Travelling from London to Dublin in 2026 is different from most UK-to-Europe routes. There is no Eurostar-style direct train, and the Irish Sea means every no-fly option needs a ferry. For most visitors, flying is the fastest and simplest choice. The train-and-ferry route still makes sense for drivers, travellers with lots of luggage, cyclists, pet owners and anyone who prefers a slower overland journey.
For more on this part of the trip, also see our How to Travel from London to Dublin: Best Options (Time, Cost, Convenience) and How to Travel from Paris to London: Best Options (Time, Cost, Convenience).
This guide compares the realistic ways to get from London to Dublin, including flights, ferry-and-train routes and coach travel, with practical notes on journey time, cost, luggage and when each option is worth choosing.
Quick comparison: London to Dublin travel options
| Option | Typical door-to-door time | Typical cost range | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight from London to Dublin | About 3.5-5.5 hours | About £25-£120 one way before extras | Most travellers |
| Train and ferry via Holyhead | About 7-11 hours depending on connections | About £55-£130 per person | Slow travel, heavy luggage, cyclists and ferry fans |
| Car and ferry via Holyhead | About 9-13 hours including driving and check-in | Varies by vehicle, date and operator | Travellers taking a car to Ireland |
| Coach via ferry | About 10-14 hours | About £20-£50 when booked ahead | Strict budgets |
Option 1: Flying from London to Dublin
Flying is the default choice for London to Dublin. The flight itself is usually around 1 hour 20 minutes, but the realistic journey time is longer once you include getting to a London airport, security, boarding, passport or ID checks, baggage reclaim and the transfer from Dublin Airport into the city.
Main airlines and London airports
- Aer Lingus: Usually operates from Heathrow and Gatwick, with a more traditional airline experience and paid or bundled baggage options depending on fare type.
- Ryanair: Usually operates from Stansted and is often the cheapest headline fare. Always check the final price after bags, seat selection and airport transfer costs.
- British Airways: Usually operates from Heathrow and can be useful for travellers who prefer Heathrow, airline status benefits or through-ticketed connections.
Getting from Dublin Airport to the city centre
- Express bus: A common choice for visitors, typically taking about 25-45 minutes depending on traffic and stop location.
- Public bus: Usually cheaper than express coaches, but slower and less convenient with heavy luggage.
- Taxi: Convenient for groups, late arrivals or hotel door-to-door travel, with the final fare depending on traffic and destination.
Best for: city breaks, business trips, short stays and travellers who want the shortest overall journey. For many people, a cheap flight remains the best-value option once time is included.
Watch out for: airport transfer costs, baggage fees, strict low-cost airline rules and the extra time needed at Stansted compared with more central airport choices.
Option 2: Train and ferry from London to Dublin via Holyhead
The closest thing to a rail route from London to Dublin is the train-and-ferry combination via Holyhead in North Wales. You travel from London Euston to Holyhead by train, then cross the Irish Sea from Holyhead to Dublin by ferry.
Typical journey breakdown
- London Euston to Holyhead: usually around 3-4 hours by train, depending on the service and connections.
- Holyhead to Dublin ferry: usually around 3 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours 40 minutes at sea, depending on the vessel and operator.
- Dublin Port to the city centre: allow extra time for disembarkation and the onward transfer by bus, taxi or shuttle where available.
The total travel time can look competitive on paper, but missed connections, check-in requirements and port transfers can add a lot. In practice, the train-and-ferry route is usually much slower than flying.
Ferry operators
- Stena Line operates Holyhead to Dublin sailings.
- Irish Ferries operates Holyhead to Dublin sailings, including conventional and faster services when scheduled.
Best for: travellers with flexible time, people carrying bulky luggage, cyclists, anyone avoiding airports, and travellers who enjoy the ferry crossing itself.
Not ideal for: short city breaks, tight schedules or late-night arrivals where onward transport in Dublin may be less convenient.
Option 3: Driving from London to Dublin by ferry
If you want your own car in Ireland, the ferry is the practical option. The common route is to drive from London to Holyhead, board the ferry to Dublin, then continue from Dublin Port. This can be useful for families, longer trips around Ireland or travellers carrying sports equipment, work gear or a lot of luggage.
Vehicle fares vary widely by date, sailing time, vehicle size and whether you add a cabin or reserved seating. Compare both ferry operators before booking, and check the rules for check-in time, vehicle dimensions, pets and luggage.
Best for: road trips, families with lots of bags, travellers taking bikes or equipment, and anyone planning to explore beyond Dublin.
Option 4: Coach from London to Dublin
Coach travel is the slowest mainstream way to travel from London to Dublin, but it can be one of the cheapest. Coaches usually travel from London Victoria and cross by ferry as part of the journey. Journey times commonly fall around 10-14 hours, depending on the route, ferry crossing and delays.
For current fares and schedules, check National Express before booking. The coach can be good value, but it is a long journey and comfort is very different from flying or taking the train.
Best for: travellers on a tight budget who can sleep on coaches and do not mind a long overnight journey.
Which London to Dublin option should you choose?
| Traveller type | Best option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| First-time visitor on a short break | Flight | Fastest and usually easiest door to door |
| Traveller with a car | Car and ferry | Only practical way to bring your vehicle |
| Budget traveller | Ryanair or coach | Compare final flight cost with coach fare before booking |
| Heavy luggage or bicycle | Train and ferry | Often easier than airline baggage rules |
| Slow travel preference | Train and ferry | More scenic and avoids airports |
For most travellers, the best answer is simple: fly from London to Dublin if you want speed and convenience. Choose the ferry if the journey is part of the experience, if you are taking a vehicle, or if airport baggage restrictions make flying awkward.
Practical notes before you travel
Passport, ID and visa rules
Ireland is not in the Schengen Area. The UK and Ireland are part of the Common Travel Area, but airlines and ferry companies still require acceptable identification. A valid passport is the safest document to carry, especially for non-UK and non-Irish nationals. Always check current airline, ferry operator and government rules before travelling.
Currency
Ireland uses the euro, while the UK uses the pound sterling. Dublin Airport and central Dublin have ATMs, and card payment is widely accepted.
Local transport in Dublin
Dublin is served by Dublin Bus, Luas trams and DART suburban rail. Visitor transport tickets can be useful if you plan to use public transport several times in a day.
FAQ: London to Dublin travel
What is the cheapest way to travel from London to Dublin?
The cheapest option is usually either a low-cost flight or an advance coach fare. Ryanair can have very low headline fares from Stansted, but you should add the cost of getting to Stansted and any baggage fees before comparing it with the coach.
How long does it take to fly from London to Dublin?
The flight is usually around 1 hour 20 minutes. Realistic door-to-door time from central London to central Dublin is closer to 3.5-5.5 hours, depending on the London airport, check-in time, baggage and traffic in Dublin.
Is there a direct train from London to Dublin?
No. There is no direct train from London to Dublin because the cities are separated by the Irish Sea. The closest alternative is travelling by train from London Euston to Holyhead and then taking the ferry to Dublin.
Can you travel from London to Dublin without flying?
Yes. You can travel from London to Dublin without flying by taking the train to Holyhead and then the ferry to Dublin, by driving to a ferry port, or by taking a coach service that includes a ferry crossing.
Do you need a passport to travel from London to Dublin?
A passport is the safest travel document to carry. UK and Irish citizens benefit from Common Travel Area arrangements, but transport operators may set their own ID requirements. Non-UK and non-Irish nationals should carry a valid passport and check visa requirements before travel.
Is the ferry from London to Dublin worth it?
The ferry is worth it if you are taking a car, carrying bulky luggage, travelling with a bicycle or simply prefer slow travel. It is usually not worth it if your priority is the fastest or easiest journey.
Last verified: 2026-04-27. Prices, schedules and travel rules can change, so check operators before booking.
For broader trip-planning context, you can also check additional travel background on Wikivoyage.
Mara Vale
Mara Vale writes Eurly travel guides for first-time Europe visitors who want practical routes, realistic pacing, and fewer avoidable planning mistakes.
Eurly guides are written to help readers make confident travel decisions, but opening hours, ticket rules, transit disruptions, and local conditions can change. Always verify key reservations and official schedules before you travel.