Bristol is located in South West England and is the 6th largest city in England. It is one of the warmest and sunniest cities in the UK , which makes it a pleasure to explore the city any time of the year.
Dublin is the capital of Ireland and also the most important entry-point for the foreign visitors. It is known for nightlife and sights. Being easy to get to and well connected to the rest of Europe , Dublin is a pleasure to visit.
Quick summary
The cheapest option for traveling between Bristol and Dublin is the bus. The fare includes the ferry crossing but you need to change buses one time along the way. The fast option is the flight but you have to be careful when you make the reservation and consider the additional fees.
Flights from Bristol (airport code: BRS) to Dublin
Bristol Airport (BRS) is the ninth busiest airport in the UK and is not hub for any airline. It handles domestic flights, as well as flights to other European cities and Africa.
Dublin Airport (DUB) is the busiest airport in Ireland . It is located about 10 km from the city center, to which is connected by buses. The airport is hub for Aer Lingus, Air Contractors, CityJet, Orbest Orizonia Airlines , Ryanair and Thomson Airways. It handles domestic flights, flights to other European cities, Middle East and North America.
Flights between Bristol and Dublin are operated by Aer Lingus and Ryanair. The flight time is an hour. In mid-May 2012, expect to pay from £20 one way on Ryanair. Slightly higher fares – from £36 one way – are available in mid-July 2012.
Do remember that when you book a ticket via low-cost carries, you’ll also pay booking fees. And pay attention to the carry on size because if it doesn’t fit the measurement cage at the airport, you’ll be forced to pay the checked baggage fee. Also, good fares can be found if you book 4 to 8 weeks in advance.
>>read more about Flights to Dublin Airport
Trains and ferry from Bristol to Dublin
It is possible to travel overland between Bristol and Dublin. National Rail offers an easy option for this route:
- Bristol Parkway to Parkway by train
- Parkway to Holyhead by train
- Holyhead to Dublin Port – Stena by ferry
- Dublin Port – Stena to Dublin Connolly by train
The total travel time is 11 h 18 and the train leaves Bristol daily at 7:07 p.m. The single fare – for the route, excluding ferry and train in Ireland – is £35.00. The ferry route is operated by Stena Line and a single fare is £28.00.
Buses and ferry from Bristol to Dublin
Another overland option is to travel by bus between Bristol and Dublin. This also includes the ferry crossing, but you won’t need to get off the bus and the fare includes the ferry ticket, too.
National Express offers two departures per day from Bristol: 5:10 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. The first one requires a change in Birmingham , while the second require a change in Rosslare, Ireland. The single fare is £48 for either departure. The travel time is 11 h.
Driving from Bristol to Dublin
You can rent a car in Bristol and drive to Dublin. But do remember that you’ll be crossing a border and need to use a ferry, too.
The ferry crossing is via the Holyhead – Dublin route. Ideally, you should spend about 7 hours traveling (including the ferry crossing) but you need to time your arrival at the port with the next ferry departure. The shortest route is via A5.
The ferries are operated by Stena Line and the fares for an adult and a compact car start at £129.00, one way.