Routes and stations
Dublin has two main InterCity stations. Heuston serves Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford, Tralee, Killarney and Westport. Connolly serves the Enterprise to Belfast, Sligo and the east coast. The two stations are far apart, so allow about an hour to change.
Dublin to Cork takes about 2 hours 30 minutes, with trains hourly at 25 minutes past the hour for most of the day. The fastest weekday train takes about 2 hours 14 minutes.
The Enterprise from Connolly to Belfast Grand Central takes about 2 hours 10 minutes. It has run about hourly since late 2024, with 15 trains each way Monday to Saturday and 8 on Sundays.
Tickets and fares
Web fares on irishrail.ie are the cheapest. Dublin–Cork starts at about €21.49 one way and Dublin–Belfast at about €13.99. Station fares are much higher, for example about €34 for a mid-length single.
Children aged 5 to 18 pay half fare, and children under 5 travel free with an adult.
Online bookings close 60 minutes before departure. Fares change with demand, so book early for weekends and holidays.
How to book
Book on irishrail.ie. Seat reservations are optional on InterCity trains. A limited number are free, then a seat costs €2.50.
If you reserve a seat, collect the reservation ticket from a station machine before boarding.
Leap cards work on DART and commuter trains in Dublin and Cork but not on InterCity journeys.
Tips for travellers
There is no train to Dublin Airport. Take a coach: Dublin Express runs to Heuston, and for Connolly you can get off near Custom House Quay and walk.
Your Dublin–Cork ticket includes one onward trip within Dublin, which helps when changing stations.
Evening engineering works can replace some late trains with buses. Check irishrail.ie before you travel.
Last checked: October 2026. Fares and timetables change, so confirm on the official website before you travel.
