Train Tickets Ireland: Routes, Times & How to Book Online
Last updated: 6 July 2026
Quick answer: You can book train tickets online in Ireland through the train operator's journey planner, or in one sentence with the free Passenger.ie app — your ticket arrives by email in about a minute. If you hold a Free Travel Pass, the journey is free. Seats on intercity routes should be reserved in advance, especially on Fridays, Sundays and holidays.
Popular intercity routes and typical journey times
All times are approximate for direct intercity services:
- Dublin Heuston – Cork (Kent): about 2h 30m, roughly hourly
- Dublin Heuston – Galway (Ceannt): about 2h 15m – 2h 45m
- Dublin Heuston – Limerick (Colbert): about 2h 10m – 2h 30m (some via Limerick Junction)
- Dublin Heuston – Westport: about 3h 20m
- Dublin Heuston – Tralee: about 3h 50m – 4h
- Dublin Heuston – Waterford (Plunkett): about 2h 15m
- Dublin Connolly – Sligo (Mac Diarmada): about 3h
- Dublin Connolly – Belfast (Grand Central): about 2h 15m on the Enterprise
- Dublin Connolly – Rosslare Europort: about 3h
Regional and commuter services also connect Cork–Cobh/Midleton, Limerick–Galway, Mallow–Tralee and the greater Dublin area (DART and commuter lines). In total the network covers 130+ stations across the Republic of Ireland, plus the Enterprise line to Belfast.
Every route above can be booked with a Free Travel Pass — for example, Cork to Dublin with a Free Travel Pass costs €0.00 with a free online seat reservation.
Ways to book train tickets in Ireland
- The free Passenger.ie app: type your journey in plain English and get your ticket by email, ready for Apple Wallet. Free Travel Pass holders get free seat reservations; the iPhone and Android app can book all train tickets. See the step-by-step guide.
- The train operator's journey planner: book directly with Iarnród Éireann, the national operator, where online fares are usually cheaper than buying at the station on the day.
- At the station: ticket machines and desks sell same-day tickets, but popular intercity trains can already be fully reserved.
Frequently asked questions
Who can travel by train for free in Ireland?
Everyone aged 66 or over resident in Ireland, and some people on qualifying payments (such as Disability Allowance or Carer's Allowance), hold a Free Travel Pass covering all train services in the Republic. Details in our Free Travel Pass guide.
How much do train tickets cost in Ireland?
Fares vary by route, time of day and how far ahead you book — booking online in advance is usually cheaper than buying at the station on the day. Free Travel Pass holders (everyone aged 66+ and other eligible groups) travel free on every route and only need a free seat reservation on intercity trains.
Do I need to reserve a seat?
Reservations aren't mandatory everywhere, but intercity trains are often fully reserved at busy times. Booking online guarantees your seat — for pass holders, free reservations per train are limited, so book early.
When are Irish trains busiest?
Friday and Sunday evenings, bank holiday weekends, and around major matches, concerts and festivals. Book several days ahead for these.
Can I get my ticket on my phone?
Yes. Tickets are delivered by email as a PDF and, when booking through Passenger.ie, can be added to Apple Wallet.