Quick Guide: How to get to Central Dublin from the airport (sans taxi)

Getting to central Dublin from the airport is easy even without a taxi.  While train service does not reach the Dublin Airport, there are several options to get downtown by bus.

• The cheapest (and the slowest option) is the 41 and 16 A buses.  These are public city buses that make a number of stops along the way.  As of 2014 cost was 2.40 euro
• 747 bus: This bus costs over twice as much as the 41 and 16 A buses, but will take you directly to the center of the city where it makes 12 stops which includes a stop which services both of Dublin's light rail systems.   As of 2014 cost was 6 euro (3 euro for children).
• Air Coach: This bus costs slight more than the 747.  It services some areas the 747 doesn't.  Prices vary.  
• Airport Hooper: Prices are comparable to the Air Coach.  This bus is good if you are staying somewhere west of the center of Dublin.  Prices vary.  

The question also often comes up "what bus do you take when visiting Dublin".  I take the 747 and like the 747.  To be honest, I haven't tried the other buses, but I think maybe I will next time I visit Dublin.

One other bus tip.  Make sure you know where the stop is located for getting back on the bus when you depart prior to needing to get to the airport.  Finding the correct bus stop isn't simply.  Also check and make sure the bus stop is for the bus you want.  Not that I say this from experience or anything like that. Seriously someone should have taken a video of the two crazy Americans running around trying to find their bus stop and put it on youtube.  Yeah, okay that was us.