London to Dublin: Fly, Take the Rail and Ferry, or the Overnight Coach

There is no direct train from London to Dublin because of the Irish Sea, so the fastest option is a flight of about 1h25, running all day from the London airports on frequent low-cost services. The scenic overland route is rail plus ferry via Holyhead, about 8 to 9 hours door to door on a single SailRail through-fare, combining an Avanti West Coast train down the Welsh coast with the Irish Ferries crossing to Dublin Port. An overnight coach plus ferry is the cheapest, at around 11 to 12 hours. Here is how the options compare.

Crossing the Channel instead? Read our London to Paris Eurostar guide.

Fastest	Flight, about 1h25 in the air
No direct train	The Irish Sea means rail travel needs a ferry via Holyhead
Cheapest	Advance low-cost flight, or a coach plus ferry
Scenic	SailRail via the Welsh coast and Dublin Port

Mode	Operator	Duration	Approx fare	Overnight
Flight	Ryanair / Aer Lingus / British Airways Fastest by far and very frequent from the London airports. Low-cost fares are cheap booked ahead, but add two airport transfers and security.	about 1h25 plus airport time	from GBP 25 low-cost	No	Compare on Kiwi →
Train	SailRail via Holyhead (Avanti + Irish Ferries) The scenic overland route: an Avanti train to Holyhead down the Welsh coast, then the ferry to Dublin Port, all on one SailRail through-fare with no baggage limits.	about 8 to 9 hours	from GBP 53 SailRail	No	Check on 12Go →
Bus	National Express / Eurolines coach plus ferry Cheapest overland option, coach and ferry on one ticket, mostly overnight, saving a hotel night if you can sleep on board.	about 11 to 12 hours	from GBP 35 advance	Yes	Check on 12Go →

Fares are approximate and shown for comparison. Confirm live prices and times on 12Go before booking.

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Is there a direct train from London to Dublin?

No. The Irish Sea means there is no through train. The overland rail route is a SailRail ticket via Holyhead, combining an Avanti West Coast train with the Irish Ferries crossing to Dublin Port, about 8 to 9 hours in total.

How long does it take to get from London to Dublin?

A flight is about 1h25 in the air and runs all day. The scenic SailRail route via Holyhead takes about 8 to 9 hours door to door, and an overnight coach plus ferry takes around 11 to 12 hours.

What is the cheapest way from London to Dublin?

A low-cost flight booked ahead is often the cheapest and fastest, from about GBP 25. Overland, a coach plus ferry from about GBP 35 is the budget option, with SailRail a comfortable middle ground from about GBP 53.

Can you take a train and ferry from London to Dublin?

Yes. A SailRail through-fare covers an Avanti West Coast train from London Euston to Holyhead down the Welsh coast, then the ferry to Dublin Port, all on one ticket with no strict baggage limits.

What is the best way to get from London to Dublin?

For speed, fly: about 1h25 with frequent all-day departures. For scenery and no airport hassle, the SailRail route via Holyhead is a relaxed 8 to 9 hours. The overnight coach plus ferry is the cheapest overland choice.

Hotel options and prices come from Agoda and update at booking time; sample data shown if live pricing is unavailable. Transport fares are estimates, confirmed on 12Go.