Galway Transport

Getting around Galway is quite easy and visitors will find the city’s transport infrastructure easy to negotiate. Buses are perhaps the best choice for traversing the city in terms of cost and destinations covered, while for comfort and convenience, taxis provide a better option. The easiest way to get around the city is on foot, because while the city has become much more spread out in recent years, the majority of the attractions, pubs, clubs and restaurants are located in a very small area.

By train

The train station in Galway is not designed to provide cross-city connections and visitors will find services to destinations beyond Galway only.

By bus

Offering travellers a fast, easy and convenient way to travel around the city, Galway City Direct Buses also service some of the most famous tourist locations in the city including the Spanish Arch and Eyre Square.

Bus Eireann, Ireland’s national bus service, operates several routes within Galway’s city centre and the suburbs. Buses leave from Eyre Square every 20 minutes and charge a flat rate for all routes. Weekly commuter tickets are also available. Bus number 1 serves Salthill; number 2 travels to Knocknacarra or Renmare; number 3 serves Castlepark and number 4 serves Newcastle and Rahoon. These services operate between 08:00 and 21:00 from Monday to Saturday, and from 11:00 until 21:00 on Sundays.

Taxis

There are numerous taxi services in operation in Galway and while there are official ranks at Eyre Square, you can usually just pick one up around the city if their yellow sign is switched on. Galway Taxis, which are located on Mainguard street, operate a 24-hour service. Other popular companies include Big O Taxis and Abbey Cabs.

A cheaper alternative to taxis are the city’s hackneys, which are run by Claddagh and Eyre Square. The only difference between hackneys and taxis is that hackneys cannot pick up from the side of the street; they have to be called to arrange a pick up. They have a waiting office three doors from the tourist office.

By ferry

Aran Direct offers a daily ferry service to the Aran Islands, with private bus links from Galway City. Aran Direct is known as ‘the islanders' choice’, as its ferries are owned and operated by Aran islanders. Aran Direct ferries leave from Rossaveal, about 40kms west of Galway City, which makes for a quick crossing, with a journey time of about 40 minutes. You can make your own way to Rossaveal by car or take the Aran Direct private bus, which leaves Galway City 1 hour, 15 minutes before each sailing.

The Aran Islands are situated off the coast of Galway. They are made up of three islands: Inis Mor, Inis Meain and Inis Oirr. The three islands are inhabited and here you will find remains of ancient settlements such as Dun Aonghusa, an ancient fort set on the edge of a cliff.

From the airport

There is no bus service to or from the airport, but taxis are readily available at any time of the day or at night. All the major car hire companies have desks at Galway Airport.