If you’re planning a trip from Athlone to Dublin Airport, you might be surprised at how many direct coaches are available. With two operators — Citylink and AirCoach — running frequent services, you can often find fares as low as £17 one-way, according to Omio (ticket aggregator). This guide compares timetables, prices, and practical details, so you can pick the best option for your journey.
Direct operators from Athlone to Dublin Airport: 2 (Citylink, AirCoach) ·
Approximate journey time: 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes ·
Cheapest one-way fare from Athlone: £17 (AirCoach via Omio) ·
Daily departures (typical): Over 15 combined ·
Bus stop location at Dublin Airport: Zone 10 or 11
Quick snapshot
- Citylink and AirCoach both run direct coaches without changes (Rome2Rio (route aggregator))
- Typically 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes (Omio)
- From £17 (AirCoach) to around £25 (Citylink) (Omio)
- Athlone Station (Citylink) & Arcadia (AirCoach) (Rome2Rio)
Key facts at a glance
Four numbers capture the essentials of the Athlone–Dublin Airport coach route.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Route length | Approximately 130 km (81 miles) |
| Average trip frequency | 1–2 buses per hour combined |
| Lowest recorded fare 2025 | £17 one-way |
| Onboard amenities | Free Wi-Fi, power outlets, luggage hold |
The implication: two operators competing on a single corridor give Athlone passengers more frequent departures than on any other regional route.
Is there a direct bus from Athlone to Dublin Airport?
Yes, there are direct coach services with no changes required. Two operators — Citylink and AirCoach — run daily between Athlone and Dublin Airport.
Which operators run direct services?
- Citylink operates the 763 route from Athlone Arcadia to Dublin Airport Zone 11, with multiple departures throughout the day (Bus Times (timetable resource)).
- AirCoach offers direct services from Athlone’s Arcadia stop to Dublin Airport, with fares starting as low as £17 (Omio).
What are the departure points in Athlone?
Citylink buses pick up at Athlone Station (also known as Athlone Arcadia), while AirCoach also departs from Arcadia. Both use the same general area, making it easy to compare departure times without walking between stops (Rome2Rio).
Because two operators work the same corridor, Athlone passengers enjoy more frequent departures than on any other regional route — a clear benefit of competition.
Bottom line: Passengers never need to change buses. Citylink and AirCoach both run direct, so a single ticket gets you from Athlone to the airport terminal.
What are the 2025 timetables for buses from Athlone to Dublin Airport?
Timetables vary slightly between operators, but both publish regular schedules that can be accessed online.
Citylink Athlone to Dublin Airport timetable
- Citylink service 763 runs multiple times daily, with departures from Athlone Arcadia at 01:00, 05:00, 07:30, 10:00, and later (Bus Times).
- Omio reports an average of 5 daily departures for the route, with the earliest at 02:30 and the latest at 19:30 (Omio).
- CheckMyBus shows a direct Irish Citylink departure at 4:00 AM (journey time 1h30) and another at 9:55 AM (1h50), both priced at $22 (CheckMyBus (bus comparison site)).
AirCoach schedule from Athlone
- AirCoach offers multiple daily connections; the exact times are available on the AirCoach website and via aggregators like Omio.
- Rome2Rio indicates that return services from Dublin Airport to Athlone operate every two hours, with the first bus at 1:00 AM and the last at 9:30 PM (Rome2Rio).
Where to download the official timetable PDF
Citylink publishes its full 763 timetable on its own site and on bustimes.org. AirCoach’s schedule is available directly at aircoach.ie. For a quick overview, aggregator pages like Omio and CheckMyBus give consolidated departure lists without requiring a PDF download.
If you rely on aggregators, double-check with the operator’s own site for last-minute changes — especially around holidays, when extra services are sometimes added.
Bottom line: Both operators run frequent services. Citylink offers more early-morning options, while AirCoach often undercuts on price. For the latest times, look up the 763 timetable or visit the operator’s site.
How much does the cheapest bus from Athlone to Dublin Airport cost?
Fares vary depending on how far in advance you book and which operator you choose.
Citylink vs AirCoach fare comparison
The pricing gap between the two operators reveals the value of competition on this route.
| Operator | Lowest one-way fare | Typical advance price | Cheapest source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citylink | €18 (approx. £15.50) | €20–€25 | Rome2Rio |
| AirCoach | €17 | €17–€22 | Omio |
| Bus Éireann Expressway | Not available direct | N/A | Bus Éireann (national bus operator) |
Note: Prices shown in euros as listed on aggregator sites; actual charge may vary by booking date.
Tips to find the cheapest ticket
- Book directly through the operator’s site for the best advance deals.
- Use Omio to compare both operators at once — it often shows AirCoach from £17 (Omio).
- Consider a return ticket: AirCoach advertises returns starting from €9 each way (AirCoach (direct coach operator)).
- Check Rome2Rio for a quick fare scan across multiple dates.
Aggregator prices may not include booking fees or dynamic pricing. The fare displayed on Omio or CheckMyBus can change by the time you click “book.”
Bottom line: AirCoach consistently offers the lowest starting fare at £17, but Citylink’s advance tickets are only slightly more. For the best deal, book at least a week ahead and compare both operators.
What bus goes directly to Dublin Airport from other Irish towns?
The Athlone route is part of a wider network of direct coach services to Dublin Airport from multiple cities.
Other Citylink direct routes
- Galway to Dublin Airport (Citylink 763 continues west) (Bus Times).
- Cork, Limerick, and Castlebar also have direct Citylink coaches (Dublin Airport (official airport website)).
Expressway connections to Dublin Airport
Bus Éireann’s Expressway services connect Dublin Airport with towns like Wexford, Waterford, and Derry, though no dedicated Expressway route from Athlone to the airport is listed on the main timetable index (Bus Éireann routes index).
Dublin Airport itself maintains an all-Ireland bus routes page that lists direct services from Cork, Galway, Belfast, Derry, and others — but Athlone is served only by Citylink and AirCoach, not by Expressway (Dublin Airport).
Bottom line: For Athlone residents, Citylink and AirCoach are the only direct options. If you’re willing to travel via Galway or another hub, Expressway opens up more routes.
How can I get from Dublin Airport back to Athlone?
Return services are just as straightforward as the outbound journey.
AirCoach services from Dublin Airport to Athlone
AirCoach runs return coaches from Dublin Airport (Zone 10/11) to Athlone Arcadia, with the first bus at 1:00 AM and the last around 9:30 PM according to Rome2Rio. Fares start from €9 each way when booked round-trip.
Citylink return journeys
Citylink’s 763 service also runs the reverse direction, with departures from Dublin Airport Zone 11. BusTimes shows multiple times including 01:00, 05:00, 07:30, and 10:00 — similar to the outbound schedule (Bus Times).
Both operators pick up from Zones 10 and 11 at Dublin Airport, which are well signposted after you exit arrivals.
Late-night or early-morning returns can be less frequent. If your flight lands after 10 PM, check the last departure time carefully — missing it might mean a taxi to the city centre and a train.
Bottom line: The return journey uses the same coaches and same airport stops. Both operators run multiple services daily, so you can travel back to Athlone without planning a separate connection.
Step-by-step: how to book and ride from Athlone to Dublin Airport
Follow these five steps for a smooth journey.
- Check timetables on Citylink.ie or Aircoach.ie. Aggregators like Omio and Rome2Rio give a quick overview.
- Book in advance for the lowest fare. Use the operator’s own site or Omio; mobile tickets are accepted.
- Arrive at Athlone Station (Arcadia) at least 10 minutes early. Both operators depart from the same area.
- Board your coach and store luggage in the hold. Seats are not generally assigned, so early arrival helps.
- Alight at Dublin Airport Zone 10 or 11 — a short walk to both terminals.
For a visual guide, many operators provide station maps on their apps. If you’re unsure which stop to use, ask the driver or check the signage at Athlone Station.
The pattern: this route requires little advance planning because the two operators keep the corridor well-served.
What’s confirmed and what’s still unclear
Confirmed facts
- Citylink and AirCoach are the two direct operators on this route (Rome2Rio).
- Fares can be as low as £17 with AirCoach (Omio).
- Buses depart from Athlone Station and Arcadia (Rome2Rio).
What’s unclear
- Exact future timetable changes after 2025 schedules are published.
- Whether a new operator will enter the route in the next 12 months.
- Monday is reportedly the busiest day on this route, with Sunday the quietest — but this is based on aggregator data with low confidence (CheckMyBus).
- Bus Éireann’s main timetable index does not list a dedicated Athlone–Dublin Airport route, suggesting it may not run a direct service (Bus Éireann).
What passengers say about the journey
“Citylink operates a direct Athlone-to-Dublin Airport coach service with departures from Athlone Arcadia to Dublin Airport Zone 11.”
— Rome2Rio (route aggregator)
“Omio lists Athlone to Dublin Airport buses as averaging 5 departures per day with an average journey time of 1h 54m, and the cheapest advanced fare starts at €17.”
— Omio (ticket aggregator)
“Direct bus and coach services operate from Dublin Airport to cities including Cork, Galway, Belfast, and more.”
Frequently asked questions
Can I use my Leap Card on the Athlone to Dublin Airport bus?
No, Leap Cards are not valid on Citylink or AirCoach services. You need to purchase a separate ticket online or from the driver (cash or card accepted on board, but advance booking is cheaper).
How much luggage is allowed on Citylink coaches?
Citylink allows two large suitcases and one piece of hand luggage per passenger. AirCoach has a similar policy. Always check the operator’s website for current limits.
Is there a student discount for this route?
Neither Citylink nor AirCoach advertises a specific student discount on this route. However, booking with a student card directly through the operator may occasionally yield a small reduction.
Do I need to print my ticket or is mobile fine?
Mobile tickets are accepted by both operators. Show the QR code on your phone when boarding. It’s wise to download the ticket before arriving in case of poor signal at the station.
Where exactly does the bus drop me at Dublin Airport?
Citylink stops at Zone 11, AirCoach at Zone 10. Both are in the bus park outside the terminal area, a short walk from Arrivals. Signs for “Coach Park” guide you after you exit customs.
How early should I arrive at Athlone bus station?
At least 10 minutes before departure. The station is small and clearly marked, but traffic can delay your arrival. For early morning buses (e.g., 4:00 AM), check for overnight parking if you’re driving to the station.
Can I bring a bicycle on the bus?
Most coaches have limited luggage space for bulky items. Contact Citylink or AirCoach directly before travelling. In many cases, folded bicycles are allowed if space permits, but full-size bikes may not be accepted.
Related reading
- 225 Bus Timetable Cork: Route, Stops & Payment Guide
- Dublin to Rome Flight Time: Direct Flights, Tips & Schedules
Summary
The Athlone–Dublin Airport coach route is a textbook example of how competition benefits passengers: two operators, frequent services, and fares that start at £17. For Athlone residents heading to Dublin Airport, the choice is clear: book with AirCoach if you want the lowest price, or choose Citylink if you prefer earlier departures and a slightly faster journey. Either way, you avoid the cost and hassle of driving or taking a taxi.