Dublin is wonderful for families — Viking museums, Phoenix Park, the seaside villages. The airport transfer just needs some planning, especially given Dublin's traffic.
Aircoach with kids
Aircoach fares start from 6 EUR one-way per adult booked online, children under 3 travel free, and Aircoach applies an automatic 10% discount when you book 2 adults and 2 children online together. Check aircoach.ie for the child fare on your date. The coaches are comfortable with luggage space underneath. For a family with older kids and a few suitcases, it works well.
With a baby or toddler in a stroller: it's doable but not relaxing. You need to fold the stroller, manage luggage, and keep the little one contained on a 30-40 minute ride. Some parents handle it fine; others find it stressful.
Taxi with kids
Dublin taxis are exempt from child seat requirements by law. This means drivers don't carry child seats and aren't required to. Some parents are okay with this for a short ride; others aren't.
The taxis (mostly saloons) fit 2 adults + 2 kids comfortably. With a third child, you need a people carrier taxi — ask the taxi marshal at the rank. The ride is metered under the NTA's regulated maximum fare, which also allows a charge for extra passengers; check the official fare estimator at transportforireland.ie for your route.
Private transfer with kids (recommended)
The best option for families with young children:
| Family setup | Vehicle | Child seats | Price to city |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 adults + 1 child | Sedan + child seat | 1 | 35-50 EUR |
| 2 adults + 2 children | Minivan + child seats | 2 | 55-75 EUR |
| 2 adults + 3+ children | People carrier | As needed | 65-85 EUR |
Fixed-price private transfer
DUB Dublin City Center
From€155for 2 passengers
4 passengers: €177 per vehicle, about €44 per person
- Fixed price, no meter
- Flight tracked
- 60 min free waiting
- Driver meets you at arrivals
- Free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup
Other destinations
Why it works for families:
- Child seats provided — specify infant, toddler, or booster when booking
- Minivan/people carrier — actual space for strollers, car seats, luggage, and children
- Fixed price — critical in Dublin, where a metered taxi keeps charging while it sits in rush-hour traffic
- Driver handles everything — meets you at arrivals, carries bags, gets you to the door
Dublin Airport tips for families
- Terminal 1 has a small play area for kids
- Terminal 2 is newer and more spacious — Aer Lingus flights
- Immigration queues can be long (especially for US arrivals) — bring snacks and entertainment for the kids
- Stroller collection varies — sometimes gate-side, sometimes at the belt. Check with your airline
The traffic warning
If your flight arrives during morning rush (7-9:30 AM) or evening rush (4-7 PM), the ride to the city could take 45-60 minutes. Tired, hungry children in slow traffic is nobody's idea of fun.
Options to avoid this:
- Take the Aircoach, which uses bus lanes in some sections
- Book accommodation near the airport for the first night
- Accept it and bring snacks, tablets, and patience
Where to stay with kids in Dublin
Your transfer destination affects the cost:
- Temple Bar / City Center — walkable but touristy and noisy at night. Transfer: from EUR 155
- Docklands — modern hotels, quieter, near the LUAS tram. Transfer: see the current price in our search
- Howth — beautiful seaside village, great for kids. Transfer: see the current price in our search
- Dun Laoghaire — another seaside option with pier walks. Transfer: see the current price in our search
Our advice
For families with young children: book a minivan transfer with child seats. Dublin traffic makes a metered taxi fare unpredictable, and the fixed price (from EUR 177 for a minivan) gives peace of mind. For families with older kids who don't need car seats, the Aircoach is a great budget option — comfortable, frequent, and 24/7.
When a private transfer from DUB is the right choice
- Travelling with small children: child seats are requested at booking for the exact ages, so you are not relying on a taxi that may have none.
- Strollers, cots and luggage: a minivan takes everything in one go, door to door, with no stairs or platform changes.
- Three or more people: a 4-seat car to Dublin City Center is from €177, about €44 per person, usually level with or below separate public-transport tickets once you count the walk, the wait and the last mile with bags.
DUB → Dublin City Center from €155Fixed price, flight tracked, free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup.
Fixed-price private transfer
DUB Dublin City Center
From€155for 2 passengers
4 passengers: €177 per vehicle, about €44 per person
- Fixed price, no meter
- Flight tracked
- 60 min free waiting
- Driver meets you at arrivals
- Free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup
Other destinations