Ireland Public Transport Fares 2027: What Passengers Need to Know

Ireland public transport fares 2027 will change across much of the Transport for Ireland network, with most adult fares increasing while important discounts and free-travel schemes remain in place.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) says this is the first broad adjustment to Public Service Obligation fares since 2018. Transport for Ireland says the revised fare structure will begin from January 2027, although detailed operator-specific implementation dates are still being finalised.

For newcomers, students and international workers who rely on buses, trains or Luas services, the key point is simple: many adult fares will cost more, but the 50% Young Adult and Student discount and existing Free Travel Scheme entitlements will remain.

Ireland public transport fares 2027: how much will fares rise?

Across the TFI network, adult fares will rise by an average of about 15%. The changes apply to services including Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann, Irish Rail, Luas, Go-Ahead Ireland and TFI Local Link. Cash fares, Leap Card fares and many weekly and monthly products are affected.

The exact change depends on where and how you travel.

• Dublin City Zone: most cash, Leap and ticket products will rise by an average of 15%. The short fare will rise to €2.
• Dublin Commuter Zone: most fares and products will rise by an average of 15%.
• Cork: Cork city bus Leap, cash and daily or weekly cap rates will not change under this determination.
• Galway, Limerick and Waterford: a new flat fare will replace the current standard and higher-zone fares. The adult Leap fare will rise to €1.70.
• Selected towns: the adult Leap fare will rise to €1.65 and the cash fare to €2.30 in towns including Athlone, Carlow, Drogheda, Dundalk, Kilkenny, Mullingar, Navan, Portlaoise and Sligo.
• Intercity rail: Express fares will rise by 10%, while Economy fares may rise by up to 20%. Open Return tickets are also due to be discontinued.
• TFI Local Link: regular rural single fares will rise by an average of 15%.

What is not changing in 2027?

Several important concessions will remain in place when the new fares are introduced.

• Children under nine will continue to travel free.
• People aged 66 and over will continue to qualify for free travel.
• Other passengers already eligible under the Free Travel Scheme will keep that entitlement.
• The 50% Young Adult and Student discount will remain.

Some child fares will also become cheaper. In several parts of the country, child fares are being standardised at about one-third of the equivalent adult fare.

What do the new fares mean for newcomers?

If you have recently moved to Ireland, public transport can form a significant part of your monthly budget. The headline 15% increase is an average, so your actual change will depend on your route, ticket type and whether you qualify for a concession.

Students and young adults should make sure they are using the correct discounted Leap Card or ticket product. If you travel regularly, compare single fares with weekly, monthly and other period products once the final 2027 prices are published.

For a broader overview of buses, trains, Luas and other options around the country, see Babylon’s guide to public transportation in Ireland. If you are planning your overall budget, our cost of living in Ireland guide can help you compare transport with other regular expenses.

Why are Ireland’s public transport fares increasing?

The NTA says public transport operating costs have risen since 2022 while fares were reduced through cost-of-living measures and new concessions were introduced. Fare revenue currently covers about 38% of operating costs, with most of the remainder funded by the State.

The authority says the additional fare income will help support expanding services, capacity and connectivity as passenger numbers continue to grow.

When will the 2027 fares start?

Transport for Ireland says the revised national fare structure will come into effect from January 2027. The detailed NTA determination says individual implementation timelines will follow consultation with operators, so passengers should watch for route-specific announcements before assuming a particular fare changes on 1 January.

Babylon will update this article when final implementation dates and operator fare tables are confirmed.

Frequently asked questions

Will every public transport fare in Ireland rise by 15%?

No. The 15% figure is an average across much of the network. Some fares will rise by more or less, while some Cork city bus fares and caps are not changing under this determination.

Will the Young Adult and Student discount continue in 2027?

Yes. The NTA says the 50% Young Adult and Student discount will remain.

Will Free Travel Scheme passengers have to pay more?

No. Existing Free Travel Scheme entitlements will remain, including free travel for eligible passengers aged 66 and over.

Key takeaways

• Most adult public transport fares will rise from 2027.
• The average increase across the TFI network is about 15%.
• The 50% Young Adult and Student discount remains.
• Existing Free Travel Scheme entitlements remain.
• Exact implementation dates and operator fare tables will be confirmed separately.

Official sources

• Transport for Ireland: Changes announced to public transport fares from 2027
• National Transport Authority: Fares Determination 2026