London to Dublin (LGW–DUB) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections

British passport holders enter Ireland freely with no visa, no time limit, and no immigration controls under the Common Travel Area (CTA) agreement. The CTA predates both the EU and Brexit and remains fully in force. UK nationals have the right to live, work, and access public services in Ireland without a visa or permit. No passport stamp is issued.

Airlines and ferries require photo ID for boarding. A UK passport, Irish passport, or UK driving license works for flights. Technically, there are no immigration checks on the Ireland-Northern Ireland land border or on flights/ferries between the UK and Ireland. In practice, spot checks by immigration officers occur at Dublin Airport on some UK arrivals. Carry your passport for positive identification.

Direct flights from London to Dublin run about 1 hour 15 minutes, with routes from most UK regional airports on Ryanair, Aer Lingus, and British Airways. Dublin is also accessible by ferry from Holyhead (3 hours 15 minutes, Irish Ferries/Stena Line). Ireland uses the euro. UK pounds are not accepted in shops but can be exchanged at any bank. No vaccination requirements. UK driving licenses are fully valid in Ireland. Mobile phone roaming is charged at standard rates since Brexit ended the EU roaming regulation for UK users.

The Gatwick Express runs non-stop from London Victoria to the South Terminal in 30 minutes, with trains every 15 minutes (from £21.50 one-way; advance fares cheaper online). Thameslink trains from London Bridge, Blackfriars, City Thameslink, and Farringdon are slower (35–45 min) but significantly cheaper; often £10–13 on Oyster or contactless. Southern trains also serve the route.National coaches (National Express, Megabus) connect Gatwick to Victoria Coach Station for £6–15. Taxis from central London cost £70–100+ depending on traffic. Driving via M23 and A23 takes 35–60 minutes; multi-storey car parks are directly connected to both terminals by a 2-minute monorail shuttle.

Airlink 747 coaches depart from outside both terminals every 10–15 minutes to the city centre (€7 one-way). Dublin Bus routes 16 and 41 are cheaper (€3.10 with Leap card) but slower, taking 45–70 minutes. Taxis are metered; expect €25–40 to the city centre depending on traffic and time of day.

Rental car desks are located in both terminal buildings with a large multi-storey car park adjacent. For north-side city destinations, the airport is relatively quick via the Port Tunnel; south-side journeys add considerable time during peak hours.

Temperate oceanic climate with mild, wet weather year-round. Summers (June–August) are cool and frequently overcast, with highs of 17–21°C. Winters are mild (3–9°C) with frequent rain but rarely frost or snow. Fog can affect operations in autumn and winter, particularly early mornings.

Wind is the primary disruption risk. Atlantic storms from October through March can cause ground stops and diverts. Pack a waterproof layer regardless of season; dry, sunny days occur but rarely in long stretches.