Dublin Leap / LUAS / DART

[34D]

Not sure whether this should be in 'other public transport' or even 'international transport'.

It is however a question about tickets in Dublin.

I'm planning a trip to Dublin over the next couple of weeks, hopefully Sailrail on day 1, the lines around Dublin on day 2, and sailrail on day 3.

I'm reading about the Leap card on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LEAP_card and am getting, well, a little confused. Is this the best/cheapest option for my needs?

There will be a journey from the port to the hotel (not yet booked) on day one, hopefully travel on the whole of the DART and LEUS systems on day 2, then on day 3 hotel back to the port.

There will be me (adult, mid 30s, so presumably not entitled to any discounts) and a child of three with me. Any advice on keeping the little ones amused on the boat would be appreciated.

 

[pinguini]

I use a Leap card when I visit Dublin, it is the most convenient option, especially for the LUAs where you don't want to be messing about with cash and tickets and everything. Just dont forget to touch in at the LUAS stop and touch out again when you get off, unlike London trams with the oyster where you just touch in. I do suggest using leap cards -theyre easily topped up too.

 

[tivoli]

Check leapcard.ie for full information, but bear in mind if you are arriving at Dublin Port by Stena, bus to city centre and return, is operated by private bus company Morton's to whom cash fare is payable, not part of Leapcard system. Think it was 4 Euro last time I used it, but may need checking.

http://www.stenaline.co.uk/ferry/itinerarymortonsbus

 

[island]

Leap card probably isn't worth it as the €5 purchase fee isn't refundable and there is no price capping. Get a paper day ticket from a railway booking office for the train and Luas (don't know the price but the code is 403 in case the clerk doesn't know and it probably issues on purple and yellow stock). Children are officially chargeable from age 3 but in practice they don't charge under-5s.

 

[GM078]

Price capping was recently brought in for Luas journeys.

Whether or not a traditional rambler/10journey/weekly ticket is worth it depends on the frequency and length of the commute. For instance with Dublin Bus if your travelling five days a week a leap card can be cheaper if you're travelling less than a certain stage band.

However if just in Dublin for a day then you're probably better off getting a rambler tickets. However, a leap card might be a worthwhile investment if you plan on coming back now and then.

 

[pinguini]

Leap card probably isn't worth it as the €5 purchase fee isn't refundable and there is no price capping. Get a paper day ticket from a railway booking office for the train and Luas (don't know the price but the code is 403 in case the clerk doesn't know and it probably issues on purple and yellow stock). Children are officially chargeable from age 3 but in practice they don't charge under-5s.

The €5 is refundable, theres just a form you have to complete.

 

[34D]

Check leapcard.ie for full information, but bear in mind if you are arriving at Dublin Port by Stena, bus to city centre and return, is operated by private bus company Morton's to whom cash fare is payable, not part of Leapcard system. Think it was 4 Euro last time I used it, but may need checking.

http://www.stenaline.co.uk/ferry/itinerarymortonsbus

Thanks both for your responses.

 

[Goatboy]

There is a non advertised Dublin Bus service to Dublin Port, too. I found it and used it on the way back. Just over a euro instead of 4! It's a regular service bus.

 

[Eire Sprinter]

It's an useful service - it was extended to/from the ferryport last April. Essentially it's a route for the residential area of East Wall which also facilitates port workers along/near Alexandra Road.

Dublin Bus - route 53. Single fare in cash is €1.65 or €1.40 if using a LEAP card. If paying in cash deposit the coins in the autofare box. If you don't have the exact amount in coins the driver will issue a change receipt for the surplus. The receipt can be redeemed at Dublin Bus's office at 59, Upper O'Connell Street on presentation of both the ticket and receipt. No apparent time limit for redemption. (No notes accepted by bus driver).

Note that route 53 only stops at the stop in front of Terminal 1 (used by Irish Ferries and the Steam Packet Company). It passes close to the Stena Line terminal (Terminal 2) but does not stop there (use the stop at Terminal 1 and walk back - there's a footpath - the walk takes 7 to 10 minutes).

Stops/route map here.

 

[Techniquest]

I did the LUAS system in one day last year and got, from a ticket machine, a 1 day pass for all zones. Something around €6 I think it was, very good value.

I also have a Leap card which I've already used plenty of times for the bus to/from the airport (16/41 is FAR cheaper than the express buses and not a huge difference in journey time either. €2.65 single cash versus €6+ single on the express buses) and for a few LUAS leaps. I got one as I visit Dublin a few times a year, as my sister lives there, and I'd say they are well worth it if you go over at all regularly. Makes boarding the bus far quicker at the airport!