If you’re heading from Carrigtwohill into Cork City, the bus is the most straightforward option — but the timetables and route numbers can trip you up if you’re not sure which one to pick. This guide breaks down the main services, stops, fares, and tips so you can plan your journey without guesswork.

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Distance: 16 km (10 miles) ·
Average journey time: 16 min ·
Frequency: Hourly (daily) ·
Operator: Bus Éireann ·
Typical fare: €5 one-way

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • Check the latest PDF on buseireann.ie before your trip
  • Consider a Leap Card for up to 30% savings
  • Use the TFI Live App for real-time departures

Seven key facts define the Carrigtwohill-to-Cork bus service, covering operator, route, duration, frequency, fare, and specific stop IDs.

Label Value
Operator Bus Éireann
Main Route 261 (Cork-Ballinacurra via Midleton)
Journey Duration 16 min
Frequency Every 60 minutes
Fare (single) €5 (Leap Card ~€3.50)
Carrigtwohill Stop Church Lane (stop ID 8380B244791)
Cork Stop Cork Bus Station (Parnell Place)

What is the 261 bus timetable from Carrigtwohill to Cork?

Where to find the official timetable

PDF download options

  • The current PDF timetable (valid from 2024-06-30) is available from Bus Éireann’s content server (Bus Éireann official timetable PDF).
  • A newer version is scheduled for 2025-11-23 (Bus Éireann / TFI PDF timetable).

Morning and evening schedules

The implication: schedules are regular but not identical across all data sources. Checking two sources — the official PDF and bustimes.org — is the safest pre-travel step.

The upshot

Bus Éireann publishes paper timetables that can lag behind seasonal changes. For Carrigtwohill commuters, the TFI Live App is the most reliable real-time check because it pulls directly from operator GPS.

What are the alternative bus routes from Carrigtwohill to Cork?

Route 261 vs Route 260

  • Route 261 is the primary daily service; it stops at Church Lane and terminates at Cork Bus Station (Bus Éireann route page).
  • Route 260 also serves the same stop but may operate limited stops — consult the current timetable (Bustimes.org, community bus schedule site).
  • Route 211 travels east (to Cobh/Little Island) and does not go directly to Cork City centre.

Route 211 via Midleton

  • Route 211 serves Carrigtwohill but heads east; it is not a viable Cork City option.
  • Midleton-bound travellers can use routes 260 or 261, then transfer at Midleton for Cork if needed.

Local link services

  • Routes 240/241 also call at Church Lane, per bustimes.org, but their primary direction is east.

The pattern: only route 261 delivers a direct, hourly link from Carrigtwohill to Cork. Route 260 is a backup but with less predictable coverage.

Three transport options, one clear winner for direct service: route 261. Here is how the main choices compare.

Feature Route 261 Route 260 Train (Cork-Midleton line)
Operator Bus Éireann Bus Éireann Irish Rail
Frequency Hourly Limited (check timetable) Every 30–60 min (peak)
Journey time (Carrigtwohill→Cork) ~16 min ~22 min (estimated) ~10 min
Fare (single) €5 (Leap ~€3.50) €5 (Leap ~€3.50) €4–6
Direct? Yes Yes (limited) Yes (Carrigtwohill station)

Six route attributes, one standout: the 261 is the only bus with hourly, published, direct service — but the train is faster if the station is convenient for you.

Attribute Route 261 Route 260
Route number 261 260
Operator Bus Éireann Bus Éireann
Frequency (daily) Hourly Limited (not all days)
Full route length ~31 km (Bustime, live departure tracker) Unknown
Full route travel time ~78 min (Bustime, live departure tracker) Unknown
Carrigtwohill stop Church Lane (ID 8380B244791) Church Lane (same stop)
Terminus Cork Bus Station Cork Bus Station
Fare (single) €5 (Leap ~€3.50) €5 (Leap ~€3.50)
Leap Card accepted Yes Yes
Wheelchair accessible Yes (Bus Éireann standard) Likely yes
Bicycle allowed Space limited; check with driver Space limited; check with driver

How long does the bus journey from Carrigtwohill to Cork take?

Average travel time by route

Factors affecting journey time

  • Traffic on the N25 can add 5–10 minutes during weekday rush hours.
  • Bus reliability may vary; the TFI Live App provides real-time updates.

Real-time tracking

  • The Bus Éireann app and bustimes.org offer live bus positions.
  • Third-party accuracy is reportedly variable, so official apps are recommended.

The trade-off: the official estimate (16 min) is optimistic; add a buffer of 10 minutes if you have a tight connection in Cork.

How much does the bus cost from Carrigtwohill to Cork?

Standard fare vs Leap Card

Child and student discounts

  • Bus Éireann offers student fares with a valid Student Leap Card.
  • Children under 5 travel free; reduced fares for children 5–15 apply.

Where to buy tickets

  • Tickets can be purchased on board (exact change preferred) or via Leap Card.
  • Online ticket purchase is not available for point-to-point on this route; you must use Leap or cash.

The catch: the €5 figure is an estimate; fares can change. Check the official Bus Éireann fare finder before you travel to avoid surprises.

What to watch

Leap Card users save roughly €1.50 per trip — that’s €3 per round‑trip, or nearly €60 a month for a daily commuter. The card can be topped up online or at Payzone retailers.

Where is the bus stop in Carrigtwohill and where does it drop in Cork?

Carrigtwohill stops: Church Lane and others

  • The main stop is Church Lane, served by routes 261, 240, and 241 (Bustimes.org, community bus schedule site).
  • The stop ID 8380B244791 is clearly signposted on Church Lane near the junction with the N25.

Cork drop-off: Bus Station (Parnell Place)

  • Route 261 terminates at Cork Bus Station on Parnell Place (Bus Éireann route page).
  • The station is a 5-minute walk to Patrick Street and Merchants Quay.

Walking directions from bus station

  • Exit the station onto Parnell Place; turn left onto the Lower Glanmire Road.
  • For the city centre, continue straight to St Patrick’s Bridge (5 min).

Why this matters: knowing the exact drop-off point saves aimless walking. The bus station is the hub for onward connections to UCC, CUH, and the train station.

Step-by-step: Taking the bus from Carrigtwohill to Cork

  1. Check the latest timetable — download the PDF from Bus Éireann or use bustimes.org for real-time departures.
  2. Walk to the Church Lane stop (stop ID 8380B244791).
  3. Have exact fare (€5) or a Leap Card ready; no online ticket for this route.
  4. Board the bus — look for the route 261 sign (destination: Cork Bus Station).
  5. Alight at Cork Bus Station on Parnell Place — journey takes about 16–23 minutes.
  6. If using a return, note the last bus from Cork to Carrigtwohill (around 22:05–22:50 depending on day).

Confirmed facts

  • Bus 261 runs hourly daily from Carrigtwohill to Cork (Bus Éireann).
  • Journey time is approximately 16 minutes (Rome2Rio).
  • Stops at Church Lane, Carrigtwohill, and Cork Bus Station (Bustimes.org).

What’s unclear

  • Exact PDF timetable for the current month – may change seasonally.
  • Real-time bus tracking accuracy on third-party sites.
  • Whether the fare has changed from €5 – should be verified on the official site.

Expert perspectives

Bus Éireann route 261 serves the Cork to Ballinacurra via Midleton corridor and includes Carrigtwohill as an intermediate stop.

Bus Éireann official timetable page (Bus Éireann, Ireland’s national bus operator)

Bus Carrigtwohill to Cork from €5, 16 min journey.

Rome2Rio travel info (Rome2Rio, multi-mode travel aggregator)

The implication: for commuters in Carrigtwohill, the bus remains the most cost-effective link to Cork City, but the lack of a single, up-to-date timetable page means you’ll need to check multiple sources before you travel. Bookmark both the Bus Éireann route page and bustimes.org, and carry a Leap Card to cut your fare by a third.

Additional sources

rome2rio.com, assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com

For those relying on the Carrigtwohill to Cork bus, the 261 bus timetable offers a full breakdown of stops and departure times.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I bring a bicycle on the 261 bus?

Bicycle space is limited, and it depends on the driver’s discretion. Folding bikes are generally allowed, but standard bikes may be refused if the bus is busy. Consider the Carrigtwohill train station as a bicycle-friendly alternative.

Is the Carrigtwohill to Cork bus wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Bus Éireann buses are low-floor and wheelchair accessible. The Church Lane stop has a raised kerb for easier boarding. If you have specific access needs, contact Bus Éireann’s accessibility team in advance.

What is the last bus from Cork to Carrigtwohill?

The last bus from Cork Bus Station to Carrigtwohill typically departs around 22:50 on weekdays and 22:05 on weekends, according to Moovit. Check the current timetable for exact times.

How do I use a Leap Card on Bus Éireann?

Tap your Leap Card on the yellow reader inside the bus when boarding. The fare is automatically deducted at a discounted rate. No need to tell the driver your destination on route 261 — it’s a flat fare.

Does the bus run on Sundays and public holidays?

Yes, route 261 runs every day, including Sundays and public holidays. Frequency reduces slightly on Sundays, so check the specific PDF for the day you’re travelling.

Are there any student discounts for the 261 route?

Students with a valid Student Leap Card get the same 30% discount as adult Leap users. No additional student-specific fare is available for this route.

Where exactly is the Church Lane bus stop in Carrigtwohill?

The stop is on Church Lane (R626) near the junction with the N25. It’s a short walk from the village centre, just past the Church of the Immaculate Conception. The stop ID is 8380B244791.

Can I buy a ticket online for this route?

No, point-to-point tickets for route 261 are not sold online. You must purchase on board with cash or use a Leap Card. The Bus Éireann app does not sell single tickets for this route.