University College Cork is situated in beautiful Cork city in Ireland's South. Getting to Cork city from your home country may involve several modes of transport and you may transfer through Dublin airport, which is in the capital city. To help you make as smooth a journey as possible we have provided some basic information about airports, buses and train services here in Ireland, as well as local transport options to help with planning for your commute to our campus.
There are three principal international airports in Ireland: Cork, Dublin, and Shannon. The majority of international flights will arrive into Dublin airport and the easiest way of travelling to Cork is directly from Dublin airport to Cork city by bus.
Cork Airport
Cork airport is located 6 km from the city centre and 7.5km from University College Cork. A taxi journey, with little traffic, takes approximately 20 minutes and costs up to €25 with taxi companies such as Uber and Freenow. Everything you need to know about Cork airport, including transport connections, is available on the Cork Airport website. There is also a regular bus service from the airport to the city centre.
Dublin and Shannon Airports
You may be flying into Dublin airport or Shannon airport, or via Amsterdam, Paris or London, which have frequent direct connections with Cork. Whichever way you arrive, there are a number of possibilities for getting to Cork. There are frequent connections by train or bus, which are detailed on the airport websites.
Kent Station
Kent Train Station is the main station in Cork city and Irish rail is the service provider for booking your travel tickets.
To get the train from Dublin to Cork you need to go to Heuston Station, Dublin.
Trains to Cork leave every hour, and details of schedules and fares are available on the website. It may be considerably cheaper to book train tickets online rather than at the ticket office in the train station. The journey to Cork will take approximately 3 hours.
Kent Station also serves as the main terminal for local commuter rail services, offering regular connections to nearby towns such as
Cobh, Midleton, and Mallow. Details of all train connections in and out of Cork Kent train station are available
here.
Once you are a registered UCC student you will be able to apply to get a student Leapcard which will offer a significant reduction in travel costs on buses and trains both around Cork and the rest of the country.
You can also transfer at Mallow to the Killarney/Tralee line, and at Limerick Junction to the Limerick and Waterford lines.
Transport for Ireland provides an
online journey planner to help you find the fastest routes and most suitable modes of transport for travel anywhere in the country. To support this, we have included an overview below of the main bus and train services available for getting to and around Cork city.
Once you are a registered UCC student you will be able to apply to get a student Leapcard which will offer a significant reduction in travel costs on buses and trains both around Cork and the rest of the country.
Intercity Buses
There are several intercity bus companies operating routes to Cork. Bus Eireann is the national bus company. Aircoach is a privately owned company, as is Citylink, both of which operate a direct service from Dublin airport to Cork city centre. The journey from Dublin airport to Cork city will take approximately 3 and half hours. Regular bus services connect Shannon airport to Limerick, from where you may take a bus or a train to Cork: the journey takes less than two hours. For up to date information about connections from Irish airports to Irish cities log on to the relevant websites.
Cork City Buses
Bus Eireann operate the bus services in Cork city. The number 205 departs from Cork Kent train station, and connects to UCC via the city centre’s St. Patrick's Street, not far from Parnell Bus Station, the main bus station in the city. The number 208 departs from St Patrick’s Street and stops at UCC as well as several of the Campus Accommodation residences. Timetables and fare details are available at this link.
Cars
We generally recommend that students avoid bringing a car to Cork, as the costs associated with owning and maintaining a vehicle—such as insurance, parking, and fuel—can be quite high. Fortunately, there are convenient alternatives available. Services like GoCar and other short-term car rental options provide flexible and affordable access to a vehicle for occasional trips, making it easy to get around without the financial burden of car ownership.
Taxis
Cork has a reliable taxi network, with services readily available throughout the city via apps such as Free Now and Uber, or by phone and street hailing. Taxi fares are metered, with a typical journey within the city centre or nearby areas costing approximately €8–€15, depending on distance and time of day. Longer trips, like from the city centre to Cork Airport, generally cost in the region of €20–€30. Taxis provide a convenient and safe option, particularly during evenings or for travel to areas not directly served by public transport.
Photograph courtesy of Neelanchal Pasi
The Leap Card is a type of travel card that offers discounted rates to users on all forms of public transport. The easiest card to access is the Adult Leap Card, as it doesn't require you to make an account or submit a photo, and can be purchased at ticket machines in train stations, or newsagents across the country. However, Transport For Ireland also issue out various other types of cards with their own discounted rates. The most relevant cards to incoming students in UCC are the Young Adult and the Student cards.
The Young Adult Leap Card are for all transport users (including internationals) in Ireland between the ages 19-25. To apply for this card, you need to submit photo ID, a live selfie and to pay a €5 deposit. You will be charged another €5 for credit on your new card. You will also need an Irish home address to receive the card via post (roughly 5 working days).
The Student Leap Card are for all full students in Ireland under 19 and over 25 years old (Requirements for eligibility for the student leap card). To apply for this card, you will need to submit photo ID, a live selfie, your Letter of Acceptance and your Letter of Attendance. You will also be charged the €5 deposit and €5 minimum credit. You will receive a confirmation email up to 5 days after your application has been submitted and once received, you can collect your new card at the Student Union. Please bring your student ID card or photo ID to collect your Leap Card. You can check the status of your application on their Order Tracker.
Young Adult and Student Leap Cards both offer fares at half-price and are accepted on all public transport, as well as some private transport, such as Aercoach and Citylink.
You will need to be in the country to apply for a Young Adult or Student Leap Card as the application site is geographically locked to Ireland.
Walking
A 30‑minute walk from UCC covers much of Cork city’s central and surrounding student areas. Within this distance, students can easily reach Cork city centre, as well as popular neighbourhoods such as Bishopstown, Glasheen, and parts of Blackrock.
Key amenities within this walking radius include supermarkets, cafés, restaurants, libraries, gyms, and entertainment venues. Kent Train Station and Parnell Place Bus Terminal are also accessible within approximately 25–30 minutes on foot, though are also serviced by local bus routes. Stunning and serene green spaces such as Fitzgerald's park, The Lough, and Lee Fields are all within 10 minutes from UCC Main campus.
Overall, Cork is a compact and walkable city, making it easy for students living near UCC to access most daily necessities and social areas without needing a car.
Cycling
TFI bikes can be found in multiple locations across the city, making them a suitable and healthy alternative to commuting and travelling across the city. To find out where the bikes are located and how to get your TFI Bike card, check out Cork - TFI Bikes.
Whether using a TFI bike or your own private bike, you can find multiple cycle paths throughout the city. Be sure to wear a helmet whenever you cycle, and check out this RSA cycling guide and read over some of the laws related to cycling.
Popular Trips
Kinsale | Cobh | Fota | Blarney | Killarney | Dingle
Studying in UCC doesn't have to be just doing exams and continuous assessments. Many who attend UCC also go on official or private trips to surrounding popular destinations. Check out the list below for some of the many popular examples.
Kinsale
Kinsale is a charming seaside town located just 25 minutes from Cork city, making it a perfect destination for a day trip. Known for its colourful streets, historic harbour, and welcoming atmosphere, Kinsale offers a unique mix of culture, history, and coastal scenery. Students can explore attractions such as Charles Fort, enjoy waterfront walks, or experience some of Ireland’s finest cafés and restaurants—the town is often referred to as the country’s “gourmet capital.” With regular bus connections from Cork, Kinsale is an easy and popular choice for students looking to discover more of the region.
Cobh
Cobh is a picturesque seaside town just 25 minutes from Cork city by train, making it an easy and popular day trip for students. Famous for its colourful houses overlooking the harbour, Cobh is steeped in maritime history and was the final departure point of the Titanic. Visitors can explore the Titanic Experience, stroll along the waterfront, or visit the striking St. Colman’s Cathedral for panoramic views. With its relaxed atmosphere and scenic setting, Cobh offers a perfect mix of history and coastal charm.
Fota
Fota Island, located a short train journey from Cork city, is best known for Fota Wildlife Park—one of Ireland’s top attractions. Set within beautiful parkland, the wildlife park offers a unique experience where many animals roam freely in large, natural habitats. The island also features peaceful walking and cycling paths, as well as Fota House and Gardens, a restored historic estate. It’s an ideal destination for students looking to enjoy nature, outdoor activities, and a relaxing break from city life.
Blarney
Blarney is a popular destination located just 20 minutes from Cork city and is best known for the iconic Blarney Castle and its famous Blarney Stone. Visitors can explore the castle grounds, stroll through beautifully landscaped gardens, and enjoy woodland walks along the nearby river. The village itself offers a selection of cafés, shops, and traditional Irish charm, making it an ideal short trip for students looking to experience a mix of history and nature close to Cork.
Killarney
Killarney, located approximately 1 hour 30 minutes from Cork by train or bus, is one of Ireland’s most popular tourist destinations, renowned for its stunning natural beauty. Situated on the edge of Killarney National Park, the town provides access to scenic lakes, mountains, and walking and cycling trails. Students can visit attractions such as Muckross House and Gardens or explore parts of the famous Ring of Kerry. Killarney is perfect for a weekend trip filled with outdoor activities and breathtaking landscapes.
Dingle
Dingle, located on the scenic Dingle Peninsula around 2.5–3 hours from Cork, is a vibrant coastal town known for its dramatic views, traditional Irish culture, and lively atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy rugged beaches, coastal drives such as Slea Head, and opportunities for hiking and water activities. The town is also well known for its music, friendly locals, and authentic Irish pubs. Dingle is an excellent choice for students seeking a memorable trip to experience Ireland’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Updated
24 September 2026
