Dublin has an extensive bus network but only a few rail and tram lines. The buses can be slow and unreliable due to the city’s traffic but for many destinations outside the city centre (including the airport) they are the only public transport option. The majority of buses are operated by Dublin Bus with some smaller companies operating other routes, most usefully an express service to Dublin Airport operated by Aircoach. The Dublin Bus fleet comprises modern double-deck vehicles (which offer a great view from the top deck), some single deckers and a few articulated ("bendy") buses. A word of warning before boarding a Dublin Bus: the drivers are very casual about setting the destination boards on the front of the bus so a vehicle which shows, say, "City Centre" may in fact be leaving the city bound for the outer suburbs! Check with the driver before you pay him - on the positive side Dublin bus drivers are generally helpful. Note that many bus signs and destinations are in Irish as well as English. A useful phrase to remember is that An Lár = City Centre!
When at a bus stop, don't be misled by the printed timetable. The timetables along Dublin bus routes only indicate when the bus leaves its terminus, not when it arrives/departs from this particular stop. This can be very confusing for many tourists. Generally timetables are worthless as the chaotic traffic plays havoc with them.
Interesting tourist destinations such as Malahide, Bray, Marlay Park, Howth, Blessington, Eniskerry and more, are all well served by Dublin Bus. With the exception of Aircoach other public transport providers cater mostly for commuters and so are only of interest if you want to go to some of the sprawling, ugly industrial parks!
While the rail service is not extensive, the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) line along the coast offers the opportunity to visit the attractive suburban towns of Howth to the north and Dun Laoghaire and Dalkey to the south of the city. Even if you don’t get off the train you can enjoy the view of the coastline from sections of the line south of Dublin. Trains run roughly every 15 minutes - for exact times, check the Iarnrod Eireann (Irish Rail) website.
The modern, sleek, almost silent LUAS trams commenced service in Dublin in 2004. (Until 1959, trams were a popular mode of transport right across Dublin, and it took almost 50 years for their rebirth.) There are two lines (unfortunately, there's a 15 minute walk from the Green Line city terminus to the Red Line). The route of most interest to the tourist is the Red Line which connects the two main railway stations of Heuston and Connolly. On the way it passes the Four Courts, the rejuvenated Smithfield area, and the National Museum at Collins Barracks; the Green Line runs from St Stephen's Green to the foothills of the Dublin Mountains, passing close to Airfield Farm in Dundrum which is open to the public, and is a relaxing place to spend an hour or two. However, buses are more useful for getting around Dublin - mainly because there are more of them plying a wide variety of routes!
On all mode of transport, the fare depends on the distance you travel. Single (one-way) bus tickets are not nomally transferable between one bus and another or from bus to rail or tram - if you have to take 2 buses then you have to pay twice. On buses the driver cannot give change so to avoid having to carry a pocketful of coins it might be wise to invest in some type of prepaid ticket or pass, many of which are also valid on rail and/or tram services. The Dublin Bus site lists the various types of ticket available. Prepaid tickets can be purchased at rail stations, tram stops, most convenience stores and newsagents but not on board buses.
Bus users should be aware that even if the bus has two or more doors (everywhere else in the world the front door is normally entrance and the rear one exit) it is the custom in Dublin that drivers do not open the rear door for passengers to exit. If you want to leave the bus ring the bell and move to the front door for exiting.
