MetroLink to Deliver Extensive Connectivity Across Dublin’s Transportation Network

Contrary to claims that Dublin’s planned MetroLink will operate as an isolated system, the new metro line will provide comprehensive connections to multiple transportation modes throughout the city, integrating seamlessly with existing bus routes, the Luas light rail network, and the Dart suburban rail system.

The metro will directly connect with bus services at nearly every station along its route, providing access to arterial and orbital bus routes, as well as regional and intercity coach services at Dublin Airport. This connectivity represents a significant enhancement of Dublin’s public transport infrastructure.

Luas integration is another key feature, with direct connections to the Green Line at Charlemont and O’Connell Street stations. Additional Green Line stops will be accessible via short walks from St Stephen’s Green and Tara stations. The Luas Red Line will also be within walking distance from O’Connell Street and Tara stations.

The integration with Dart services will occur at two critical locations. Tara Street station will provide a vertical connection between underground metro services and the elevated Dart platform. Even more significant is the planned Glasnevin interchange station, which will link MetroLink to Dart services from Maynooth, M3 Parkway (eventually extending to Navan), and Hazelhatch and Celbridge.

Transportation experts note that the complementary relationship between MetroLink and the Dart+ expansion program is particularly valuable but often underappreciated by the public. The Glasnevin station, located just north of Phibsborough along the Royal Canal, will serve as a crucial interchange point, allowing passengers from Dart+ routes to access central Dublin destinations without navigating through congested city center transfer points.

Dublin commuters have already begun adapting to multi-modal journeys thanks to the Transport for Ireland 90 Minute Fare, which has encouraged bus transfers. However, connections between high-frequency rail services typically offer greater reliability and convenience for passengers making transfers.

While MetroLink won’t directly serve Heuston or Connolly stations due to engineering and economic constraints, the Glasnevin interchange will provide high-capacity connections. Trains will run approximately every 7.5 minutes between Glasnevin and Connolly, and every 9 minutes to Heuston, creating efficient alternative routes for passengers.

At the southern terminus, Charlemont station will offer direct access to the Luas Green Line while placing passengers within walking distance of multiple bus routes, including the E Spine (400 meters away) and A Spine (500 meters). The station’s proximity to the Grand Canal Cycleway also facilitates connections to Dublin’s expanding cycling network.

The St Stephen’s Green station will put passengers within 400 meters of the Luas Green Line via a fully pedestrianized route, while the A, E, and F Spine bus routes will stop adjacent to the station entrances.

In the northern sections, Collins Avenue station will connect directly with the E Spine buses while providing easy access to the N4 orbital route. Ballymun station will serve the town center while connecting to the E Spine and N6 orbital services. Northwood station, positioned directly under the main road with exits on both sides, offers potential for future expansion with the possible extension of Luas Finglas.

Dublin Airport’s station will create a transportation hub linking metro passengers to the A2 bus route, the N8 orbital service, local buses, and intercity coaches serving destinations throughout Ireland and Northern Ireland.

The final stop at Estuary will feature a Park and Ride facility for motorists from North County Dublin and beyond, with potential for bus routes from Balbriggan, Skerries, Rush, and Lusk to serve the station directly.

This comprehensive integration demonstrates that MetroLink has been designed as a central component of Dublin’s evolving transportation network, not as a standalone system. When completed, it will provide Dubliners with unprecedented connectivity options, enabling more efficient and sustainable travel throughout the metropolitan area.