People voted Donegal in North West Ireland “the world’s best place to visit.” With Sliabh Liag (Slieve League), the Cliffs of Moher, the Wild Atlantic Way and other unique attractions in the region, Donegal is the new popular place to visit for travellers.
So what is the best way to get to Donegal Ireland? What airport hubs will help you get there? Let’s talk about Donegal transport: How to get to Donegal, Ireland – best ways to travel.
From Londonderry
Flying into Londonderry or “Derry” as its known, is one gateway to Donegal Ireland. Donegal is about 1 hour from Derry (43 miles or 70 kilometres) and there are a few transport options to get you to your destination.
Airlines
The airlines that land at Derry airport are – Loganair, British Airways, EasyJet and Ryanair. I booked my flight with Loganair using Trip.com booking website and app.
Book your cheap flights to Londonderry with Trip.com
Bus
There are several bus companies that operate regular services between Derry and Donegal. The bus companies include – Expressway, Eireann and Translink.
I took an Expressway bus from Derry to Letterkenny in Donegal, and the trip was easy and enjoyable.
Car
Renting a car is another way to get to Donegal. Major car rental companies such as Avis, Hertz, Europcar and Enterprise are available. You may be charged a Cross border fee as you crossing the Northern Ireland border into Ireland.
Book your cheap Derry car deals, with DiscoverCars
Uber & Taxi
Uber or any of the local taxi companies can take you to Donegal from Derry airport at an affordable cost.
Airport Transfers
If you don’t want to go by bus, car, Uber or taxi, you can book an airport transfer. I had a very early morning departure from Donegal and used an airport transfer booked with Suntransfers.
Book your Donegal tours with Viator.
From Dublin
Flying into Dublin is another way to get to Donegal. Dublin is about 219 kilometres or 136 miles from Donegal, so transport costs are a bit more expensive.
Airlines
Airlines that service the Dublin route are – Aer Lingus, Ryanair, Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, American Airlines and United Airlines.
Book your cheap flights to Dublin with Trip.com
Bus
The major bus companies on the Dublin to Donegal route are – Expressway and Bus Eireann. The bus ride will take between four and six hours.
Car
Picking up a car from the airport to take you to Donegal is the most popular transport option for those arriving into Dublin. Car rental companies you can book are – Hertz, Enterprise and Budget. The car journey will take about three hours depending on your driving.
Book your cheap Dublin car deals with DiscoverCars
Uber & Taxi
Because of the long distance between Dublin and Donegal, Uber or a taxi is not an affordable option. The fare could run into the hundreds or thousands of euros if you were lucky to get someone to take your booking.
Airport transfers
Airport transfers, like Uber or taxi, are very expensive. You can expect to drop quite a few hundred euro for the one-way trip.
Book your Dublin tours with Viator.
From Belfast
Flying into Belfast is another Irish hub to get you to Donegal. Belfast in Northern Ireland is about 2 hours and 30 minutes from Donegal. The distance between the cities is 169 kilometres or 109 miles.
Airlines
Airlines that fly into Belfast include – Aer Lingus, Ryanair, EasyJet, British Airways and Loganair. I have flown with British Airways into Belfast and recommend them for seamless flight connections.
Book your cheap flights to Belfast Northern Ireland with Trip.com
Bus
There is no direct bus from Belfast to Donegal. You will need to get a bus from Belfast to Derry and then transfer buses in Derry. Bus companies that will get you there are – Eireann and Expressway. Total bus journey time is about 3 hours and 30 minutes plus bus connection time.
Car
You can rent a car in Belfast to take you to Donegal. Car rental companies include Enterprise, Hertz and Budget. You are likely to be charged a Cross border fee as you going from Northern Ireland to Ireland.
Book your cheap Belfast car deals with DiscoverCars
Uber & Taxi
Similar to Dublin, getting an Uber or taxi from Belfast to Donegal is very expensive, so not recommended.
Airport transfers
You can get an airport transfer from Belfast, but it can be on the pricey side. Suntransfers and Shuttle Direct are some companies that do the route and might be a good option if you have a group of people travelling.
Book your Belfast tours with Viator.
Donegal Airport
You can also reach Donegal’s airport with flights from Dublin Airport.
Airlines
Airlines that fly into Donegal airport include – Aer Lingus and Loganair.
Book your cheap flights from Dublin to Donegal with Trip.com
Cheapest and quickest?
The cheapest and quickest way to get to Donegal is to fly into Derry Airport or Donegal Airport as these are the closest airport hubs. Dublin and Belfast are alternatives, but are more expensive and the journey takes longer.
Whichever way you decide to travel to Donegal, enjoy the journey. Donegal is waiting for you with big, friendly open arms.
Suggested posts:
5 best murals to see in Belfast Northern Ireland
5 best attractions to visit in Belfast Northern Ireland
Linda is a best selling author, travel blogger and travel coach. Her website The Smart Travelista offers travel resources and tips via her blog, books, videos and more.
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