Dublin (airport) to Galway: Train, Bus or Bus?

I’m only familiar with the flight, not the connection to Galway. I doubt you would make a 1:25 train or a 1:15 bus.. The Aer Lingus SFO flight lands right before the SEA flight and there’s also an Emirates flight arriving, which leads to additional wait time at non-EU immigration. Even traveling business class left me with over a one hour line at passport control when flying from SEA.

Good to know, thanks. That 2:15 bus sounds like it might be a good choice (the 2:15 departure is one of the express ones, so that shaves 30 minutes off the time, getting us to galway at 4:45 pm which would be fine).

I'll plan to expect some lines at immigration. Thanks.

Yes, the 2:15 sounds about right. Just FYI, the Aer Lingus lounge is right by baggage claim. So if for some reason you find yourself with extra time you could wait there, even take a shower and have your clothes pressed. :-)

We took the bus to Galway and back again to Dublin airport in 2017. It was definitely Citilink on the way back to Dublin, I can't remember which we used over to Galway. Our priority was catching whichever one came next without caring much about which company we went with, as they both sounded very comparable. The experience was great. Seats are definitely more comfortable with more legroom than an economy airplane seat (which doesn't say much). The driver and ticket personnel were extremely kind and helpful making sure we were in the right place. The time on board went by quickly with wifi. I think you are correct that the biggest downside would be less ability to stand up and walk around and stretch your legs, as opposed to the train. For me personally, I would still probably opt for the bus to avoid the hassle and time of having to get over to the train station from the airport. It sounds quite likely that the earliest train you could make would be the 3:30 one, so more time sitting around and waiting at the train station and, as you mentioned, just one more thing to deal with getting over there from the airport. I would consider my time standing in passport control and moving through the airport the chance to get up and stretch my legs after the long flight!

You really think you will deplane, walk to immigration, go through immigration, walk to the bus depot, and get on your bus in 30 minutes? I know it's legal in Washington but seriously? :)

The Airlink 747 bus runs from Dublin Airport to Heuston Rail Station every 10 minutes. It takes about an hour depending on traffic. From there you can get the train. The train will probably be more comfortable than the bus because you can get up and walk around.

The bus is more convenient. Personally, after a long flight, the last thing I want to do is sit cooped up on a bus for three hours. I'd take the train.

The Airlink bus is right outside the terminal. All other buses are at the central airport bus depot a few minutes walk away.

I would take the bus direct from the airport to Galway. You will waste too much time in Dublin traffic trying to get to Heuston Station.

Two bus stations in Galway. One is at the rail station and the other is just a few blocks away.

Train departures to Galway are limited to 1:25 (probably unrealistic), 3:35 and 4:30. The buses go once an hour.

Does it really take about an hour on the bus to go from the airport to the train station?

The 747 bus takes a route that circles through the city and ends up at Heuston Station. It is not direct which is why it takes so long. You could take a cab. I think you need to ask yourself just how important taking the train is to you. You will be tired. Easiest option is bus from airport directly to Galway. If train is a must, treat yourself to a cab from the airport to the station.

As Carol stated, the 747 makes numerous stops around Dublin. Heuston Station is the last stop. It might take less than an hour depending on traffic but I also try to be a little conservative in my planning.

OK, I'm convinced: seems like the reasonable choice is simply the first bus (from the airport to Galway) that comes by. That simplifies things and after an overnight flight, I like simple. While it would be nice to be able to get up and stroll on a moving train, we might just slump in our seats the whole way (we can do that on a bus just as easily) and we should have a bit of leg-stretchin' time in the airport while we're waiting for various formalities to conclude, and the bus sounds comfy enough for the last 2.5 hours of the journey to Galway.

Thanks all for the input and insights.

we took the bus I think it was called city link and it was fine and a good price too