Galway Public Transport News

New night-bus to Claregalway, Knockdoe, Corofin and Tuam

2026-02-26T12:30:00.000-08:00

Mullins Bus Hire have announced that they are running late-night buses between Galway and Tuam, with stops in Claregalway, Knockdoe and Corofin Cross.

Buses will run on Friday, Saturday and bank-holiday Sunday nights, between Tuam (Joe O'Toole Road bus stop) and Galway Coach Station (see Regional Bus Stops for a location map).

The service starts on Friday 26 December 2025.

Initial timetable

Friday

Tuam to Galway: 20:45, 22:04, and early Saturday morning: 00:30, 01:55

Galway to Tuam: 21:25, 23:45 and early Saturday morning 01:15, 02:35

Saturday (and Sundays on bank-holiday weekends)

Tuam to Galway: 20:45, 22:04, and early Sunday morning: 00:30, 01:55

Galway to Tuam: 21:25, 23:45 and early Sunday morning 01:15, 02:35

Booking and fares

Seats can be booked on the Mullins Bus website.

The full journey is $10 each way. It's not clear if shorter distances are less (only the full distance can be booked to start with).

This is an unsubsidised, private bus company service. Free Travel Pass is not accepted.

More information

Contact Mullins Bus Hire:

Email: info@mullinsbus.ie
Phone: 087 698 2535

Christmas 2025 and New Year 2026 bus and train services in Galway

2025-12-23T14:38:00.000-08:00

A summary of bus and train services in Galway city and county

for the

2025 Christmas and 2026 New Year period.

This is based on information published by the bus companies, and may change.
Always check the services you want to use with the bus company.

Bus 409, North Pole - boarding now in Eyre Square

Bus Company Announcements

Christmas timetable announcements from the major public transport companies in Galway: always check the company website or social media page for detailed information.

Burkes route 427, route 435 -- Bus4U -- Bus Éireann -- Bus Feda -- City Direct -- CityLink(*) -- Farrells -- Healy Bus -- LocalLink

Irish Rail

(*) No announcement has been found from CityLink: their website says to consult the journey planner for specific dates/times. Key changes that we can see are listed below.

Overall / before 24 December

Almost all services run normally - there are some exceptions for early morning or student services:

Bus Feda extra student services stop between 20-Dec and 12 Jan - but regular services run.

Healy Bus are running reduced services from 22 December.

Park-and-commute from ATU and NUIG runs from 19-24 December. More info ...

Wednesday 24 December

Normal weekday timetable, until 8 / 9pm on most services - with come exceptions, eg no Healy bus services, reduced Bus Feda services, last Burkes bus from Galway to Tuam at 6:20pm.

Thursday 25 December - Christmas Day

Some taxi companies will offer a limited service - but many will be closed.

All other services - trains and city and regional buses - are cancelled.

The 12:30am Citylink bus from Dublin Airport to Galway will not run

Friday 26 December - St Stephen's Day

Most bus companies run a regular Sunday service - but some are not operating at all.

No trains will run.

The 12:30am Citylink bus from Dublin Airport to Galway will not run.

Some, but not all, Local Link scheduled services will run.

Saturday 27 December

Mostly regular Saturday services will run, but some companies offering Sunday services.

Sunday 28 December

Mostly regular Sunday services, with some exceptions.

Monday and Tuesday 29/30 December

Mostly regular weekday or Saturday services, with some exceptions.

Wednesday 31 December - New Year's Eve

Mostly a regular Weekday service in Galway City all day and all night - with some exceptions, especially evening trains and some regional buses.

Thursday 1 January - New Year's Day

Most companies are running Sunday services.

Friday 2 January - Day after New Year's onwards

This is a normal working day, and most companies will run regular timetables form now on. However there are some exceptions for student and/or early morning or late evening services.

Please note

This information is for the Galway area only.

Changes in other areas are not included.
See City Bus Details and Regional Bus Details for normal timetables and route maps

Galway Christmas Park-and-Ride 2025

2025-12-15T14:03:00.000-08:00

In the Christmas 2025 shopping period, there will not be a traditional park-and-ride service from Ballybrit Racecourse.

Instead, Galway City Council have organised for free parking to be available at two locations outside the city-centre, and provided information about the regular city-bus services that go to/from them.

Parking locations

On the east of the city, free parking is available at ATU (previously called GMIT) - Ballybane Road car park (closest Eircode H91 T8NW) on:

13-14 December
19-24 December.

On the west of the city, free parking is available at University of Galway (previously called NUIG) in the exiting Park and Ride car park in Upper Newcastle (closest Eircode H91 C7DK) on

9-24 December.

In both locations, this city-council agreed parking is available between 8am and 10pm. Outside these times, normal car-parking rules for the sites apply.

Some industrial estates in Mervue and Parkmore East and West also have unrestricted car-parking available at weekends, and may be able to be used in similar ways - but these are not part of the city council agreement. Check carefully in case charges apply.

Bus services

The Ballybane neighbourhood map has information about buses which go near the Ballybane / Dublin Road ATU site.

The Newcastle / Dangan neighbourhood map has information about buses which go near the UOG site.

Cost

Regular Galway city bus fares apply, including free-travel pass, and weekly/monthly tickets. There are no special park-and-ride prices.

Buses to the Galway Races in 2025

2025-07-27T13:59:00.000-07:00

This is a summary of public transport (mainly bus) and traffic-management plans for the Galway Races Summer Meeting between Monday 28 July - Sunday 3 August 2025.

Summary

Races shuttle buses, run by Bus Eireanan Expressway, will run from Eyre Square, leaving from outside the Skeff.

Some bus companies are running special services from various towns and villages. Some hotels are also organising shuttle services.

Bus Eireann's route 409 - Parkmore and route 401 - Salthill to Ballybrit / Parkmore Industrial city buses go to the racecourse (Avenue entrance). But there are restrictions during peak racing traffic hours Mon - Fri, and you will be dropped approx 20 minutes walk from the entrance
Regular city services during Race Week cost €1.35 per journey if you use a Leap Card.

There are some changes to regular regional buses during race week and the next week.

Race days and times

Monday 28 July 2025 - Opening Day
Gates open at 2:30pm, first race at 5:10pm, last race at 8:20pm

Tuesday 29 July 2025 - Colm Quinn BMW Tuesday
Gates open at 2:30pm, first race at 5:05pm, last race at 8:20pm

Wednesday 30 July 2025 - Galway Plate Day / Country Music Day
Gates open at 2:30pm, first race at 5:05pm, last race at 8:20pm

Thursday 31 July 2025 - Ladies Day
Gates open at 11:15am, first race at 2:10pm, last race at 6:05pm

Friday 1 August 2025 - Friday's Most Stylish
Gates open at 2:30pm, first race at 5pm, last race at 8:40pm

Saturday 2 August 2025 - The Weekender
Gates open at 11:30am, first race at 2pm, last race at 6:05pm

Sunday 3 August 2025 - Mad Hatter's Family Fun Day
Gates open at 11:30am, first race at 1:50pm, last race at 5:30pm

Special Shuttle Bus Services to Ballybrit Racecourse

From Eyre Square (Galway city centre)

A Galway Races shuttle service will run between Galway city centre and the Galway Racecourse.

Fares

Adult: €8 single and €10 return.
Children: €4 single and €5 return.

Cash only: Leap cards, TFI Go and card payments are NOT accepted.
Buy your ticket when you catch the bus: no bookings are possible.
Free Travel Pass and TaxSaver tickets are not accepted

Route

Shuttle buses leave from the west side of Eyre Square, outside the Skeffington Arms Hotel (map). They leave Eyre Square as soon as they are full depending on demand.

These shuttle buses do not pick-up or drop-off along the way. See "Regular Galway city services to Ballybrit" below for information about services which do.

Drop off at Ballybrit Racecourse is through the tunnel entrance, within 50 yards from the course-entry.

Times

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday

Buses from 2pm
The return services will run from before the 2nd-to-last race, and after the races, with the last return bus at 10:30pm.

Thursday, Saturday and Sunday

Buses from 2pm
The return services will run from before the 2nd-to-last race, and after the races, with the last bus at 9pm.
Traditionally there are fewer buses on Sunday, and it may be better to catch the regular 401-Ballybrit or 409 bus: Extra buses are usually put on route 409 to meet demand later in the afternoon.

From Oranmore

Local businesses have coordinated a bus-service:

Timetable is available on the Oranmore Facebook page.
The bus stop is in the village, outside the Olde Brewery pub.
Tickets are available on the bus only. They cost €15 for return bus transfer and a complimentary drink one of the supporting pubs.
You must keep your ticket stubs for the return journey and your free drink.

From Athenry

Reglar train services from Athenry stop at Ceantt Station, which is 3 minutes walk from the Races shttle bus stop in Eyre Square.

In previous years, buses ran from/to the Raheen Woods hotel - services for this year have not yet been announced.

Farrells of Athenry may run night-link buses on extra nights, for people who been socialising in the city.

From Claregalway

Paul Nash Travel is running a daily park-and-ride / shuttle service from The Arches and Claregalway Hotels. Buses will leave each hotel from 1.5 hours before racing starts, and retu8rn for 1.5 hours after the last racel.
For more information, call them on 087 816 1400 or email paulnashtravel@gmail.com

TO BE CONFIRMED: Bus4U special bus from Roscommon also pick up in Claregalway

Regular public transport services from to and from Galway City (see the Claregalway Neighbourhood Map for details) connect with both city and races shuttle buses.

From Loughrea

Lough Rea Hotel and Spa are offering a Galway-races bus package, which isopen to the public and hotel guests. It must be booked in advance. Phone or email them for details: (091) 88 00 88 or email sales@loughreahotelandspa.com

From Roscommon

Bus4U have run a service in previous years - not announcement has been made as yet.

From Tuam

Burkes services from Tuam and Dunmore travel into Galway along the Tuam Road. They have a regular bus-stop at the racecourse entrance at Two Mile Ditch, beside Kenny Motors and McMahons. See North Galway regional bus services for links to their pages.

From other towns

Some hotels in County Galway and beyond offer packages including races tickets and access to a shuttle-bus - contact them directly for more information.

Apart from that, there are not usually special services from other Irish cities. Instead, use the use national and regional services to get to Galway: these stop very close to where the races shuttle buses leave from.

Regular Galway city services to Ballybrit

The Avenue (back) entrance to the racecourse (number (5) on the Parkmore area map) is served by these buses, which pick up from all stops along their route:

Route 401 - through from Salthill to Eyre Square, and then travels along College Rd, through Wellpark, Mervue, Castlepark and Ballybrit, then on to Parkmore
Route 409 - from Eyre Square, travels along the College and Dublin and Doughiska Roads.

These routes will end at the Briarhill Shopping Centre Junction between approximately

3pm to 5:30pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday
1pm to 3pm on Thursday.

The last bus-stop during these times is at the top of Doughiska Rd (route 409) or Clayton Hotel (route 401) - see the Doughiska neighbourhood map for locations.

Also routes 401 and 409 will not use the stops nearest to the Avenue entrance after the race meeting ends each day. Instead, passengers will get off / on the bus at the Parkmore roundabout stop (200m north of the Avenue bus stop). Affected times:

Monday 8:30pm - 10:30pm
Tuesday 8:30pm - 10:30pm
Wednesday 7-9pm
Thursday 7-10pm
Friday 8-10pm
Saturday 5:30 - 7pm

Note: These times are based on the overall road closure times in the area, and may be extended if there are traffic management problems in the area.

On these buses, the usual city bus fares apply, and Leap cards, Travel Pass and TaxSaver tickets can be used.

Changes to regional bus service

Burkes Buses have announced that the 8:10am Tuam to Galway / University will not run between 28-July and 8 August (ie Race Week and the week after).

All other Galway regional bus services are expected to operate normally during Race Week - though may suffer some delays due to traffic volumes.

Trains

As at the start of race week, no extra services have been announced.

Traffic Management Plan for the Galway Races 2025

The full traffic-management plan for 2023/24 is available here.

And the accompanying map is here.

This is similar to previous years. Key points:

Traffic from the south and east (M6 / N6 or Oranmore south) can travel via Carnmore Cross and use the Blue Route - Avenue (Parkmore Road) entrance - garda will control crossing right turn at Briarhill junction.
There is no access to the Avenue entrance from the N6 Eastbound (Dublin road) during the road closed times (listed above, under city bus changes).

Traffic from the south and east (M6 / N6 or Oranmore and south) can travel via the old N6 and Galway clinic to use the Red route Tunnel entrance.
After the Briarhill junction, races traffic use the right lane, and city traffic use the left lane.

Traffic from the north (Tuam) can use the Green route - Hill / Tuam Rd entrance - or turn left at the Parkmore Rd and use the Avenue entrance.

Traffic from the city and west can use either the red entrance (via Bothar na dTtreabh), or the green or blue entrance (via Tuam Rd).

Taxis have a special lane through the Green entrance

Changes to buses from Galway to Ennis via Cliffs of Moher (route 350 and 351)

2025-07-21T17:33:00.000-07:00

Transport for Ireland have announced changes to buses on route 350 between Galway and Ennis via the Cliffs of Moher (West Clare).

These take effect from Sunday 27 July 2025.

Changes on Route 350 Galway to Ennis, via Cliffs of Moher

There will be more buses each day (10 buses each day Mon-Sun, and each bus will cover the whole route:
(Currently there are 7 but some only cover part of the route and/or only run on weekdays).
Early and late buses (6am and 10:15pm from Galway, 5:20am and 10:15pm from Ennis. (Currently earliest is 8am and latest 6pm).
The following stops will not be served: Maree (School) Nogra (Travellers Inn), New Quay (Opp Linnanes Bar), Bellharbour (Burren Cottages), Blackhead Lighthouse, Murroogh Bridge, Fanore Cross / ODonoghues Pub, Ballinalacken Castle, Doolin Hostel and Doolin Camp (but there are still stops at Hotel Doolin and Rainbow Hostel).
There are new bus stops at the G-Hotel, Tonroe Cross, Dunguaire Castle, Kinvara West, Ennis (Kelly's Corner /St Josephs Hospital and at Dunnes Stores Friars Walk.

New Route 351: Galway to Cliffs of Moher, via Fanore Cross

This is a new bus service, starting from Sunday 27 July 2025
It is managed by Local Link Limerick Clare, and operated on their behalf by Kinvara-based Keaveney Travel, using buses painted in TFI colours
There will be five buses each way, each day - but some won't cover the full route.
The same timetable apply Monday to Sunday, including public holidays.
The full timetable is available here
Fares are based on number of stops travelled: the lowest adult-singe fare is €2.50 (one stop to the next stop or 2/3/4), and the highest is €9 (from Galway City to the Cliffs). Full fare details can be seen here (for now, under View Adult Cash Single at the bottom of the page)
The bus will stop at some places that are no longer on Route 350, eg Maree, Nogra, New Quay, Bellharbour, Murrough, Fanore, Ballinalacken , Doonlin Hostel, Doolin Camp
The bus will also stop at some places that did not have a bus-service before, including The G-hotel, Oranmore Railway Station, Oranmore North (Station Road), Kinvara West (Ard an Mhuillinn), Doonmacfelim (Doolin Inn) and Doolin Pier.
The Cliffs of Moher stop is in the coach park
The Galway city stop is at as "Eyre Square Shelter (Eyre Square South)". This is the bus stop beside Big O Taxis office, across the street from the Shopping Centre entrance (previously called the AIB bus stop).

Route 351 bus after arriving in Eyre Square, Galway

More buses between the Cliffs of Moher and Galway

Route x51 buses to Shannon airport for summer 2025

2025-04-21T03:48:00.000-07:00

Bus Éireann have announced that for the 2025 summer-season, there will be four bues each way on the Expressway x51 Galway - Shannon Airport service:

Three in the very early morning (leaving Galway at midnight, 2:45am and 5:45am)
One in the evening, from Galway at 9pm.

These buses will stop at ATU Dublin Road (ex GMIT).

This starts from Sunday 27 April, several months earlier than in 2024. End-date for these services is to be advised.

Other services on route 51: Galway to Cork via Limerick, are not affected.

Because this in an Expressway service, tickets can be booked and purchased from their website.

Bus Eireann on-line seat-booking and ticket-purchase has been stopped

2025-04-21T03:32:00.000-07:00

Ticket office and public information service at Bus Éireann's Galway Bus Station, May 2025

Bus Éireann have announced that from 8 April 20205, it is not possible to book seats or buy tickets on-line for their public local and commuter bus services.

The only exception is for Expressway services, for which tickets can still be booked and purchased online, using the Expressway website.

For all other Bus Éireann services, the only way to buy a ticket is:

With a Leap Card: Single tickets and some 24 hour and 7-Day / 1-week tickets can be bought from a bus driver, using a Leap-card
With the Transport For Ireland TFI Go App: Single, 2 Journey and 10 Journey tickets, and 24-hour and 7-Day / 1-week tickets can be purchased using the Transport for Ireland TFI Go smart-phone app.
From the driver on a board bus using with cash
From a ticket vending machines at main bus stations only, using cash or an ATM / debit card.

This means that the only way to "buy" a seat in advance on Bus Éireann non-expressway coaches is to buy a ticket from a ticket vending machine at a main bus station - and tickets like this do not guarantee that a seat will be available.

There is no way to book seats for most Bus Éireann services. The only exception is wheelchair accessible Regional PSO services, which must be booked by phoning LoCall: 0818 294 015 (or +353 1 575 6110 from outside of the Republic of Ireland) at least 24 hours in advance.

Ticket office services are no longer available.

You cannot buy ticket for Bus Eireann regional buses in advance any more

Bus 409 route going in to Parkmore West Industrial Estate

2025-03-10T18:24:00.000-07:00

Bus Éireann have announced that from Sunday 9 March, the 409 Parkmore bus route will be extended into Parkmore West business park.

The new terminal is outside Celestica building 1, and there is one bus stop half way through the estate, outside Medtronic building One.

The 409 route is now described as "Celestica" on the RTPI signs, while signs on the 401 and 409 buses are now "An Pháirc Mhór" instead of the previous "Parkmore Industrial".

The bus 409 route map has been updated to show this change.

See the Parkmore neighbourhood map for information about facilities in the area.

Christmas 2024 and New Year 2025 bus and train services in Galway

2024-12-19T16:57:00.000-08:00

The information below is for 2024/25.

Click here for the latest Galway Christmas bus and train information.

A summary of bus and train services in Galway city and county

for the

2024 Christmas and 2025 New Year period.

This is based on information published by the bus companies, and may change.
Always check the services you want to use with the bus company.

Bus Company Announcements

Christmas timetable announcements from the major public transport companies in Galway: always check the company website or social media page for detailed information.

Burkes route 427, route 435 -- Bus4U -- Bus Éireann -- Bus Feda -- City Direct -- CityLink -- Farrells -- Healy Bus -- LocalLink

Irish Rail

Overall / before 24 December 2025

Almost all services run normally - there are some exceptions for early morning or student services:

Bus Feda extra student services stop between 20-Dec and 12 Jan - but regular services run.

Park-and-commute from NUIG and ATU/CMTI to the city-centre, runs from 19-24 December. More info ...

Tuesday 24 December 2025

Normal weekday timetable, until 8 / 9pm on most services - with come exceptions, eg no Healy bus services, reduced Bus Feda services.

Wednesday 25 December - Christmas Day

The 12:30am Citylink bus from Dublin Airport to Galway will not run
Some taxi companies will offer a limited service - but many will be closed.

All other services - trains and city and regional buses - are cancelled.

Thursday 26 December - Steven's Day

Most companies run a regular Sunday service - but some are not operating at all.

No trains will run.

CityLink run a normal service, except the except the 12:15am from Dublin City / 12:30am from Dublin Airport.

Friday 27 December

Mostly regular weekday services, some companies offering Sunday services.

Saturday 28 December

Mostly regular Saturday services, with some exceptions. Some companies are running Saturday services all week.

Sunday 29 December

Mostly regular Sunday services, with some exceptions.

Monday 30 December

Mostly a regular Weekday service.

Tuesday 31 December - New Year's Eve

Mostly a regular Weekday service in Galway City all day and all night - with some exceptions, especially evening trains and some regional buses.

Wednesday 1 January - New Year's Day

Most companies are running Sunday services.

Thursday 2 January - Day after New Year's onwards

This is a normal working day, and most companies will run regular timetables form now on: some have exceptions for student and/or early morning or late evening services.

Please note

This information is for the Galway area only. Changes in other areas are not included.
See City Bus Details and Regional Bus Details for normal timetables and route maps

New evening bus-service from Galway to Loughrea

2024-12-13T16:24:00.000-08:00

Local Link Galway have announced they will be running three buses from Galway city to Loughrea each evening/night, starting on Monday 23 December 2024.

Route 439 will run from Galway Cathedral, stopping at Eyre Square, The G Hotel, ATU (formerly GMIT) Dublin Road, Oranmore Town Centre, Derrydonnell Cross, Craughwell, and Loughrea (Supervalu Athenry Rd, and Beattys).

This is a 7-day, Monday to Sunday service, running every day except Christmas Day.

Buses will leave Eyre Square at 7:30pm, 9:30pm and 11:30pm. Each journey takes approx. 50 minutes.

No return (Loughrea to Galway) services are run by LocalLink - see East Galway regional buses for other options.

Fares have not been announced yet, but will probably be available on this page soon. Leap card is accepted, and gives a 30% discount. Free travel pass is also accepted on LocalLink services.

For queries, or to book a seat, phone (091) 842 384, or see www.locallinkgalway.ie

Galway-city Christmas Park-and-Ride for 2024

2024-12-08T17:17:00.000-08:00

The information below is for Christmas 2024.

See Galway Park-and-Ride services for this year's details

A park-and-ride service will run in Galway City for the Christmas 2024 shopping period.

It will run for eleven days, between Saturday 14 December and Tuesday 24 December inclusive.

The service is being operated on behalf of Galway City Council, who commission and fund this service, using buses from locally-owned Callinan Coaches.

Hours of operation

Buses run in both directions

Monday - Saturday: Between 9:30am to 9.15pm, (last departure from Ballybrit at 9:15pm) - every 15 minutes
Sunday: Between 11am - 7pm - every 15 minutes
Sunday 7 - 9:15pm every 30 minutes.

On 24 Dec, Christmas Eve, the last bus will leave the city-centre in the early evening - the exact time is to be advised, in previous years, it has been 5:30pm.

Parking area and city-centre bus stop

Parking is provided at Ballybrit Racecourse - see the Parkmore Neighbourhood Map for details of this area.

The central city drop-off and pick-up point is the Galway Coach Station (point "S" on the regional bus stops map).

There is no arrangement for cars to be left at Ballybrit overnight: cars which are left there are at the owner's risk.

Cost

The fare is €1 each way per adult, This includes all-day parking

Children under age 16 and pensioners travel for free.

Galway City daily, weekly and monthly tickets are not accepted.

Route

Buses use the most appropriate route between the race-course and the city centre: Normally this will be the bus lanes. There are no pickup or drop-off points between the city-centre and the race-course.

Decreases to City Direct Galway city fares

2024-11-06T17:37:00.000-08:00

City Direct have announced "we've made an update across all fare options".

They didn't give any details, but there has been standardisation with fares on other Galway city bus services, and a substantial decrease in some fares.

For example, a adult single fare paid with a Leap card is now €1.35, and was previously €2.20. This is a 39% decrease.

New fares

Effective-date not stated, but perhaps 3 November 2024

ADULT FARES

Single Cash Fare - €1.90
Leap Single Fare - €1.35
Leap Weekly Ticket - €16.80
Leap Monthly Ticket - €60.00

CHILD FARES

Single Cash - €0.90
Leap Single Fare - €0.65
Leap Weekly Ticket - €7.80
Leap Monthly Ticket - €29.00

YOUNG ADULT

Leap Single Fare - €0.65

STUDENT FARES

Leap Monthly Ticket - €42.00

Advertised fares as at 16 June 2024

(source: Internet Archive)

ADULT FARES

Single Cash Fare - €2.70
Monthly Ticket - €65
Weekly Ticket - €20
Leap Single Fare - €2.20
Leap Monthly Ticket - €65
Leap Weekly Ticket - €20

CHILD FARES

Single Cash (3-12 years) - €1
Single Cash (13-16 years) - €1.50
Weekly Ticket - €15
Leap Single (3-16 years) - €1.40
Leap Weekly Ticket - €15 (up to 16 years old)
Leap Monthly Ticket - €42 (up to 16 years old)

STUDENT FARES

Single Cash Fare - €2 - applies from the 1st of September to the 31st of May on all routes. I.D. is required.
Leap Card Single - €1.90 - accepted from the 1st of September to the 31st of May on all routes.
Leap Monthly Ticket - €55

Route 418 - Athenry cancelled

2024-09-16T09:48:00.000-07:00

Farrel's of Athenry have announced that their daytime route 418 service between Athenry and Galway is cancelled from Friday 13 September 2024.

Their Nightlink service will continue to operate normally - note that buses operating this service now have "Spains Coach Hire" branding.

During the day, though the train is the only public transport going to Athenry from Galway city.

Bus Éireann Expressway fare increases, July 2024

2024-07-26T09:22:00.000-07:00

Bus Éireann have announced that Expressway bus fares are going up, from 29 July 2024.

Adult single fares are increasing by at least 50 cent (more for longer journeys).
On average, fares are going up by 4.5%.
eg Galway / Cork adult single increases from €17.60 to €18.40
A new 6-trip weekly ticket is available: You can buy it either online or the a bus, and you get a discount of up to 22%
(This ticket is aimed at people who work-from-home part of the week. There is an existing 10-trip weekly ticket which can be purchased the same way)

Buses to the Galway Races, 2024

2024-07-26T03:55:00.000-07:00

The information below is for 2024.

See Galway Races bus and train information for this year's servies.

Public transport and traffic-management plans for the Galway Races Summer Meeting between Monday 29 July - Sunday 4 August 2024.

Summary

Races shuttle buses will run from Eyre Square, leaving from outside the Skeff.

Some bus companies are running special services from various towns and villages. Some hotels are also organising shuttle services.

Bus Eireann's route 409 - Parkmore and route 401 - Salthill to Ballybrit / Parkmore Industrial city buses go to the racecourse (Avenue entrance). But there are restrictions during peak racing traffic hours Mon - Fri, and you will be dropped approx 20 minutes walk from the entrance
BE have announced that regular city services during Race Week cost €1.35 per journey if you use a Leap Card.

There are some changes to regular regional buses during race week and the next week.

Race days and times

Monday 29 July 2024 - Opening Day
Gates open at 2:30pm, first race at 4:50pm, last race at 8:15pm

Tuesday 30 July 2024 - 80's Night
Gates open at 2:30pm, first race at 4:50pm, last race at 8:15pm

Wednesday 31 July 2024 - Country Music Day
Gates open at 2:30pm, first race at 4:50pm, last race at 8:15pm

Thursday 1 August 20243 - Ladies Day
Gates open at 11:15am, first race at 2:10pm, last race at 6:10pm

Friday 2 August 20243 - Friday's Most Stylish
Gates open at 2:30pm, first race at 5pm, last race at 8:40pm

Saturday 3 August 2024 - The Weekender
Gates open at 11:30am, first race at 1:55pm, last race at 5:55pm

Sunday 4 August 2024 - Mad Hatter's Family Fun Day
Gates open at 11:30am, first race at 1:50pm, last race at 5:30pm

Special Shuttle Bus Services to Ballybrit Racecourse

From Eyre Square (Galway city centre)

A Galway Races shuttle service will run between Galway city centre and the Galway Racecourse.

Fares

Adult: €6 single and €10 return.
Children: €3 single and €5 return.

Cash only: Leap cards, TFI Go and card payments are NOT accepted.
Buy your ticket when you catch the bus: no bookings are possible.
Free Travel Pass and TaxSaver tickets are not accepted

Route

Shuttle buses leave from the west side of Eyre Square, outside the Skeffington Arms Hotel (map). Drop off is through the tunnel entrance, within 50 yards from the course-entry.

These shuttle buses do not pick-up or drop-off along the way. See "Regular Galway city services to Ballybrit" below for information about services which do.

Times

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday

Buses from 2pm
The return services will run from before the 2nd-to-last race, and after the races

Thursday, Saturday and Sunday

Buses from 2pm
The return services will run from before the 2nd-to-last race, and after the races
Traditionally there are fewer buses on Sunday, and it may be better to catch the regular 401-Ballybrit or 409 bus: Extra buses are usually put on route 409 to meet demand later in the afternoon.

From Oranmore

Local businesses have coordinated a bus-service:

Updates will be announced on their Facebook page.
The bus stop is in the village, outside the Olde Brewery pub.
The first bus will leave the village at:
4pm on Mond and Tues (three services)
3:45pm on Wed (four services)
12:30pm on Thurs (four services)
3:30pm on Fri (eight services)
1pm on Sat and Sun (one service)
Return buses will start just after the last race each day.
Tickets are available on the bus only. They cost €13 for return bus transfer and a complimentary drink one of the supporting pubs.
You must keep your ticket stubs for the return journey and your free drink.

From Athenry

In previous years, buses ran from/to the Raheen Woods hotel - services for this year have not yet been announced.

Farrells of Athenry services to Galway city are running as normal: they drop off in Eyre Square at the same place where the regular 401 and 409 services leave from, across the Square from the races-shuttle bus stop.

From Claregalway

Paul Nash Travel is running a daily park-and-ride / shuttle service from The Arches and Claregalway Hotels. Buses will leave each hotel from 1.5 hours before racing starts, and retu8rn for 1.5 hours after the last racel.
For more information, call them on 087 816 1400 or email paulnashtravel@gmail.com

TO BE CONFIRMED: Bus4U special bus from Roscommon also pick up in Claregalway

Regular public transport services from to and from Galway City (see the Claregalway Neighbourhood Map for details) connect with both city and races shuttle buses.

From Loughrea

In previous years, Lough Rea Hotel offered a bus package, which was open to the public and hotel guests. It must be booked in advance. Phone or email them for details: (091) 88 00 88 or email sales@loughreahotelandspa.com

From Roscommon

To be advised

From Tuam

From other towns

Regular Galway city services to Ballybrit

The Avenue (back) entrance to the racecourse (number (5) on the Parkmore area map) is served by these buses, which pick up from all stops along their route:

Route 401 - through from Salthill to Eyre Square, and then travels along College Rd, through Wellpark, Mervue, Castlepark and Ballybrit, then on to Parkmore
Route 409 - from Eyre Square, travels along the College and Dublin and Doughiska Roads.

These routes will end at the Briarhill Shopping Centre Junction between approximately

3pm to 5:30pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday
1pm to 3pm on Thursday.

The last bus-stop during these times is at the top of Doughiska Rd (route 409) or Clayton Hotel (route 401) - see the Doughiska neighbourhood map for locations.

Monday 8:30pm - 10:30pm
Tuesday 8:30pm - 10:30pm
Wednesday 7-9pm
Thursday 7-10pm
Friday 8-10pm
Saturday 5:30 - 7pm

Changes to regional bus service

Burkes Buses have announced that:

These services are not running during Race Week:

7:30am from Tuam to Galway
1:40pm from Galway to Tuam
4:20pm from Galway to Tuam

4pm from Galway to Headford
4:45pm from Headford to Galway

All other Galway regional bus services are expected to operate normally during Race Week - though may suffer some delays due to traffic volumes.

Trains

As at the start of race week, no extra services have been announced.

Traffic Management Plan for the Galway Races 2023

The full traffic-management plan for 2023/24 is available here.

And the accompanying map is here.

This is similar to previous years. Key points:

Traffic from the south and east (M6 / N6 or Oranmore south) can travel via Carnmore Cross and use the Blue Route - Avenue (Parkmore Road) entrance - garda will control crossing right turn at Briarhill junction.
There is no access to the Avenue entrance from the N6 Eastbound (Dublin road) during the road closed times (listed above, under city bus changes).

Traffic from the south and east (M6 / N6 or Oranmore and south) can travel via the old N6 and Galway clinic to use the Red route Tunnel entrance.
After the Briarhill junction, races traffic use the right lane, and city traffic use the left lane.

Traffic from the north (Tuam) can use the Green route - Hill / Tuam Rd entrance - or turn left at the Parkmore Rd and use the Avenue entrance.

Traffic from the city and west can use either the red entrance (via Bothar na dTtreabh), or the green or blue entrance (via Tuam Rd).

Taxis have a special lane through the Green entrance

Route x51 buses to Shannon airport for summer 2024

2024-06-16T10:38:00.000-07:00

Bus Éireann have announced that for the 2024 summer-season, there will be seven services each way on the Expressway x51 Galway - Limerick service:

Five buses between Galway and Shannon airport.
Two express (x51) buses between Galway and Limerick via Shannon Airport.

These buses do not stop at ATU (previously called GMIT).

This starts from 20 June 2024.

Other services on route 51: Galway to Cork via Limerick, are no affected.

Cancellation of route 706 - Aircoach Galway to Dublin airport

2024-04-02T13:16:00.000-07:00

Aircoach route 706 approaching The Huntsman

With little in the way of public announcements, Aircoach cancelled all services on route 706 (Galway to Dublin airport, via Portincula Hospital (Ballinasloe), Athlone, Maynooth and Dublin city-centre.

This service started in 2021, and the last day for this service was 8 April 2024.

See Galway eastern regional bus services for information about other options in on these routes.

Summer ferry services from Galway city to Inis Mor

2024-03-24T13:39:00.000-07:00

Aran Ferries have announced that they will be running ferry services from Galway city centre to for the 2024 summer season.

This service will start from Friday 29 March 2024. No end-date has been announced.

There is one sailing each day, leaving Galway city at 9:30am, and from Inis Mór at 4:15pm.

Sailings take 1.5 hours from Galway, and 1 and 3/4 hours on the return journey, which travels via the Cliffs of Mohr.

Note: although this has been announced as a public-transport service, it is aimed at tourists. Regular ferry services between Galway and the Aran Islands run from Rosaveal, and the ferry company provides a shuttle bus to and from Galway City.

Christmas 2023 / New Year 2024 bus and train services in Galway

2023-12-23T18:31:00.000-08:00

The information below is for 2023 / 24.
See Christmas public transport in Galway for information about this year.

A summary of bus and train services in Galway city and county

for the

2023 Christmas and 2024 New Year period.

This is based on information published by the bus companies, and may change.
Always check the services you want to use with the bus company.

Bus Company Announcements

Christmas timetable announcements from the major public transport companies in Galway:

Aircoach -- Burkes -- Bus4U -- Bus Éireann -- Bus Feda -- City Direct -- CityLink / Eireagle / GoBus -- Farrells -- Healy Bus -- LocalLink

Irish Rail

Overall / before 24 December

Almost all services run normally - there are some exceptions for early morning or student services.

Park-and-ride from Ballyrit to the city-centre, runs from 11-24 December. More info ...

Sunday 24 December

Normal Sunday timetable, until 8 / 9pm on most services

Monday 25 December - Christmas Day

The 12:30am Citylink bus from Dublin Airport to Galway will run
Some taxi companies will offer a limited service - but many will be closed.

All other services - trains and city and regional buses - are cancelled.

Tuesday 26 December - St Steven's Day

Most companies run a regular Sunday service - but some are not operating at all. No trains will run.

Wednesday 27 December

Mostly regular weekday services, some companies offering Sunday services

Thursday - Saturday 28-30 December

Mostly regular weekday services, with some exceptions. Some companies are running Saturday services all week.

Sunday 31 December - New Year's Eve

Mostly a regular Sunday service in Galway City all day and all night - with some exceptions, especially evening trains and some regional buses

Monday 1 January - New Year's Day

Most companies are running Sunday services.

Tuesday 2 January - Day after New Year's onwards

This is a normal working day, and most companies will run regular timetables form now on: some have exceptions for student and/or early morning or late evening services.

Please note

This information is for the Galway area only. Changes in other areas are not included.
See City Bus Details and Regional Bus Details for normal timetables and route maps

Changes to buses between Galway and Connemara (Clifden, Oughterard and Spiddal/Lettermullen) - December 2023

2023-12-11T14:37:00.000-08:00

CityLink Ireland, Bus Éireann and the National Transport authority have announced (here and here) changes to a number of services between Galway city centre and Connemara, starting in December 2023.

Overall

There will be a bus between Clifden and Galway every two hours, increasing to every hour at peak times.
There will be a bus between Oughterard and Galway every hour during the day, increasing to every half hour at peak times.
There will be a bus between Galway and Barna, Spiddal and Carraroe almost once per hour.

However there are some stops which will no longer served, or which require a change at Clifden.

Route 923 Citylink: Galway - Clifden - Letterfrack

From Monday 11th December there will be four extra buses in each direction, including earlier and later services each morning and evening.

There are no changes to stops on this route.

Route 419 Bus Éireann: Galway - Oughterard - Clifden

From Sunday 17 December, there will be one extra service from Galway each day (3pm), the first bus will leave Galway city at 6:40am, and other times through the day will be adjusted (slightly earlier OR later).

This bus will no longer stop at Maam Bridge, Kilmilkin, Leenane, Salruck Cross (Opposite the hostel), Recess Cross, Kylemore Abbey, Letterfrack, Moyard, Cashel Cross, Second Cashel Cross, Toombeola Bridge, Roundstone or Ballyconneely.

The National Transport Authority announcement says

Bus services to Leenane and Roundstone, which had been provided by Bus Éireann, will now be secured by Local Link Galway from mid-December

but does not give details.

New Local Link services Kylemore Abbey to Maam Cross and Ballyconneely to Recess

Two new door-to-door services are being introduced. Details are available here.

Each bus will run once a week, and seats must be booked by phone at least one day in advance. As door-to-door services, the route (and so times) may vary - and they are organised to suit people living in outlying areas who want to travel inward, not visitors to the area.

Route 423, Clifden to Westport via Leenane

The number of buses each day on this route is doubled, with extra buses from Clifden at approx 9am, 2pm and 6pm (check the timetable for exact times).

There is no changes to the stops on this route, which include Moyard (Opp Post Office),
Letterfrack, Kylemore Abbey, Recess Cross, Salruck Cross Hostel, Leenane, Cuslough, and Knappagh.

Route 424, Galway to Lettermullen (Leitir Mealláin) via An Cheathrú Rua, Spiddal and Barna

From Sunday 17 December 2023, there are an extra seven buses each day on this route - taking the service to almost once an hour between 6am and 11pm.

There will be one extra bus between Carraroe and Lettermullen, at approx 1:30pm - and times of all services are adjusted slightly.

Note that this service is now often operated by double-decker Galway city buses, which has also increased the number of passengers who can be taken.

2023 Christmas Park-and-Ride in Galway city

2023-12-11T12:31:00.000-08:00

A park-and-ride service will run in Galway City for the Christmas 2023 shopping period.

It will every day between Friday 8 December and Sunday 25 December,

The service is being operated on behalf of Galway City Council, who commission and fund this service.

Hours of operation

Buses run every 15 minutes:

Monday - Saturday: Between 9:30am to 9.15pm, (last departure from Ballybrit at 9:15pm)
Sunday: Between 11am - 7pm

And every 30 minutes between 7pm and 9pm on Sundays

On 24 Dec, Christmas Eve, the last bus will leave the city-centre in the early evening - the exact time is to be advised, in previous years, it has been 5:30pm.

Parking area and city-centre bus stop

Cost

The fare is €1 each way per adult, This includes all-day parking

Children under age 16 and pensioners (possibly even all Free-travel passholders) travel for free.

Galway City daily, weekly and monthly tickets are not accepted.

Route

Wheelchair accessible buses are available (the announcements have not said if they will be used on all services).

New Mayo - Tuam - Athlone - Dublin Airport bus route 721, from September 2023

2023-08-25T03:57:00.002-07:00

Citylink have announced that they will start a coach service between Mayo and Dublin Airport, from 25 September 2023. This service will run from Castlebar, with stops in Claremorris, Tuam, Athlone and Dublin city-centre.

Timetable information and ticket-bookings will be available on their website from the official launch-date of 1 September 2023: initially there will be six services each way, seven days a week.

Introductory fares of €5 per journey will be available to start with: Long-term prices are to be announced.

The map below gives an initial indication of the route, exact stop details will be added as they are announced.

This service has been licensed by GoBus since 2021, but has not operated previously.

2023 Galway Races bus and train services

2023-07-30T17:38:00.006-07:00

The information below is for 2023.

See Galway Races bus and train information for this year.

Public transport and traffic-management plans for the Galway Races Summer Meeting between Monday 31 July - Sunday 6 August 2023.

Summary

Bus Éireann special races shuttle buses will run from Eyre Square.

Private bus companies are running special services from various towns and villages. Some hotels are also organising shuttle services.

The route 409 - Parkmore and route 401 - Salthill to Ballybrit / Parkmore Industrial city buses go to the racecourse (Avenue entrance). But there are restrictions during peak racing traffic hours Mon - Fri.

There are some changes to regular regional buses during race week and the next week.

Race days and times

Monday 31 July 2023 - The Opening Day:
Gates open at 2:30pm, first race at 5:10pm, 7 races, last race at 8:20pm

Tuesday 1 August 2023 - Throwback Tuesdays, 80's Night
Gates open at 2:30pm, first race at 5:10pm, 7 races, last race at 8:20pm

Wednesday 2 August 2023 - Galway Plate Day & Country Music Extravaganza:
Gates open at 2:30pm, first race at 5:10pm, 7 races, last race at 8:20pm

Thursday 3 August 2023 - The Guinness Galway Hurdle & Stylish Ladies Day:
Gates open at 11:15am, first race at 2:10pm, 8 races, last race at 6:10pm

Friday 4 August 2023 - Friday's Most Stylish:
Gates open at 2:15pm, first race at 5pm, 8 races, last race at 8:40pm

Saturday 5 August 2023 - The Weekender:
Gates open at 11:30am, first race at 1:55pm, 8 races, last race at 5:55pm

Sunday 6 August 2023 - Mad Hatter's Family Fun Day:
Gates open at 11:30am, first race at 1:50pm, 8 races, last race at 5:30pm

Special Shuttle Bus Services to Ballybrit Racecourse

From Eyre Square (Galway city centre)

Bus Éireann are running the races-special service between Galway city centre and the Galway Racecourse.

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday

Shuttle buses to the racecourse will run from 2pm until 7pm, leaving Eyre Square as required.
The return services will run from before the 2nd-to-last race, with the last bus leaving Ballybrit at 10:30pm.

Thursday and Saturday

Shuttle buses to the racecourse will run from 11am, leaving Eyre Square as required.
The return services will run from before the 2nd-to-last race, with the last bus leaving Ballybrit at 9pm

Sunday

Shuttle buses are advertised as leaving Eyre Square "as required" from 11am.
However in previous years, the special buses have not run on Sunday, and passengers are directed to the regular 401-Ballybrit or 409 bus.
Extra buses are usually put on route 409 to meet demand later in the afternoon.

Fares

Cash only please have the correct change: Leap cards, TFI Go and card payments are NOT accepted.

Adult: €7 single and €10 return.
Children: €4 single and €5 return.

Buy your ticket when you catch the bus: no bookings are possible.
Free Travel Pass and TaxSaver tickets are not accepted on the Galway Races shuttle buses.

Route

From Oranmore

Local businesses have coordinated a bus-service:

Updates will be announced on their Facebook page.
The bus stop is in the village, outside the Olde Brewery pub.
The first bus will leave the village at:
4pm on Mond and Tues (three services)
3:45pm on Wed (four services)
12:30pm on Thurs (four services)
3:30pm on Fri (eight services)
1pm on Sat and Sun (one service)
Return buses will start just after the last race each day.
Tickets are available on the bus only. They cost €13 for return bus transfer and a complimentary drink one of the supporting pubs.
You must keep your ticket stubs for the return journey and your free drink.

From Athenry

In previous years, buses ran from/ to the Raheen Woods hotel - services for this year have not yet been announced.

Regular Farrells of Athenry services to Galway city are likely to be running - they drop off in Eyre Square at the same place where the regular 401 and 409 services leave from, across the Square from the races-shuttle bus stop.

From Claregalway

There are three options for travelling to the races from Claregalway:

Paul Nash Travel is running a daily park-and-ride / shuttle service from The Arches and Claregalway Hotels. Buses will leave each hotel from 1.5 hours before racing starts, and retu8rn for 1.5 hours after the last racel.
For more information, call them on 087 816 1400 or email paulnashtravel@gmail.com

Bus4U special bus from Roscommon also pick up in Claregalway (see below for details).

Regular public transport services from to and from Galway City (see the Claregalway Neighbourhood Map for details) connect with both city and races shuttle buses.

From Loughrea

Lough Rea Hotel are offering a bus package. This is open to the public and hotel guests. It must be booked in advance. Phone or email them for details: (091) 88 00 88 or email sales@loughreahotelandspa.com

From Roscommon

Bus4U will run one dedicated bus from Roscommon each day, picking up in Athleague, Mt Talbot, Ballygar, Newbridge, Mountbellew, Moylough, Abbeyknockmoy, Turloughmore, Lackagh and Claregalway. Departure from Roscommon is at

Monday: 2:30pm
Tuesday: 2:30pm
Wednesday: 2:30pm
Thursday: 11:30am
Friday: 2:20pm
Saturday: 11:25am
Sunday: 11:10am

and returning one hour after the last race. (Note: departure times slightly changed from last week)

Fares:

Roscommom / Athleague / Mt Tabbot - €25 (return) / €20 (single)
Ballybar and closer - €20 (return) / €15 (single)

Enquires: phone them on 086 043-0753

From Tuam

From other towns

Regular Galway city services to Ballybrit

The Avenue (back) entrance to the racecourse (number (5) on the Parkmore area map) is served by these buses, which pick up from all stops along their route:

Route 401 - through from Salthill to Eyre Square, and then travels along College Rd, through Wellpark, Mervue, Castlepark and Ballybrit, then on to Parkmore
Route 409 - from Eyre Square, travels along the College and Dublin and Doughiska Roads.

These routes will end at the Briarhill Shopping Centre Junction between approximately

3pm to 5pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday
11.30am to 3:30pm on Thursday.

The last bus-stop during these times is at the top of Doughiska Rd (route 409) or Clayton Hotel (route 401) - see the Doughiska neighbourhood map for locations.

Passengers going to/from the racecourse, Parkmore West Industrial Estate, Parkmore East Business and Technology Park, Galway Technology Park, Racecourse Business Park or Briarhill Business Park will need to walk for approx 15-20 minutes from this last stop.

Also routes 401 and 409 will not use the stops nearest to the Avenue entrance after the race meeting ends each day. Instead, passengers will get off / on the bus at the Parkmore roundabout stop (200m north of the Avenue bus stop). Affected times:

Monday 8:30pm - 10:30pm
Tuesday 8:30pm - 10:30pm
Wednesday 7-9pm
Thursday 7-10pm
Friday 8-10pm
Saturday 5:30 - 7pm

Changes to regional bus service

Farrells of Athenry have announced that

The 5:10pm Galway to Athenry service will not run this week.

In previous years, the Nitelink service between Athenry and Galway ran from Wednesday until Sunday inclusive.

Burkes Buses have announced that:

These services are not running during Race Week:

7:30am from Tuam to Galway
1:40pm from Galway to Tuam
4:20pm from Galway to Tuam

4pm from Galway to Headford
4:45pm from Headford to Galway

All other Galway regional bus services are expected to operate normally during Race Week - though may suffer some delays due to traffic volumes.

The 1am CityLink multi-stop bus from Galway which was added as a temporary race week service in 2022 is now a standard part of the timetable. It stops at Oranmore, Craughwell, Loughrea, Kilreekil, Aughrim, Ballinsloe - and all their regular stops beyond.

Trains

As at the start of race week, no extra services have been announced.

Traffic Management Plan for the Galway Races 2023

The full traffic-management plan for 2023/24 is available here.

And the accompanying map is here.

This is similar to previous years. Key points:

Traffic from the south and east (M6 / N6 or Oranmore south) can travel via Carnmore Cross and use the Blue Route - Avenue (Parkmore Road) entrance - garda will control crossing right turn at Briarhill junction.
There is no access to the Avenue entrance from the N6 Eastbound (Dublin road) during the road closed times (listed above, under city bus changes).

Traffic from the south and east (M6 / N6 or Oranmore and south) can travel via the old N6 and Galway clinic to use the Red route Tunnel entrance.
After the Briarhill junction, races traffic use the right lane, and city traffic use the left lane.

Traffic from the north (Tuam) can use the Green route - Hill / Tuam Rd entrance - or turn left at the Parkmore Rd and use the Avenue entrance.

Traffic from the city and west can use either the red entrance (via Bothar na dTtreabh), or the green or blue entrance (via Tuam Rd).

Taxis have a special lane through the Green entrance

Extra buses on route 51 Galway - Shannon airport for summer 2023

2023-07-06T14:25:00.008-07:00

Bus Eireann Expressway have announced they will run two extra buses each way between Galway City and Shannon airport from Friday 7 July 2023, for nine weeks.

Service times

These are seven-day services, running Monday to Sunday, including public holidays.

4am from Galway to Shannon Airport, stopping at ATU (GMIT)
6:45am from Shannon Airport to Galway, stopping at ATU (GMIT) only.

and

9:05pm from Galway to Shannon Airport, stopping at all normal stops on the route.
11:45pm from Shannon Airport to Galway, stopping at ATU (GMIT) only.

The exact end-date has not been announced, it is likely to be around 7 September 2023.

Fares

Expressway is a fully commercial service, however Free Travel passes are accepted.

Seats can be booked on the main Bus Eireann website (although it does not yet appear to have updates with the new times as yet).

Christmas 2022 / New Year 2023 bus and train services in Galway

2022-12-20T06:58:00.006-08:00

A summary of bus and train services in Galway city and county

for the

2022 Christmas and 2023 New Year period.

This is based on information published by the bus companies, and may change.
Always check the services you want to use with the bus company.

Bus Company Announcements

Christmas timetable announcements from the major public transport companies in Galway:

Aircoach -- Burkes -- Bus4U -- Bus Éireann -- Bus Feda -- City Direct -- CityLink / Eireagle -- Farrells -- GoBus -- Healy Bus -- LocalLink

Irish Rail

Before 24 December

CityLink route 763: 7:35am Kinnegad to Galway and 7:45am Ballinasloe to Galway will not run until 3 January 2023.

Park-and-ride from Ballyrit to the city-centre, runs from 10-24 December. More info ...

Saturday 24 December

City Buses

Bus Éireann will run a regular Saturday service in Galway City - except that buses due to depart after 9pm will not not run.

CityDirect:

Routes 411, 412 and 414: Saturday timetable, last bus from Eyre Square at 8:45pm.

Regional buses

Aircoach - normal service
Burkes: reduced service, last bus from Tuam at 3:10pm, last bus from Galway at 5:40pm
Bus Feda - reduced service (only 2 buses to Galway)
Bus4U - normal Saturday service
Farrells: last Daylink bus from Athenry at 2pm, and from Galway at 4pm. Nitelink buses will not operate
Healy Bus - Saturday timetable, with extra buses from Loughrea at 8am 11am 2pm, and Galway at 1:10pm and 6:10pm
LocalLink - normal services

Bus Eireann will run regular Saturday services until approx 9pm
CityLink:
07:35am Kinnegad to Galway and 07:45 Ballinasloe to Galway will not run.
Otherwise normal service until the last Galway to Dublin airport service at 7:15pm. Then no further services.
GoBus:
Dublin: Normal services until the last bus from Galway at 2:45PM and the last bus from Dublin Airport / City at 7:45 / 8:15PM.
Ballina - normal services.

Trains

Normal Saturday service

Sunday 25 December - Christmas Day

The 12:30am Citylink bus from Dublin Airport to Galway will run
Some taxi companies will offer a limited service - but many will be closed.

All other services - trains and city and regional buses - are cancelled.

Monday 26 December - St Steven's Day

City Buses

Bus Eireann will run a regular Sunday service on all routes in Galway City - but with no services before 9am
CityDirect - Sunday timetable

Regional buses:

Aircoach - normal service
Burkes - very limited service
Bus Eireann - regular Sunday timetable, with some alternations - see their website for details
Bus Feda - No service
Bus4U - Sunday service
Farrells - Normal Sunday timetable, with 12pm and 2pm buses departing from Tesco (formerly Joyces) due to the Athenry 10K Road Race. Full Nitelink service will run.
CityLink: normal service, except the 12:30am Dublin airport to Galway service will not run
GoBus -
Dublin: normal services except the 1215am
Ballina: no services
Healy Bus - no service
LocalLink - no services

Trains

No trains will run

Tuesday 27 December

City buses

Bus Eireann - regular weekday service
CityDirect - Sunday timetable

Regional buses

Aircoach - normal service
Burkes - reduced service
Bus Eireann - Weekday service on all regional routes
Bus Feda - reduced service
Bus4U - Sunday service
Farrells - Sunday timetable, with full Nitelink service running
CityLink: Normal services
GoBus - Normal services
Healy Bus - no service
LocalLink - normal services

Trains

Reduced service - see Irish Rail's journey planner for details of services that are running

Wednesday 28 December

City buses

Bus Eireann will run a regular weekday service
CityDirect - normal weekday timetable

Regional buses

Aircoach -normal service
Burkes - normal service
Bus Eireann - Saturday service on all regional routes
Bus Feda - regular service
Bus4U - Sunday service
Farrells - No 7am or 9am buses, otherwise normal weekday service
CityLink: Normal services
GoBus - Normal services
Healy Bus - buses from Loughrea at 8am 11am 2pm, and Galway at 1:10pm and 6:10pm
LocalLink - normal services

Trains

Reduced service - see Irish Rail's journey planner for details of services that are running

Thursday 29 December

City buses

Bus Eireann will run a regular weekday service
CityDirect - normal weekday timetable

Regional buses

Aircoach - normal service
Burkes - normal service
Bus Eireann - weekday service
Bus Feda - regular service
Bus4U - reduced service
Farrells - No 7am or 9am buses, otherwise normal weekday service
CityLink: Normal services
GoBus - Normal services
Healy Bus - buses from Loughrea at 8am 11am 2pm, and Galway at 1:10pm and 6:10pm
LocalLink - normal services

Trains

Reduced service - see Irish Rail's journey planner for details of services that are running

Friday 30 December

City buses

Bus Eireann will run a regular weekday service
CityDirect -normal weekday timetable

Regional buses

Aircoach - normal service
Burkes - normal service
Bus Eireann - weekday service
Bus Feda - regular service
Bus4U - reduced service
Farrells - No 7am or 9am buses, otherwise normal weekday service
CityLink: Normal service
GoBus - Normal services
Healy Bus - buses from Loughrea at 8am 11am 2pm, and Galway at 1:10pm and 6:10pm
LocalLink - normal services

Trains

Reduced service - see Irish Rail's journey planner for details of services that are running

Saturday 31 December - New Year's Eve

City Buses

Bus Éireann will run a regular weekday service in Galway City. This may end in the middle of the evening: exact time to be announced

CityDirect - regular Saturday service, until the last bus at 6:45pm

Regional buses

Aircoach - normal service
Burkes - reduced service, last bus from Tuam at 3:10pm, last bus from Galway at 5:40pm
Bus Eireann - Saturday service
Bus Feda - reduced service
Bus4U - reduced service
Farrells - Normal Saturday service
CityLink: Normal service
GoBus - Normal services
Healy Bus - buses from Loughrea at 8am 11am 2pm, and Galway at 1:10pm and 6:10pm
LocalLink - normal services

Trains

Normal Saturday service - see Irish Rail's journey planner for details of services that are running

Sunday 1 January - New Year's Day

City Buses

Bus Eireann will run a regular Sunday service
CityDirect - regular Sunday service

Regional buses

Aircoach - normal service
Burkes - Sunday service
Bus Eireann - Sunday service on all regional routes
Bus Feda - very limited service
Bus4U - Sunday service
Farrells - Normal Sunday Daylink Service, full Nitelink services runs
CityLink: Normal Sunday service
GoBus - Normal services
Healy Bus - no service
LocalLink - No services

Trains

Reduced service - see Irish Rail's journey planner for details of services that are running

Monday 2 January - Day after New Year's

City Buses

Bus Eireann will run a regular Sunday service
CityDirect - regular Sunday servcie

Regional buses

Aircoach - normal service
Burkes - normal Sunday service
Bus Eireann - regular Sunday / bank-holiday service on all regional routes
Bus Feda - reduced service
Bus4U - Sunday service
Farrells - Normal Bank Holiday service
CityLink: Normal service
GoBus - Dublin: Sunday service. Ballina: Normal service.
Healy Bus - no service
LocalLink - normal services

Trains

See Irish Rail's journey planner for details of services that are running

Tuesday 3 January onwards

City Buses

Bus Eireann will run regular services in Galway City
CityDirect - normal timetables from today onwards

Regional buses

Aircoach - normal service
Burkes - normal service from today onward
Bus Eireann - regular service on all regional routes
Bus Feda - regular service
Bus4U - regular service
Farrells - Normal service
CityLink: regular service
GoBus - to be advised - based on last year, likely to be a normal service
Healy Bus - normal service
LocalLink - normal services

Trains

Regular services from today onwards

Please note

This information is for the Galway area only. Changes in other areas are not included.
See City Bus Details and Regional Bus Details for normal timetables and route maps