Trains Dublin to Athlone: Times, Prices and Tickets

Dublin to Athlone by train

The journey from Dublin to Athlone by train is 70.52 mi and takes 2 hr 8 min. There are 49 connections per day, with the first departure at 6:19 AM and the last at 8:30 PM. It is possible to travel from Dublin to Athlone by train for as little as or as much as . The best price for this journey is .

Journey Duration2 hr 8 min
Connection per Day49
First Departure6:19 AM
Last Departure8:30 PM
Distance70.52 mi
DepartureDublin
ArrivalAthlone
CarriersIrish Rail

Dublin to Athlone Train Times

Departure date
Thursday, Mar 28, 2024

Traveling from Dublin to Athlone by Train

Embarking on a train journey from Dublin, Ireland's vibrant capital known for its rich literary history and lively cultural scene, to Athlone, a charming town situated at the heart of Ireland with historical significance and scenic beauty, offers travelers a delightful and picturesque experience. This route covers a distance of approximately 70.52 mi, with an average travel time of around 2 hr 8 min. Irish Rail (Iarnród Éireann) provides regular and reliable services on this route, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable journey. With multiple 49 departures daily, and passengers have various scheduling options. To secure the most economical fares, sometimes as low as , booking in advance is recommended. For a smooth boarding experience, arriving at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure is advisable.

Irish Rail's trains offer a range of classes, including Standard and First Class, each tailored to different travel needs. Standard Class provides comfortable seating with free Wi-Fi, ideal for leisure and business travelers. First Class offers an upgraded travel experience with extra-comfortable seating, complimentary refreshments, and a quieter environment. The trains feature large windows, allowing passengers to enjoy the lush Irish countryside, from rolling green fields to picturesque waterways. The onboard services typically include dining cars offering a selection of meals, snacks, and beverages catering to different tastes and preferences.

The journey begins at Dublin's Heuston Station, conveniently near the city center, offering easy access to local attractions like the Guinness Storehouse and Phoenix Park. Upon arrival in Athlone, passengers disembark at Athlone Railway Station, ideally situated for exploring the town's attractions, including Athlone Castle, the Shannon River, and the Luan Gallery.

Things to Do in Athlone:

  1. Visit Athlone Castle, a historic structure offering interactive exhibits and stunning views of the River Shannon.
  2. Explore the Luan Gallery, showcasing contemporary art in a beautiful riverside setting.
  3. Take a cruise on the River Shannon, enjoying the scenic beauty of Ireland's longest river.
  4. Stroll through the town center, enjoying its mix of shops, cafes, and traditional Irish pubs.
  5. Discover the Old Rail Trail, a greenway path for cycling or walking.
  6. Visit the ancient monastic site of Clonmacnoise, a short drive from Athlone.
  7. Enjoy the vibrant nightlife, with live music and entertainment in local pubs.
  8. Sample local cuisine in the town's restaurants, offering traditional Irish dishes and international fare.
  9. Relax in Burgess Park, a peaceful green space near the town center.
  10. Learn about Ireland's distilling traditions at the nearby Kilbeggan Distillery Experience.

What to Eat in Athlone:

  1. Irish Stew: A hearty traditional dish made with lamb, potatoes, and vegetables.
  2. Boxty: A type of potato pancake, often served with various fillings.
  3. Fresh Seafood: Given Athlone's proximity to the river and the sea, fresh fish and seafood are local specialties.
  4. Soda Bread: A staple of Irish cuisine, perfect with butter and jam or as a side to a main dish.
  5. Full Irish Breakfast: A filling start to the day, typically including eggs, sausages, bacon, black and white pudding, and tomatoes.
  6. Shepherd's Pie: A comforting dish made with minced lamb and a mashed potato crust.
  7. Local Cheeses: Ireland is known for its delicious variety of cheeses, from sharp cheddars to creamy blues.
  8. Guinness: No trip to Ireland is complete without a pint of this famous stout.
  9. Whiskey: Sample some of the finest Irish whiskeys, either neat or in a cocktail.
  10. Coddle: A Dublin specialty, this stew is made with sausage, bacon, potatoes, and onions.

Day Trips from Athlone:

Athlone's central location in Ireland makes it an excellent base for exploring nearby attractions:

  1. Clonmacnoise: An ancient monastic site located on the banks of the River Shannon.
  2. Lough Boora Discovery Park: Offers walking and cycling trails through a unique peatland habitat.
  3. Birr Castle: Home to beautiful gardens and the historic Great Telescope.
  4. Galway is a vibrant city known for its arts scene, medieval streets, and coastal beauty.
  5. The Burren: A unique karst landscape in County Clare, famous for its flora and geological formations.
  6. Connemara National Park: Known for its rugged beauty, wild landscapes, and traditional Irish culture.
  7. Slieve Bloom Mountains: Offers scenic hiking and walking trails.
  8. Mullingar is a lively town with a rich musical heritage and beautiful lakes.
  9. Tullamore: Famous for the Tullamore Dew Visitor Centre and its whiskey heritage.
  10. Lough Ree: An extensive lake offering boating, fishing, and scenic views.

Travel Tips for Athlone:

When visiting Athlone, exploring the compact town center on foot is practical. The town experiences a temperate maritime climate, with mild summers and cool winters, so dressing in layers and preparing for rain is wise. Athlone's culinary scene combines traditional Irish fare and modern dining experiences. The town's rich history and central location provide numerous opportunities for exploring the heart of Ireland, from ancient sites to natural beauty. Lastly, while Athlone is a friendly and safe town, it's always good practice to stay aware of your surroundings and practice general safety precautions, especially when exploring in the evenings.

We're here to assist you in planning your train journey from Dublin to Athlone. We scrutinize thousands of routes across trains, buses, and flights, ensuring you receive optimal travel solutions. Examine our user-friendly price calendar below, where you can compare costs for all transportation means between Dublin and Athlone. Choose the best fit, and embark on a memorable journey. 

Show full descriptionHide full description

Compare prices and tickets from Dublin to Athlone

Cheap train tickets from Dublin to Athlone
Looking for the best deal on a train ticket for your trip? Here are 4 ways to get cheap train tickets from Dublin to Athlone.

Book in advance and save

If you're looking for the best deal for your trip from Dublin to Athlone, booking train tickets in advance is a great way to save money, but keep in mind that advance tickets are usually not available until 3 months before your travel date.

Stay flexible with your travel time and explore off-peak journeys

Planning your trips around off-peak travel times not only means that you'll be able to avoid the crowds, but can also end up saving you money. Being flexible with your schedule and considering alternative routes or times will significantly impact the amount of money you spend on getting from Dublin to Athlone.

Always check special offers

Checking on the latest deals can help save a lot of money, making it worth taking the time to browse and compare prices. So make sure you get the best deal on your ticket and take advantage of special fares for children, youth and seniors as well as discounts for groups.

Unlock the potential of slower trains or connecting trains

If you're planning a trip with some flexible time, why not opt for the scenic route? Taking slower trains or connecting trains that make more stops may save you money on your ticket – definitely worth considering if it fits in your schedule.

Show tickets by
Best time to book Dublin to Athlone travel

Virail Pro Tip ✌: Booking 10 days in advance save 10% on average

Price as departure date approaches

Train companies may charge higher ticket prices as the date of departure approaches. Prices in the next days can range from around $1.44 to $10.25 but may be subject to change. Our advice is to book as early as possible to potentially save up to 86% on your trip!

Best time to book cheap train tickets from Dublin to Athlone

The cheapest Dublin - Athlone train tickets can be found for as low as $3.38 if you’re lucky, or $5.07 on average. The most expensive ticket can cost as much as $10.42.

Find the best day to travel to Athlone by train

When travelling to Athlone by train, if you want to avoid crowds you can check how frequently our customers are travelling in the next 30-days using the graph below. On average, the peak hours to travel are between 6:30am and 9am in the morning, or between 4pm and 7pm in the evening. Please keep this in mind when travelling to your point of departure as you may need some extra time to arrive, particularly in big cities!

Services on board Irish Rail from Dublin to Athlone
Compare services on board when travelling from Dublin to Athlone by train.
Facilities Irish Rail
quiet_zone Quiet zone check
wifi WiFi check
power_sockets Power sockets check
luggage Luggage check
accessibility Accessibility check
food_and_drink Food and drink check
air_con Air conditioning check
bicycle Bicycle check

Dublin to Athlone CO2 Emissions by Train

Ecology
Train
7.94kg
Bus
8.51kg
Flight
22.7kg
Car
18.16kg
What are the CO2 emissions from Dublin to Athlone by train? The CO2 emissions from taking the train between Dublin and Athlone are 7.94kg.
How much CO2 do I save by taking the train between Dublin and Athlone? By taking the train between Dublin and Athlone you will save 14.76kg CO2 emissions compared to a flight, 0.57kg compared to a bus and 10.22kg compared to a car.

Anything we can improve?

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the distance between Dublin and Athlone by train?
Dublin to Athlone is 70.52 mi.
How long does the train between Dublin and Athlone take?
Dublin to Athlone is on average 2 hr 8 min. However the fastest option will get you there in 1 hr 17 min.
How many train connections per day go from Dublin to Athlone?
Dublin to Athlone has 49 connection(s) per day on average.
What time does the first train from Dublin to Athlone leave?
The earliest train from Dublin to Athlone departs at 6:19 AM. However be sure to check with us the schedule on the day you want to leave as the time may differ.
What time does the last train from Dublin to Athlone depart?
The latest train from Dublin to Athlone departs at 8:30 PM. However be sure to check with us the schedule on the day you want to leave as the time may differ.
How many direct connections depart from Dublin to Athlone?
There are on average 12 direct connection(s) from Dublin to go to Athlone.
What's the fastest journey time between Dublin to Athlone by train?
The fastest journey time by train between Dublin and Athlone is 1 hr 17 min.
Is there a direct train from Dublin to Athlone?
Yes, there is a direct train between Dublin and Athlone.
What are the CO2 emissions for Dublin to Athlone by train?
The train journey from Dublin to Athlone creates 7.94kg of CO2 emissions.

Go local from Dublin

Trending routes

Weekend getaways from Dublin

Other destinations from Dublin

Main routes to Athlone

Related routes

Other popular routes