Public transport: Leap card, LUAS, DART, Dublin Bus
One card covers everything. Here's how to get a Leap card, when to buy a TaxSaver, and what's actually free.
Get a Leap Card first: it is the rechargeable card that works on Dublin Bus, Luas (tram), DART and commuter rail, and it charges significantly less per journey than paying cash — plus the TFI 90-minute fare means transfers between bus, tram and train within 90 minutes count as one discounted journey. You can buy and top up a Leap Card at shops displaying the Leap sign, in the TFI Leap Top-Up app, or online.
What does Dublin transport consist of? Dublin Bus (the dense workhorse network, including 24-hour routes), the Luas with two tram lines (Red and Green), DART along the coast, and commuter rail. Door-to-door journey planning is easiest in the TFI Live app or Google Maps.
Am I entitled to cheaper fares? Very possibly. The Young Adult Leap Card (ages 19–25) and Student Leap Card cut fares substantially, and child fares apply under 19. If you are a student, get the Student Leap — it doubles as a discount card in many shops.
How do fares work? Fares are distance- and zone-based, with a daily and weekly cap on Leap spending in Dublin — once you hit the cap, further journeys that day or week are free. Exact fare tables change; check transportforireland.ie for current amounts rather than trusting a screenshot from last year.
What about cycling? DublinBikes public hire has stations across the city centre, and TFI operates bike-share in other towns. Cycle lanes are patchy but improving.
Anything that catches newcomers out? Dublin Bus is exact-fare only if you pay cash (no change given), which is one more reason the Leap Card wins. And tag on AND off on Luas and DART — forgetting to tag off charges the maximum fare.
Last updated: August 2026. Sources: transportforireland.ie (fares, caps, Leap Card), leapcard.ie, dublinbus.ie.