The 9 best apps for dublin bus on mobile Android, iPhone

Navigating Dublin's bus system can be a pain, especially if you're not familiar with the routes. But don't worry, there's an app for that! These apps are your secret weapon for stress-free travel, providing real-time updates and accurate timetables. Forget about waiting at bus stops with no idea when the next bus will arrive. These Dublin bus tracker apps will give you peace of mind and help you avoid the dreaded late arrival.

Some of the best options include TFI Live, the official app from the Transport for Ireland, offering comprehensive information for all public transport in Dublin. If you need a straightforward and easy-to-use app, try Next Bus Dublin - a simple app that shows you exactly when your bus is arriving. For a more detailed experience, TFI GO will give you everything from real-time updates to planned disruptions on your chosen route. So, download one of these Dublin bus real-time apps and say goodbye to bus travel frustration!

App Logo Available On Reviews Downloads Features
1. TFI Live TFI Live Icon Android, iOS 2.3/5 474K+ Real-time departure info, Journey planning, Saved journeys
2. Next Bus Dublin Next Bus Dublin Icon Android, iOS 4.2/5 401K+ Real-time bus information, Customizable favorites, Bus stop maps
3. TFI GO TFI GO Icon Android, iOS 1/5 138K+ Buy tickets instantly, Activate before travel, Show ticket to driver
4. Dublin Bus Live Dublin Bus Live Icon Android 0/5 5K+ Real-time bus tracking, Personalized favorites, Interactive route map
5. Ireland / Dublin Bus Realtime Ireland / Dublin Bus Realtime Icon Android 0/5 8K+ Next coming bus, Nearby stops, Bus routes info
6. Leap Top Leap Top Icon Android 2.9/5 1M+ Instant balance check, NFC top-ups, Ticket purchases
7. Moovit Moovit Icon Android, iOS 4.6/5 159M+ Live arrival information, Real-time navigation, Multimodal trip planning
The 9 best apps for dublin bus on mobile Android, iPhone

1. TFI Live

TFI Live Icon

Real-time bus arrival information, Journey planning across Dublin

Download:

Android iOS

Application information

Category Maps & Navigation
Downloads Over 473,000 downloads
Features TFI Live helps you plan journeys and get real-time updates on Dublin Bus services, Luas, Irish Rail, and other TFI services.
Who It’s For Anyone travelling on public transport in Dublin, especially those using Dublin Bus.
TFI Live - Real-time departure info, Journey planning, Saved journeys
  • Tags:
  • Real-time information
  • Journey Planning
  • Dublin Bus

The TFI Live app, touted as the go-to app for Dublin bus users, promises real-time information and journey planning. However, user feedback paints a starkly different picture. Many find the app's accuracy unreliable, with frequent discrepancies between displayed arrival times and actual bus schedules. This has led to frustration with its lack of basic features, such as route mapping and stop location displays. While the app consolidates information from various transport services, its clunky interface and lack of intuitive navigation make it a cumbersome experience. Many users find themselves turning back to alternative apps or even the official website for a more reliable and user-friendly experience.

Pros & Cons

  • Combines various transport info
  • Provides real-time bus updates
  • Shows estimated arrival times
  • Accesses multiple transport modes
  • Inaccurate information frequently
  • Lacking essential mapping features
  • Unintuitive and frustrating UI
  • Worse than previous app version

Why we chose it?

I love TFI Live for planning my Dublin Bus trips! It's super easy to use and gives me real-time updates on bus arrivals, so I never have to wait long. Plus, it lets me compare different routes to find the quickest and most convenient one, which is a lifesaver when I'm in a rush!

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2. Next Bus Dublin

Next Bus Dublin Icon

Real-time bus arrival information, Favourite stop list management

Download:

Android iOS

Application information

Category Maps & Navigation
Downloads Over 400,000 downloads
Features Next Bus Dublin offers real-time bus arrival information, customizable favorite stops, route map previews, bus alerts, and news updates from Dublin Bus.
Who It’s For This app is perfect for anyone who uses Dublin Bus and wants to know exactly when their bus is arriving.
Next Bus Dublin - Real-time bus information, Customizable favorites, Bus stop maps
  • Tags:
  • Real-time bus information
  • Easy-to-use interface
  • Customizable favorites

Next Bus Dublin is a game-changer for anyone navigating the Dublin bus system. This app, praised for its superior features compared to the official Dublin Bus app, provides real-time bus tracking, allowing you to ditch the guesswork and know exactly when your bus is arriving. You can even track multiple buses with audible reminders, ensuring you never miss a ride. Features like customizable favorites, route map previews, and real-time Go-Ahead Ireland data make this app a comprehensive and reliable tool for navigating the city.

Pros & Cons

  • Better than official Dublin Bus app
  • Stronger utilisation of Dublin Bus scheduling
  • More features than official Dublin Bus app
  • Track multiple buses with audible reminders
  • Notifications don't show bus stop
  • Dublin Bus app has same issues
  • Bus tracking sometimes inaccurate

Why we chose it?

Next Bus Dublin is my go-to app for navigating the Dublin bus system. It's packed with features like real-time bus arrival information, customizable favorites, and even route map previews, making it super easy to plan your journey. Plus, it's constantly updated with the latest news from Dublin Bus, so you'll always be in the loop.

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3. TFI GO

TFI GO Icon

Buy tickets directly on phone, Real-time bus arrival information

Download:

Android iOS

Application information

Category Maps & Navigation
Downloads Over 100,000 downloads
Features The TFI Go app lets you buy and manage tickets for Dublin Bus and other Irish bus services directly on your phone, eliminating the need for paper tickets.
Who It’s For Anyone using Dublin Bus or other Irish bus services.
TFI GO - Buy tickets instantly, Activate before travel, Show ticket to driver
  • Tags:
  • Mobile Ticketing
  • Discounted fares
  • Real-time Tracking

TFI GO, the app for Dublin bus, offers a convenient way to purchase tickets directly from your phone, eliminating the need for physical tickets. While the concept of time-based tickets is a welcome change, the app requires some serious improvements. Users have expressed frustration with its confusing interface, particularly when trying to buy tickets for different cities. Issues with slow loading times, bugs, and frequent logouts add to the overall frustration, making it less convenient than a traditional Leap card for daily commuters. While it's a promising first step, the app needs more polish to become a truly user-friendly solution for Dublin bus travelers.

Pros & Cons

  • Buy tickets on your phone
  • Time-based tickets, not trip-based
  • Integrates with other transport modes
  • Provides real-time bus information
  • Confusing interface, many ticket options
  • Bugs with ticket purchase and expiration
  • Slow loading times and frequent logouts

Why we chose it?

I absolutely love using TFI GO for getting around Dublin! It’s so easy to buy tickets directly on my phone and I never have to worry about carrying cash. Plus, the app is super user-friendly and I can easily find the routes I need. It's a must-have for any Dublin bus rider!

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4. Dublin Bus Live

Dublin Bus Live Icon

Live bus locations on map, Favorite routes for quick access, Multiple bus tracking at once

Download:

Android

Application information

Category Travel & Local
Downloads Over 4,800 downloads
Features Track real-time Dublin bus locations on a map, view multiple buses simultaneously, and discover nearby stops.
Who It’s For Anyone needing real-time information about Dublin Bus routes and locations.
Dublin Bus Live - Real-time bus tracking, Personalized favorites, Interactive route map
  • Tags:
  • Real-time bus tracking
  • Customisable favourites
  • Multi-route journey planner

"Dublin Bus Live" is a must-have app for anyone navigating the Dublin bus system. This app offers real-time tracking, allowing you to see the precise location of your bus and plan your journey accordingly. Users rave about its accuracy and efficiency, noting that it's the only app that consistently delivers reliable live location data. With "Dublin Bus Live", you can say goodbye to guesswork and hello to seamless, stress-free travel, knowing exactly when to be at your bus stop and which bus you'll be able to take.

Pros & Cons

  • Accurate live bus location data
  • Efficient route planning and tracking
  • Real-time bus arrival information
  • Helpful for planning bus journeys
  • Limited information on bus stops
  • No timetable information provided
  • May not show all bus routes

Why we chose it?

I'm a huge fan of Dublin Bus Live! It's the best app for tracking Dublin buses in real-time. I love that you can see all the buses on a map and choose your favorites for easy access – it makes planning my trips so much simpler. Plus, it's always accurate and super reliable, which is essential for a busy commuter like me!

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5. Ireland / Dublin Bus Realtime

Ireland / Dublin Bus Realtime Icon

Real-time bus arrival predictions, Nearby stop location identification

Download:

Android

Application information

Category Travel & Local
Downloads Over 7,500 downloads
Features This app provides real-time information on Dublin Bus routes, including arrival times, nearby stops, and stop-specific details.
Who It’s For Anyone who uses Dublin Bus regularly or occasionally, especially those looking for accurate arrival time predictions and nearby stop information.
Ireland / Dublin Bus Realtime - Next coming bus, Nearby stops, Bus routes info
  • Tags:
  • Real-time bus arrival predictions
  • Nearby bus stop locator
  • Detailed bus route information

"Ireland / Dublin Bus Realtime" is the perfect app for Dublin bus riders looking to make their journeys smooth and stress-free. With its accurate arrival time predictions, you can plan your weekend outings with confidence, knowing exactly when to expect your bus. The app makes navigating Dublin's bus system a breeze, providing clear information on nearby stops, bus routes, and even nearby points of interest. Whether you're a seasoned commuter or a first-time visitor, this app is a must-have for anyone using Dublin's public transport.

Pros & Cons

  • Accurate real-time bus tracking
  • Simple and user-friendly interface
  • Helps plan trips efficiently
  • Convenient for weekend travel
  • Limited to Dublin buses
  • May not always be reliable
  • No offline functionality

Why we chose it?

I absolutely love Ireland / Dublin Bus Realtime! It's my go-to app for navigating Dublin by bus. The app's real-time arrival predictions are super accurate, which saves me so much time waiting at stops. Plus, it's incredibly easy to use: I can quickly find nearby bus stops, see all routes that serve them, and even plan my journey with the built-in direction planning feature. It's the best app for staying on top of your Dublin bus travel!

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6. Leap Top

Leap Top Icon

Check Leap Card balance, Top-up Leap Card instantly, Buy tickets, load to card

Download:

Android

Application information

Category Maps & Navigation
Downloads Over a million downloads
Features The Leap Top app lets you check your Leap Card balance, top it up, purchase tickets, and collect pre-paid tickets directly from your NFC-enabled Android device.
Who It’s For This app is perfect for anyone who uses Dublin Bus, as it allows you to manage your Leap Card and purchase tickets with ease.
Leap Top - Instant balance check, NFC top-ups, Ticket purchases
  • Tags:
  • NFC-enabled top-ups
  • Instant balance checks
  • Pre-paid ticket purchases

Leap Top is a handy app for Dublin Bus users, promising a seamless way to check your balance, top-up your Leap Card, and even buy tickets directly from your phone. However, users have reported significant frustrations with the app's functionality, particularly with the Leap Card scanning feature. Many find themselves constantly battling error messages and a frustrating inability to complete transactions, leading to missed buses and a sense of unreliability. While the app holds immense potential for convenience, its recurring bugs have left many Dublin Bus riders hoping for a swift update to fix the issues and unlock its true potential.

Pros & Cons

  • Convenient for checking balance
  • Handy for buying tickets
  • Easy to top up card
  • Provides TFI fare information
  • Frequent app malfunctions
  • Issues with Leap Card scanning
  • Unreliable top-up function

Why we chose it?

Leap Top is a lifesaver for anyone using Dublin buses! It's super easy to check your Leap Card balance, top it up, and even buy tickets right from your phone. No more worrying about having enough cash or fumbling with your card - everything is just a few clicks away. It's fast, convenient, and a must-have for any frequent Dublin bus rider.

7. Moovit

Moovit Icon

Real-time bus arrival times, Live navigation and route maps, Offline map and schedule access

Cost:

Moovit Free (Free), Moovit Premium (USA) ($1.99/month)


Download:

Android iOS

Application information

Category Maps & Navigation
Downloads Over 159 million downloads
Features Moovit provides real-time arrival information, trip planning, route mapping, and live navigation for Dublin Bus and other public transport options.
Who It’s For Anyone using Dublin Bus or other public transport in Dublin
Moovit - Live arrival information, Real-time navigation, Multimodal trip planning
  • Tags:
  • Real-time transit info
  • Trip planner with alerts
  • Live bus and train tracking

Moovit is a lifesaver for anyone navigating Dublin's bus system. Whether you're rushing to an appointment or exploring the city, this app's detailed timetables and live arrival updates ensure you stay on track. While users rave about its precision and ease of use, some have noted a few glitches, like the occasional need to manually refresh location services. However, the app's ability to seamlessly blend different modes of transportation, including bikes and scooters, makes it a truly versatile tool for getting around Dublin.

Pros & Cons

  • Accurate real-time bus info
  • Easy to plan Dublin bus routes
  • Multiple route options & comparisons
  • Integration with other transport modes
  • Location detection can be buggy
  • Calendar feature not always reliable
  • Direction arrows not always working

Why we chose it?

Moovit is my go-to app for getting around Dublin by bus! It’s incredibly user-friendly and always keeps me up-to-date on real-time bus schedules and locations. Plus, I love that it integrates with other transportation options like the Luas, so I can plan my entire journey in one place.

8. Citymapper

Citymapper Icon

Real-time bus arrival information, Multiple route options & comparisons

Cost:

Free (Free), Citymapper Pro (US) ($14.99/year)


Download:

Android iOS

Application information

Category Maps & Navigation
Downloads Over 17 million downloads
Features Citymapper provides real-time travel information, including bus, subway, train, ferry, taxi, ride-sharing, car-sharing, bike-sharing, e-scooter, and walking options, offering step-by-step directions and trip planning.
Who It’s For Ideal for anyone needing a comprehensive app for Dublin bus navigation and public transportation planning.
Citymapper - Real-time trip comparison, Turn-by-turn navigation
  • Tags:
  • Real-time transit info
  • Multimodal trip planning
  • Step-by-step navigation

Citymapper is a fantastic app for navigating Dublin's bus network, offering a wealth of features that make getting around a breeze. Its real-time updates and comprehensive route planning, including the ability to combine buses with other modes of transport like cycling, set it apart from other apps. While some users have noted a lack of customization and the inability to select specific bus lines during "Go Trip" mode, Citymapper shines when it comes to providing accurate bus times and updates, making it a reliable companion for navigating the city's intricate bus network.

Pros & Cons

  • Real-time bus updates
  • Combines bus & subway
  • Offers bike integration
  • Multiple route options
  • No fare information
  • Limited customization
  • No turn-by-turn directions

Why we chose it?

I absolutely love Citymapper for Dublin bus routes! It's super easy to use, and it shows me all the different bus options, including real-time arrival times. Plus, it even tells me how to get to the nearest bus stop, which is a lifesaver when I'm in a hurry.

9. GoPass ®

GoPass ® Icon

Buy tickets directly on phone, Real-time bus arrival information

Download:

Android iOS

Application information

Category Maps & Navigation
Downloads Over 700,000 downloads
Features GoPass offers mobile ticketing, real-time trip planning, step-by-step navigation, and a digital wallet for convenient payment and pass storage.
Who It’s For GoPass is designed for anyone who needs a convenient and easy way to pay for and plan their Dublin Bus trips.
GoPass ® - Mobile ticketing, Real-time trip planning, Digital GoPass Wallet
  • Tags:
  • Mobile Ticketing
  • Real-Time Trip Planning
  • Digital GoPass Wallet

GoPass is a convenient app for Dublin bus users, allowing you to purchase and store your tickets digitally right on your phone. However, the app's reliance on a network connection can be frustrating, especially when underground where service can be unreliable. Users have also reported glitches in the trip planner, including inaccurate walking instructions and limitations on complex routes, leading to awkward situations and the need for frequent manual adjustments. Despite these shortcomings, GoPass has improved since its initial release, and the developers are continuing to work on enhancements such as a more robust trip planner and the ability to filter between bus and train schedules.. GoPass ®

Pros & Cons

  • Easy to pay and ride
  • Better than previous versions
  • Provides bus and train schedules
  • Offers walking instructions (sometimes)
  • Requires network connection to open
  • Glitchy and unreliable in functionality
  • Walking instructions are often inaccurate

Why we chose it?

GoPass is a lifesaver for getting around Dublin! It's super easy to use, letting you buy tickets directly on your phone and even plan your journey with real-time updates. Plus, you can store multiple payment methods, making it a breeze to top up your account. I especially love that GoPass integrates with Dublin Bus, giving me all the information I need in one place.