Easiest/Fastest/Cheapest way to Galway?

Question

I will be flying from the USA to Ireland and need to get to Galway. I wonder if flying into Shannon and then a bus the easiest/fastest way to Galway? Any advice? Thanks for your help. :)

Answer 1

Dublin Airport has more flights, hence the suppy is greater and prices are probably lower to get there from the US.  Also, I find Dublin easier to get public transport from.  You can easily go form the airport to the Busaras (main bus station in Dublin) or to Heuston Station (to get the train west to Galway).  The train station closest to Shannon would be Limerick or Ennis and the route does not go directly to Galway, in fact the tracks head east.  To get to Galway, you would have to change trains.  If you go from Shannon, you are better catching a bus.  From Shannon Airport, it is €12.60 one way, and  return fare (round-trip) is €18.00.  Dublin to Galway is 3 1/2-4 hours.  Shannon to Galway via bus is about 2 hours.  The bus fare to Galway  from Dublin is €16.20 adult return fare or €12.60 one way.

In sum....check flights to Dublin, they may be cheaper.  If you fly to Shannon, take the bus, not the train .  Aer Arann does not have a flight from  or Shannon to Galway, but you can fly form Dublin if you wanted, to Galway, from about € 39.99.

Check out:

1.  irishrail.ie

2.  aerarann.e

3.  buseireann.ie

Answer 2

Eurorail works in Ireland and the trains are quite nice actually. Plus, you get to take in the amazing Irish countryside on the way there! We took it from Dublin to Galway and it was nice and relaxing after the long flight from the US

Answer 3

Yes, Shannon is quickest and cheapest for Galway. Its only about 80km away and there is a bus every hour at least.

Answer 4

There are Citylink and Bus Eireann  buses from Shannon Airport to Galway, the links are below.

Answer 5

You can get a bus from either Shannon or Dublin to Galway and I dont believe that the cost is all that much different.  Its faster to take a bus from Shannon 1.5 hours vs 4 hours from Dublin.