Public transport fares to rise by 15% from January 2027

Public transport fares across Ireland are set to increase from January 2027, with adult fares rising by an average of 15%.

The changes will apply across all PSO services on the Transport for Ireland network, including Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann, Irish Rail, Luas, Go-Ahead Ireland and TFI Local Link services.

In Dublin, the standard 90-minute Leap Card fare will increase from €2 to €2.30.

The 15% figure is an average increase, meaning individual fares will not all rise by exactly 15%. The changes will apply to cash fares, Leap Card fares and time-based tickets, including weekly and monthly products.

First major fare change since 2018

The increase represents the first broad adjustment to PSO fares since 2018.

The National Transport Authority says that, despite the increase, fares will remain around 8% lower than they were eight years ago.

The NTA also pointed to rising costs, saying inflation has increased by 20.8% since 2022, compared with the 15% average increase in adult fares.

Young people and free travel

The 50% Young Adult and Student Discount will remain in place following the changes.

Free travel for children up to their ninth birthday will also continue, along with free travel for people aged 66 and over and those eligible under the Free Travel Scheme.

While adult fares are increasing, many child fares will actually decrease, particularly in regional cities and towns.

The NTA says almost 1.5 million people will continue to benefit from free travel or other fare concessions.

Government funding

The NTA says fare revenue currently covers around 38% of public transport operating costs.

The Government provided a record €940 million in PSO funding in 2026 to help operate the public transport network.

From 2027 onwards, fares will be reviewed annually, meaning further changes could be considered in future years.