London to Dublin train

Trains from London to Dublin

Taking the train from London to Dublin means travelling to Holyhead in North Wales and getting the ferry across the Irish Sea. There are regular departures throughout the day, from early in the morning until late at night. During these times, there are one to two departures per hour. The journey time to Holyhead can be from 3 hours 42 minutes to 8 hours 49 minutes. Journeys without any changes take less time than those involving multiple trains.

London to Dublin train times: Daily departures

There are around 20 trains from London to Dublin per day during the week, and slightly fewer at weekends. They start at around 8:00 a.m., with the last trains leaving at about 11:30 p.m. to travel overnight. Some departures are directly to Holyhead, where there's a ferry to Dublin, while others require one or two changes at Crewe and Chester.

How long is the journey by train from London to Dublin?

While it can take between 3 hours 42 minutes and 8 hours 49 minutes to get from London to Holyhead, the ferry crossing lasts for around two hours. Therefore, the total journey time from London to Dublin can take from around 6 to 11 hours.

What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from London to Dublin?

Departure train station: When travelling by train from London to Dublin, it's the most straightforward to depart from London Euston. Get there from across London using the Northern and Victoria underground lines. Facilities at London Euston include toilets, showers, water fountains, and free WiFi.

Arrival train station: Dublin Port, two miles from the city centre, can be reached via the number 53 bus route. The journey can take up to an hour, depending on where in Dublin the final destination is, with various stops around the city centre. At the port, there are facilities including a café, vending machines, and toilets.

Which train companies travel from London to Dublin?

Choosing which train from London to Dublin to take means picking between Avanti West Coast and Arriva Trains Wales, or a combination of the two companies. While Avanti West Coast operates some direct services to Holyhead, there are only around five of these daily. There's also the option to connect with an Arriva Trains Wales service in Chester, which will add a little extra time to the journey.

Avanti West Coast London to Dublin

Around five Avanti West Coast services depart from London each day for Holyhead, allowing easy travel onwards to Dublin by ferry. These services are the fastest and most convenient options for a train from London to Dublin.

Arriva Trains Wales London to Dublin

Some journeys by train from London to Dublin require a connection to an Arriva Trains Wales service in either Crewe or Chester. While this transfer means longer overall travel time, the route could be more convenient for some travellers.

London to Dublin trains: Services on board

Travellers can choose between a first- and second-class ticket on Avanti West Coast services between London and Dublin. There are dedicated luggage areas in each carriage. As the internal doors are relatively small, it's worth limiting luggage to 30 cm × 70 cm × 90 cm. More than one case per passenger is allowed, however.

Bringing up to two pets on board costs no extra, but any more than this will incur a small charge. If travelling with a bike, a space for it should be booked in advance. Also, travellers with special needs should get in touch with Avanti West Coast prior to travelling to Dublin.

Both first- and second-class options are available on Arriva Trains Wales services. The luggage allowance is two large suitcases no heavier than 32 kg each. There are luggage racks for big items near the doors, and smaller racks above passengers' heads.

Two dogs, cats, or small animals are permitted per person, but they must be kept on a lead or in a pet carrier at all times. passengers can make a free bike reservation at least 24 hours before travelling. Arriva Train Wales operates a Passenger Assist service for those with additional needs.

How to find cheap train tickets from London to Dublin

There are several ways to book a cheap train from London to Dublin. The first is to buy a ticket as far in advance as possible. Second, travellers should be flexible with their travel dates, as train tickets can be more expensive during times of high demand. Finally, opting for less popular services throughout the day can mean a bargain.