- Must visit
Galway City Museum
City museum covering Galway's archaeology, maritime heritage and social history, with changing exhibitions near the Spanish Arch.
.png){kind=small}
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest coaches from Carlow to Galway
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 17 Sept
Cheapest price on 17 Sept
£34
Average ticket price on 17 Sept
£37
Fastest journey on 17 Sept
4 h
Average journey duration on 17 Sept
4 h 13 m
Buses on 17 Sept
8
Distance
150 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Carlow to Galway is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Carlow to Galway will cost around £37 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £34.
Fast coaches
To travel from Carlow to Galway you need to make at least one change.
3:255h50Carlow Bus Station9:15Galway£341One-way1 change- 5:504h25Carlow Bus Station10:15Galway£341One-way1 change
- 6:254h50Carlow Bus Station11:15Galway£341One-way1 change
- 9:454h00Carlow Bus Station13:45Galway£341One-way1 change
- 11:004h15Carlow Bus Station15:15Galway£341One-way1 change
.png)
8:154h00Carlow Bus Station12:15Galway£401One-way1 change- 9:454h00Carlow Bus Station13:45Galway£341One-way1 change
- 11:004h15Carlow Bus Station15:15Galway£341One-way1 change
- 5:504h25Carlow Bus Station10:15Galway£341One-way1 change
- 10:184h27Carlow Bus Station14:45Galway£401One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Carlow to Galway
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Carlow to Galway among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £26 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 5h 56m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £26, while a coach costs an average of £37.
Distance: 150 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Coach | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£37 Average Price | £26 Average Price Cheapest | £31 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 25m Average total duration 5h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 56m Average total duration Fastest 5h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 35m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Carlow to Galway is a train with an average price of £26.
This is compared to other travel options from Carlow to Galway:
A train is £11 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Carlow to Galway costing on average £37.
The fastest way to travel from Carlow to Galway is by train with an average journey time of 5h 26m.
Other travel options to Galway take longer:
Coach takes on average 5h 55m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Carlow and Galway including taking a train and coach.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around £37 compared to roughly £31 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-5.68. The journey takes 5h 55m versus 2h 35m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
Live departures
Carlow to Galway bus times
The table below shows live departures for Carlow to Galway coaches for tomorrow, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3:25 Carlow Bus Station | 5h50 | 9:15 Galway | 1 change | |
| 5:50 Carlow Bus Station | 4h25 | 10:15 Galway | 1 change | |
| 6:25 Carlow Bus Station | 4h50 | 11:15 Galway | 1 change | |
| 8:00 Carlow Bus Station | 4h45 | 12:45 Galway | 2 changes | |
| 8:15 Carlow Bus Station | 4h00 | 12:15 Galway | 1 change | |
| 9:45 Carlow Bus Station | 4h00 | 13:45 Galway | 1 change | |
| 10:18 Carlow Bus Station | 4h27 | 14:45 Galway | 1 change | |
| 11:00 Carlow Bus Station | 4h15 | 15:15 Galway | 1 change | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Carlow to Galway by train or coach
Compare train and coach prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Thu
17 Sept
17 Sept
Fri
18 Sept
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
23 Sept
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Carlow to Galway
IrelandIreland
Buses from Carlow to Galway run on average 16 times per day, taking around 5h 55m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £28 but you can travel from only £22 by train.
The earliest coach runs at 07:05, the last at 14:10. The fastest coach covers the 150 km distance in 3h 55m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £22
Distance 150 km |
Average bus duration 5h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price £28 |
Buses per day 16 |
Fastest bus 3h 55m |
First bus 7:05 |
Last bus 14:10 |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Best time to book 1 day |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £22
Bus providers: Expressway (Bus Éireann), J.J.Kavanagh & Sons, Bus Éireann from Carlow to GalwayYou can travel by bus between Carlow to Galway with Expressway (Bus Éireann), J.J.Kavanagh & Sons, Bus Éireann for as low as £22. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Expressway (Bus Éireann)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Expressway (Bus Éireann) Duration
4h 0m
Cheapest Expressway (Bus Éireann) Price
£40
Expressway (Bus Éireann) frequency
5 a day
J.J.Kavanagh & Sons
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average J.J.Kavanagh & Sons Duration
4h 0m
Cheapest J.J.Kavanagh & Sons Price
£34
J.J.Kavanagh & Sons frequency
10 a day
Bus Éireann
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Bus Éireann Duration
3h 55m
Cheapest Bus Éireann Price
£28
Bus Éireann frequency
2 a day
Complete guide to Galway
Things to do in Galway
Discover the best of Galway — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Galway trip today.
- Recommended
126 Artist-Run Gallery and Studios
Contemporary art gallery presenting Irish and international exhibitions, artist talks and cultural events in the city centre.
- Recommended
Galway Arts Centre
Long-running city-centre gallery showing contemporary visual art in an intimate space with a varied annual programme.
- Must visit
Shop Street
Bustling pedestrian street in the Latin Quarter known for colourful shopfronts, buskers and a lively historic atmosphere.
- Must visit
Latin Quarter
Historic quarter of narrow lanes, pubs, shops and old buildings, ideal for wandering and soaking up Galway's character.
- Must visit
Salthill Promenade
Seaside promenade stretching from the city towards Blackrock, popular for walks, bay views and a classic Galway outing.
Seafood Chowder
A creamy chowder of Atlantic fish and shellfish, often served with brown bread. It reflects Galway’s strong fishing tradition and coastal produce.
- Gluten-free
Galway Bay Oysters
Fresh oysters from nearby Galway Bay, prized for their clean briny flavour and long local shellfish heritage.
- Gluten-free
West Coast Mussels
Mussels grown in the waters of Killary or Galway Bay, usually steamed with garlic, cream or white wine. A staple of the west coast seafood scene.
Aniar
Stylish fine dining room focused on seasonal Irish ingredients and carefully prepared tasting-style dishes.
Kirwan's Lane
Long-running city centre restaurant serving Irish and European dishes with a polished but relaxed dining room.
The Quay Street Kitchen
Bustling Latin Quarter venue known for local seafood, oysters and classic Irish cooking in an informal atmosphere.
Euro (€)
Moderate by Irish standards. Rooms and dining cost more than many EU cities, but buses and casual meals are manageable for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €70+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €3-4.50 for cappuccino or latte.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included only sometimes. In restaurants, 10% for good service is enough. Round up taxi fares. Cafés and pubs do not require tips, but small change is appreciated.
FAQs: Carlow to Galway coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Carlow to Galway by coach. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Galway, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Carlow to Galway can start from as little as £28 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Carlow to Galway is £37; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by coach from Carlow to Galway is 3h 55m to travel the 150 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest coach from Carlow to Galway leaves at 7:05. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Carlow to Galway leaves at 14:10.
There are 16 coaches a day from Carlow to Galway which require at least one change with Expressway (Bus Éireann), J.J.Kavanagh & Sons, Bus Éireann. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Carlow to Galway, you can count on Expressway (Bus Éireann), J.J.Kavanagh & Sons, Bus Éireann for the best way to get you to Galway. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Carlow and Galway and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Galway from Carlow is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 55m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Carlow and Galway including taking a train and coach.
No, the coach from Carlow to Galway has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the coach from Carlow to Galway.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the coach from Carlow to Galway.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the coach from Carlow to Galway.
No, luggage for the coach from Carlow to Galway needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the coach from Carlow to Galway.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Carlow to Galway.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the coach from Carlow to Galway.
No, there is no WiFi on board the coach from Carlow to Galway.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Carlow and Galway
Most Carlow to Galway buses use the Carlow, Kilkenny Road (Vocational School) to Galway, GMIT (Old Dublin Rd) station pair, with some services arriving at Galway, Bus Station. Use this guide to compare Carlow and Galway bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Carlow
Arrival bus stations in Galway
Which Carlow station do buses to Galway leave from?
Buses from Carlow to Galway leave from Carlow, Kilkenny Road (Vocational School). The station is 1 km from Carlow city centre at Kilkenny Rd, Carlow, Ireland.
Carlow, Kilkenny Road (Vocational School)Kilkenny Rd, Carlow, Ireland
City-centre transport
Getting to Carlow, Kilkenny Road (Vocational School) from Carlow city centre
Carlow, Kilkenny Road (Vocational School) is 1 km from Carlow city centre. Public transport options include:
BusCw1 · 8m · £4 · every ~4 min
822 · 14m · £4
800, 887 · 18m · £2
Carlow, Kilkenny Road (Vocational School) bus station facilities and services
Carlow, Kilkenny Road (Vocational School) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Carlow, Kilkenny Road (Vocational School). ATMs are available at Carlow, Kilkenny Road (Vocational School).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Carlow, Kilkenny Road (Vocational School).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Carlow, Kilkenny Road (Vocational School): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Carlow, Kilkenny Road (Vocational School): Accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
Karlou, Carlow Barrack St(Карлоу, Carlow Barrack St)Barrack St, Carlow, Ireland
City-centre transport
Getting to Karlou, Carlow Barrack St(Карлоу, Carlow Barrack St) from Carlow city centre
Bus800, 887 · 8m · £2
Karlou, Carlow Barrack St(Карлоу, Carlow Barrack St) bus station facilities and services
Karlou, Carlow Barrack St(Карлоу, Carlow Barrack St) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Karlou, Carlow Barrack St(Карлоу, Carlow Barrack St). ATMs are available at Karlou, Carlow Barrack St(Карлоу, Carlow Barrack St).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Karlou, Carlow Barrack St(Карлоу, Carlow Barrack St).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Karlou, Carlow Barrack St(Карлоу, Carlow Barrack St): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Karlou, Carlow Barrack St(Карлоу, Carlow Barrack St): The station is accessible for wheelchair users.
Galway, GMIT (Old Dublin Rd)
City-centre transport
Getting to Galway, GMIT (Old Dublin Rd) from Galway city centre
Bus404, 409 · 10m · £4 · every ~14 min
251 · 11m · £8
409, 404, 402 · 13m · £3 · every ~18 min
Galway, Bus StationGalway Bus Station, Galway, Co. Galway, Ireland
City-centre transport
Getting to Galway, Bus Station from Galway city centre
Bus425 · 42m · £5
425 · 45m · £5
Galway, Bus Station bus station facilities and services
Galway, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Galway, Bus Station. ATMs are aTM available near the bus station entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Galway, Bus Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Galway, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Galway, Bus Station: Wheelchair accessible with ramps.
Most popular bus connections from Carlow
More options for your journey from Carlow to Galway
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Galway and Carlow
Most popular bus connections
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
