Cork City County Cork, Ireland Travel Guide
Bus Éireann is the national bus service and the main provider of public transport within Cork City. Bus Éireann operates an extensive network of city bus routes, typically numbered from 201 upwards (e.g., 201, 202, 205, 208, 214, 216, 226).
These routes serve the city center, various suburbs, and provide direct connections to Cork Airport.
This reusable smart card delivers cheaper fares compared to paying with cash. You tap on and off, and it automatically calculates the correct fare. It applies daily and weekly fare caps.
If paying with cash on the bus, you must have the exact change. Bus drivers cannot provide change.
Most modern Bus Éireann buses are low-floor and designed to be wheelchair accessible. They are equipped with ramps and designated spaces for wheelchairs.
Licensed taxis in Ireland are typically dark-colored vehicles. They display a roof sign (often yellow or white with "TAXI" on it) and have a yellow license plate or markings. Inside, a meter and driver's ID card are present.
You can hail a licensed taxi on the street, especially in busier areas. Taxis are available at designated taxi ranks, found outside major transport hubs like Kent Station, Parnell Place Bus Station, and main shopping areas. You can also book by phone or app.
Taxi fares are metered. A short trip might cost €8-€15. Longer trips to suburbs or Cork Airport are approximately €15-€25. Most taxis accept cash; many accept credit/debit cards (confirm first).
Free Now (formerly MyTaxi) is the dominant ride-sharing app in Ireland. It allows you to book and pay for licensed taxis via the app. Uber also operates in Cork, connecting you with licensed taxis rather than private drivers.
For those who prefer independent travel or plan to explore beyond the city center, various rental options are available. This approach delivers flexibility for your itinerary.
Cork City center is largely pedestrian-friendly, specifically around St. Patrick's Street, Grand Parade, and the English Market.
Several local companies offer guided walking tours focusing on Cork's history, food, or literary connections. Many guidebooks also suggest self-guided walking routes.
Cork's bicycle infrastructure is expanding, with more dedicated cycle lanes being introduced. Traffic can be heavy in some areas.
Cork City delivers a few specialized transportation experiences that contribute to its unique charm. These are mainly for leisure or specific purposes.
Cork City center is largely pedestrian-friendly, especially around St. Patrick's Street and Grand Parade.
The River Lee walkways have pleasant strolls. Fitzgerald Park is a large urban park with good walking paths.
Several local companies offer guided walking tours focusing on Cork's history, food, or literary connections.
These tours deliver valuable insights from knowledgeable local guides.
The Cork City Bikes scheme delivers easy access to bicycles for short trips around the city.
It is an ideal option for exploring the city at a leisurely pace.
Plan your bus journeys using the TFI Go app for real-time updates.
