Anyone who has tried to catch a bus from Cork Airport to Carrigaline knows the feeling: the timetable can be a puzzle. The 225 route, run by Bus Éireann, connects Kent Station to Haulbowline, winding through the city centre, the airport, and commuter towns. This guide lays out the stops, payment methods, and what sets the 225 apart from its sibling, the 226.
Route endpoints: Kent Station to Haulbowline ·
Number of stops: 26 ·
Operator: Bus Éireann ·
Key served areas: Cork Airport, Carrigaline, Ringaskiddy
Quick snapshot
- Route 225 runs daily from Kent Station to Haulbowline via Cork Airport (Bus Éireann (official route page))
- Leap Card, cash, and contactless payments accepted (Bus Éireann (TFI Go app guide))
- 26 stops along the route (Moovit (transit aggregator))
- Exact live departure times beyond published timetables (seasonal changes may apply) (NMCI blog PDF (historical timetable))
- Whether the PDF timetable from NMCI reflects current schedules (NMCI blog PDF (historical timetable))
- First bus from Cork Airport (weekday): 05:00 (Bustimes.org (third-party timetable aggregator))
- Last bus from Kent Station (weekday): 22:20 (Bustimes.org (third-party timetable aggregator))
- Daytime frequency: every 30–60 minutes (Bus Éireann (Cork Airport destination page))
- Check real-time departures on the TFI Go app or Bustimes.org (Bus Éireann (airport advice))
- Plan to arrive at Cork Airport 3 hours before flight (Bus Éireann (airport advice))
Five key facts about the 225 route, one pattern: the service is built around connecting Cork’s transport hubs with its southern commuter and industrial zones.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Operator | Bus Éireann |
| First bus from Cork Airport (weekday) | 05:00 |
| Last bus from Kent Station (weekday) | 22:20 |
| Journey time Cork Airport to Carrigaline | ~15 minutes |
| Frequency (daytime) | Every 30–60 minutes |
The implication: the 225 is a workhorse route, but its frequency drops on weekends, so planning ahead is essential.
Where does the 225 bus go in Cork?
Route from Kent Station to Haulbowline
- Starts at Cork Kent Station, passes through Parnell Place Bus Station, then heads south to Cork Airport (Cork Airport (official transport page))
- Continues via Ballygarvan, Carrigaline, Ringaskiddy, and terminates at Haulbowline (Maritime College) (Transport for Ireland (Cork city bus map))
- Total of 26 stops according to Moovit and Transit data (Transit (route listing))
The pattern: the 225 is the only direct bus linking Cork Airport to the industrial estates of Ringaskiddy and the naval college at Haulbowline.
Stops at Cork Airport
- Bus stop B at Cork Airport serves Route 225 (Cork Airport (bus stop information))
- Both 225 and 226 stop at the airport, but the 225 continues further south (Bus Éireann (Cork Airport page))
Why this matters: if you’re flying into Cork and need to reach Carrigaline or Ringaskiddy, the 225 is your only option without a transfer.
Carrigaline and Ringaskiddy stops
- Multiple stops along Carrigaline’s Main Street, with journey time from the airport around 15 minutes
- Ringaskiddy stops serve the ferry port and pharmaceutical plants; Haulbowline serves the National Maritime College of Ireland (Bustimes.org (stop list))
The trade-off: the 225 serves fewer stops in Carrigaline than the 226, but covers the industrial areas that the 226 bypasses.
Does the 225 go to Carrigaline?
Carrigaline stops
- Yes, the 225 serves Carrigaline with multiple stops along Main Street and the R612 (Bus Éireann (route 225 page))
- The bus passes through Carrigaline en route to Ringaskiddy, making it the main public transport link for the town (Cork Airport (bus route description))
The implication: residents of Carrigaline have a direct bus to the airport and city centre, but the frequency is lower than the more frequent 226 that runs to the city only.
Frequency to Carrigaline
- Every 30 minutes on weekdays, every 60 minutes on Sundays and public holidays (Bus Éireann (frequency details))
- Last bus from Kent Station to Carrigaline departs around 22:20 on weekdays
The catch: the 225’s frequency drops after 20:00, so late travellers may need to check the 226 or alternative transport.
How to pay for a 225 bus in Cork?
Leap Card
- Tap your Leap Card on the reader when boarding and again when alighting (tap off) – the system calculates the correct fare (Bus Éireann (TFI Go app))
- Leap Cards can be topped up online or at retail outlets across Cork
What this means: Leap Card users get the best value – fares are capped daily and weekly.
Cash
- Exact change required – drivers cannot give change
- Cash fares are higher than Leap Card fares; standard adult single fare is around €2.50–€3.00 depending on distance
The trade-off: carrying cash is a fallback, but you’ll pay more per trip.
Contactless card/phone
- Contactless debit/credit cards and mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are accepted on all Bus Éireann services
- Tap the card or phone on the reader – no need to tap off, but you must tap on each time (Bus Éireann (payment guide))
Why this matters: contactless is the simplest option for visitors who don’t have a Leap Card.
TFI Go app
- Download the TFI Go app to buy tickets in advance and save a payment card for faster purchases (Bus Éireann (TFI Go app))
- Activate the ticket before boarding and show the driver the screen
The implication: the app is ideal for regular commuters who want to avoid fumbling for change or cards.
What is the difference between the 225 and 226 bus in Cork?
Route differences
- Both serve Cork Airport, but the 225 continues south to Carrigaline, Ringaskiddy, and Haulbowline, while the 226 loops back to Kent Station via the city centre (Bus Éireann (Cork city services page))
- The 226 serves Carrigaline town centre but does not go to Ringaskiddy or Haulbowline (Transport for Ireland (network map))
The pattern: the 225 is the longer, less frequent route covering industrial and maritime destinations; the 226 is the faster, more frequent city connector.
Frequency differences
- 225 operates every 30 minutes on weekdays and 60 minutes on Sundays
- 226 operates every 15–20 minutes on weekdays and 30 minutes on Sundays (Bus Éireann (airport services))
The catch: if you’re heading to the airport from the city, the 226 comes more often, but the 225 is the only one that takes you further south.
Destination overlap
- Both routes share the segment from Kent Station to Cork Airport, passing through Parnell Place Bus Station
- After the airport, the 225 turns south while the 226 heads back to the city
Why this matters: passengers going to the airport from the city can take either bus, but those heading to Ringaskiddy must take the 225.
What bus services are available from Cork Airport?
225 and 226 routes
- Bus Éireann Routes 225 and 226 provide the main public transport link from Cork Airport to the city centre and Kent Station (Bus Éireann (airport page))
- Both run from approximately 05:00 to 22:30, 7 days a week
The implication: the airport has two bus options, but the 225 is the only one that goes beyond the city to the southern suburbs.
Other coach services
- Private coach operators (e.g., Aircoach) serve Cork Airport with routes to Dublin and other cities – these are not part of the Bus Éireann network
- Taxis and ride-sharing are available at the airport taxi rank
The trade-off: for longer journeys, coach services are faster but more expensive; for local travel, the 225/226 are the budget choice.
Step-by-step: How to ride the 225 bus in Cork
- Check the timetable – Visit the official Bus Éireann Route 225 page for PDF timetables or use Bustimes.org for live departure times.
- Choose your payment method – Leap Card, contactless card/phone, cash, or TFI Go app. Tap on when boarding.
- Find your stop – At Cork Airport, wait at stop B. In the city centre, use Parnell Place Bus Station or Kent Station.
- Signal the driver – Flag down the bus as it approaches. The 225 will display the route number and ‘Haulbowline’ or ‘Cork Airport’ as the destination.
- Alight – Press the stop button before your stop. If using Leap Card, tap off when you exit.
The takeaway: following these steps ensures a smooth ride even if you’re new to the service.
Clarity: What we know and what’s uncertain
Confirmed facts
- Route 225 operates daily, including Sundays and public holidays (Bus Éireann)
- Bus Éireann is the operator (tier1 government transport agency)
- Leap Card is accepted and recommended for best value
- Cork Airport is a stop served by both 225 and 226 (Cork Airport)
- 26 stops from Kent Station to Haulbowline (Moovit)
What’s unclear
- Exact real-time departure times – official timetables are published, but live delays are not tracked in this guide
- Possible seasonal schedule changes – the NMCI PDF is from 2020 and may not reflect current schedules
What riders say
Route 225 provides a frequent service linking Cork Airport to Cork City Centre, Cork Bus Station, and Kent Railway Station. … The 225 operates every 30 minutes throughout the day from Haulbowline, Ringaskiddy, Carrigaline, Ballygarvan, and Cork Airport.
Bus Éireann (official destination page)
Route 225 from Cork Airport serves Ballygarvan, Carrigaline, Ringaskiddy, and Haulbowline from bus stop B.
Cork Airport (transport information)
The pattern: both official sources confirm the 225 is the backbone of public transport to the southern suburbs, but neither provides real-time updates – that’s where third-party apps come in.
Summary
The 225 bus is the only direct link between Cork Airport, Carrigaline, Ringaskiddy, and Haulbowline. For commuters in Carrigaline, the choice is clear: take the 225 when you need to reach the airport or industrial estates, but rely on the more frequent 226 for city centre trips. For visitors catching a flight, allow extra time – the 225 runs every 30–60 minutes, and missing it could mean a longer wait than expected.
Related reading: Bus Éireann Route 225 – Timetable, Stops, Route Map & Payment Guide · Bus Éireann Route 225 – Timetable, Stops, Route Map & Payment Guide
For those exploring other Cork city routes, the 203 bus timetable in Cork offers a direct option from Lehenaghmore to Parklands via St Patrick’s Street.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring luggage on the 225 bus?
Yes, luggage is allowed. Buses have overhead racks and underfloor storage for suitcases. The 225 is a standard single-deck bus with limited space, so large items may be restricted during peak times.
Is the 225 bus wheelchair accessible?
Yes, all Bus Éireann city buses, including the 225, are low-floor accessible with ramps and priority seating. Wheelchair users should board at the front and use the designated space.
How often does the 225 bus run?
Every 30 minutes on weekdays and every 60 minutes on Sundays and public holidays, according to Bus Éireann. Frequency may be lower in the evenings.
Where can I get a 225 timetable PDF?
The official PDF is available on the Bus Éireann Route 225 page. A historical PDF is also hosted on the NMCI blog (dated 2020).
Does the 225 run on Sundays?
Yes, the 225 operates on Sundays and public holidays, with departures every 60 minutes. First bus from Cork Airport is around 06:00 and last bus from Kent Station around 22:20.
What is the first bus from Cork Airport?
The first 225 bus from Cork Airport departs at 05:00 on weekdays, 06:00 on Saturdays, and 07:00 on Sundays (approximate times – check the official timetable).
What is the fare for the 225 bus?
Fares vary by distance. A single adult fare from Cork Airport to Carrigaline is about €2.50–€3.00. Leap Card users get a lower fare and daily/weekly caps. Exact fares are available on the TFI Go app.
For commuters in Carrigaline, the 225 is the only direct bus to the industrial estates. Missing the last bus could mean a €20 taxi ride – so save the timetable on your phone.
Leap Card users save up to 30% per trip compared to cash. For irregular travellers, contactless is the simplest fallback.