Dublin to Galway by Coach or Minibus
Galway is about 210 km west of Dublin, roughly two and a half hours by coach on the M4 and M6. Groups use it as a one-way transfer to start a west of Ireland tour, as a transfer to a conference or wedding in the city, or as a long day out.
Journey
- Dublin to Galway
- Approximately 2h 30m
- Serving Dublin
Airports at Galway
- Ireland West (Knock) (NOC)
- Shannon Airport (SNN)
Why groups travel to Galway
- Cliffs of Moher
- Connemara
- Aran Islands
Across the midlands
From the city the coach heads out on the N4 to the M50 and on to the M4. At Kinnegad the M6 forks off west and runs past Athlone and Ballinasloe to the edge of Galway near Oranmore. The Athlone bypass is signed N6 but built to the same standard. Starting from the airport or north Dublin, the coach also uses the tolled M50 section between the Blanchardstown and Lucan junctions.
Two tolls to expect
The route passes two toll plazas: the M4 plaza on the Kilcock to Kinnegad stretch, and one on the M6 at Cappataggle, between the Ballinasloe West and Loughrea junctions. Both are barrier plazas where the driver pays on the way through, so the group has nothing to arrange. Expect a brief slowdown at each in busy holiday traffic.
A stop at Athlone
A run of two and a half hours is under the four and a half hours after which a driver must take a break, but most groups want a comfort stop. Athlone is close to the half-way point, and the driver picks a stop near the bypass. Allow 20 to 30 minutes for the stop, so a realistic door-to-door time is closer to three hours.
Arriving in Galway
Galway's city-centre streets are tight, and coach set-down and parking space are limited and under review by the council. Before the day, the driver checks where the coach can stop for your hotel or venue. During the summer race week at Ballybrit, east of the city, traffic on the approach roads is heavy, so plan arrival times around the race schedule.
Can we go on from Galway to Connemara or the Cliffs of Moher the same day?
It is possible, but it makes a long day for passengers and for the driver's hours. Most groups stay overnight in Galway and start the west coast the next morning.
Is there a direct route from Dublin Airport?
Yes. The coach goes round the M50 to the M4 and the same M6 route west. Allow about the same time as from the city centre.
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