ireland train travel

Taking the train in Ireland – what you need to know

Apr 19, 2024 • 11 min read

A train travels along the Rosslare, Wexford to Dublin line in Ireland © Irish Rail

Traveling by train is one of Ireland ’s great, if under-appreciated, pleasures.

It’s a small island and the rail network is limited, so no journey is especially long – but riding the rails across the country is one of the loveliest ways to enjoy the rolling countryside.

Compared to its European counterparts, Irish trains aren’t especially spectacular, but this is a country that doesn’t need high-speed or sleeper trains: you roll along at a maximum of 160km/h (99mph) and before you know it you’re on the other side of the island.

The particular nature of Irish demographics has shaped train travel in Ireland: with around a quarter of the population clustered in the greater Dublin region, it makes sense that most train journeys begin or end in the capital. In Northern Ireland the same is true of Belfast .

Irish trains might not be especially quick or super luxurious, but they’re an efficient and eco-friendly way of exploring the island – so long as your explorations are focused on the major cities and towns. Here is our essential guide to train travel in Ireland.

The lowdown on rail travel in Ireland

Irish trains are efficient, relatively frequent and usually on time.  Irish Rail/Iarnród Éireann operates the entire network of trains in the Republic, from intercity trains linking the major urban centers to the busy commuter network that services the greater Dublin region.

There are two main lines into the west and three into the south and southwest; spurs off the main lines connect to a host of smaller towns throughout the country. There’s also a line to Belfast, from where  Translink services connect the city with the Antrim Coast and Derry (Londonderry) .

Within the greater Dublin region, a network of commuter services connects the capital with a host of suburbs and dormitory towns in the surrounding counties. Dublin’s coastline between the northside suburbs of Howth and Malahide, and Greystones in County Wicklow is served by DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transport) trains.

There are some notable gaps in the country’s rail network, with no services in counties Donegal , Monaghan and Cavan , and no trains into West Cork . Some towns – like Buttevant in Cork or Annacotty in Limerick – are on the rail line but they’re bypassed as they have no functioning station.

Ireland’s bigger train stations – including Cork , Limerick , Galway , Sligo, Belfast and the two in Dublin – are all pretty well stocked when it comes to picking up supplies and other assorted sundries for your journey. Most other stations will have a small shop.

Train tickets are relatively good value

The good news about traveling by train in Ireland is that it is relatively inexpensive compared to train travel in some places, such as the UK, for example. If you buy it online, a standard one-way fare between Dublin Heuston and Kent Station in Cork costs €30–35, and around €55 in first class.

Online is the best place to buy your tickets for train travel in the Irish Republic. Not only do you get the best fares (with savings of up to 50% compared to buying the ticket at the station), but you can purchase your ticket up to 90 days in advance and reserve a seat when you do.

You have the option of collecting your bought ticket from a machine at the station as you’re boarding, or downloading a QR code at the point of purchase. If you wait to buy your ticket at the station, you’ll pay significantly more and have to get there early to queue up at the ticket kiosk.

For travel in Northern Ireland, you’re better off buying the ticket at the station as only a limited number of tickets are available online. Show up a short time before your intended departure time and just buy your ticket there.

Only a handful of services offer first class, but upgrading is relatively inexpensive. On average, expect to pay around €20–25 more to sit in first. There are three kinds of first class service on Irish trains. CityGold is on direct Dublin to Cork services, and includes an onboard host and a complimentary newspaper on selected early morning services. The Enterprise service between Dublin and Belfast offers the same, plus a fine breakfast. Premier Class is similar, but is only available on direct services between Dublin and Tralee and some Dublin to Cork trains.

Some discounts and offers apply

There are discounted fares for children and young adults aged between 19 and 25, as long as they have a valid discount card. Under fives and those aged 66 and over travel for free.

The commuter network in the Greater Dublin area has a fare cap of €6 for travel between the capital and a host of towns in the surrounding counties.

There are two rail passes aimed at visitors. The Trekker Four Day (€88) offers unlimited travel for adults on all Irish Rail services on four consecutive days from the date of issue. The Explorer (adult/child €128/64) provides five days of travel on all services in a 15-day window.

However, before investing in either, be sure that you plan on making the most out of it. The limited rail network means that connections are limited and traveling between some destinations involves backtracking: Cork and Waterford are both on the south coast, but to get from one to the other means travelling to Limerick, while Sligo and Westport are only 140km (87 miles) apart along the west coast, but to go between them by train you’ll have to travel through Dublin – which is on the other side of the country.

In Northern Ireland, the Sunday Fun Day Tracker ticket gives passengers unlimited train travel on a Sunday for £9 (£4.50 for children). Tickets are available from all ticket offices, the mLink ticketing app and from the conductor on the train.

These are the busiest times to travel by train

Unsurprisingly, peak times for train travel coincide with busy rush hour periods. Early morning services to Dublin from cities including Cork, Galway and Limerick can be busy, especially if the train is due to arrive in Dublin around the start of the working day. Friday evening trains departing Dublin can also be quite busy. However, as online bookings also include the option of booking a seat, you’ll never have to stand.

The commuter network is busiest on weekdays from 7am to 9am and from 4:30pm to 6:30pm as thousands of people travel in and out of work. You can’t prebook seats on these services, so plenty of people do end up standing. Keep an eye out on changing schedules, especially for weekend and holiday travel, as frequencies diminish.

The train network is limited, but it has some benefits over road travel

There are no rail links to any Irish airport, which means you’re relying on taxis, private cars or buses once you arrive in the country. Irish ferry ports are better connected to rail lines, however, and you can catch trains in Rosslare, Dublin and Larne; there is no rail link to Belfast Port.

If you want to reach the more remote corners of the island, then the Irish rail network is quite limited, and a car will give you the flexibility you need. However, rental fees can be very expensive and fuel is another considerable cost, with the price of unleaded and diesel hovering between €1.75 and €2 a liter. Parking is also pricey in all urban centers, especially Dublin.

Traveling by bus is the cheapest way to get around, but it can be a slow business, as most make lots of stops along the way. There are some direct express services, but they are at the mercy of traffic, which can also add considerable time to a journey compared to traveling by train. Plus, buses don’t have bathrooms, with those traveling longer distances relying entirely on rest stops.

On board facilities vary depending on the type of train

There are two kinds of Irish trains: InterCity and commuter. InterCity trains are all the same – relatively modern with comfortable seats in standard class and fancier recliners in first – and they travel at speeds of up to 160km/h (99mph). There’s no journey in Ireland that is longer than 2½ to 3 hours. Commuter trains are slightly older, with less comfortable seats; older trains are used on some small-distance spur lines in rural areas and are very basic (facilities include seats and a toilet).

While Ireland’s flagship service is the one between Dublin and Cork, the fanciest train is the Enterprise service between Dublin Connolly and Belfast Lanyon Place, which is a joint venture between Irish Rail and Translink. This train is on a par with most services you’ll find in mainland Europe and first class is the most luxurious of any in the country.

All InterCity trains have three-pin sockets at every row where you can plug in a charger or a laptop. Most commuter trains in the greater Dublin area also have sockets. All trains have toilets and there is a cross-network wi-fi service operated by Irish Rail, but it is patchy and inconsistent. Translink has its own wi-fi network, which is accessible on all bus and rail services in the north, but, like in the Republic, you’re at the mercy of signal strength and contention levels.

Food options are pretty limited. There is a trolley service on the Dublin to Cork service, while the Enterprise between Dublin and Belfast operates a full service menu in a dedicated dining car; first class passengers also get a pretty good breakfast as part of their ticket.

Some trains on the Dublin to Cork route have a “quiet carriage” (usually Carriage G, marked in purple when booking) where the use of phones is prohibited and passengers are encouraged to keep noise levels down.

You can bring a bike on any Irish Rail train for free, although there are some restrictions during busy periods (such as sporting fixtures and concerts). The Dublin to Cork line is the only one to have a dedicated bike storage area; all other InterCity trains have (very) limited bicycle spaces within the passenger compartment – it’s not unusual for only two bikes to be allowed into the compartment, so be sure to book in advance. Bikes are not allowed on commuter and DART services during peak hours – before 10am and from 3:30pm to 7pm Monday to Friday.

There are many scenic train routes: here are the best

No matter where you are in Ireland you’re going to find a beautiful landscape or two, but some journeys are worth keeping your eyes wide open for.

Dublin to Sligo

Once you’ve gone past the huge suburban sprawl of the greater Dublin area, the landscapes get quite gentle; beyond Mullingar the train skirts alongside the edge of beautiful Lough Owel. For the best views, sit on the left-hand side of the train.

Dublin to Belfast

The Enterprise service is the best in the country, with the most comfortable seats and the best food options – especially in first class. The train skirts alongside the Irish Sea between Malahide and Balbriggan, so be sure to sit on that side as you travel (on the right-hand side if you’re traveling to Belfast).

Derry (Londonderry) to Coleraine

The Translink service between Northern Ireland’s second city and Coleraine is a stunner, a 40-minute journey along the Causeway Coast that comes with beautiful beaches, huge cliffs and unimpeded views out over the North Sea.

Downpatrick to Inch Abbey

It’s only a 10-minute journey, but the trip from Downpatrick in County Down to the monastic ruins of Inch Abbey takes place in a vintage steam train (or a 1960s diesel train) that chugs its way along the line, over the River Quoile and past the drumlin-specked landscape.

Cork to Cobh

One of Ireland’s most scenic trips is the 25-minute trip from Cork City to the seaside town of Cobh , which takes you along the river (sit on the right for the best views), past marshy Harper’s Island and over the bridges on Lough Mahon and the Slatty Water. You can always stop off at Fota and visit the  wildlife park  there.

Book in advance for wheelchair access to trains

All InterCity services are nominally accessible, but if you do need assistance you will need to book it in advance so that suitable arrangements can be made. This usually means that a conductor will have a ramp ready for wheelchair access, but we have also heard plenty of anecdotal evidence of staff simply lifting a wheelchair onto a train, which depending on the individual can either be a help or an annoying hindrance. Whatever you do, make sure to communicate your requirements before you travel as assistance is not guaranteed otherwise.

For passengers with learning difficulties or any issue where there may be a challenge with communication (such as autism) Irish Rail staff are trained to recognize visual cue cards such as the  JAM card , which inform the interlocutor of the holder’s condition. JAM cards are available online or at mainline train stations in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford and Sligo.

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The Man in Seat 61

A beginner's guide to

Train travel in ireland.

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Train travel UK & Ireland...

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Trains are a pleasant and relaxing way to get around Ireland.  Modern air-conditioned intercity trains were introduced a few years ago as part of a massive investment programme, allowing frequencies to be increased.  This page will get you started...

Where do the trains go ?  Route map

As you'd expect, most rail lines radiate out of Dublin, see Irish Rail's map of the Irish rail network .

How to check times & buy tickets

To check train times & fares in the Republic of Ireland and from the Republic to Belfast, use the Irish Railways website www.irishrail.ie .

To check train & bus times in Northern Ireland and from Belfast south to Dublin, use the journey planner at www.translink.co.uk .  Translink is the Northern Ireland transport organisation which includes Northern Ireland Railways (NIR) and Ulsterbus.

You can call Irish Rail enquiries on 01 836 6222 when in Ireland or on 00 353 1 836 6222 from outside Ireland.

If you are prepared to pay for a full-price ticket you can just buy at the station on the day, there's no need to book in advance.  Full-price tickets cannot sell out, they have a fixed price and unlimited availability.  Reservation is optional on Irish intercity trains and not possible at all on local & suburban trains (including all Northern Irish domestic trains), if you choose not to reserve a seat you just board the train and sit where you like, in any empty unreserved seat. just as on trains in Great Britain.

However, for longer journeys if you are prepared to book in advance and commit to a specific train with limited or no refunds or changes to travel plans allowed, you can save money by buying a cheap advance-purchase ticket at www.irishrail.ie .  You collect tickets at the self-service ticket machines at any main station.

Tip:   How to travel 1st class, cheaply.   Irish Rail has no 1st class semi-flex or advance fares, only 1st class full-flex.  But you can buy an upgrade to 1st class for the difference in price between full-flex standard and full-flex 1st, which can be used with any standard class ticket, even an advance-purchase one.  Simply buy a cheap standard class ticket, then use www.irishrail.ie again, this time clicking the Free travel pass or valid ticket link beneath the journey planner.  Read the advice here (external website, please let me know if that link stops working).  This works from Dublin to Belfast, too.

Which station in Dublin ?

Dublin heuston.

Heuston station is the terminus for trains heading west & southwest from Dublin to Cork, Limerick, Galway, Kilkenny, Waterford, Tralee, Westport & Ballina.  Opened in 1846 as Dublin Kingsbridge station, it was renamed Heuston in 1966 after Seán Heuston, a young railway worker who commanded a nearby post in the 1916 Easter Rising.  It's located 3km (2 miles) west of Dublin city centre so it's best to take the frequent Luas tram ( www.luas.ie ) which links Heuston station with the city centre and Connolly station every few minutes from early morning to late at night.  It has 9 platforms.  As it's a terminus, there is easy level access between tram stop/taxi rank/street, concourse and all platforms.  For more about the station's history see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heuston_railway_station .

Dublin Connolly

Ireland's busiest station, Dublin Connolly is the station for Belfast, Sligo, Wicklow, Wexford, Dun Laoghaire & Rosslare, sitting on the north-south tracks which pass through Dublin on a viaduct.  Concourse & platforms are one floor up from street level.  Platforms are numbered from east to west, platforms 1-4 are north-facing terminus platforms (trains to Belfast use these), platforms 5-7 are through platforms (DART suburban trains & southbound trains to Wicklow, Wexford & Rosslare use these).  The station opened in 1844 as plain Dublin Station , later renamed Dublin Amiens Street .  It was renamed Dublin Connolly in 1966 after Irish revolutionary James Connolly.

Dublin to Cork by InterCity train

These smart modern trains link Dublin & Cork virtually every hour in 2h50, via Limerick Junction (for Tipperary) and Mallow (for the line to Tralee).  Change in Cork for the local train to Cobh.  These trains have 1st & standard class with a catering car and free WiFi.  The full Irish breakfast on morning trains from Dublin is as good a breakfast as you'll have on any train anywhere!  They were introduced in 2005-2006.  Catering is suspended in 2022, may return in 2023.

Dublin to Galway , Limerick, Waterford, Sligo, Wexford, Rosslare by InterCity railcar

These smart modern air-conditioned railcars are the new face of Irish Railways, built by Hyundai and introduced in 2008 onto all intercity routes from Dublin, other than the Dublin-Belfast and Dublin-Cork routes.  Trains run roughly every 2 hours from Dublin to Galway, Limerick, Sligo, Kilkenny, Waterford, Wicklow, Wexford & Rosslare.  Dublin to Galway takes 2h45, Dublin to Limerick 2h45.

Dublin to Belfast by Enterprise

Fast, modern Enterprise trains link Belfast Lanyon Place (formerly known as Belfast Central) and Dublin Connolly in about 2 hours, with departures every 2 hours.  The service is jointly run by NIR and Irish Railways.  It has standard class, first class (also known as Enterprise Plus class) and a cafe-bar.

You can buy cheap tickets from as low as €13.99 each way if you book online in advance.

Buy one-way or round-trip tickets starting in Dublin at www.irishrail.ie , you must collect hard-copy tickets from Irish Rail ticket machines in Dublin.

Buy one-way or round-trip tickets starting in Belfast at www.translink.co.uk , you must exchange the confirmation email for a hard-copy ticket at Belfast Central station or another staffed NIR station.

Tip:   On the Enterprise, find a seat on the left hand side going south to Dublin, right hand side going north to Belfast, for the sea views north of Dublin.

Update 2024:   You used to be able to catch a connecting train between Belfast Lanyon Place and the more centrally-located Belfast Great Victoria Street station.  However, GVS has now closed to allow construction of the new (and larger) Belfast Grand Central Station.  When opened, the Enterprise trains will run directly to/from Grand Central.

Belfast Central was named after the Belfast Central Railway , not because of its location!  It was renamed Belfast Lanyon Place in September 2018.

Video guide:   Dublin to Belfast by Enterprise

Belfast to londonderry (derry) & giant's causeway by train.

Smart modern air-conditioned trains link Belfast Great Victoria Street and Belfast Lanyon Place (formerly Belfast Central) stations with the historic walled city of Londonderry, or Derry if you prefer, every hour, journey time around 2 hours 12 minutes.

To check train times, use the journey planner at www.translink.co.uk/Services/NI-Railways .  These new trains have revolutionised rail travel in Northern Ireland, increasing in passengers by over 60% in the last few years.  With comfortable seats, carpet, toilets, air-conditioning and a scenic route through the countryside and alongside the sea approaching Londonderry, it's definitely the way to go.

I recommend a seat on the right hand side of the train going north to Londonderry, as that's where the best scenery will be, alongside Belfast Lough and along the Foyle estuary.

Belfast Central was named after the Belfast Central Railway , not for its location!  It was renamed Belfast Lanyon Place in September 2018.

For Belfast to the Giant's Causeway, see the Giant's Causeway page

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Day trips from Dublin by train

Railtours ireland, railtoursireland.com.

If you want to kiss the Blarney Stone, drive the Ring of Kerry or walk on the Giant's Causeway as a stress-free day trip from Dublin, Railtours Ireland deserves a special mention.  They run daily tours from Dublin using a unique train-based concept that makes the famous sights & scenery of remote western & northern Ireland accessible as a day trip.  They work closely with Iarnrod Eireann (Irish Railways).

You are whisked from central Dublin to Limerick, Galway, Cork or Belfast by comfortable air-conditioned intercity train, leaving around 7:00-7:30 am.

A coach meets the train and takes you on a guided tour into the countryside.

The range of tours includes kissing the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle, driving around the Ring of Kerry, or to see the Giant's Causeway, or to Bunratty Castle and the Cliffs of Moher, and more...  There's stops for lunch & photographs;

In the early evening the coach takes you back to the station and puts you on a fast intercity train back to Dublin, arriving (depending on the tour) 8:00-10:15 pm.

As well as 1 day tours they now also offer longer tours of Ireland, up to 11 days.

Railtours Ireland have now been established for over 20 years and get great reports.  I've known them for over a decade and have used them myself on a couple of occasions, both memorable. 

Book online at railtoursireland.com , or by phone.  Please mention seat61.com when booking.

Tip:  There's a full cooked breakfast available in the restaurant car of some of the Irish Rail intercity trains they use out of Dublin, costing around €17 (£14).  It's as good a cooked breakfast as you'll have on any regular scheduled train, so treat yourself!

Click the images to buy at Amazon.co.uk

Hotels in dublin, belfast & ireland, the gresham hotel, dublin   click here to check prices & book.

Perfectly located on Upper O'Connell Street in the heart of central Dublin, 10 minutes walk from Connolly Station, The Gresham is an iconic hotel, a Dublin landmark since 1817.  The impressive facade is matched by a marble-floored foyer and bar, and comfortable carpeted lounges.  Yet you can find rates from £90 for a double room, 4-star comfort at a remarkably good price.  To check room rates & availability click here .

The Europa Hotel, Belfast   Click to check prices & book

For comfort and location, stay at the Europa.  Opened in 1971, Belfast's famous Europa Hotel has more history than many hotels three times its age.  It was the hotel used by journalists such as Trevor MacDonald, Kate Adie, John Simpson during the Troubles in the 1970s and 80s, when it earned the title of Most Bombed Hotel in Europe.  Indeed, it suffered so many bomb attacks and had so many windows boarded it up, it was also known as the Hardboard Hotel.  Yet it stayed open in spite of everything, a true survivor.  And today it's a fabulous place to stay, ideally located next to Great Victoria Street Station and across the road from the famous Crown Bar .  You'll find a book about the history of the hotel in your room for you to read, and a display case on the first floor near the piano with some hotel memorabilia.  There's also a railway connection, as it was built on the site of the Great Northern Railway terminus, the ancestor of today's Great Victoria Street station.

Backpacker hostels: www.hostelworld.com

If you're on a tight budget, don't forget the hostels.  For a dorm bed or an ultra-cheap private room in backpacker hostels in most European cities use www.hostelworld.com .

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Ireland Trains

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Would you like to experience an Irelands train journey? Choose your perfect ticket from different routes today!

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Ireland Train Tours

Quality independent rail tours with excellent service & backup

With our rail tours, you don’t need a car to discover Ireland’s culture, heritage and history. You can simply book a place on an Irish Tourism rail tour and we will do the rest! Travel by rail on your own schedule! 

On our rail tours you will not be part of a group; instead you will use your Irish Tourism travel documents to navigate your way around Ireland.  

Our rail tours include your train tickets, sightseeing coach tickets, accommodations and a detailed sightseeing guide with possible places you may choose to visit while you are here. 

Our rail tours combine rail journeys in comfortable, modern trains with escorted bus tours around Ireland’s must see scenic attractions that are not accessible by train such as the Ring of Kerry, the Cliffs of Moher, Dingle Peninsula, Aran Islands and many more! 

How to select the right rail tour for your tour of Ireland

Begin your tour selection by choosing a duration and interests that suit your requirements.

When you find a tour that interests you, simply send us an enquiry and we will contact you to begin the process of tailoring your dream vacation.

If you do not have time to browse our driving tours you can contact us directly using the details provided at the bottom of this page, and we will help you to select a driving tour that meets your exact requirements.

If you do not have time to browse our private group tour suggestions you can contact us directly using the details provided at the bottom of this page, and we will help you to select a rail tour that meets your exact requirements.

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9 tours met your criteria

This 2 centre Rail tour of Ireland is the ideal introduction to both Dublin and the Southwest of Ireland.

6 Night Tour of Dublin and Kerry

This 2 centre rail tour is the ideal introduction to both the North and South of Ireland.

6 Night Rail Tour of Southern and Northern Ireland

Discover Kerry, Galway and Dublin on this 7 night rail tour of Ireland. Explore the scenic Ring of Kerry, the vibrant city of Galway and travel to the Aran Islands.

7 Night Best of Ireland by Rail

Discover Kerry, Galway and Dublin on this rail tour of Ireland. Explore the scenic Ring of Kerry, the city of Galway and travel to the Aran Islands & Cliffs of Moher.

8 Night Best of Ireland by Rail

This 3 centre combined rail and private chauffeured tour is the ideal introduction to Dublin, the Southwest and the West of Ireland.

8 Night 3 Centre Rail Tour of Ireland with Castle Stay

This combined rail and private chauffeured tour takes you to Belfast, Dublin, the Southwest and West of Ireland.

10 Night Rail Tour with Luxury Castle Stay

Discover Cork, Kerry, Galway and Dublin on this rail tour of Ireland. Experience such places as Blarney Castle, the Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher & much more

10 Night Best of Ireland by Rail

Discover Cork, Kerry, Galway, Dublin and Belfast on this rail tour of Ireland. Visit Cork City, the Ring of Kerry, Aran Islands & more.

12 Night Best of Ireland by Rail

14 Night Best of Ireland by Rail

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Travelling by train in Ireland: a practical guide.

Why not take a train trip around the island of ireland a quiet, environmentally-friendly way to travel.

• Ireland's rail network: your ticket to adventure

Book a ticket

Meet at the station in advance.

Dear travellers, fasten your seatbelts… er, no, unfasten them instead! Travelling by train in Ireland means enjoying freedom, comfort and a breathtaking view of the countryside, all without the hassle. fear of driving on the left ! If you too prefer greener, safer public transport, then you’ve come to the right place! Travelling to Ireland by train is particularly easy, provided you plan your journey in advance. Here are our tips for an incredible stay in Ireland!

Travelling by train in Ireland

Ireland’s rail network: your ticket to adventure.

Ireland’s rail network, managed by Irish Rail (Iarnród Éireann if you want to show off with some Gaelic), is your passport to discovering the country.

In Northern Ireland, the main train company is Translink , which operates under the name NI Railways (Northern Ireland Railways) .

With routes stretching from Dublin, Belfast , Cork and Galway to the remotest corners of the world, you can literally travel through picture-postcard panoramas while sipping a steaming cup of tea. Seductive, isn’t it?

Irish Rail covers a large part of the country, including many major tourist destinations. This makes trains convenient for exploring various parts of Ireland.

What’s more, trains on the Irish network offer a higher level of comfort than other means of transport. You can sit back, relax, read a book or simply enjoy the scenery as it passes by without worrying about driving or traffic… All this in a generally calm environment, conducive to relaxation and escape!

Booking a train ticket in Ireland is child’s play. You can do this online on the Irish Rail website, via their mobile app, or directly at the station for the more adventurous who aren’t afraid to get to grips with the English language.

Friendly tip: book in advance for prices that are sweeter than a frothy Guinness !

Fares vary according to distance, train type and class. There are often special offers, especially out of season. For globetrotters, consider train passes such as the Irish Explorer Rail Card, which allow you to travel at will without breaking your piggy bank.

But beware: the train is clearly more expensive than the bus. Rates are often even higher than in countries such as France, Belgium, Germany and Spain.

A few more tips

Trains are usually on time, but it’s always a good idea to leave a little margin. This allows you to discover the station, how it works, the track to get to and, of course, settle in without having to chase after your carriage.

Some trains offer catering services, but if you bring your own snacks, you won’t break the bank. Food sold in stations and on board Irish trains is generally more expensive than elsewhere.

So don’t hesitate to make yourself a good sandwich or buy one in a convenience store before your trip. You’ll make substantial savings.

All travelers prefer to be seated window-side. It’s a unique opportunity to discover the Irish landscape, with its breathtaking views of nature and the countryside… as well as its cities.

For long-legged passengers, we recommend aisle seats.

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The 10 best places to visit in ireland by train (a local's guide).

Getting Around Ireland by Train

Best Places to Visit in Ireland by Train at a Glance

• Kilkenny City
• Limerick City
• Galway City
• Belfast (Northern Ireland)

Day Trips from Dublin by Train

1. hop on the dart train for an easy day trip from dublin to howth.

2. Ride Dublin's Commuter Rail to Maynooth for a Photowalk

Ireland by Train: Destinations Less than 2 Hours From Dublin

3. take the train from dublin to the midlands, athlone is located in the very center of ireland and is just a 90 minute train ride for dublin. grab a pint at sean's bar, the oldest pub in ireland.  take a tour via bus or boat along the river shannon to clonmacnoise, one of the oldest and most important sites for early christianity in ireland. clonmacnoise is on the unesco world heritage site tentative list.  athlone itself is good for a day trip or a short weekend getaway. if you're feeling more ambitious, hire a car so that you can experience all the  fun things to do near athlone  including historic small towns like birr and tullamore. , 4. get your groove on with a train ride to kilkenny.

Ireland by Train: Destinations Between 2 - 3 Hours From Dublin

5. inspire poetry on a weekend in limerick, the sometimes off-color, but always fun limerick poem got its name from this city in the west of ireland. it takes about 2 hours to get from dublin to limerick city by train.  in my detailed post covering all the  fabulous things to do in limerick , i wrote a number limericks. here is just one example. ☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️ on a train to limerick city here we are sitting pretty a weekend away oh, what the hey that you aren't here too is a pity ☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️ did you know that limerick is home to 13th century king john's castle you can also get to bunratty castle, one of the most popular tourist attractions in ireland, on public transportation from limerick.  if castles aren't your thing, limerick is also a great destination for foodies with awesome craft beer and a world-class food market (the limerick milk market). don't miss limerick's amazing street art either., 6. travel ireland by train from east to west to galway city.

7. Aw, Go On So and Take a Train Trip from Dublin to Cork City

8. Ride the Rails from Dublin to Northern Ireland and Experience Belfast

Consider taking the train ride 2.5 hours north from dublin to belfast's victoria street station and experience northern ireland. make sure to bring your passport because northern ireland is part of the uk, not the republic of ireland.  explore the north's troubled history with a walk among the political murals on falls road. continue the exploration of history in belfast with a trip to the amazing and interactive titanic museum ; one of the best museums i've ever been to. the titanic was actually built in belfast and you can see the dry docks where she was housed before her tragic maiden voyage not far from the museum. lift the weight of history from your shoulders with a trip to st. george's market for great food, treats, and crafts. for more about visiting belfast, check out these  fun things to do in belfast . from belfast, why not  explore the antrim coast including beautiful places like the giant's causeway and carrick-a-rede rope bridge., destinations 3 hours or more from dublin by train, 9. take irish rail west for a weekend in westport.

10. Chew, Chew, Chew, Your Way by Train from Dublin to Sligo

Ireland by Train Map

Useful Links About Rail Travel in Ireland and Train Accessible Itineraries Irish Rail Discover Ireland Wild Atlantic Way Ireland’s Ancient East Howth is Magic Visit Kilkenny Cork.ie Galway Tourism Westport Tourism Sligo Tourism

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Getting Around Ireland: Ireland by Train

Train travel is one of the best ways to travel, especially in Europe. So it makes sense that visitors to Ireland may assume it’s a great way to get around as well. However, this isn’t always the case. Train travel in Ireland isn’t very extensive and it actually one of the most expensive ways to get around the country.

I’m not saying this to turn you off exploring Ireland by train, it’s just a fact. Ireland’s rail network is limited and only connects a few major cities. Sometimes, routes may require you to backtrack or they may not exist at all. Train travel in Ireland can also be quite expensive, especially if you leave your booking until the last minute.

That being said, train travel in Ireland can be quite comfortable and definitely has some perks that, depending on the situation, may make it the best choice. So, if you are debating exploring Ireland by train, then here is what you need to know.

PS: Planning an Ireland trip? Check out my Ireland itineraries. 

Ireland’s Rail Companies

Ireland, as an island, has two separate train companies. The republic of Ireland is served by Irish Rail, while Northern Ireland is served by Northern Ireland Railways. They are two separate companies, each operating with their own trains, schedules, and websites. So keep that in mind if you plan on visiting both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland during your visit.

Each website has extensive information on schedules, planning, and fees. You can find the respective websites here:

Northern Ireland Railways

How to Buy Train Tickets in Ireland

Buying tickets for train travel in Ireland depends on which train company you are using.

For Irish Rail

Irish rail tickets can be purchased online ahead of time. In fact, this is the recommended way to buy your tickets. Booking in advance can save you as much as 50%, so it’s definitely worth your time to do some advanced planning and map out your route so you can take advantage of these savings. It is possible to buy your tickets at the station, however you will pay significantly more and you are also adding extra stress by needing to get to the station early to book.

For Northern Ireland Railways

Tickets for trains operated by Northern Ireland Railways are best bought in person at the rail station prior to your travel time. Some tickets can be bought online, but it’s only a limited few routes and types which makes things confusing for visitors. Your best bet is to just show up early to the station and book in person.

What About an Ireland Rail Pass?

Rail passes are common in Europe and can sometimes offer a better deal than buying the tickets yourself. However, in Ireland, this is not the case. Due to the fact that the Irish rail network is so limited, it doesn’t make sense to buy a rail pass (even though they do exist). You’ll just end up having to backtrack (often through Dublin) which ends up being a huge waste of time. To get the best deal on train travel in Ireland, book online in advance when possible.

Ireland’s Main Trail Stations

As mentioned earlier, the train network in Ireland is not very expansive, so there are only a few stations. The main stations in Ireland (including the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland) can be found below. Keep in mind, if you are booking from Dublin there are 2 different stations depending on where your final destination is.

Irish Rail Stations

• Hueston Station (Dublin)
• Connolly Station (Dublin)
• Kent Station (Cork)
• Ceannt Station (Galway)
• Belfast Central Station (Belfast)
• MacDiarmada Station (Sligo)
• Duke Street Station (Derry-London Derry)

There are a few small stations as well, but normally these aren’t of interest to tourists unless your ticket requires a train transfer.

Ireland rail vs Ireland Buses

  So, if train travel in Ireland isn’t very well connected and is one of the most expensive ways to travel, then why would you want to travel that way? Well, there are a couple of reasons why train travel in Ireland is good and can be the better option.

The first reason is timing. Depending on the route, train travel might be the fastest option. While there are a few direct buses in Ireland, most bus routes tend to make several stops in small towns and villages along the way meaning that your journey could take hours. In this case, paying more for a faster trip might be worth it.

Similarly, depending on the bus journey, you may be required to transfer buses along the way. It’s not hard, or a big deal, but if you are someone who worries about this type of thing (or just doesn’t want to deal with it) then paying more for the comfort of the train might be the better option.

Another thing that travellers should know is that the buses do not have toilets on board. Trains do. For small journeys this isn’t a big deal, but if you have a small bladder and find yourself bumping down one of Ireland’s windy roads for three to four hours without a toilet, well, you just might wish you had splurged on the train ticket.

Finally, if it’s your vacation and you just enjoy the relaxing aspect of train travel, then that is reason enough as well.  

Irish Rail Tours

If you love trains and are really set on exploring Ireland this way, then consider taking an Irish rail tour. These can be day or multi-day trips that will allow you to see the countryside and some of the highlights of Ireland from the comfort of the train. Take a look at the following Irish rail tours to see if any appeal to you:

• Rail tour from Dublin: The Ring of Kerry
• Rail tour from Dublin: Cliffs of Moher and Bunratty Castle
• 6-day rail tour of Ireland

Final Tips for Train Travel in Ireland

Train travel in Ireland may not be the best way to travel around Ireland, depending on your itinerary, but it’s not a bad way to travel. If you do decide that you would like to travel Ireland by train then remember to plan out your routes ahead of time (on either the Irish Rail or Northern Ireland Railways websites) and, when travelling through the Republic of Ireland, book well in advance to ensure you get the best deals.

Ready to Book Your Trip?

Don’t forget travel insurance!

Please do not travel without travel insurance! I’ve had to use it multiple times throughout my travels and it has saved me thousands of dollars. You can learn more about travel insurance  here . If you are looking for a provider I love and recommend  SafetyWing . For Canadian readers, take a look at  SoNomad.

Book your accommodation

I love and recommend  booking.com  for accommodation. They have a range of hostels, guesthouses, hotels, and resorts. Plus, the platform has a great loyalty program that means the more you book, the more you can save. 

Book your tours

My go-to tour provider that I love to recommend is  GetYourGuide . They have options all over the world and partner with local companies for everything from day trips to food experiences and even airport transfers. 

Get connected

If you want to have data while travelling for online maps or any other needs, an esim is one of the easiest solutions. I’m a big fan of Airalo and have used their sim cards around the world from Brazil to Uzbekistan, Greece to the USA. It’s really easy- you download the app, pick what country you want an esim for, and after you purchase it follow the installation instructions. You can use promo code HANNAH3326 to save $3USD on your next esim purchase. 

Not sure what to pack?

I have destination-specific guides for some countries but you can also check my  travel essentials  and  camera gear  if you are looking for some ideas. 

Looking for a travel buddy?

Check out my group trips!

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Ireland by train

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Sit back, relax and take in the sights as you explore the island of Ireland by train

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There are two rail networks operating in Ireland: Irish Rail in the Republic of Ireland and Translink in Northern Ireland. Dublin and Belfast are the key rail hubs, connecting travellers with cities and towns all over the island. The fast, efficient Enterprise train runs between Dublin (Connolly) and Belfast (Lanyon Place) and is generally the quickest way of travelling between the two cities.

Malahide, County Dublin

Malahide train station

Killiney, County Dublin

DART commuter train

Train journeys around Ireland

Getting around dublin.

The DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) train runs from Howth and Malahide in north Dublin right into the heart of the city, stopping at pretty coastal towns and villages, such as Dalkey in south Dublin and terminating in Greystones in County Wicklow.

Hop aboard the Luas , the swift tram service with two lines (red and green) that travel within the city. It’s a quick and hassle-free way to tour Dublin, and also venture outside of the city centre to discover charming suburban spots such as Ranelagh and Phibsborough.

Got questions?

Irish Rail has a handy online guide that covers everything from WiFi and travelling with pets and bicycles to facilities for disabled travellers. Translink also has information about accessible travel .

Insider tip: Rail services will be less frequent on Sundays and on public holidays, so do check timetables before you set out on your journey.

Ireland by rail – highlights

One of the most stunning rail journeys on the island follows the south-east coast from Dublin down to the Rosslare Europort, and takes you through Ireland’s Ancient East .

The 45-minute route between the Walled City of Derry~Londonderry and Coleraine along the Causeway Coastal Route was hailed by comedian and travel documentary-maker Michael Palin as the "one of the most beautiful in the world".

Useful links

Main train stations on the island of ireland:,                                                                             , where do you want to go.

Do you feel like tasting wild Atlantic sea spray on your lips? Strolling through vibrant city streets? Exploring ancient ruins? Right this way…

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Bring out your inner Celt with our immense Ireland itinerary. Sleep in a castle, join in a traditional Irish music jam, and sip a pint with locals – every stop takes you deeper into Irish lore and culture. A Eurail Ireland Pass gives you the freedom to stay longer in areas that grab your interest. Relax as the trains whisk you through the lush Irish countryside, dotted with its numerous historical remains. If you’re traveling with a Eurail  Global Pass , you can get discounted ferry travel from France to Rosslare in southeast Ireland. From there, you can then take the train along a brilliant scenic route to Dublin.

Itinerary in short

Cities visited on this trip:.

Click here or on the map to view this route in our Trip Planner 

Dublin, Ireland

Visit Dublin for lessons in Irish history and Irish drinking! In the heart of the city is Trinity College , known for its stunning Old Library. Its prime exhibit is the beautifully decorated Book of Kells , which dates from 900AD. Take a tour of the campus, led by the University’s very own students. Need an intellectual excuse for a sneaky drink? Try the Guinness Storehouse or tiny Irish Whiskey Museum for an education on the national drinks (tours include samples). Otherwise, join in with the shenanigans at the raucous Temple Bar district, or add traditional Irish pub The Stag’s Head to your Dublin itinerary.

From Dublin to Kilkenny

Travel time:

Dublin Heuston

Kilkenny, Ireland

Kilkenny (MacDonagh)

Kilkenny Castle is the focal point of the once medieval capital of Ireland. The castle has witnessed everything from sieges to restorations in its 800-plus years of history. Self-guided tours are available and include access to the fabulous Long Gallery. Orienteering courses in the extensive parklands are free. Sports fans can get to grips with ‘ The Kilkenny Way ’ of hurling with a taster session. Kilkenny’s Cats (the local hurling team) are the all-time champions of the national sport, one of the oldest field sports in the world.

From Kilkenny to Cork

Cork, ireland.

Cork (Kent)

Cork is an excellent place to get involved in local Irish life. Ring the Bells of Shandon at St. Anne’s Church, stock up at the much loved old City Market, and share a pint of Murphy’s (Irish Stout is the drink of choice here). Take a trip northwest to the enchanting Blarney Castle . Tell your friends you kissed the Blarney Stone . This gives you the ‘gift of the gab’ – eloquence and persuasiveness, so the legend has it. Add to the mystical experience with a walk through the castle’s Rock Close, where witches and fairies abide.

From Cork to Killarney

Killarney, ireland.

Irish nature at its best. At the foot of the MacGillycuddy's Reeks, Ireland’s tallest mountain range, Killarney is blessed with the beautiful Killarney National Park , Lough Leane, and Muchross and Upper Lakes. From Killarney you can trek the Ring of Kerry , a 112-mile-long (179 kilometer) scenic route along the coastline of the Iveragh Peninsula. Expect to see picturesque seaside villages, ancient island monasteries, and plenty of sheep surrounded by every shade of green.

From Killarney to Galway

Mallow, ireland, limerick, ireland.

Limerick Junction

Galway, Ireland

Galway (Ceannt)

Soak up the charm of lively Galway. Mingle in Eyre Square and the JFK Memorial Park. Stroll along the River Corrib, where anglers fish for salmon and chatter in Irish, up to Galway’s Cathedral and University. Back near the docks, admission into the Fisheries Watchtower and City Museum is free. Don’t miss out on the welcoming atmosphere at one of the city’s authentic Irish pubs. Get in amongst the traditional music sessions at Tig Cóilí or The Crane . Or be amazed by the hodgepodge of articles that cram every corner of O’Connors Famous Pub .

Get your hands on a Eurail Ireland Pass!  

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Railtours Ireland First Class!

We are delighted to announce the departure of our best selling tour. 6-day rail touring experience, a rail journey through Ireland, with its many options to join for different portions of the tour. We are back for 2024. With departures weekly - starting from Dublin! We will continue to make updates as the situation surrounding the ongoing global pandemic evolves.

Portions of this tour are available to book as 1-day tours or 2, 3, 4 and 5 day Tours .

With 6 overnight stays in some of Ireland's most beautiful sites, the All-Ireland tour provides all the elements of a comfortable and relaxing vacation. Enjoy a full Irish breakfast in your hotel each morning before being whisked across the country on a train. Our tour covers all top attractions of Ireland from The Giant's Cauesway to The Ring of Kerry.

We are now accepting online bookings for 2024 departures. For any queries, please contact us via email .

Whether you wish to visit the Cliffs of Moher on the Wild Atlantic Way or the Marble City in Ireland's Ancient East, we are here to help.

Find your perfect tour of Ireland with our team of Ireland experts.

In association with Iarnród Éireann, Irish Rail, Railtours Ireland First Class offers independent travellers the chance to see a great portion of Ireland that they would not ordinarily be able to experience comfortably in one or more days.

All tours with accommodation are guaranteed departures. With fast, comfortable intercity trains and luxury coaches, we offer wonderful vacations for those wishing to experience the best of Ireland. Discover our range of tours from Ireland's Ancient East to the Wild Atlantic Way!

Experience a Car Free, Carefree  vacation in Ireland!

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Why You Should Consider Train Travel in Europe

Elina Geller is a former NerdWallet travel writer specializing in airline and hotel loyalty programs and travel insurance. In 2019, Elina founded TheMissMiles, a travel rewards coaching business. Her work has been featured by AwardWallet. She is a certified public accountant with degrees from the London School of Economics and Fordham University.

Giselle M. Cancio is an editor for the travel rewards team at NerdWallet. She has traveled to over 30 states and 20 countries, redeeming points and miles for almost a decade. She has over eight years of experience in journalism and content development across many topics.

She has juggled many roles in her career: writer, editor, social media manager, producer, on-camera host, videographer and photographer. She has been published in several media outlets and was selected to report from the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

She frequents national parks and is on her way to checking all 30 Major League Baseball parks off her list. When she's not on a plane or planning her next trip, she's crafting, reading, playing board games, watching sports or trying new recipes.

She is based in Miami.

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Table of Contents

Train system in Europe

Europe train map, booking train travel in europe, 3 ways to make your european train fare cheaper, smart money move: earn points on train travel, train travel in europe recapped.

If you’ve been dreaming about visiting Europe this summer and eating gelato in Italy or visiting the Basílica de la Sagrada Familia in Spain, good news: Airfare is down 8% compared to this time last year, according to Hopper’s 2024 Summer Travel Outlook.

And once you’re in Europe, you may be able to save money if you travel by train. Traveling by train in Europe is convenient and sustainable. Plus, some trains, like the Glacier Express in Switzerland, are designed to travel through scenic destinations so you can sightsee while you relax.

If you’re considering incorporating train travel into your European itinerary , here’s what you need to know about getting around and how to save money on tickets.

There are several train companies in Europe. Some only offer regional train service, while others offer trains between countries. As you plan your trip, familiarize yourself with the train companies that serve your intended destination so you can determine if traveling by train makes sense for you.

Here are some train companies that serve different countries in Europe:

Eurostar trains travel between the U.K., France, Belgium, Netherlands and Germany. (Although the U.K. is not in Europe, it's a popular destination on its own and often coupled with a European itinerary.) 

NS is the leading train company in the Netherlands. 

Renfe is the national train company in Spain. 

Deutsche Bahn (DB) offers long-distance and regional trains in Germany.

SNCF Connect offers high-speed train travel in France.

Trenitalia is the state-run train company in Italy.

Glacier Express offers scenic trains within Switzerland.

Some of these train companies have partnerships with each other to offer convenient connection options. For example, DB-SNCF is a joint venture between DB and SNCF that links travel between Germany and France.

If you Google search “Europe train map,” you’ll find many different maps based on regions, countries, or travel throughout the continent. Here’s a European train map offered by Trainline, which shows different destinations accessible by train.

The interactive map on Trainline’s website highlights popular routes across the country. If the country you’re looking for isn’t featured or you want to see regional trains instead, make your search more specific to check availability.

Buying train tickets in Europe is fairly straightforward. You can purchase your tickets through:

An online travel agency (OTA): Several OTAs that sell train tickets in Europe include Trainline, Rail Europe, Eurail and Omio.

The train company: If you know which train company serves your destinations, consider booking directly on the train company's website in case you need make any changes, since booking travel through an OTA adds an extra layer of complexity . 

At the train station: If you don’t know (or plan) your schedule in advance, you can purchase a ticket at the train station. Keep in mind purchasing at the train station is running a risk that the train time you want might be sold out, or more expensive, since it’s a last-minute purchase. 

Depending on when and where you buy your tickets, there are a few ways to save money on train travel within Europe.

1. Comparison shop

If the train company and an OTA offer tickets, compare prices to see where those seats are cheaper. We searched for a train from Paris to Amsterdam in August 2024 on the Eurostar site and on Trainline to see which option is cheaper.

Booking directly with Eurostar (price in U.S. dollars and euros)

Booking a Eurostar train on Trainline (price in U.S. dollars and euros)

If you pay in euros, tickets on Eurostar and Trainline are the same price (60 euros). But if you pay in U.S. dollars, the fare is slightly cheaper on Trainline ($68.30 versus $70). If you don’t have a credit card that waives foreign transaction fees, you’d want to book the ticket from Trainline in U.S. dollars.

Generally though, if you’re going to Europe — or really anywhere outside of the U.S. — consider using a credit card that waives foreign transaction fees , because these pesky fees are usually between 1% to 3% and can quickly add up.

2. Take advantage of discounts

There are often discounts available for students, seniors and families.

For example:

Spanish train operator Renfe, offers up to a 30% discount on tickets for those ages 14 to 25.

Eurail offers a family discount, a 10% senior discount and up to 25% off for travelers age 27 or below. 

Eurostar offers discounted rates for those under age 26 and 60 and up. 

Other discounts or sales may be available, so be sure to shop around. Booking early can also score you a deal. For comparison purposes, we searched for a ticket from Rome to Milan on Trenitalia one week and three months out. Most of the available tickets a week out were priced at $108, while the tickets three months in advance hovered around $48.

3. Consider travel insurance

According to NerdWallet’s annual summer travel survey , an impressive 84% of Americans plan on vacationing in 2024, with 45% of Americans going on a summer trip (June-August). Summer travelers plan to spend $3,594, on average, for their flights and hotel stays.

When considering an expensive vacation, travel insurance can be a good option, particularly if your trip plans are nonrefundable and you want overseas medical coverage. Even if you have a credit card that offers complimentary travel insurance , most U.S.-based medical plans don’t protect you for medical care abroad.

In addition to travel medical coverage, a comprehensive travel insurance plan includes benefits such as trip cancellation , trip interruption , baggage delay and lost luggage coverage . If you don’t need travel medical insurance, and the coverage provided by your travel credit card is sufficient, you may not need to purchase a standalone travel insurance policy.

» Learn more: How to find the best travel insurance

If you have a credit card that earns extra points for travel, using it to buy train tickets makes sense since trains are part of the travel category. Here are some popular cards that earn additional rewards for travel and don’t charge foreign transaction fees.

on Chase's website

• 2 points per $1 spent on travel, including train travel.

• 3 points per $1 spent on travel, including train travel.

• 2 miles per $1 on every purchase.

• 3 points per $1 on transit, including train travel.

Terms apply.

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

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Traveling around Europe by train can be a great way to explore one or several countries, all while avoiding the hassle of the airport or renting a car. There are many options for finding train tickets, but generally, purchasing tickets in advance and directly from the train company can save money.

How to maximize your rewards

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In Europe's Schengen area , your passport must be valid for at least six months at the time of your entry. At present, the Schengen area includes most European Union (EU) countries, except for Cyprus and Ireland.

If you are transiting through Canada or the United Kingdom (UK) enroute to the Schengen area : your passport must be valid for at least six months, even though Canada and the UK do not themselves have the six-month rule. If your passport will expire within six months, airlines may not let you board your onward flight to Europe.

Traveling in Europe

If you plan to travel in Europe, you need to know about the Schengen Borders Agreement, which allows you to move freely within a number of countries without border checks. Tourists, exchange students, and people visiting for business from certain countries, like the United States, can travel in the Schengen area for up to 90 days. The Schengen area includes most EU countries, except for Cyprus and Ireland. It also includes four non-EU countries: Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.

Before you travel to the Schengen area, we recommend you do the following:

• Check the expiration date on your passport book carefully before traveling to Europe. Ensure your passport book is valid for at least six months when you enter the Schengen area. This is especially important for minors under age 16 as their passports are only valid for five years. In contrast, U.S. citizen adults aged 16 and older receive passports that are valid for 10 years.
• Always carry your passport book with you when traveling to another country in the Schengen area. Even if there is no border check at that time, officials may reinstate border controls without notice.
• Be prepared to explain your purpose of travel.
• Be prepared to provide proof of sufficient financial resources for the visit.
• Comply with other entry requirements for each country you will visit or transit.

On our Country Information pages , you can find passport validity requirements and other important information for your destination country. If your passport does not meet the Schengen requirements, you may be:

• Refused boarding by the airline at your point of origin or while transferring planes.
• Denied entry when you arrive in the Schengen area, regardless of how long you will stay.

An immigration official will determine if you qualify for visa-free entry to the Schengen area when you first cross any external Schengen border. You will have to present your passport at that time. The officer may deny your entry if you do not qualify.

You should also check passport validity requirements if traveling onward from the Schengen area to a country outside the Schengen area. You can find this information in our Country Information pages.

HOW LONG CAN I REMAIN?

• With a valid U.S. passport book, you can stay up to 90 days in the Schengen area for tourism or business during any 180-day period. You must wait an additional 90 days before applying to re-enter the Schengen area.
• If you plan to stay in the Schengen area longer than three months, contact the embassy of the country where you plan to spend the majority of your time and apply for a visa.

Countries in the Schengen area may reinstate temporary internal or external border control without notice. U.S. citizens should carry their U.S. passport book at all times when entering or leaving the Schengen area. They should also bring it when traveling between Schengen countries.

How can the U.S. government help me if border officials do not let me enter?

• We can give you the contact information of foreign embassies of the countries you wish to visit.
• We can provide information about hiring an English-speaking foreign attorney overseas if you choose to do so.
• Note: We cannot influence a foreign government’s decision about allowing you to enter. We cannot intervene in another country’s criminal or administrative procedures.

What countries are members of the Schengen Borders Agreement?

Click on the country name for more information.

Bulgaria (entering in March 2024)

Czech Republic

Liechtenstein

Netherlands

Romania (entering in March 2024)

Switzerland

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Who is eligible for this ticket?

• Customers in possession of a valid open class ticket

What are the conditions of travel?

Customers who are already in possession of or purchasing on the day of travel a valid standard class ticket(s) such as Family Ticket, Day Return, Open Return, Weekly, Monthly, Annual or InterRail ticket can book on their chosen service by selecting the 'Reservation Only' option in the Passenger selection box. Customers are advised there is limited availability for seat only bookings online.

How do I buy this ticket? 

• Read our FAQ on how to book a seat only reservation .

Where can I buy this ticket? 

• You can purchase the ticket  above using our journey planner . Tickets can only be purchased up to 90 days in advance.

Where do I collect the ticket? 

See our  Ticket Collection  section.

• Free Travel/DSFA Pass Holders

Customers who hold a  Free Travel / DSFA Pass  can book on their chosen service by selecting the  'Free Travel Pass'  option in the Passenger selection box. Customers are advised there is limited availability for Free Travel bookings online.

• Please see our handy guide on how to book a 'Free Travel Pass' option .
• You can purchase the ticket  above using our Journey Planner . Tickets can only be purchased up to 90 days in advance.
• An allocation of bookings on all InterCity services can be reserved online without a fee for 'Free Travel Pass or valid ticket holders'. When this allocation is fully booked, all remaining seats can be reserved by 'Free Travel Pass or valid ticket holders' for €2.50 per journey. 

For more information on Online Tickets please see Ticket Information

There are a limited number of wheelchair accessible spaces on each train, book in advance to avoid disappointment.

passenger-seat icon Travel Pass or Travel Ticket holder

Is an option for customers who are in possession of Free Travel Pass, a valid standard class ticket(s), seasonal ticket(s), Taxsaver ticket(s) or InterRail to book onto a train in standard class. Customers who have a valid standard class ticket but wish to upgrade to First Class should also use this selection. For more information go to Tickets Explained section.

Please select the passenger(s) who require this ticket type

Irish Explorer Rail Only offers customers 5 days unlimited travel out of 15 consecutive days on all Iarnród Éireann services in the Republic of Ireland for only €128 for an Adult and €64 for a child*.

Customer must mark off each date in ink on the ticket in advance of boarding the train.

*Prices shown are standard class fares.

Where can I buy this ticket?

• Online:  No
• Ticket Machines:  No
• ​Athlone, Balbriggan, Bray, Carlow, Cobh, Dublin Connolly, Cork, Drogheda, Dun Laoghaire, Dundalk, Galway, Greystones, Dublin Heuston, Howth, Kildare, Kilkenny, Killarney, Killester, Limerick, Limerick Junction, Malahide, Mallow, Maynooth, Mullingar, Newbridge, Dublin Pearse, Portarlington, Portlaoise, Sligo, Thurles, Tralee, Tullamore, Waterford, Westport and Wexford

Election latest: Nigel Farage 'playing into hands of Putin', Rishi Sunak says - as Labour condemn 'Tory s***show'

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage is under fire after reiterating he blames the West and NATO for the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Meanwhile, analysis for Sky News shows his party's tax plans disproportionately benefit those on higher incomes.

Saturday 22 June 2024 18:45, UK

• General Election 2024

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• Farage under fire for 'disgraceful' comments on Ukraine war
• Sunak says Reform UK leader's comments 'completely wrong'
• Labour: 'Shocking' to see Farage 'get down on his knees and kiss Putin's boots'
• Jon Craig:  Has the Reform UK leader made his first mistake of the election campaign?
• Reform UK's tax plans disproportionately benefit high earners, analysis shows
• Labour unveil 'Tory s***show' attack ad
• Live reporting by Ben Bloch

Election essentials

• Manifesto pledges: Alliance Party | Conservatives | Greens | Labour | Lib Dems | Plaid Cymru | Reform | SNP | Sinn Fein | Workers Party
• Trackers:  Who's leading polls? | Is PM keeping promises?
• Campaign Heritage: Memorable moments from elections gone by
• Follow Sky's politics podcasts: Electoral Dysfunction | Politics At Jack And Sam's
• Read more:  Who is standing down? | Key seats to watch | What counts as voter ID? | Check if your constituency is changing | Guide to election lingo | Sky's election night plans

Sir Keir Starmer has defended Labour's record on gender equality after JK Rowling accused the party of "abandoning women".

The Downing Street hopeful said he was "proud" of his party's history on the subject after the Harry Potter author wrote a 2,000 word essay in The Times criticising his views.

Ms Rowling has been outspoken in her belief that biological women should be able to have separate spaces, which trans women - who were born male - should not be allowed access.

In the article, she said she would "struggle" to vote for Labour at the election, having donated to the party in the past, because of its "dismissive" stance on the issue and had a "poor opinion" of the party leader's character.

Read the full story here ...

Our daily politics show  Politics Hub  will be live on Sky News from 7pm with our  political correspondent  Ali Fortescue  hosting this evening.

The fast-paced programme dissects the inner workings of Westminster, with interviews, insights, and analysis - bringing you, the audience, into the corridors of power.

Joining Ali tonight:

• Tom Tugendhat, security minister
• Scarlett Maguire, director at JL Partners polls

And on her panel are:

• Ava Santina Evans, political correspondent at PoliticsJOE
• Charlie Rowley, former special adviser to Michael Gove

Watch live on Sky News, in the stream at the top of this page, and follow live updates here in the Politics Hub.

Watch  Politics Hub  from 7pm every night during the election campaign on Sky channel 501, Virgin channel 602, Freeview channel 233, on the  Sky News website  and  app  or on  YouTube .

Our live poll tracker collates the results of opinion surveys carried out by all the main polling organisations - and allows you to see how the political parties are performing in the run-up to the general election.

It currently shows a drop in support in recent days for Labour and the Tories - with a jump for Reform and the Liberal Democrats.

Read more about the tracker here .

By Gurpreet Narwan , political correspondent

Reform UK bills itself as the party "for the left behind" but its flagship tax policy disproportionately benefits those on higher incomes, analysis for Sky News shows.

Nigel Farage hailed the plan to raise the threshold at which workers start paying tax to from £12,571 to £20,000, saying it would lift millions of low-paid workers out of paying tax altogether.

However, Reform's plan to raise the higher rate threshold from £50,271 to £70,000 would amount to a tax cut worth almost £6,000 for the top 10% of earners, vastly overshadowing the benefit to the lowest earners.

The top 10% of households, by disposable income, have £3,000 a month to spend after housing costs, council tax and direct taxes. A couple in this category would have £5,290 to spend.

These people would gain almost £5,983 in disposable income each year as a result of the changes.

The bottom 10% of households have less than £693 to spend on things such as heating and food each month. The figure rises to £1,195 for a couple. These households would gain an extra £221 per year.

Despite the vast discrepancy, Reform UK has repeatedly framed this as a policy for the lowest paid.

At the party's manifesto launch in South Wales, Mr Farage said: "I think the most innovative policy that we've put out in here is to raise the level at which people start paying tax to £20,000 a year.

"Why? Well, number one, it would take seven million people out of the tax system altogether, a devilishly complicated tax system. That would be a good thing, of course, for those on low pay."

Read the full analysis here:

Nigel Farage has doubled down on his comments about the Ukraine war, saying he was "telling the truth" when he said the West "provoked" the Russian invasion.

In an opinion piece for  The Telegraph , the Reform UK leader insisted he was not a supporter of Vladimir Putin and called the Russian president's actions "entirely wrong".

But he claimed he saw the conflict coming "a decade ago" and said the West has spent the last 10 years "playing into Putin's hands".

Mr Farage said he warned in 2014 that a war would emerge and has "made clear on multiple occasions since then, if you poke the Russian bear with a stick, don’t be surprised if he responds". 

He said the West had failed to "tackle Putin's mix of paranoia and assertiveness" and suggested it had pursued a dangerous foreign policy.

"There is no easy solution to the war. But facing up to the truth about the causes and consequences must be a start," he said.

Rishi Sunak said Mr Farage's earlier comments were "completely wrong", while Sir Keir Starmer branded the remarks "disgraceful".

Scottish First Minister John Swinney has also weighed in, calling the Reform leader a "traitor to the interests of the people of these islands".

By Rob Powell , political correspondent

The architect of the government's delayed reforms to social care has told Sky News politicians need to "grow up" and tackle the crisis in the sector.

Amid a bitter election row over public spending, Sir Andrew Dilnot said he believed the two main parties were reluctant to discuss care reform for fear of being accused of plotting future tax hikes.

Sir Andrew - whose 2011 report laid out several key measures adopted by the government - described social care as the "biggest risk that isn't managed" that the country faces.

He said: "Four out of five people are going to need  social care  before they die, we should grow up and face it."

"I think politicians are reluctant to talk about it firstly because they're worried about anything that means an increase in public spending and therefore possible taxation," he added.

You can read more below:

By Tom Cheshire , online campaign correspondent 

If you want a good idea of what matters to each party - its deepest desires, its darkest fears - look at where it's spending money.

What it shows is a story of Labour spending big and spending everywhere, as it pursues a plausible supermajority, while the Conservatives retreat to fight for some of their heartland constituencies, and spend much less. 

It shows the current state of play for all parties across the country. The map shows which is the biggest spender in each constituency - which parts of the country they're fighting to win, or not to lose.

The map was created by Who Targets Me (WTM), which tracks digital political advertising and has partnered with Sky News as part of our online campaign team.

"Our map of advertising activity shows where the parties have targeted their Facebook and Instagram ads in the last week," Sam Jeffers, executive director of WTM, says.

From first past the post to voter ID, here's everything you need to know about the general election in less than five minutes.

 The Conservative Party is seen as "tawdry", Ruth Davidson has said, as two of its candidates are being investigated over alleged bets placed on the election date.

The Gambling Commission is looking into two Tory candidates over alleged wagers on the date of the 4 July election.

An industry source has told Sky News that "more names" are being looked into, but police are so far "not involved".

Speaking on the  Electoral Dysfunction podcast with Sky News political editor Beth Rigby, and former broadcaster and presenter Carol Vorderman, the former leader of the Scottish Tories waded into the fallout of the alleged betting scandal.

"What an absolute shit show. Firstly, I mean, how tawdry is it?" she said.

She described it as akin to "insider trading" and criticised Rishi Sunak's response, saying he had repeatedly failed to get out in front and take control of events.

👉 Click here to follow Electoral Dysfunction wherever you get your podcasts  👈

By Laura Bundock , news correspondent

The election might seem like a two-horse race, but other parties are jockeying for votes too.

We put their manifestos to the Sky News YouGov Voters Panel.

Representing different political backgrounds and more than 40 different constituencies, they pored over the promises and policies.

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free