Your Complete Guide to Dublin Airport (DUB)
by Ellie Smith / May 19, 2025
Estimated reading time: 10 minutes
Dublin Airport is the largest airport in Ireland and the main international gateway for travelers entering the country. It also serves as a hub for flights across Europe, Asia, and North America.
Notably, Dublin is one of the few airports outside the U.S. that offers U.S. Preclearance, allowing passengers to complete immigration and customs before departure. This means you’ll skip immigration and customs after landing in the U.S., saving time and making connections easier.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from terminals and transport options to dining, lounges, and last-minute shopping. You can also refer to the airport map for an overview of the layout.
Table of contents
Where is Dublin Airport?
Address: Collinstown, Santry, Ireland
Telephone: 01 944 0440
How to get to Dublin Airport
DUB is located about 10 kilometers (6 miles) north of the city center, but unlike many major cities, Dublin doesn’t have a direct train or subway connection to the airport. Instead, travelers rely on buses, taxis, or private car services to reach the terminals.
Bus: Dublin Airport is served by several bus routes connecting it directly to key locations in the city, including Connolly Station and Heuston Station.
Taxi: Taxis drop passengers off right outside the entrances of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Inside both terminals, clear signage points the way to the taxi ranks. A one-way trip between the city center and the airport typically costs €30–€35, depending on traffic and time of day.
Book a Blacklane chauffeured ride: For a stress-free journey, Blacklane offers premium door-to-door service to and from Dublin Airport. Whether you’re arriving after surviving a long flight or heading out early, enjoy the comfort of a reliable, professional chauffeur and skip the hassle of public transport or taxi queues.
Dublin Airport terminal overview
DUB has two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Most flights out of Terminal 1 are shorter flights, while long-haul flights tend to originate out of Terminal 2. U.S. preclearance facilities are also located in this terminal, allowing passengers to complete U.S. immigration procedures before departure.
Getting between the terminals
Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are just a short walk apart, making it easy to move between them on foot, even if you're carrying bags.
Airlines flying out of Dublin Airport
Terminal 1
If you’re flying on one of these airlines, you’re likely to arrive at or depart from terminal 1:
Aegean Airlines
Air Baltic
Air Canada
Air France
Air Transat
Anima Wings
Aurigny
Blue Islands
Croatia Airlines
Dan Air
Dan Air
Egypt Air
Etihad Airways
Eurowings
Finnair
FlyOne
Hainan Airlines
HiSky
Icelandair
KLM
Loganair
Lufthansa
Luxair
Norwegian
Pegasus Airlines
PLAY
Qatar Airways
Ryanair
SAS
SunExpress
Swiss
TAP Air Portugal
Transavia
TUI
Turkish Airlines
WestJet
Widerøe
Terminal 2
Head to terminal 2 if you’re flying on one of these airlines:
Aer Lingus (main national carrier)
American Airlines
British Airways
Delta
Emerald Airlines
Emirates
Iberia Express
JetBlue
United Airlines
Vueling
Dublin Airport lounges
Dublin Airport doesn't host a lot of airport lounges compared to many other international airports, but all travelers can access at least one lounge, as several are operated directly by the airport and available to all passengers for a fee.
51st&Green Lounge
Location: Terminal 2, after U.S. Preclearance, near the U.S. departure gates
Located beyond U.S. Preclearance, 51st&Green is tailored for travelers heading to the United States. The lounge offers runway views, quiet zones with charging stations, and a buffet featuring soups, sandwiches, hot dishes, and light snacks. Shower facilities are available, and guests can choose from a wide selection of soft drinks, coffee, and premium alcoholic beverages.
Access and pricing:
Open daily from 07:15 to 16:00
Maximum stay: 2 hours
From €39 per adult (online)
From €45 per adult (at reception)
Advance booking is recommended
The T1 Lounge
Location: Terminal 1, Level 2, just past the security area
The T1 Lounge provides a quiet space to relax before your flight, with a mix of seating areas and business booths. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, showers, and a self-service buffet with both hot and cold food options. Drinks include coffee, tea, soft drinks, and a variety of alcoholic beverages.
Access and pricing:
Open daily from 04:00 to 21:00
Maximum stay: 2 hours
From €29 per adult (online)
From €40 per adult (at reception)
Access with Priority Pass, DragonPass, and similar programs is subject to availability
The Liffey Lounge (T2 Lounge)
Location: Between Terminals 1 and 2, Level 1 corridor
Located in the connecting corridor between T1 and T2, the Liffey Lounge is a quiet and comfortable space ideal for unwinding or catching up on work. Guests can enjoy runway views, light meals such as charcuterie and salads, and a range of breakfast options in the morning. The lounge also includes a quiet zone, complimentary Wi-Fi, and shower facilities.
Access and pricing:
Open daily from 05:00 to 19:00
Maximum stay: 2 hours
From €25 per adult (online)
From €35 per adult (at reception)
Access with Priority Pass, DragonPass, and similar programs is subject to availability
The Martello Lounge (East Lounge)
Location: After security, in the corridor between Terminals 1 and 2
The Martello Lounge combines style and comfort, offering panoramic airfield views and a peaceful atmosphere. It features a hot breakfast, light meals throughout the day, and barista-made coffee. Business booths and luxury shower facilities are available for those needing to work or freshen up before flying. A full bar offers a wide range of alcoholic drinks.
Access and pricing:
Open daily from 04:00 to 20:30
Maximum stay: 2 hours
From €39 per adult (online)
From €46 per adult (at reception)
Dublin Airport Restaurants
You won't go hungry at Dublin Airport, where restaurants in each terminal go out of their way to make sure they can meet the needs of passengers with special diets, including gluten-free. As an added convenience, Dublin Airport hosts eateries on both sides of airport security, so you can meet business colleagues at the airport or buy a thank-you meal for the friends who came to the airport with you. Alongside familiar names like Burger King and Starbucks, here are some other places worth checking out.
Terminal 1 dining
Outside security, consider meeting business contacts and friends at the following restaurants:
Upper Crust: Grab a fresh baguette filled with quality ingredients at this Arrivals-level spot.
The Lansdowne: A sports bar with big screens, burgers, wings, and pints, great for a pre-flight game.
Wrights Food Fayre: A convenient stop for hot meals, snacks, coffee, and travel essentials.
Food Village: Offers a mix of coffee, breakfast, salads, hot dishes, and pastries.
Insomnia: Popular Irish chain serving Fairtrade coffee and baked goods from local producers.
Cloud Picker: Specialty coffee for serious coffee lovers, focused on quality and flavor.
Once you've gone through security, more pleasant spots await you to keep you well-fed or give you grab-and-go options before your flight, including:
Jump Juice Bar: Near Gate 100, serving smoothies, juices, crepes, and frozen yogurt.
Marqette: Grab-and-go meals, fresh baked goods, and snacks at this Terminal 1 food market.
The Garden Terrace: Table-service dining with a rooftop view and full bar.
SoMa: Casual burger spot near Gate 300, featuring locally sourced Irish ingredients.
Butlers Chocolate Café: Coffee, light bites, and signature chocolates, even better each drink comes with a complimentary treat.
Terminal 2 dining
If you're getting on a long-haul flight to North America, you still have plenty of dining options in Terminal 2. Again, you can meet colleagues outside security at a variety of eateries:
Bewley’s: Historic Irish brand serving tea and coffee since 1840, with strong local roots.
Craft Coffee: A locally inspired café offering coffee and food that highlight Irish traditions and ingredients.
Fitzgerald’s: Classic restaurant and bar serving seasonal breakfast and lunch made with fresh local produce.
Supermac’s: Popular Irish fast food chain known for using 100% Irish beef, chicken, and dairy.
On the other side of security, you can still find many satisfying choices for pre-flight dining:
Butlers Chocolate Café: Now reopened with cozy seating, charging ports, and an expanded menu of drinks, meals, and sweets.
Café Bar: Serves wine, sparkling wine, and small bites.
Cloud Picker: Specialty coffee spot known for high-quality brews and a focus on flavor.
Dubh: Quick-stop café near boarding gates offering sandwiches, sweets, and coffee for a last-minute bite.
Fruitality: Juice and smoothie bar with acai bowls, salads, fruit pots, and fresh juices.
Phoenix Lane: Offers toasties, sandwiches, and salads, plus pints, wine, and cold drinks.
The Fallow Kitchen & Bar: Serves Irish-sourced breakfasts, classic lunches, and house specialties.
Whiskey Bread: A whiskey bar with over 60 varieties, plus gourmet toasties and pub-style dishes.
Dublin Airport shopping
The shops in Dublin Airport focus on practical items as well as souvenirs to help you remember your stay or provide welcome gifts for your family back home. Each terminal has a satisfying array of shops to choose from.
Dublin Airport Duty Free
Located in both terminals, Dublin Airport Duty Free features over 100 beauty brands, including Jo Malone, Tom Ford, La Mer, Dior, Estée Lauder, Chanel, and more. It’s also home to one of Ireland’s largest beauty halls.
And of course, no duty-free shopping is complete without something to sip on. Head to The Irish Whiskey Collection, home to one of the world’s most diverse whiskey selections. With 365 bottles, you’re bound to find a new favorite (or two).
Below is a list of shops you’ll find across Terminals 1 and 2, some located before and after security:
AVOCA: Irish-made textiles, ceramics, food, and crafts in the first-ever travel retail Avoca store.
Boots: Travel essentials including toiletries, sun care, and health products. No pharmacy service available.
InMotion: Electronics and accessories from Apple, Bose, Samsung, and more.
Irish Memories: Souvenirs designed and produced in Ireland. Exclusive to The Loop (Dublin Airport’s duty-free zone).
Spar: Convenience store with snacks, fresh food, hot drinks, and daily basics.
Sunglass Hut: Designer eyewear from Ray-Ban, Prada, Dolce&Gabbana, and more.
WHSmith: Books, drinks, snacks, and other travel essentials.
Dublin Airport hotels
If your stay in Dublin is long enough that you want to get out of the airport and book a hotel in Dublin, you can find several highly-rated hotels with easy airport access:
The Radisson Blu Hotel
This high-end hotel, located on the airport grounds, offers a sizeable spa and fitness facility as well as discounts on golf course greens fees, making it ideal for a longer stay. If you need to come and go quickly, take advantage of the hotel's three-hour laundry service.
The Maldron Hotel
This convenient hotel is right within the airport loop. Friendly staff help meet all your needs, and the rooms are comfortable and practical.
Hilton Dublin Airport
This airport hotel welcomes you with a comfortably furnished room that features floor-to-ceiling windows, friendly staff, and breakfast each morning to get you ready for your day, whether you have business to conduct or are headed back into the air.
Carlton Dublin Airport Hotel
Indulge yourself with the large, modern bathrooms in this newer hotel which also has a fitness center to let you work out the kinks after a long flight.
Malahide Castle and Gardens
If you expect to stay more than a single night, consider booking a room at this stunning castle. Beautiful gardens feature exotic plantings from all around the world and are designed to stay in bloom all year.
Dublin Airport Amenities
Dublin Airport offers a range of amenities across both terminals to enhance passenger comfort and convenience.
Free Wi-Fi: Available throughout both terminals.
Medical Aid: Dublin Airport has trained staff on hand to provide medical support when needed. In case of an emergency, passengers should contact an airport police officer or speak to any member of the airport team for help.
Prayer rooms: Terminal 2 features a Multi-Faith Prayer Room, located on the departures level just before the boarding pass check.
ATMs and currency exchange: ICE Currency Exchange operates ATMs across both terminals
Water bottle filling stations: There are 27 hydration stations throughout the airport, accessible both before and after security in Terminals 1 and 2. These stations provide free, clean drinking water for passengers to refill reusable bottles.
Baby feeding rooms: Dedicated baby feeding rooms are located in both terminals, beyond security. These rooms are equipped with a highchair, comfortable seating, a microwave, and a bottle warmer.
Smoking areas: A designated smoking area is available at Terminal 1's Garden Terrace Bar.
Reliable airport transfers for DUB travelers
The relatively small size of the Dublin Airport makes it easy to navigate, whether you're making a connection or arriving at your final destination. Keep every leg of your journey just as easy when you book a reliable Blacklane airport transfer in Dublin so you can complete your journey in comfort and style.
