FAQ - Iarnród Éireann

FAQ's

Travelling by Train

What areas of the country are served by Iarnród Éireann?: Iarnród Éireann has a nationwide rail network. The Intercity routes cover major cities and towns around... Read More
When should I travel?: For your own comfort it is best to avoid rush hour times approximately between: ..... Read More
How early should I arrive at the station?: Intercity passengers should arrive at the station 30 minutes prior to departure. If you are collecting a reservation... Read More
Where can I get Timetable Information?: Click below to access the online timetables or for printable timetable... Read More
Can I bring my bicycle onto the train?: For more information on bicycle carriage, please head over to our Bicycle Information Page... Read More
Can I bring my Guide / Assistance dog onto the train?: Yes... Read More
Will food be served on the train?: Food is only served on some of the Intercity Services. Be sure to check in advance of your departure... Read More
Can I smoke on the train?: NO. Smoking is prohibited on all trains, offices and enclosed station areas. Read More
Is there Wi-Fi technology onboard IÉ trains so I can access the internet?: Yes, please go to our Wi-Fi and Power section to view availability. Read More
Are there sockets onboard IÉ Intercity services?: Yes, please go to our Wi-Fi and Power section to view availability. Read More
Free Travel Pass: Everyone aged 66 and over living permanently in Ireland, is entitled to free travel under the Department... Read More
Can Dogs or Other Pets Travel on the Train?: Guide dogs and Assistance dogs are permitted to travel on all Iarnród Éireann Intercity, Commuter and DART Services without restriction. Read More

Purchasing Tickets

Where can I purchase a ticket?: You can now reserve seats on most Intercity trains: Online www.irishrail.ie Read More
What forms of payment does Iarnród Éireann accept?: Reservations made Online/Telesales - There is a €2 transaction fee on all online... Read More
Can I purchase tickets on the train?: Tickets can only be purchased on the train if the ticket office is closed and if the ticket vending... Read More
Can I buy tickets in advance?: You can now reserve seats on most Intercity trains (except Wexford/Rosslare routes): Online www.irishrail.ie... Read More
What types of tickets does Iarnród Éireann sell?: Iarnród Éireann sells a variety of tickets. Click here for a list of ticket types. Read More
How much do the tickets cost?: Main Intercity, DART & Commuter fares can be found on our fares enquiry page. For more fare enquiries, call 1850 366 222 between... Read More
Are there discounts for Students?: Yes. Only with a valid Student Travelcard at a cost of just €12 you will save up to €17.50 in one journey... Read More
What are the age requirements for Child Tickets?: Children aged five or more and under the age of sixteen years of age are entitled to purchase a child... Read More
Links to European railways and timetables: Please note that tickets for SailRail to the UK and European Rail travel can be purchased By calling... Read More
What happens if I don't purchase a ticket?: Iarnród Éireann operates a fixed penalty payment scheme on all our routes, (Intercity, Commuter and DART). You must Purchase... Read More

Reservations - Purchasing Online

How do I make a reservation?: You can now reserve seats on most Intercity trains... Read More
What type of tickets can I reserve?: Student/ Adult/ Child/ 16-25 Railcard and Reserve Seat tickets are available online subject to availability... Read More
How do I pay for my reservation?: Reservations made Online/Telesales... Read More
How do I change/cancel my reservation?: Changes/Cancellations can be made prior to your departure by contacting the Iarnród Éireann Travel... Read More
How far in advance can I make a reservation?: Single and/or return reservations can be made for travel up to 28 days in advance of the date of the return journey. This is to... Read More
I am having problems booking?: The internet browser you are using may not be supported by ... Read More
Can I reserve a seat facing the direction the train is travelling?: Seat facing reservations are available on all direct services operating on the Cork/Dublin route ... Read More
How do I change "My Account" details (i.e. address, email etc.): Click on "My Account"... Read More
How do I view my recent transactions?: Click on "My Account". Enter your "E-mail Address" and... Read More
What Browsers are currently supported by irishrail.ie?: All browsers are currently supported by irishrail.ie except ... Read More
How do I change my Password?: Go to the My Account section and login. There is an option here to change your password. Read More
If I purchase my ticket online or by phone, how do I get my ticket?: Tickets purchased online or over the phone can be collected using the following methods: By Post: If a booking is... Read More
Thinking of developing an app?: Information for Application Developers Read More

Refunds

What is the Customer Charter?: The Customer Charter is Iarnród Éireann's promised performance standards... Read More
My train was delayed. When am I entitled to a refund?: If your train was delayed due to circumstances within the control of Iarnród Éireann the following... Read More
Can I get an immediate refund?: If the train you planned to travel on is delayed or cancelled and you decide not to travel, we will give... Read More
Can I get a refund at a later date?: If you decide for some other reason not to use a ticket you have bought, you can apply for a refund... Read More
What if I didn’t buy my ticket from Iarnród Éireann but I want a refund?: If you did not buy your ticket from Iarnród Éireann, you should return it to the place where you bought... Read More
I did not get my reserved seat do I get a refund?: If we fail to honour your seat reservation, and no other seat of similar standard on the same service is available... Read More

Smart Card

What is a Smart Card?: This card is used to store travel credit that is deducted as you travel by rail within the Short Hop Zone... Read More
Where to buy a Smart Card: Smart Cards can be purchased at Ticket Vending Machines in stations within the Short Hop Zone or... Read More
Where does the Smart Card Work?: The Smart Card can be used for rail travel between stations within the 'Short Hop Zone'. This Zone includes... Read More
What is ePurse and how does it work?: ePurse works in a similar way to mobile phone credit. Every time you use the card to travel... Read More
What are the Fares, Smart Card Prices & how to get refunds: There is a €5 charge for the smart card. A summary of our fares can be found... Read More
Using a Vending Machine to Top-Up the ePurse: 1. Place the card in the slot provided. 2. Select the Top-Up Amount from... Read More
Top-Up ePurse Online: If you purchased your ticket from the Ticket Vending Machine, you must register the Smart Card... Read More
What is Tag-On and Tag-Off?: At the start of the journey, you need to 'Tag-On' using your smartcard at a gate or validation pole... Read More
Errors in reading a Smart Card: Gates and Poles may on occasion fail to identify the Tag-On / Tag-Off. It is up to the customer to ensure... Read More
How do I view my card balance?: At a Vending Machine - Put your card in the card 'pocket' and then follow the instructions on the ticket vending... Read More
Schoolchild or Scholar Smart Cards: Schoolchild or Scholar SmartCard Application Form, Please complete enclosed application... Read More

Contact Details

For InterCity travel reservations: You can now reserve seats on most Intercity trains: Online www.irishrail.ie... Read More
For Disabled Access Queries: Please contact your Local Station or call the Accessibility Officer at... Read More
Customer Service (Comments, Suggestions, Complaints):: If you have experienced a serious delay while travelling on our services and would like to make... Read More
Station Phone Numbers: For a full list of all our Station phone numbers and contact details... Read More
Taxsaver: Go to www.taxsaver.ie... Read More
Disability Act 2005: If you wish to register a complaint under the 2005 Disability Act please contact... Read More
Is there a lost property facility?: Yes, contact: Heuston Station email lostproperty@irishrail.ie or call... Read More
How can I advertise on Iarnród Éireann, 4/6/48 sheets & Commuter cards?: Bravo Outdoor Advertising Limited represents all forms of transit advertising on behalf of CIÉ ~ Iarnród Éireann... Read More
Procurement Issues?: Procurement and Materials Manager - Pat Mullan, Mechanical Spares and... Read More
Where can I find a list of current tenders?: Iarnród Éireann use two websites when seeking offers for tender:... Read More

About Us

In this section

FAQ's

Travelling by Train

Purchasing Tickets

Reservations - Purchasing Online

Refunds

Smart Card

Company Information

Contact Details