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Aircoach Cork to Dublin Timetable – Latest Schedules and Fares

Arthur Edward Morgan Bennett • 2026-04-10 • Reviewed by Daniel Mercer

Aircoach operates the 704X express service between Cork and Dublin, providing up to 36 daily departures that connect passengers with both Dublin Airport terminals and Dublin City Centre. The route covers approximately 226-227 kilometres and serves travellers seeking direct connections between the two cities without intermediate stops.

The timetable varies by day of the week, with more frequent services available on Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Schedules remain valid through December 2024, though some sources indicate validity extending to 2026. Passengers are advised to verify current timings before travelling, as adjustments may occur throughout the year.

This guide presents the current departure times, journey duration, pricing structure, and booking options for the Cork to Dublin Aircoach service, helping passengers plan their journey whether they are travelling for business, leisure, or catching a flight.

What is the Current Aircoach Timetable from Cork to Dublin?

The 704X service operates around the clock, with departures starting in the early morning hours and continuing late into the night. The earliest services depart Cork between approximately 01:00 and 04:00, arriving at Dublin Airport Terminal 1 between 04:05 and 05:05. Throughout the day, hourly departures continue from approximately 05:00 through 19:00, with the latest departure from Cork at 23:00 arriving the following day at 02:30.

Service Overview at a Glance

Daily Departures
27-36 services
Journey Time
3 to 3.5 hours
Price Range
€19-23 one-way
Destinations
Airport & City Centre

Key Facts About the 704X Service

  • The service runs every day except Christmas Day, with 27 to 35 buses departing Cork daily
  • Departures from Cork start as early as 01:00 and continue until 23:00
  • Passengers can board at Alfred Street or Lower Glanmire Road near Leisureplex in Cork
  • The service operates non-stop to Dublin City Centre before continuing to both airport terminals
  • Monday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday typically offer more frequent departures than other weekdays
  • Full detailed timetables are available on the official Aircoach website

Sample Departure Times from Cork Alfred Street

Cork Departure Dublin City Centre Dublin Airport T2 Dublin Airport T1
05:00 08:00 08:25 08:30
06:00 09:00 09:25 09:30
07:00 10:00 10:25 10:30
08:00 11:00 11:25 11:30
19:00 22:00 22:25 22:30
23:00 02:00 (+1 day) 02:25 (+1 day) 02:30 (+1 day)
Checking Day-Specific Schedules

Some timetable PDFs split services into three parts for the outbound route, with different schedules applying to Monday/Friday/Saturday/Sunday compared to Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday. Passengers should verify which schedule applies to their intended travel date.

How Long is the Aircoach Journey from Cork to Dublin?

The Aircoach 704X journey between Cork and Dublin typically takes between 3 and 3.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions along the route. The distance covered is approximately 140-141 miles (226-227 kilometres), making the express service a viable alternative to other transport options for the corridor.

Where Does the 704X Stop?

The 704X operates as an express service with minimal intermediate stops between Cork and Dublin. The primary stops along the route include Cork Alfred Street or Lower Glanmire Road near Leisureplex as the departure point, followed by Dublin City Centre at Aston Quay (Stop 329) or Bachelors Walk, then Dublin Airport Terminal 2 (Zone 20), and finally Dublin Airport Terminal 1 (Zone 2) as the final destination.

The service travels northbound via the M8 and N7 motorways, maintaining a direct path between the two cities. For the return journey from Dublin Airport to Cork, departures from Terminal 2 begin around 06:25, with arrivals in Cork ranging from approximately 10:00 through to 04:00 the following morning.

Overnight Travel Advantage

Aircoach provides 24-hour coverage with services available throughout the night, unlike rail services which typically focus on daytime departures. This makes the 704X particularly useful for passengers with early morning flights from Dublin Airport or those arriving in Ireland late in the evening.

Does Aircoach Go to Dublin Airport?

Yes, the 704X service provides direct connections to both Dublin Airport terminals. Passengers alight at Terminal 2 first (Zone 20), then continue to Terminal 1 (Zone 2). This endpoint arrangement means all passengers travelling to the airport will pass through Terminal 2 before reaching Terminal 1, regardless of which terminal they need.

Aircoach Cork to Dublin Prices and Booking

One-way fares for the Aircoach 704X service start at approximately €19-23 (or $24-29 USD) when booked in advance. The actual price depends on several factors including the travel date, demand levels at the time of booking, and how far ahead the ticket is purchased.

What Affects Aircoach Ticket Prices?

  • Advance booking typically secures lower fares compared to purchasing on the day of travel
  • Peak travel periods such as holidays and weekends may command higher prices
  • Flexibook tickets offer amendment flexibility for a potentially higher base price
  • Same-day walk-up fares are generally at the higher end of the price range

How to Book Aircoach Tickets

Passengers can purchase tickets through the official Aircoach website, which provides access to the journey planner and Flexibook options for those requiring schedule flexibility. The booking system allows passengers to select their travel date, time, and destination, with clear pricing displayed before confirmation.

Third-party platforms including Omio and Busbud also list 704X services, though the official Aircoach site is recommended for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding schedules and availability.

Verify Current Rates

Prices vary by date, demand, and booking time. The figures provided represent typical advance booking rates. Passengers should check the official booking system for the specific fare applicable to their intended travel date.

How Does Aircoach Compare to Other Options?

Travellers between Cork and Dublin have several transport options available, each with distinct characteristics regarding price, journey time, and convenience. Comparing these alternatives helps passengers select the most suitable option for their specific circumstances.

Option Price Range Duration Daily Services Notes
Aircoach 704X €19-23 3-3.5 hours 27-36 Direct to airport, 24-hour coverage
Irish Rail Train €40-60 2.5-3 hours 10-15 City-to-city only, airport transfer required
Other Bus Services €20-30 3-4 hours Varies Comparable options available

The Aircoach 704X offers the advantage of direct airport service, eliminating the need for additional transfers when travelling to or from Dublin Airport. While trains provide a marginally faster journey between city centres, they require a separate connection to reach the airport terminals. Bus services generally offer similar pricing, though Aircoach maintains emphasis on express and airport-focused reliability.

A Day on the 704X: Service Frequency Across Hours

The 704X timetable can be understood by examining how service frequency varies throughout a typical 24-hour period, from the overnight departures through to the late evening.

  1. Early morning (01:00-05:00): Multiple overnight services depart Cork, arriving Dublin Airport between 04:05 and 05:05
  2. Morning peak (05:00-09:00): Hourly departures begin, suitable for mid-morning arrival in Dublin
  3. Midday (09:00-14:00): Regular hourly services continue throughout the afternoon
  4. Evening (14:00-19:00): Hourly departures maintain consistent coverage
  5. Late evening (19:00-23:00): Final daily services depart, with the last bus at 23:00 arriving at 02:30 the following day

Schedule Reliability and Information Accuracy

When planning travel on the 704X route, passengers benefit from understanding which information sources are confirmed and which may be subject to change.

Established Information Subject to Verification
Service operates 24 hours daily except Christmas Day Specific timing adjustments throughout the year
Journey duration typically 3-3.5 hours Real-time traffic-related delays
Basic fare range €19-23 for advance booking Exact fare for specific travel dates
Stops include Cork, Dublin City Centre, T2, T1 Any new intermediate stop additions
27-36 daily departures from Cork Peak period frequency variations
Timetable Validity

Published timetables indicate validity until at least December 2024, with some sources citing December 2026. However, schedules may be updated more frequently. Passengers should verify current timings before commencing travel.

The 704X Route in Context: Express Travel Between Cork and Dublin

The Cork to Dublin corridor represents one of the busiest transport routes in Ireland, connecting the country’s second-largest city with the capital and primary international airport. The 704X service was established to address demand for direct airport access, filling a gap that existed when rail services terminated at Dublin Heuston station rather than continuing to the airport terminals.

The M8 and N7 motorway corridor provides the infrastructure backbone for this express service, enabling efficient northbound travel while minimising journey time. The express model prioritises direct connections over intermediate stops, making the service particularly attractive to passengers whose primary objective is reaching their destination without delay.

Operating 24 hours daily ensures the 704X serves both ends of the travel spectrum: early morning flights requiring departure in the small hours, and late evening arrivals in Dublin that continue to Cork overnight. This continuous availability distinguishes the bus service from rail alternatives that typically concentrate departures during standard operating hours.

Sources and Additional Information

Information in this guide draws from multiple publicly accessible sources, including official operator timetables and third-party travel aggregators.

The Aircoach 704X express bus service operates from Cork (Alfred Street or Lower Glanmire Road near Leisureplex) to Dublin Airport (Terminals 1 and 2) and Dublin City Centre (Aston Quay or Bachelors Walk), with up to 36 daily services except Christmas Day.

Aircoach Official Timetables

The journey duration is typically 3 to 3.5 hours, covering about 140-141 miles (226-227 km), though it varies with traffic conditions on the route.

Rome2Rio Travel Database

Summary: Planning Your Aircoach Journey

The Aircoach 704X provides a reliable express service between Cork and Dublin, with up to 36 daily departures covering approximately 227 kilometres in 3 to 3.5 hours. Fares begin from approximately €19-23 when booked in advance, with the service operating 24 hours to accommodate flights at both ends of the journey. Direct access to Dublin Airport terminals 1 and 2 makes this option particularly convenient for air travellers. For those interested in comparing flight options between Dublin and other European destinations, multiple transport comparisons may prove useful.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the first Aircoach depart from Cork?

The earliest Aircoach departures from Cork occur between approximately 01:00 and 04:00, arriving at Dublin Airport Terminal 1 between 04:05 and 05:05. Regular hourly services begin from 05:00.

Does Aircoach run on Christmas Day?

No, the Aircoach 704X service does not operate on Christmas Day. All other days of the year include scheduled services, with varying frequencies depending on the day of the week.

How do I get from Dublin Airport to Cork by Aircoach?

For the return journey, departures from Dublin Airport Terminal 2 begin around 06:25. Passengers travel from T2 to T1, then continue to Dublin City Centre before proceeding to Cork, with arrivals ranging from approximately 10:00 through to 04:00 the following morning.

Can I change my Aircoach ticket after booking?

Aircoach offers a Flexibook option that provides flexibility for amendments to existing bookings. Passengers requiring the ability to change their travel date or time should select this option during the booking process on the official website.

Is the Aircoach cheaper than taking the train?

Aircoach fares typically start at €19-23 for advance booking, while train tickets generally range from €40-60. Buses therefore represent the more economical option, though trains offer a marginally faster city-to-city journey time of approximately 2.5-3 hours.

Where exactly can I board in Cork?

Passengers in Cork can board at Alfred Street or Lower Glanmire Road near Leisureplex. The official Aircoach website provides exact locations and maps for all stops along the route.

How often do Aircoaches run on weekdays versus weekends?

Monday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday typically offer more frequent departures than Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The official timetable provides day-specific schedules showing these variations in service frequency.


Arthur Edward Morgan Bennett

About the author

Arthur Edward Morgan Bennett

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