Travelling around Dublin for OHSI/ ISES Europe conference 2026
Travelling to and around Dublin is best managed through its integrated public transport network. The city is compact and well-connected by buses, trams (Luas), and trains (DART and Commuter Rail). Taxis and cycling are also popular options.
The OHSI/ ISES Europe conference 2026 will take place at the O’Reilly Hall in University College Dublin (UCD). UCD is located around 5 kilometers south of Dublin City Centre. This document will discuss how to travel around Dublin in general, with a specific focus on how to get to UCD, as well as get from Dublin Airport.
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The TFI Leap Card: Essential Travel Tool
When travelling on public transport in Dublin, it is recommended to get a Leap Card. The Leap Card is a "touch-and-go" smartcard that offers fares up to 31% cheaper than cash. A Visitor Leap Card is available for €8 (1 day), €16 (3 days), or €32 (7 days).
Where to Obtain a Leap Card
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Dublin Airport: Available at the SPAR shop in Terminal 1 or Terminal 2, and at the Travel Information Desk.
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City Shops: Look for the "Leap Card" sign in newsagents like Centra, Spar, and Londis.
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Ticket Machines: Available at many DART and Luas stations.
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Online: Order at LeapCard.ie (cards are posted to an Irish address).
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Main Modes of Transportation in Dublin
Buses are the primary mode of transport around Dublin, and the public bus service, Dublin Bus has an extensive network of over 100 routes. If you want to get on the bus at a bus stop, you need to flag the bus down by waving towards the driver.
Operating Hours: Buses usually run from 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM. There are also several 24-hour routes, including the 39a, E1 and E2 buses, which run to UCD. In addition, a number of extra buses run during peak times to UCD in the morning, and away from UCD in the evening.
Payment: For Dublin Bus, the Leap Card is preferred. If paying cash, only coins are accepted, and you must have the exact fare (no change given). For private buses, it is recommended to book online in advance.
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Getting from Dublin Airport to the City Centre
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There is no direct train service to Dublin Airport. There are public and private buses from Dublin Airport to Dublin city centre.
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Dublin Express / Aircoach: Private bus services (approx. €7–€10) with luggage space generally going to the city centre. The 700 goes to UCD after the city centre. It is advised to book the private coach service online in advance.
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Dublin Bus (Routes 16 and 41): Cheaper, but slower than private buses.
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Helpful Apps and Links
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TFI Live: Shows real-time departures of all public transport in Dublin, and helps with journey planning. The app also highlights cycle lanes around Dublin. https://www.transportforireland.ie/available-apps/tfi-live/
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Leap Top-Up: Allows you to check your Leap Card balance and add credit instantly by touching your card to your phone. https://about.leapcard.ie/leap-top-up-app
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Google Maps: Real-time departures and journey planning. Can be used in conjunction with TFI Live. https://www.google.com/maps
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Aircoach and Dublin Express: Private bus companies. Mainly used for getting to and from Dublin airport. http://aircoach.ie/ and https://www.dublinexpress.ie/
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Irish Rail: Tickets and journey planning for trains, including DART, commuter, and intercity trains. https://www.irishrail.ie/en-ie/
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FreeNow and Uber: Offer taxi booking services. https://www.free-now.com/ie/ and https://www.uber.com/za/en/ride/
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Citizens Information Cycling: Rules of the road for cyclists https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/travel-and-recreation/cycling/cycling-offences/
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Dublin Cycle Buddy: Journey planning for cyclists. https://dublin.cyclers.city/
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Dublin City Bike Scheme: Bike sharing scheme in Dublin https://www.dublinbikes.ie/en/home
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UCD Campus Map: Map of the UCD campus. https://www.ucd.ie/3dnet/t4media/UCD_Map_.pdf