Cavan to Dublin Bus Timetable 2025: 109X & Other Routes
Few things are as straightforward — or as easy to get wrong — as catching the right bus from Cavan to Dublin. Whether you’re commuting, visiting family, or heading to the capital for the day, knowing which service runs when and where it stops can save you time and money. The Bus Éireann 109X runs hourly direct services between Cavan Bus Station and Dublin’s Busáras, with fares around €15–€16. Here’s what you need to know about timetables, prices, and travel pass options to plan your trip.
Earliest bus from Cavan: 00:30 ·
Latest bus from Cavan: 23:20 ·
Fastest journey time: 1 hour 51 minutes ·
Number of daily buses: 24 ·
Starting price: €15–€16 ·
Primary operators: Bus Éireann, Alibus
Quick snapshot
- Bus Éireann Route 109X runs directly between Cavan Bus Station and Dublin Busáras (Bus Éireann (Ireland’s public service bus operator))
- The official 109X timetable PDF is valid from 09.03.2025 (Bus Éireann official timetable (PDF))
- Whether the X30 bus is still in operation for Cavan–Dublin (Bustimes.org (crowdsourced timetable archive) shows no X30 listing)
- Exact Alibus ticket purchase method (onboard vs advance) not confirmed (Rome2Rio (travel booking aggregator) lists Alibus but no booking details)
- Whether the 109X timetable changes on public holidays (Bus Éireann route page doesn’t specify holiday schedule)
- Whether Alibus offers student or group discounts (Rome2Rio does not mention discounts)
- Whether the Free Travel Pass is accepted on all express services without restriction (Bus Éireann states acceptance but specifics unclear)
- First 109X weekday departure from Cavan: 06:15 (Moovit (transit trip planning app))
- Last 109X departure from Cavan: approx. 21:00 (Moovit)
- Reduced Sunday schedule with first departure at 05:54 (Moovit)
- Download the official 109X timetable PDF from Bus Éireann to plan your journey (Bus Éireann official timetable (PDF))
- Compare fares and book via Bus Éireann or Alibus (Rome2Rio)
- Check live departures on Bustimes.org or transit apps (Bustimes.org, Transit (real-time transit app))
Six key facts about the Cavan–Dublin bus service stand out:
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Cavan departure station | Farnham Street Bus Station |
| Dublin arrival station | Busáras (Central Bus Station) or O’Connell Street |
| First 109X departure from Cavan | 06:15 (weekdays) |
| Last 109X departure from Cavan | 21:00 (approx) |
| 109X operating days | Monday to Sunday (reduced Sunday service) |
| Official timetable source | Bus Éireann PDF (valid from 09.03.2025) |
How much is a bus from Cavan to Dublin?
Typical fare range on Bus Éireann routes
- Fares on Bus Éireann 109X start at €15–€16 (Rome2Rio)
- Free Travel Pass is accepted on all Bus Éireann services, reducing the cost to zero for eligible passengers (Bus Éireann route page)
Alibus fares and comparison
- Alibus advertises fares starting at €16, matching the lower end of Bus Éireann prices (Rome2Rio)
- Private operator, so Free Travel Pass is not accepted
At €15–€16, the Bus Éireann 109X is the cheapest option, and Alibus matches it closely. But for Free Travel Pass holders, the 109X is effectively free — a difference that adds up quickly for regular travellers.
Does the 109 go to Dublin?
Route 109 coverage: Dublin to Kells via Navan
- Bus Éireann Route 109 runs from Dublin to Kells via Navan; it does not reach Cavan (Bustimes.org confirms 109X serves Cavan, 109 terminates in Kells)
109 does not reach Cavan – use 109X instead
- For Cavan–Dublin travel, the correct service is Route 109X (Bus Éireann route page)
- 109X provides a direct hourly link between Cavan Bus Station and Dublin Busáras
The pattern: if you’re boarding in Cavan, look for the 109X sign — the 109 will take you only as far as Kells.
What bus goes to Cavan from Dublin?
Route 109X: Dublin to Cavan via Kells
- The primary direct service is Bus Éireann 109X with hourly departures from Dublin Busáras (Bus Éireann route page)
- Journey time approximately 1 hour 51 minutes to 2 hours depending on traffic (Rome2Rio)
Alternative services: Alibus and X30
- Alibus runs a private service with similar frequency and fare (€16) (Rome2Rio)
- The X30 route may have been discontinued; no current timetable found on Bus Éireann or Bustimes.org
Choosing the 109X means a direct, hourly service with Free Travel Pass acceptance. Private operators like Alibus offer flexibility but at a slightly higher effective cost for pass holders — and no pass acceptance.
Can I use my free travel pass on Bus Éireann?
Free travel pass acceptance on Bus Éireann
- Yes, the Free Travel Pass issued by the Department of Social Protection is accepted on all Bus Éireann PSO services, including the 109X (Bus Éireann route page)
Conditions and restrictions
- The pass is not valid on private operators like Alibus or Kavanagh Bus
- Bus Éireann recommends having the pass ready for inspection before boarding
The trade-off: Free Travel Pass holders get the best deal on the 109X, but lose that advantage if they switch to a private operator.
Does Kavanagh bus accept a free travel pass?
Kavanagh Bus free travel pass policy
- Kavanagh Bus is a private operator and generally does not accept the Free Travel Pass (based on available information; no official confirmation found)
- Check directly with Kavanagh Bus for the most current policy before travelling
What this means: if you rely on a Free Travel Pass, stick with Bus Éireann services.
Three operators serve the Cavan–Dublin corridor, each with different offerings:
| Feature | Bus Éireann 109X | Alibus | X30 (historical) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operator type | Public service (PSO), state-owned | Private operator | Was operated by Bus Éireann |
| Starting price | €15–€16 | €16 | Not available |
| Free Travel Pass accepted | Yes | No | Yes (when operational) |
| Journey time | ~1h 51min – 2h | ~1h 51min | ~2h |
| Frequency | Hourly | Up to 24 per day | Irregular (discontinued) |
Confirmed facts
- Bus Éireann operates Route 109X between Cavan and Dublin (Bus Éireann)
- Fares on Bus Éireann start around €15–€16 (Rome2Rio)
- Free Travel Pass is accepted on Bus Éireann services (Bus Éireann)
- Route 109 does not serve Cavan – it terminates in Kells (Bustimes.org)
- Official 109X timetable PDF is available from Bus Éireann (valid from 09.03.2025) (PDF)
What’s unclear
- Whether the X30 bus is still in operation (Bustimes.org – no listing)
- Exact free travel pass policy for Kavanagh Bus (no official source found) (Bus Éireann state pass accepted on PSO services)
- Whether Alibus tickets can be purchased onboard or require advance booking (Rome2Rio – no booking details)
- Whether the 109X timetable changes on public holidays (Bus Éireann route page)
- Whether Alibus offers student or group discounts (Rome2Rio – no mention)
What operators and users say
Bus Éireann Route 109X provides a direct hourly service between Cavan Bus Station and Dublin Busáras.
Bus Éireann
The 109X operates every day of the week, including Sundays, with reduced frequency on the weekend.
Moovit
109X departures from Cavan run throughout the day and late into the night, with the last departure around 23:20.
Bustimes.org
Choosing the right bus service ultimately comes down to your budget and whether you hold a Free Travel Pass. For most travellers, the Bus Éireann 109X offers the best combination of frequency, price, and pass acceptance. Private operators like Alibus provide an alternative with similar pricing but no public service discounts. For anyone traveling between Cavan and Dublin, the right choice depends on whether you hold a Free Travel Pass — public service or private operator makes all the difference.
Related reading: Bustimes.org 109X timetable · Bus Éireann Route 109X
For those exploring nearby routes, the Cavan to Ballyhaise bus service is a helpful local link for shorter commutes within County Cavan.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the 109X bus take from Cavan to Dublin?
The typical journey time is 1 hour 51 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic (Rome2Rio). The official Bus Éireann timetable lists 1 hour 51 minutes as the scheduled duration.
Where does the 109X bus stop in Cavan?
The 109X departs from Farnham Street Bus Station in Cavan town centre (Bus Éireann).
Can I bring a bicycle on the 109X bus?
Bus Éireann allows bicycles on its buses only if there is space in the luggage hold. They recommend checking with the driver before boarding. Folded bikes may be taken as hand luggage.
Is there WiFi on the Cavan to Dublin bus?
Bus Éireann offers free WiFi on many of its intercity services, including the 109X, subject to network availability.
How far in advance should I arrive at Cavan bus station?
Bus Éireann recommends arriving at least 5–10 minutes before departure. If you have luggage, allow extra time.
Do I need to print my bus ticket or is mobile accepted?
Bus Éireann accepts mobile tickets shown on your phone. Printed tickets are also accepted. Alibus may require advance booking online or via phone — check their website before travel.
What is the luggage allowance on Bus Éireann 109X?
There is no strict weight limit, but travellers are limited to one suitcase and one piece of hand luggage. Oversized items should be declared.
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