FAQ - Iarnród Éireann

FAQ's

Travelling by Train

What areas of the country are served by Iarnród Éireann?: Iarnród Éireann has a nationwide rail network. The Intercity routes cover major cities and towns around... Read More
When should I travel?: For your own comfort it is best to avoid rush hour times approximately between: ..... Read More
How early should I arrive at the station?: Intercity passengers should arrive at the station 30 minutes prior to departure. If you are collecting a reservation... Read More
Where can I get Timetable Information?: Click below to access the online timetables or for printable timetable... Read More
Can I bring my bicycle onto the train?: For more information on bicycle carriage, please head over to our Bicycle Information Page... Read More
Can I bring my Guide / Assistance dog onto the train?: Yes... Read More
Will food be served on the train?: Food is only served on some of the Intercity Services. Be sure to check in advance of your departure... Read More
Can I smoke on the train?: NO. Smoking is prohibited on all trains, offices and enclosed station areas. Read More
Is there Wi-Fi technology onboard IÉ trains so I can access the internet?: Yes, please go to our Wi-Fi and Power section to view availability. Read More
Are there sockets onboard IÉ Intercity services?: Yes, please go to our Wi-Fi and Power section to view availability. Read More
Where do I find Information on the Free Travel Pass?: Everyone aged 66 and over living permanently in Ireland, is entitled to free travel under the Department... Read More
Can Dogs or Other Pets Travel on the Train?: Guide dogs and Assistance dogs are permitted to travel on all Iarnród Éireann Intercity, Commuter and DART Services without restriction. Read More
Are there wheelchair accessible spaces on trains?: Yes. There are a limited number of wheelchair accessible spaces on each train... Read More

Purchasing Tickets

Where can I purchase a ticket?: You can now reserve seats on most Intercity trains: Online www.irishrail.ie Read More
What forms of payment does Iarnród Éireann accept?: Reservations made Online/Telesales - There is a €2 transaction fee on all online... Read More
Can I purchase tickets on the train?: Tickets can only be purchased on the train if the ticket office is closed and if the ticket vending... Read More
Can I buy tickets in advance?: You can now reserve seats on most Intercity trains (except Wexford/Rosslare routes): Online www.irishrail.ie... Read More
What types of tickets does Iarnród Éireann sell?: Iarnród Éireann sells a variety of tickets. Click here for a list of ticket types. Read More
How much do the tickets cost?: Main Intercity, DART & Commuter fares can be found on our fares enquiry page. For more fare enquiries, call 1850 366 222 between... Read More
Are there discounts for Students?: Yes, go to our student section for further information on our fantastic offers.... Read More
What are the age requirements for Child Tickets?: Children aged five or more and under the age of sixteen years of age are entitled to purchase a child... Read More
Links to European railways and timetables: Please note that tickets for SailRail to the UK and European Rail travel can be purchased By calling... Read More
What happens if I don't purchase a ticket?: Iarnród Éireann operates a fixed penalty payment scheme on all our routes, (Intercity, Commuter and DART). You must Purchase... Read More
Can I purchase a Luas ticket with Iarnród Éireann?: Yes, a Luas add on is available for customer travelling on services into/ out of Heuston Station. Simply select "Dublin City Centre"... Read More

Reservations - Purchasing Online

How do I make a reservation?: You can now reserve seats on most Intercity trains... Read More
What type of tickets can I reserve?: Student/ Adult/ Child and Reserve Seat tickets are available online subject to availability... Read More
How do I pay for my reservation?: Reservations made Online/Telesales... Read More
How do I change/cancel my reservation?: Changes/Cancellations can be made prior to your departure by contacting the Iarnród Éireann Travel... Read More
How far in advance can I make a reservation?: Single and/or return reservations can be made for travel up to 60 days in advance of the date of the return journey. This is to... Read More
I am having problems booking?: The internet browser you are using may not be supported by ... Read More
Can I reserve a seat facing the direction the train is travelling?: Seat facing reservations are available on all direct services operating on the Cork/Dublin route ... Read More
How do I change "My Account" details (i.e. address, password etc.): Click on "My Account"... Read More
How do I view my recent transactions?: Click on "My Account". Enter your "E-mail Address" and... Read More
What Browsers are currently supported by irishrail.ie?: irishrail.ie is currently supporting Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox... Read More
How do I change my Password?: Go to the My Account section and login. There is an option here to change your password. Read More
If I purchase my ticket online or by phone, how do I get my ticket?: Tickets purchased online or over the phone can be collected using the following methods: By Post: If a booking is... Read More
Thinking of developing an app?: Information for Application Developers Read More
What do I do if I did not receive a confirmation email after my booking?: What do I do if I did not receive a confirmation email after my booking? Read More
What do I do if the confirmation page does not display?: What do I do if the confirmation page does not display? Read More

Refunds

What is the Customer Charter?: The Customer Charter is Iarnród Éireann's promised performance standards... Read More
My train was delayed. When am I entitled to a refund?: If your train was delayed due to circumstances within the control of Iarnród Éireann the following... Read More
Can I get a refund at a later date?: If you decide for some other reason not to use a ticket you have bought, you can apply for a refund... Read More
What if I didn’t buy my ticket from Iarnród Éireann but I want a refund?: If you did not buy your ticket from Iarnród Éireann, you should return it to the place where you bought... Read More
I did not get my reserved seat do I get a refund?: If we fail to honour your seat reservation, and no other seat of similar standard on the same service is available... Read More

Smart Card

What is a Smart Card?: This card is used to store travel credit that is deducted as you travel by rail within the Short Hop Zone... Read More
Where to buy a Smart Card: Smart Cards can be purchased at Ticket Vending Machines in stations within the Short Hop Zone or... Read More
Where does the Smart Card Work?: The Smart Card can be used for rail travel between stations within the 'Short Hop Zone'. This Zone includes... Read More
What is ePurse and how does it work?: ePurse works in a similar way to mobile phone credit. Every time you use the card to travel... Read More
What are the Fares, Smart Card Prices & how to get refunds: There is a €5 charge for the smart card. A summary of our fares can be found... Read More
Using a Vending Machine to Top-Up the ePurse: 1. Place the card in the slot provided. 2. Select the Top-Up Amount from... Read More
Top-Up ePurse Online: If you purchased your ticket from the Ticket Vending Machine, you must register the Smart Card... Read More
What is Tag-On and Tag-Off?: At the start of the journey, you need to 'Tag-On' using your smartcard at a gate or validation pole... Read More
Errors in reading a Smart Card: Gates and Poles may on occasion fail to identify the Tag-On / Tag-Off. It is up to the customer to ensure... Read More
How do I view my card balance?: At a Vending Machine - Put your card in the card 'pocket' and then follow the instructions on the ticket vending... Read More
Schoolchild or Scholar Smart Cards: Schoolchild or Scholar SmartCard Application Form, Please complete enclosed application... Read More

Contact Details

For InterCity travel reservations: You can now reserve seats on most Intercity trains: Online www.irishrail.ie... Read More
For Disabled Access Queries: Please contact your Local Station or call the Accessibility Officer at... Read More
Customer Service (Comments, Suggestions, Complaints):: If you have experienced a serious delay while travelling on our services and would like to make... Read More
Station Phone Numbers: For a full list of all our Station phone numbers and contact details... Read More
Taxsaver: Go to www.taxsaver.ie... Read More
Disability Act 2005: If you wish to register a complaint under the 2005 Disability Act please contact... Read More
Is there a lost property facility?: Yes, please contact... Read More
How can I advertise on Iarnród Éireann, 4/6/48 sheets & Commuter cards?: Bravo Outdoor Advertising Limited represents all forms of transit advertising on behalf of CIÉ ~ Iarnród Éireann... Read More
Procurement Issues?: Procurement and Materials Manager - Pat Mullan, Mechanical Spares and... Read More
Where can I find a list of current tenders?: Iarnród Éireann use two websites when seeking offers for tender:... Read More

3D Secure

What is 3D Secure?: 3D Secure is a protocol used as an added layer of security for online credit and debit card transactions... Read More
How does it works?: If you haven’t purchased a product or service online using 3D Secure before on any website, you will be redirected... Read More
Who developed 3D Secure?: It was developed by Visa and named “Verified by Visa”. MasterCard then developed a service based on the... Read More
Why was 3D Secure developed?: It was developed to improve the security of Internet payments by offering an extra layer of security to customers... Read More
Why is it called ‘3D Secure’?: '3D Secure' stands for "3 Domain Secure" as there are 3 parties involved in the online payment process:... Read More
Why has Iarnród Éireann adopted 3D Secure now?: At Iarnród Éireann, we want our customers to purchase tickets and services on our website confidentially... Read More
Were my ticket purchases secure before 3D Secure?: All your previous purchases through irishrail.ie have been secure and there is nothing to worry about... Read More
Do I need to update my credit / debit card or get a new one before using 3D Secure?: No, your existing card can be used. Read More
Is 3D Secure free?: Yes, 3D Secure is a free service provided by Visa and MasterCard. Read More
Do I need special software for 3D Secure?: No, 3D Secure will operate in your web browser as a webpage – you will not need to download any... Read More
Will 3D Secure add extra time to my purchasing experience?: The 3D Secure authentication process is smoothly integrated into our online checkout process and will... Read More
I have used 3D Secure before, what do I need to do?: If you have purchased a product or service online using 3D Secure before, you will be asked to submit your... Read More
I haven’t used 3D Secure before, what do I need to do?: If you haven’t purchased a product or service online using 3D Secure before on any website, you will be... Read More
What password should I select?: The password you decide to use should be chosen in such a way that nobody else can guess it. A secure password... Read More
I can’t remember my 3D Secure Password, who do I contact?: A. If you can’t remember your 3D Secure password you need to contact your bank or in the 3D Secure section... Read More
I have a Laser debit card, how does 3D Secure affect me?: A. Your Laser card can be used once it is a Maestro card. Laser (Maestro) cards are processed through the... Read More
Are there any alternatives to payment with 3D Secure?: If you have been unsuccessful in making a payment through 3D Secure please contact our sales hotline on 1850 366 222... Read More
I don't wish to register with 3D Secure - can I still pay online?: Unfortunately not. Instead you will need to contact our sales hotline on 1850 366 222 (between 08.30-18.00... Read More
How can I find out more details about 3D Secure?: For further details on 3D Secure you need to contact your issuing bank or the following websites... Read More
What cards does irishrail.ie accept online?: MasterCard, VISA and Laser (Maestro) cards are accepted. Laser only cards are not accepted. Read More
What does my bank or card provider say about 3-D Secure?: Bank of Ireland, AIB, Ulster Bank, Permanent TSB, National Irish Bank (NIB)... Read More
What will I expect to see?: On the payment details page, you enter your credit or debit card details as normal, select where you will collect your... Read More
How do different cards behave?: Scenario 1 – ALL CARDS: If your card issuer hasn’t implemented 3D Secure, you will continue your payment... Read More
I purchase online using a company credit / purchasing card, can I still purchase on irishrail.ie?: Yes, as company credit or purchasing cards are not personalised, the 3D Secure check will complete... Read More
I purchase online using a prepaid debit card, can I still purchase on irishrail.ie?: Yes, as prepaid debit cards are not associated to a specific person the 3D Secure check will complete... Read More
I am experiencing difficulties with 3D Secure in Internet Explorer - what's happening?: A small minority of customers are experiencing difficulties completing a booking through 3D Secure - they are receiving a Page Not Found... Read More
I am experiencing difficulties with 3D Secure in Firefox - what's happening?: A small minority of customers are experiencing difficulties completing a booking through 3D Secure - they are receiving a 'the connection... Read More
I am using Google Chrome - I don't seem to be experiencing any problems?: To date, a small minority of customers seem to be experiencing difficulties in Internet Explorer and Firefox only. We will continue monitoring this... Read More
I am experiencing difficulties with 3D Secure in Opera - what's happening?: A small minority of customers are experiencing difficulties completing a booking through 3D Secure - they are receiving a 'Could not connect... Read More
I am using Safari - I don't seem to be experiencing any problems?: To date, a small minority of customers seem to be experiencing difficulties in Internet Explorer and Firefox only. We will continue monitoring... Read More

About Us

In this section

FAQ's

Travelling by Train

Purchasing Tickets

Reservations - Purchasing Online

Refunds

Smart Card

Company Information

Contact Details

3D Secure