Rail Tickets Explained
Whatever your journey, we have a ticket that will be right for you. You can read about our ticket types below. Click on 'Find Times & Buy Tickets' (up and to the right) to open our Journey Planner.
Be sure to get the right ticket for your journey to avoid a fixed payment notice plus the unpaid fare due!
Free Travel Pass holders wishing to book a ticket should select "Free Travel Pass" in the Passenger selection box.
For more information and a step-by-step guide on booking with a Free Travel Pass, see our guide to booking a 'Free Travel Pass or Valid Ticket'.
Online Tickets
What are the conditions of travel?- Your ticket is valid on the selected service only
Looking to amend or cancel your ticket?
- Physical tickets – you can amend/cancel your ticket online up to 48 hours before the journey. This is subject to 50% fee plus fare difference. It can only be done if the ticket(s) have not been collected from a Ticket Machine.
QR Tickets - you can amend/cancel your ticket online up to 48 hours before the journey. This is subject to 50% fee plus fare difference. You can do this if your ticket for that journey has not been validated (scanned at a validator in a station or by a staff member on board a service). This is subject to Ticket Terms and Conditions.
Where can I buy this ticket?
- You can purchase the ticket by clicking 'Buy Now' below.
Where do I collect the ticket?
Ticket Machines - you can collect your ticket(s) before boarding from a Ticket Machine at any Iarnród Éireann station (in the Republic of Ireland)
Download QR Ticket(s) - QR Tickets are in PDF format and can be added to the wallet app on your Apple device. See more on saving QR Tickets to your Apple device on our Guide to QR Tickets. If you do not have an Apple device, they can be saved to your device or you can open them in the confirmation email.
What are the conditions of travel?- Your ticket is valid on the selected service only
Looking to amend or cancel your ticket?
- Physical tickets – you can amend/cancel your ticket online up to 24 hours before the journey. This is subject to 20% fee plus fare difference. It can only be done if the ticket(s) have not been collected from a Ticket Machine.
QR Tickets - you can amend/cancel your ticket online up to 24 hours before the journey. This is subject to 20% fee plus fare difference. You can do this if your ticket for that journey has not been validated (scanned at a validator in a station or by a staff member on board a service). This is subject to Ticket Terms and Conditions.
Where can I buy this ticket?
- You can purchase the ticket by clicking 'Buy Now' below.
Where do I collect the ticket?
Ticket Machines - you can collect your ticket(s) before boarding from a Ticket Machine at any Iarnród Éireann station (in the Republic of Ireland)
Download QR Ticket(s) - QR Tickets are in PDF format and can be added to the wallet app on your Apple device. See more on saving QR Tickets to your Apple device on our Guide to QR Tickets. If you do not have an Apple device, they can be saved to your device or you can open them in the confirmation email.
What are the conditions of travel?- Your ticket is valid on the selected service only
Looking to amend or cancel your ticket?
Physical tickets – you can amend or cancel your ticket online up to 60 minutes before the journey. It can only be done if you have not collected your ticket(s) from a Ticket Machine.
QR Tickets - you can amend or cancel your ticket online up to 60 minutes before the journey. You can do this if your ticket for that journey has not been validated (scanned at a validator in a station or by a staff member on board a service). This is subject to Ticket Terms and Conditions.Where can I buy this ticket?
- You can purchase the ticket by clicking 'Buy Now' below.
Where do I collect the ticket?
Ticket Machines - you can collect your ticket(s) from a Ticket Machine at any Iarnród Éireann station in the Republic of Ireland.
Download QR Ticket(s) - QR Tickets are in PDF format. They can be added to the wallet app on your Apple device. See more on saving QR Tickets to your Apple device on our Guide to QR Tickets. If you do not have an Apple device, they can be saved to your device or you can open them in the confirmation email.What are the conditions of travel?
- Your ticket is valid on the selected service only.
- First Class / Enterprise coach depending on the route
See our First Class Travel page for more information.
Looking to amend or cancel your ticket?
- Physical tickets – you can amend or cancel your ticket online up to 60 minutes before the journey. It can only be done if you have not collected your ticket(s) from a Ticket Machine.
- QR Tickets - you can amend or cancel your ticket online up to 60 minutes before the journey. You can do this if your ticket for that journey has not been validated (scanned at a validator in a station or by a staff member on board a service). This is subject to Ticket Terms and Conditions.
Where can I buy this ticket?
- To buy the ticket, click on 'Buy Now' below..
Where do I collect the ticket?
- Ticket Machines - you can collect your ticket(s) from a Ticket Machine at any Iarnród Éireann station in the Republic of Ireland.
- Download QR Ticket(s) - QR Tickets are in PDF format. They can be added to the wallet app on your Apple device. See more on saving QR Tickets to your Apple device on our Guide to QR Tickets. If you do not have an Apple device, they can be saved to your device or you can open them in the confirmation email.
Who is eligible for this ticket?
- Adults (19 years of age and older)
What are the conditions of travel?
- Subject to the fare purchased ie Low, Semi Flexible, Flexible, First Class
Where can I buy this ticket?
- You can purchase the ticket by clicking 'Buy Now' below. Tickets can only be purchased up to 90 days in advance.
Where do I collect the ticket?
- Collect at Ticket Machine - customers must collect their ticket(s) before boarding from a Ticket Vending Machine at any Iarnród Éireann station (within the Republic of Ireland)
- Download QR Ticket(s) - QR Tickets are provided in PDF format or can be added to the wallet app on your Apple device. More information on saving QR Tickets to your Apple device can be found on our Guide to QR Tickets.
Who is eligible for this ticket?
- Customers under 19 years of age
What are the conditions of travel?
Where there is doubt regarding the age qualification, it is the responsibility of the passenger or their guardian or parent to produce satisfactory evidence of age when requested by any Iarnród Éireann staff member. Amendments and cancellations are subject to the fare purchased ie Low, Semi Flexible, Flexible, First Class.
Children under 5 years travel free in standard class on any Iarnród Éireann services when accompanied by a passenger holding a valid ticket, provided children do not occupy seats required for paying passengers. Failure to produce a valid ticket, appropriate ID or surcharge where necessary will result in a fine of €100 together with the relevant unpaid fare.
*Children aged 5 to 8 can now travel free on Transport for Ireland (TFI) services with a Child (5-8) TFI Leap Card. For more information and to apply, please visit the Leap Card website.Where can I buy this ticket?
- You can purchase the ticket by clicking 'Buy Now' below. Tickets can only be purchased up to 90 days in advance
- Those who wish to book a seat on reservable trains for a child under five years of age, may do so only by selecting the 'Free Travel Pass or Valid Ticket' option on the Journey Planner.
Where do I collect the ticket?
- Collect at Ticket Machine - customers must collect their ticket(s) before boarding from a Ticket Vending Machine at any Iarnród Éireann station (within the Republic of Ireland)
- Download QR Ticket(s) - QR Tickets are provided in PDF format or can be added to the wallet app on your Apple device. More information on saving QR Tickets to your Apple device can be found on our Guide to QR Tickets.
Who is eligible for this ticket?
- TFI Young Adult (19-25 years) Leap Card holders
TFI Student Leap Card holders
What are the conditions of travel?
- A variety of Young Adult/Student tickets are available.
- These tickets range from single, day return or open return to weekly and monthly season tickets.
- Valid TFI Young Adult Leap Card, a valid TFI Student Leap Card or a valid Translink Student Discount card in the passenger’s name is required. See our Young Adult/Student section for more.
For more information go to our Young Adult (19-25 years) / Student section.
Where can I buy this ticket?
- You can purchase the ticket by clicking 'Buy Now' below. Tickets can only be purchased up to 90 days in advance.
Where do I collect the ticket?
- Collect at Ticket Machine - customers must collect their ticket(s) before boarding from a Ticket Vending Machine at any Iarnród Éireann station (within the Republic of Ireland)
- Download QR Ticket(s) - QR Tickets are provided in PDF format or can be added to the wallet app on your Apple device. More information on saving QR Tickets to your Apple device can be found on our Guide to QR Tickets.
- If you do not have an Apple device, they can be saved to your device or you can open them in the confirmation email.
- TFI Young Adult (19-25 years) Leap Card holders
Who is eligible for this ticket?
- Free Travel/DSFA Pass Holders
What are the conditions of travel?
Customers who hold a Free Travel / DSFA Pass can book by selecting the 'Free Travel Pass' option in the Passenger selection box. There is limited availability for Free Travel bookings online.
How do I buy this ticket?
- Please see our handy guide on how to book a 'Free Travel Pass' option.
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.
- 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.
Where do I collect the ticket?
- Ticket Machines - you can collect your ticket(s) from a Ticket Machine at any Iarnród Éireann station in the Republic of Ireland.
Download QR Ticket(s) - QR Tickets are in PDF format. You can add them to the wallet app on your Apple device. See more on saving QR Tickets to your Apple device on our Guide to QR Tickets. If you do not have an Apple device, they can be saved to your device or you can open them in the confirmation email.
Who is eligible for this ticket?
- Customers who have a valid open class ticket.
What are the conditions of travel?
If you have a valid standard class ticket(s), you can book on to a train by choosing 'Reservation Only' in the Passenger Selection Box.
A valid standard class ticket(s) could be a:
Family Ticket
Day Return
Open Return
Weekly
Monthly
Annual
InterRail ticketThere are limited seat only bookings available online.
Where can I buy this ticket?
- You can buy the ticket with our Journey Planner. Tickets can be bought up to 90 days in advance. For more, read our FAQ on how to book a seat only reservation.
Where do I collect the ticket?
- Ticket Machines - you can collect your ticket(s) from a Ticket Machine at Iarnród Éireann stations in the Republic of Ireland.
Download QR Ticket(s) - QR Tickets are in PDF format. You can add them to the wallet app on your Apple device. See more on saving QR Tickets to your Apple device on our Guide to QR Tickets. If you do not have an Apple device, they can be saved to your device. You can also open them in the confirmation email.
You must show this ticket as well as your valid ticket if asked by an Iarnród Éireann employee.
Season Tickets
Who is this available to?
- People whose employers are registered for TaxSaver.
What are the conditions of travel?
You must show your TaxSaver ticket to Iarnród Éireann employees if asked.
Companies save up to 11.15% in PRSI while employees can save between 27.1% and 52.1%For more information and to see how much you can save, go to our Taxsaver website.
Where can I buy this ticket?
This ticket can be bought through your employer if they register for TaxSaver.
Dublin Commuter Zone season tickets such as Weekly, Monthly and Annual tickets are only available for purchase on the TFI Leap app.
Who is eligible for this ticket?
- Adults
What are the conditions of travel?
Annual Tickets are valid for a 12 month period from the first day of any month to the last day of the previous month in the next year.Eg 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025
For more information and to see how much you can save, go to our Taxsaver website.
Where can I buy this ticket?
- Online: No
- Ticket Machines: No
- Ticket Offices: No
Dublin Commuter Zone season tickets (Weekly, Monthly and Annual tickets) are only available through the TFI Leap app.
Who is eligible for this ticket?
- Adults
- Students
- Children
What are the conditions of travel?
Weekly Tickets are valid for 7 days from time of purchase.Adults do not require an ID to purchase a weekly ticket.
Photo ID is required for Student tickets. Check out our student section for more information.
To check the cost of a Weekly ticket visit our Fares Information page and select your route.
Where can I buy this ticket?
- Online: No
- Ticket Machines: Yes
- Ticket Offices: Yes
Dublin Commuter Zone season tickets such as Weekly, Monthly and Annual tickets are only available for purchase on the TFI Leap app.
Who is eligible for this ticket?
- Adults
- Students
- Children
What are the conditions of travel?
Monthly Tickets are valid for unlimited travel within the zone specified for one calendar month (eg January).Adults do not require an ID to purchase a monthly ticket.
Photo ID is required for Student tickets. Check out our student section for more information.
To check the cost of a Monthly ticket visit our Fares Information page and select your route.
Where can I buy this ticket?
- Online: No
- Ticket Machines: Yes
- Ticket Offices: Yes
Dublin Commuter Zone season tickets such as Weekly, Monthly and Annual tickets are only available for purchase on the TFI Leap app.
Single/Return Tickets
Children Travelling on Intercity Services
Who is eligible for this ticket?
- Customers under 19 years of age
What are the conditions of travel?
The passenger or their parent/guardian must show proof of age to an Iarnród Éireann staff member who requests it. Amendments and cancellations are subject to the fare purchased ie Low, Semi Flexible, Flexible, First Class.
Children under 5 years old travel for free in standard class on any Iarnród Éireann service when accompanied by a passenger holding a valid ticket. Children must not occupy seats booked by paying passengers. Failure to produce a valid ticket, appropriate ID or surcharge where needed will result in a fine of €100 as well as the relevant unpaid fare.
*Children aged 5 to 8 can now travel for free on Transport for Ireland (TFI) services with a Child (5-8) TFI Leap Card. For more information and to apply, please go to the Leap Card website.
Where can I buy this ticket?
To buy the ticket, click 'Buy Now' below. Tickets can be bought up to 90 days in advance.To buy the ticket, click 'Buy Now' below. Tickets can be bought up to 90 days in advance.
Children travelling in the Short Hop Zone - Child Leap Card
Who is eligible for this ticket?
- Customers under 19 years of age in possession of a child leap card
- Customers under 19 years of age if purchasing from ticket office or ticket machine
What are the conditions of travel?
To book a seat on reservable trains for a child under five years old, choose 'Free Travel Pass or Valid Ticket' on the Journey Planner.
Where can I buy this ticket?
- Online: No - Top up only
- Ticket Machines: Yes
- Ticket Offices: Yes
The Child Leap Card is available to anyone under 19 years of age travelling in the short hop zone.
To apply for a Child Leap Card, see below;
Apply Online for a 4-15yrs Anonymous Child Leap
Apply Online for a 16-18yrs Child Leap
Where there is doubt regarding the age qualification, it will be the responsibility of the passenger to produce satisfactory evidence of age to secure the reduced fare.
Who is eligible for this ticket?
- Adults
- Children
- Students
What are the conditions of travel?
Valid for one return journey on the date shown on the ticket.
Where can I buy this ticket?
- Online: No
- Ticket Machines: Yes
- Ticket Offices: Yes
To calculate the cost of a Day Return ticket view our Fares Information page and select your route.
Who is eligible for this ticket?
- Families
What are the conditions of travel?
Valid for one or two adults and up to four children under 19 years. Day Return and Open Return tickets available. This is also available for purchase online on our 'Low Flex' tickets. A minimum of one adult and one child must travel.Please note that while a child under 5 does not need a ticket in order to travel, a seat only reservation must be purchased in order to guarantee a seat.
*Children aged 5 to 8 can now travel free on Transport for Ireland (TFI) services with a Child (5-8) TFI Leap Card. For more information and to apply, please visit the Leap Card website.Go to our Family Travel section for more information.
Where can I buy this ticket?
- Online: Yes
- Ticket Machines: Yes
- Ticket Offices: Yes
Who is eligible for this ticket?
- Anyone can get a First Class Ticket
What are the conditions of travel?
Reserving a First Class seat - First class seats are available on the Dublin Heuston to Cork Kent route and on the Dublin Connolly to Belfast route. If you have a standard class ticket on one of these Iarnród Éireann Services, you may upgrade to first class. A supplement will apply for each journey you upgrade. Upgrades are subject to availability.Where can I buy this ticket?
- Online: Yes
- Ticket Machines: No
- Ticket Offices: Yes
Who is eligible for this ticket?
- All
What are the conditions of travel?
You can now avail of fantastic discounts with our online Semi Flexible tickets on all routes across our network, when booking eleven or more passengers. For Benefits and full Terms and Conditions head to our Group Travel by Rail page.For groups over 20 people or to purchase group travel on Commuter tickets, contact our specialist groups team today (0)1 836 6222 (08:30 - 18:00 Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays).
Where can I buy this ticket?
- Online: Yes
- Ticket Machines: No
- Ticket Offices: No
Who is eligible for this ticket?
- Adults
- Children
- Students
What are the conditions of travel?
Valid for one outward journey on the date shown on the ticket and for one return journey in the opposite direction only within 30 days.Where can I buy this ticket?
- Online: No
- Ticket Machines: Yes
- Ticket Offices: Yes
To calculate the cost of an Open Return ticket view our Fares Information page and select your route.
Who is eligible for this ticket?
- School children 19 years or younger
What are the conditions of travel?
Schoolchild fares on DART and Commuter services within the Short Hop Zone apply during school term only: Monday to Friday until 19:00hrs and Saturday and Sunday until 13:00hrsTo apply for a Child Leap Card, see below;
Apply Online for a 4-15yrs Anonymous Child Leap
Apply Online for a 16-18yrs Child Leap
*Children aged 5 to 8 can now travel free on Transport for Ireland (TFI) services with a Child (5-8) TFI Leap Card. For more information and to apply, please visit the Leap Card website.Where can I buy this ticket?
- Online: No - Top up only
- Ticket Machines: No - Top up only
- Ticket Offices: Yes
Who is eligible for this ticket?
- Adults
- Children
- Young Adults / Students
What are the conditions of travel?
Valid for one journey on the date shown on the ticket.
Where can I buy this ticket?
- Online: Yes
- Ticket Machines: Yes
- Ticket Offices: Yes
To calculate the cost of a Single ticket view our Fares Information page and select your route.
Who is eligible for this ticket?
- TFI Young Adult (19-25 years) Leap Card holders
- TFI Student Leap Card holders
What are the conditions of travel?
A variety of Young Adult (19-25 years) / Student tickets are available to purchase.These tickets range from single, day return or open return to weekly and monthly season tickets.
Valid TFI Young Adult Leap Card, a valid TFI Student Leap Card or a valid Translink Student Discount card in the passenger’s name is required so check out our Young Adult (19-25 years) / Student section for more information.
Where can I buy this ticket?
- Online: Yes
- Ticket Machines: Yes
- Ticket Offices: Yes
To calculate the cost of a Young Adult (19-25 years) / Student ticket view our Fares Information page and select your route.
Note:
- Tickets purchased online may be cheaper than the normal booking office fare, offer free assigned seating and are subject to Terms and Conditions accepted at the time of booking
- Tickets can be only purchased online up to 90 days in advance
- Child tickets are available from all ticket machines
Tourist Tickets
Who is eligible for this ticket?
- Adults
What are the conditions of travel?
Four consecutive days of unlimited travel on all Iarnród Éireann services in the Republic of Ireland from the date of issue on the ticket.
Price €88
Where can I buy this ticket?
- Online: No
- Ticket Machines: No
- Ticket Offices: Selected Ticket Offices (See below)
- 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
Who is eligible for this ticket?
- Adults
- Children
What are the conditions of travel?
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
- Ticket Offices: Selected Ticket Offices (See below)
- 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
Who is eligible for this ticket?
- Adults
- Children
What are the conditions of travel?
Leap Visitor Card offers customers 1, 3 or 7 days unlimited travel on:
- Iarnród Éireann Dart and Commuter Rail services in the Short Hop Zone
- Dublin Bus
- Luas
- Go - Ahead
Price
- 1 day (24 hours) – €8.00
- 3 days (72 hours) – €16.00
- 7 days (168 hours) – €32.00
Where to Buy?
Online
- Buy online through leapcard.ie
Dublin Airport
- Spar (T2 Arrivals)
- WHSmith (T1 Arrivals)
Dublin City Centre
- Dublin Bus, 59 Upper O'Connell St
For more information please see Leap Visitor Card.