galway Business School can arrange for a Private Taxi transfer to pick you up at the airport and drop you at your accommodation. The costs from Shannon or Knock airport is €160, and the cost from Dublin or Cork airport is €390.

Meet & Greet Service

The Galway Business School can arrange for a GBS representative to meet you at the arrival gate of the airport to assist you and accompany you to Galway City where you will then be taken by taxi to your accommodation. You must send you flight details to GBS in order for us to arrange this service for you. Please note, it is obligatory under Irish Law for all under 18 year old students to avail of the Meet and Greet service.