Dublin Airport (DUB) Flights & Information

When you descend through the clouds and ease over the unmistakable green shape of the Howth peninsula, you know you're arriving into Dublin Airport (DUB). Europe’s 13th busiest airport, DUB is by far the biggest airport in Ireland and the first port of call for many travelers visiting the Emerald Isle.

DUB offers short-haul routes centered on Europe and long-hauls heading out to the Middle East and US. Ireland’s flag carrier Aer Lingus is based here alongside Europe’s largest budget airline, Ryanair. Use this guide of expert tips before your visit to Dublin Airport and prepare for a warm Irish welcome.

Arriving into DUB

DUB has 2 runways but seems like a much bigger airport on landing, as taxiing from landing to gate can feel like an eternity. If you’re connecting, then I always recommend allowing at least 2 hours (I got a little antsy once after landing from Washington DC before connecting to the UK). While Dublin may not be the size of Amsterdam Schiphol, don’t underestimate the connection times here.

Terminal 2 is the primary gateway for international travelers, so all US visitors arrive here regardless of airline. Completed in 2010, it’s a sleek and clean building which always helps when you're tired after a long overnight flight. Make sure you have all your documents ready for immigration, which is generally a smooth process.

Since you’ll be going through immigration, your bags should be ready by the time you arrive at one the 6 baggage carousels in T2 and the clear signage makes this easy to locate. There are plenty of bathrooms too, and I always like to splash a little water on my face after a morning arrival on a red-eye flight.

Getting to and from DUB by public transportation

DUB is located a bit over 6 miles north of central Dublin though unlike many capital city airports, there’s no direct rail link. Therefore the quickest way into Dublin via public transit is with the non-stop Aircoach (departs every 15 minutes) and Dublin Express (departs every 30 minutes) buses. These take around 30 to 40 minutes. Aircoach departs from Terminal 1, while you’ll find Dublin Express outside Terminal 2.

The most budget-friendly way into Dublin is using local buses, which cost less than half of the Aircoach or Dublin Express. The 16 bus departs at the stop outside Terminal 1, but bear in mind it makes regular stops, so it certainly takes longer. I’ve used it plenty and the experience is grand (as they say here). Sit up top for some nice views, especially when crossing the River Liffey after O’Connell St.

If you’re traveling on to Belfast or Cork, then Aircoach also offers longer services which eliminates traveling into central Dublin to connect to rail services to those cities. Departures are less frequent and more expensive than the local Dublin journeys, of course.

Getting to and from DUB by car

Taxis are available from outside both Terminals 1 and 2. They’re the quickest and most direct way to your hotel, but they’re also considerably more expensive than public transit. Dublin taxi drivers are notoriously chatty too, so perhaps grab a caffeine hit from Craft Speciality Coffee in arrivals and prepare for plenty of questions and local tips.

If you’re visiting the more rural parts of Ireland, then renting a car is the best way to see the country. At DUB, the car rental companies are lined along the Terminal 2 sky bridge after the arrivals hall. Once you’ve completed registration, there’s a shuttle bus outside to take you to the Eastlands Car Hire Facility. Always make sure to book your rental car in advance.

For those with a larger budget, Platinum Services offers chauffeured rides to your hotel with all the perks you might expect. They’re located inside Terminal 1 on the left-hand side of the main hall.

Check in and security

US travelers depart from Terminal 2, a curving airy building flooded with natural light and 58 check-in desks. Security is upstairs, so take the escalator near the entrance and have your boarding pass ready to show at the gates – I always download mine to my phone wallet and have a PDF saved as a backup, too.

Fast Track is available for a fee, and its own speedy security lane is a good time-saving option. And remember at security to put all your liquids under 3.4 ounces into a clear plastic bag, something I heartily recommend doing at your hotel to save time and stress when in the thick of an impatient line.

Ireland is Europe’s only country with US preclearance, which is convenient for arriving back in the States but can be a time-consuming affair. After regular security, you’ll head downstairs for another small security before finally speaking to a border agent.

I’d allow for another 30 to 45 minutes to account for this. I cut things a little fine on my Washington trip and was made to sweat a little, though the Guinness afterward tasted all the sweeter.

Wi-Fi at DUB

There’s free Wi-Fi at DUB and you shouldn’t have any issues connecting – there’s no sign-up or registration required. As I mentioned previously, however, make sure you’ve got all your important documents already saved to your phone and you’re not relying on Wi-Fi.

The Wi-Fi at DUB is good quality but a mistake I always make is not downloading films, TV shows, music and podcasts beforehand. Just because the Wi-Fi operates news, e-mail and social media at high speeds doesn’t mean it’ll do the same for downloads. So do all of your downloading before heading out to the airport to avoid any disappointment.

DUB has a printing service available too, in case you need any important documents printed off. Go to Smarte Carte Bag Wrapping located at the T2 Bag Drop, but be aware it’s only open until 2 pm. There’s one in T1 next door however, that’s open until 7 pm.

Shopping

Shopping at DUB is an enticing prospect for US travelers as the prices on products here are cheaper when you’re flying outside of the European Union (EU). Look for the labels on the products inside Dublin Airport Duty-Free to see how much money you’ll save flying beyond the EU.

I’m not typically a proponent of buying souvenirs at airports, since my carry-on is usually almost full. At DUB however, I make an exception for the Guinness Export House. From distinct chocolates to cozy hoodies, there are quality branded products available and they also offer tasting sessions throughout the day. It’s an especially good spot if you missed the chance to visit the famous Guinness storehouse in Dublin.

Remember US pre-clearance when shopping at DUB. Options are surprisingly sparse once you get through to the narrow lounge following preclearance, so make the most of Dublin Airport Duty-Free before heading downstairs to US Customs.

Lounges and food and drink

Due to the limited options after US preclearance, I suggest eating once through security. The Fallow is the best for quality meals, while The Mezz offers a wider variety of street food options and Burger King is . . . well, Burger King. If you’re here early then Cloud Picker brews sublime craft coffee (with pastries) and they have 2 locations – one each before and after US preclearance.

If you want one final taste of Dublin, then Whiskey Bread is a good place to satiate those needs. Located between Gates 418 and 420, they have more than 60 different Irish whiskies on their shelves and plenty of Guinness too.

Terminal 2 at DUB has 3 lounges, with the rudimentary T2 Lounge and the Aer Lingus Lounge (only for Aer Lingus customers) located next to each other just before the international gates extend out. Unless you have Priority Pass, Dragon Pass or other qualifying membership, you’ll have to pay an entrance fee.

My favorite lounge is 51st&Green as it offers lovely sweeping views of the runways while also located after US preclearance so you can relax until your flight.