Southside hotels like Ballsbridge and Donnybrook sit right on 702’s path
Aircoach Route 702 runs between Dublin Airport and southside areas such as Ballsbridge, Donnybrook, and the UCD campus, so it cuts out a city-centre detour if you’re staying or working in those districts. Buses pick up at both T1 and T2, with clearly marked Aircoach stops outside Arrivals, so you don’t have to change terminals. This is a standard coach-style bus, not a city bus, so luggage goes underneath and seats are more spaced out.
The 702 operates 7 days a week, generally from early morning into late evening, with frequency varying from about every 30 minutes at busier times to longer gaps off‑peak. The route runs from the airport via key southside corridors rather than into the city centre first, which can save 20–30 minutes if your hotel is in Ballsbridge or Donnybrook. It also passes near University College Dublin (UCD), making it a direct option for business meetings on campus or in nearby office parks.
Tickets for Route 702 typically cost less than a taxi from DUB to the southside, often landing in the €10–€15 range per adult depending on how and when you book. You can buy on the Aircoach website or app in advance, or purchase from the driver with a bank card; cash is technically possible but card is standard. Kids’ fares come in lower, so a family of four can usually get from the airport to Ballsbridge for less than half of what a single taxi fare might be at busy times.
At T1, the Aircoach 702 stop sits directly outside the main Arrivals doors, slightly to the right when you exit; at T2, you walk about 3–4 minutes to the coach stands following the blue “Buses/Coaches” signs. The buses show “702” on the front display along with key stops such as Ballsbridge and UCD, so double‑check the number before boarding. Drivers are used to first‑timers and will usually confirm if the coach is heading to your area when you ask.
For late flights landing after 22:00, always check the exact last 702 departure from both T1 and T2 on the day you travel, as shoulder‑hour gaps can stretch and you might be looking at a 30–45 minute wait. If your meeting or check‑in time in Donnybrook or UCD is tight, build a 20‑minute buffer in case immigration or bags at DUB run slow; missing a 702 often means a noticeable wait for the next one.
Practical tip: Screenshot the 702 timetable and route map before you fly, then sit on the left side of the bus leaving the airport so you can easily spot hotel names and UCD stop markers as you approach Ballsbridge and Donnybrook.