- Adult public transport fares increase average 15pc from January 2027
- 90-minute Leap Card journey rises from €2 to €2.30
- Changes apply across all PSO services including Dublin Bus, Irish Rail, Luas
- Child fares reduced in regional areas; under-9s and over-65s free travel maintained
- Fare revenue covers 38pc of operating costs; State provides €940m PSO funding
The National Transport Authority has announced adult fares for public transport will increase by an average of 15pc from January 2027 under new fare structures. The revised fare structure represents the first broad adjustment since 2018, with a 90-minute Leap Card journey increasing from €2 to €2.30.
The revised fares apply across all Public Service Obligation services operated under the Transport for Ireland network, including Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann, Irish Rail, Luas, Go-Ahead Ireland and TFI Local Link services. The changes apply to cash fares, Leap Card fares and time-based products such as weekly and monthly passes. Many child fares in regional cities and towns will be reduced, while free travel for all children up to their 9th birthday and free travel for all people aged 66 and over will be maintained.
Fare revenue currently covers approximately 38pc of operating costs, at the lower end of the European average. Nearly all remaining costs are covered by the State, with Government providing a record €940m in PSO funding in 2026. Even with these changes, the NTA claims single-trip fares in Dublin compare favourably with cities including Berlin, Brussels, London and Vienna.
Anne Shaw shared: “This is the first general increase in PSO fares in eight years and is an important step in supporting continued investment in expanded services, increased capacity and enhanced connectivity across the country. At the same time, almost 1.5m people will continue to benefit from free travel or fare concessions, including children under nine, people aged 66 and over, and those eligible under the Free Travel Scheme.”
Aidan Farrelly shared: “The NTA’s decision to hike fares by an average of 15pc is a retrograde step that will further discourage commuters from using public transport. It will see Transport for Ireland’s 90-minute fare for Dublin commuter services rise from €2 to €2.30, with similar price increases across the country’s bus and rail network.”
