The cheapest public route from Cork Airport to the city is the Bus Éireann 226, a single fare of roughly €2.20 to €2.80 and about 25 minutes to the centre, with the stop directly outside the terminal doors. There is no rail link at the airport itself, so the 226 is the main public connection to the city and to onward trains at Kent Station. Prices checked August 2026.
There is no train at the airport
Cork Airport has never had a rail link, and there is no station at or near it. The city's mainline station, Kent Station, is about 8km away in Cork city and handles Irish Rail services to Dublin, Mallow, Cobh and Midleton. To reach it from the airport you take the 226 bus, a taxi or a car. If your onward plan involves a train, budget for the bus or taxi leg to Kent Station first.
Bus Éireann 226 to the city
The 226 is the workhorse route. It links Cork Airport with the city centre, calling at South Mall and Parnell Place (Cork Bus Station), and terminates at Kent Station. The stop is directly outside the terminal entrance, so there is no long walk to an interchange. Journey time is about 25 minutes to the city centre and 30 to 40 minutes through to Kent Station. The single adult fare is low-cost, in the region of €2.20 to €2.80 depending on the stage, and is best confirmed on the TFI or Bus Éireann app when you travel.
The 226 runs roughly every 30 minutes on weekdays and every 60 minutes on Sundays and public holidays. In the other direction it continues to Kinsale about once an hour, which makes it a useful direct link if the harbour town is your destination rather than the city.
Coaches to Dublin and beyond
There is no direct airport coach to Dublin from the terminal itself. Instead, the intercity coaches run from Cork city, so you would take the 226 into the city first. Aircoach route 704X runs frequently between Cork city (Lower Glanmire Road) and both Dublin city and Dublin Airport, with up to around 36 services a day. Irish Citylink and Dublin Coach also link Cork with Dublin and Limerick from the city rather than from the airport. For Dublin, this city-to-city coach is usually the sensible alternative to a very long taxi.
At a glance
| Mode | Route | Price | Time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bus Éireann 226 | Airport to Cork city and Kent Station | ~€2.20 to €2.80 single | ~25 min to centre | Every 30 min weekdays, 60 min Sun/holidays |
| Bus Éireann 226 | Airport to Kinsale | confirm on app | ~30 to 40 min | About hourly |
| Aircoach 704X | Cork city to Dublin city and Airport | confirm on operator site | intercity | Up to ~36 daily |
When a taxi is worth it
Public transport is the value choice by day, but it has gaps. If you land after the 226 has finished for the evening, or you are carrying heavy luggage, or there are two or more of you sharing, a taxi at about €20 to the city centre can be the better call. The bus wins on price for a solo daytime trip; the taxi wins on door-to-door convenience and late-night availability.
Public transport FAQs
Is there a train at Cork Airport? No. There is no rail link at the airport and no nearby station. Kent Station in the city, about 8km away, is the nearest mainline station, reached by the 226 bus, taxi or car.
How do I get from Cork Airport to the city centre by bus? Take the Bus Éireann 226 from the stop directly outside the terminal. It reaches the city centre in about 25 minutes for a single of roughly €2.20 to €2.80.
How often does the 226 bus run? Every 30 minutes on weekdays and every 60 minutes on Sundays and public holidays.
How do I get from Cork Airport to Dublin without flying? Take the 226 into Cork city, then an intercity coach such as Aircoach 704X to Dublin city and Dublin Airport. There is no direct coach from the airport terminal.
More: Overview, Taxis, Parking, Drop-off, Routes, FAQs.
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Last verified August 2026 by the Cork Airport Guide editorial team. Prices and timetables change, so confirm the specifics on the official Cork Airport website before you travel.