One of the most common questions we get is how to get from Galway to the Cliffs of Moher. There are tons of options varying from Public Transport, Day Tours, Express Services, Self-Drive and Private Tours so we’ve written this quick blog to help you make your travel plans.
Public Transport / Bus Eireann to the Cliffs
Ireland’s national public transport company (Bus Éireann) operates services from Galway City to Ennis which stops at the Cliffs of Moher en route. This is the “local bus” which stops 18 times along the way and takes about 2.5 hours each way. This does not include the entrance fee to the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center, but it does have the most flexible schedule.
This runs all year round, 7 days a week.
Check the live schedule online
Day Tour – Burren Day Tour
You can take a guided tour of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher which runs 7 days a week, all year round. This is by far the most popular choice and, in our opinion, the best value for money.
The 10:00 am tour stops at Dunguaire Castle, the Ailwee Caves, the Cliffs of Moher and Doolin and get you back to Galway approx 17:30. There are extra photo-stops peppered in which depend on the group size and the weather on the day. With this tour you have the added benefit of the driver/guide telling you all the history, geography, local knowledge and a few jokes to really make it a wonderful experience. Tickets include entrance fee to the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center, and you have the option of also paying a few euros more to do a tour of the Ailwee Caves.
This runs all year round, 7 days a week.
More info on Cliffs of Moher Day Tour from Galway
Day Tour – Cliffs Express
Cliffs of Moher with Lally Tours of Galway
You can take an Express Non-Guided service with Lally Tours, which departs Galway at 12:00 and returns to Galway at 17:00. This is a non-guided service for those who don’t need / want the driver commentary; get into Galway that morning and want some extra time or just want an extra couple hours in bed ?
As of summer 2023, we are offering an 8am Express Non-Guided service with Lally Tours to The Cliffs of Moher. This trip is non-guided, and arrives back into Galway city at 1:30pm; just in time to get some lunch in Taaffes Bar!
This Express Service runs 7 days a week during the peak 6 months of the year, and weekends all year-round.
More info on Cliffs of Moher Express from Galway
Private Transfer / Taxi
You can get a private driver to take you! We have private vehicles available to suit all group size groups from 2 guests to 55.
Our travel coordinators will work with you to pick the best time to depart and to build a custom itinerary which will give you the most out of your day at the Cliffs and Burren area.
Some of our favourite places to visit between Galway and the Cliffs of Moher are The Hazel Mountain Chocolate Factory, the Burren Perfumery, Ailwee Cave, Doolin Cave and Burren Nature Sanctuary.
This is available all year round, 7 days a week. The only limitation is the availability of the private vehicles, so book early if you can.
Enquire about a Private Tour to the Cliffs of Moher
Car / Self-Drive
If you are confident enough to take the roads of West Clare and the Burren, then our advice is to go early and give yourself loads of time. The roads can be narrow and windy in parts, but self-driving give you maximum flexibility.
Driving Routes between Galway and the Cliffs of Moher
Shortest Distance and Time
Galway > Kilcolgan > Kinvara > Lisdoonvarna > Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center
(Take the same route back to Galway for quickest route)
Google Maps Link – CLICK HERE
Most Scenic
Going down: Galway > Kilcolgan > Kinvara > Lisdoonvarna > Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center
Returning: Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center > Doolin> Fanore > Blackhead Lighthouse > Kinvara > Galway
Google Maps Link – CLICK HERE
Train to the Cliffs?
Afraid not..
There are no trains that operate in the Burren Area. Your only option would be to get a train to Ennis, and then take the public bus (Bus Éireann) to the Cliffs of Moher.
