Shannon Airport to Galway City by Coach or Minibus
Galway has no airport of its own. Shannon, about 90 km to the south, is the usual choice for groups arriving from North America, and the transfer is motorway almost all the way, north on the M18 and west on the M6.
Journey
- Shannon Airport to Galway City
- Approximately 1h 25m
- Serving Galway
Leaving the airport
Coaches and minibuses at Shannon wait in the airport's coach parks, never outside the terminal. Agree the meeting point with the operator and send the flight number so the collection follows the arrival. After a long-haul flight, passport control and baggage reclaim take time, so count that in before the coach is due to leave.
M18 and M6
The N19 links the airport to the M18 at junction 9. The coach runs north past Ennis, Crusheen and Gort to junction 18, then joins the M6 heading west into Galway. Since the M6 toll plaza at Cappataggle lies east of that junction, this transfer pays no toll. Ennis, about 20 minutes in, is the natural place for a short break.
Arriving in Galway
The final approach comes in from the east past Oranmore, and weekday rush hour adds time there. Hotels around Eyre Square and the docks have little kerb space for a coach, and the pedestrian streets of the old town are closed to vehicles. Before arrival the driver tells you where the coach can pull in for each hotel.
Breaking the journey
A transfer from Shannon can become a touring day. Bunratty Castle is ten minutes from the airport, and the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren lie between Shannon and Galway by the N85 and N67. With an early arrival, a group can see the cliffs and reach Galway by evening, with the luggage in the hold throughout. Groups of ten or more must book the cliffs 72 hours ahead.
Is Knock nearer to Galway than Shannon?
The two are a similar distance: Knock is about 86 km north of Galway, and Shannon about 90 to 94 km south. Choose the airport with the better flight for your group, since the transfer time is close either way.
Can a large group bring golf bags?
Yes, with the right vehicle. A 53-seat executive coach has full underfloor bays and can carry golf covers on request. Tell the operator how many golf bags travel, as they take more room than suitcases.
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