Getting Around, Cork Travel, Transport and Car Rental

(Cork, County Cork, Republic of Ireland)

Visitors to Cork city should have no problem getting around this compact and pedestrian-friendly city centre on foot. Almost all the city's attractions are located here, with the suburbs mostly residential. Local bus transport is efficient, and taxis are metered. Of note, taxis can often be hired for sightseeing trips out of town on a daily basis.

Hiring a car is a practical travel option and is best done at Cork Airport. For the nearby towns of Cobh and Midleton, a commuter train runs from Cork's Kent Station on the Lower Glanmire Road.

Cork Airport (ORK) / Arriving by Air

Address: Cork Airport, Farmer's Cross, Cork, Republic of Ireland
Tel: +353 021 431 3131
Cork Airport is the main arrivals hub for visitors to this city, being located roughly 5 km / 3 miles from the city centre and connected by the N27 road. Flights arrive from western Europe, the UK, Dublin and Belfast via Aer Lingus, Aer Arran and several popular budget carriers, such as BMI Baby and Ryanair.

Cork Airport (ORK) Guide

Car Rental

Car hire is best arranged at the airport with one of the nine companies who operate at this facility.

Self-drive is the sensible option for visitors wishing to venture outside the city, as bus services are selective and infrequent. Nearby Blarney, Cobh and Kinsale are all within easy driving distance.

Book your Cork Car Rental here.

Buses and Coaches

Bus transport runs to the city's Parnell Place terminal from Dublin, as well as other major Irish towns and cities, with local buses running across town north and south and to the outer suburbs.

Bus Eireann's services to West Cork and the smaller villages are restricted and may be unavailable.

Trains

Taking the train in Ireland is comparatively expensive and routes covered are not extensive.

Trains travel to Cork from Cobh, Dublin, Mallow and Tralee, amongst other destinations, although most onward travel is by bus or car. The local train service is managed by Irish Rail, with both intercity and commuter routes being available.

Taxis

Taxi services in Cork are readily available and include transportation from the airport and ferry port, as well as around the city.

All taxis are metered and fares are fixed rate. Visitors can hire a taxi for an entire day at an agreed price in order to visit attractions outside town.

Boats and Ferries

Cork's ferry port is a popular transport option for UK visitors and is located 19 km / 12 miles from downtown, on the harbour's southern reaches, at Ringaskiddy. Visitors from Wales can take a ferry from Swansea to Cork, with four services per week being available. This particular crossing takes around ten hours in total.