Dublin Airport hotels

Dublin Airport is known for being the main international gateway to Ireland. It’s the busiest airport in the country, with flights connecting Dublin to destinations across Europe, North America, the Middle East and more. The airport is also known for being the main hub for Aer Lingus and a key base for Ryanair. It’s a popular airport for transatlantic travel and has U.S. preclearance facilities, meaning you can go through U.S. customs in Dublin before you even board your flight.

There are two terminals at Dublin Airport: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

• Terminal 1 mainly handles short-haul and European flights, including most Ryanair services.

• Terminal 2 is newer and handles long-haul flights, especially those with Aer Lingus and other international carriers

The terminals are connected by a short walkway, and it’s easy to move between them on foot. 

Dublin Airport is moderate in size – not as big as major hubs like Heathrow or Frankfurt, but definitely not small. It’s Ireland’s busiest airport and handles over 30 million passengers a year. The layout is manageable and well signposted, which helps keep things moving, even at peak times. Most people find it easier to navigate than the giant international airports, which makes it ideal for both new and seasoned travellers.

Dublin Airport doesn’t have a train station directly on-site, but the closest major stations are:

• Drumcondra Station – around 15–20 minutes away by bus or taxi

• Connolly Station and Heuston Station – both in the city centre and well-connected by bus and taxi from the airport

If you’re heading to or from the airport by public transport, buses and coaches are your main options, with regular services into the city and other parts of Ireland. 

Not at all! Dublin Airport is located about 6 miles north of the city centre. Depending on traffic, the journey takes around 20 to 30 minutes by car or bus. It’s a quick and straightforward transfer, making it easy for holidaymakers to get straight into exploring Dublin.

Yes, there are several shuttle and public bus services from the airport to the city centre. Some of the most popular are:

• Aircoach

• Dublin Express

• Local Dublin Bus routes 

These buses run frequently throughout the day and evening, with stops at key city locations like O’Connell Street, Temple Bar and major train stations. You can hop on directly outside the terminals, and it’s a budget-friendly way to get into town.

While Dublin Airport itself has plenty of cafes, restaurants and duty-free shops inside, the area immediately surrounding the airport is mainly commercial. However, if you’ve got some time and want to explore nearby, you could visit:

• Swords, a nearby town with shops, restaurants and the historic Swords Castle.

• Malahide Castle & Gardens, about a 15-minute drive away and ideal for a relaxing afternoon

• Portmarnock Beach if you’re in the mood for sea air and a stroll. 

Generally, yes. Dublin Airport is known for being fairly straightforward to navigate. Terminal 2 in particular is modern and designed to handle large numbers of international travellers smoothly. If you’re flying to the U.S., give yourself extra time for preclearance, but for most destinations, the process is pretty stress-free with a bit of planning.

Flex – Pay now or on arrival, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Our most flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 1pm on the day of arrival. You can also amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Semi-Flex – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to three full days before arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to three full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Advance – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 28 full days before arrival, free to amend thereafter until the day of arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 28 full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Standard – Pay now, non-refundable. Free to amend booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Slightly flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel and get a full refund, but you can amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Non-Flex – Pay now. No amends or refunds. Our least flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel or amend your stay after booking.

Our standard check-in time is 3pm. For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels. 

Checkout is by 12 noon on your departure date. If luggage storage is available, our teams will be happy to store any bags for you if you’d like to check out before 12pm.

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location. 

For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels. 

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location. 

In 2020 we launched Premier Inn CleanProtect™, our rigorous, daily cleaning method that’s used throughout our UK & Ireland hotels. Developed in partnership with Diversey, a global leader in cleaning and hygiene products for the healthcare and hospitality industries, our promise seeks to give you extra peace of mind so you can always book and stay with confidence.

Check-in - minimising contact at reception and providing hand sanitiser in most public areas for peace of mind. 

Bed linen and towels - laundering all our linen and towels at over 60°C to thermally disinfect them, so you can enjoy a great night’s sleep. We’ve also placed spare pillows in a zip-up bag, for extra peace of mind.

Equipping our teams - providing our team members with all the equipment and sanitisers they need, as well as always operating in the safest way possible for our teams and guests.

A generous serving of safety - you can relax knowing that enhanced cleaning measures are in place throughout our restaurants. Tables are cleaned between visits and contactless payment is in place too, so you can dine safely and comfortably with us every time.

Clean on request - if you'd like your room cleaned during your stay with us, just let us know at reception and use the handy door hanger on the back of your door by 12pm each day.

Most Premier Inns have specially-adapted rooms allowing easier access for customers with disabilities. If there is no specially-adapted room available at the hotel of your choice, we will be happy to offer you alternative accommodation at a nearby Premier Inn. If you have difficulty walking, but do not need a specially-adapted room, please feel free to request a room near reception on the ground floor for easy access. 

If you'd like get in touch, you can reach out to our specialist team via email at pi.accessible@whitbread.com or call us on 0333 0919 817 between 9am and 5pm Monday-Friday (calls charged at local rate).

Unfortunately, with the exception of trained assistance dogs, we don't allow pets to stay at our hotels.