How to Get to Bray from Dublin: DART, Train, Bus & Car
Bray is one of the easiest escapes from Dublin, and getting there is refreshingly simple. The quickest and most popular option is the DART, which runs directly from Dublin city centre to Bray in around 35 to 45 minutes. You don’t need a car, the trains are frequent, and the coastal ride south is half the fun. Below you’ll find every way to make the trip by DART, train, bus and car, with journey times, costs and a few local tips to help you plan.
Getting to Bray from Dublin at a glance
There are four main ways to make the trip. Here’s how they compare:
DART (around 35 to 45 mins): the easiest and most scenic option, with no car needed.
Train, Irish Rail (around 40 to 50 mins): handy if you’re coming from further out on the rail network.
Bus (around 50 to 75 mins): good for budget trips and certain suburbs off the DART line.
Car (around 30 to 45 mins): best for groups, families, or onward trips into Wicklow.
Times are approximate and depend on the time of day and traffic. For the latest timetables and fares, check Transport for Ireland (TFI) and Irish Rail before you travel.
Getting to Bray by DART (the easy way)
The DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) is the go-to way to get to Bray, and for most people it’s a no-brainer. Bray is the southern end of the line, so you can simply hop on a southbound DART and stay on until the end. Trains depart from the main city-centre stations, Connolly, Tara Street and Pearse, and run frequently throughout the day, roughly every 10 to 20 minutes.
Journey time: around 35 to 45 minutes from the city centre to Bray (Daly) station.
Frequency: very regular, typically every 10 to 20 minutes during the day, with a reduced service late evening and on Sundays.
Where it drops you: Bray (Daly) station is right in the heart of town, just a few minutes’ walk from the seafront promenade.
The views: the route hugs the coast through Dún Laoghaire, Dalkey and Killiney, one of the most scenic suburban train rides in Europe. Sit on the left-hand side heading south for the best sea views.
Tip: a TFI Leap Card is the cheapest and easiest way to pay. Tap on and off and you’ll pay a few euro each way, less than a cash single. If you’re visiting for the day, check the time of the last DART back to Dublin before you settle in. It’s usually around 11:30pm on weeknights and earlier on Sundays, but always confirm the live timetable.
Getting to Bray by train
If you’re searching for the “Dublin to Bray train”, the DART is that train. It runs on the same coastal rail line and is operated by Irish Rail. There’s no separate express service you need to look for; the DART is both the fastest and the most frequent option.
That said, Bray is also a stop on the wider Irish Rail network, so if you’re travelling from further afield (or connecting from an intercity service), you can reach Bray by mainline train too. For city-centre trips, though, stick with the DART. It’s simpler, cheaper and more regular.
Getting to Bray by bus
Buses are a handy budget alternative, especially if you’re coming from a part of Dublin that isn’t near a DART station. The 145 is a key route linking the city centre and Bray, and other TFI services run to the area too. Expect the journey to take longer than the DART, roughly 50 to 75 minutes depending on traffic, and to be more affected by rush-hour congestion.
Because routes and timetables change, it’s worth checking the TFI Live app or the Transport for Ireland website for the current service and real-time departures before you head off.
Driving to Bray from Dublin
Driving is a good shout if you’re travelling as a group, have luggage, or plan to continue on into Wicklow afterwards. Bray sits just off the N11/M11, the main road south out of Dublin. From the city, join the M50 and take the M11/N11 southbound, then follow signs for Bray. The drive usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes, traffic depending.
Parking in Bray
Bray DART station car park: central and handy for the town and seafront.
Seafront parking: spaces along and near the promenade (a mix of free and paid; check signage).
Bray Head / Raheen Park: the closest parking if you’re heading straight for the cliff walk to Greystones.
How far is Bray from Dublin?
Bray is roughly 20 km (about 12 miles) south of Dublin city centre. It’s close enough for an easy half-day trip yet far enough to feel like a proper change of scene, with sea air, a mountain backdrop and a completely different pace from the city.
Getting to Bray from Dublin Airport
There’s no direct DART from Dublin Airport, but it’s still straightforward. You have a few options:
Coach plus DART: take an airport coach (such as Aircoach or the Dublin Express) or a bus into the city centre, then pick up a southbound DART to Bray.
Taxi: a direct taxi takes roughly 40 to 55 minutes depending on traffic, the quickest door-to-door option but the priciest.
Drive: if you’re hiring a car, follow the M50 southbound and join the M11/N11 towards Bray (about 35 to 45 minutes).
Airport coach routes change from time to time, so check current services and stops before you travel.
Arrived in Bray? Here’s what’s on your doorstep
One of the best things about arriving by DART is how walkable everything is. Step off at Bray (Daly) station and you’re only a few minutes from the seafront, with plenty of good spots to land into. If you’re after pizza and cocktails, Platform Pizza Bar is a local favourite. For a seafront base with everything from breakfast to gastropub classics, The Martello is hard to beat, and no trip to Bray is complete without a pint at The Harbour Bar, named one of the best-loved pubs in Ireland and the world by Lonely Planet. To round off the evening, Conlon’s Wine Bar on the seafront is a lovely spot for a glass of something with meats and cheeses.
For the full rundown of what to see and do once you’re here, have a read of our complete guide to things to do in Bray, Co. Wicklow, covering the famous cliff walk, the seafront promenade and plenty more.
Make a day or a weekend of it
Bray works brilliantly as a day trip, but it rewards a longer stay too. If you want to map out the perfect itinerary, our guide to the best day trip from Dublin to Bray walks you through how to spend it, hour by hour. And if one day isn’t enough, take a look at where to stay in Bray for seafront rooms and self-catering options right in the heart of town. You’ll find plenty more local guides on the Born in Bray blog.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Bray from Dublin?
The easiest way is the DART, which runs directly from Dublin city-centre stations (Connolly, Tara Street and Pearse) to Bray in around 35 to 45 minutes. You can also reach Bray by bus or by car via the N11/M11.
How long is the DART from Dublin to Bray?
The DART takes roughly 35 to 45 minutes from the city centre to Bray (Daly) station, with trains running frequently throughout the day.
How far is Bray from Dublin?
Bray is about 20 km (12 miles) south of Dublin city centre, making it one of the closest and easiest coastal escapes from the capital.
Is there a direct train from Dublin to Bray?
Yes. The DART runs directly to Bray and is the simplest, most frequent option. The “Dublin to Bray train” people search for is the DART itself, operated by Irish Rail.
Can you get to Bray without a car?
Absolutely. The DART makes Bray completely car-free friendly. The station is just a few minutes’ walk from the seafront, and everything in town is within easy walking distance.
What’s the last DART from Bray back to Dublin?
The last DART is usually around 11:30pm on weeknights and earlier on Sundays, but times vary, so always check the live timetable on the day you travel.
How much does the DART to Bray cost?
Fares are a few euro each way and are cheapest with a TFI Leap Card. Check the Transport for Ireland website for current fares.