Rural transport and Local Link services
- Introduction
- Local Link services
- How can I pay and how much does it cost?
- If you are wheelchair users or a passenger with reduced mobility
- Community Car Schemes
- Getting to a hospital appointment
- More information
Introduction
Local Link buses connect towns and villages in rural Ireland. Local Link services are part of the TFI (Transport for Ireland) Public Transport Network.
Local Link services are expanding, so keep an eye out for new routes.
On this page, you can find out about:
- Your Local Link services
- How much it costs
- Ways to pay
- Community Car Schemes
- Getting to the hospital for an appointment
Government policy
The Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan aims to improve transport for people living in rural Ireland.
Local Link services
How can I find out about Local Link services in my area?
You can find out about services in your area by:
- Checking the Local Link timetables
- Contacting your nearest Local Link Office
- Looking at the TFI Journey Planner
Local Link offers 2 main services.
Local Link regular rural bus services
Local Link regular rural bus services run on a fixed route and scheduled timetable between towns and villages.
The timetables are designed to help you continue your journey and link up with Bus Éireann, private bus services, and Iarnród Éireann.
Local Link door-to-door bus services
Local Link door-to-door buses follow set routes, but can pick you up and drop you off at home if possible. You must book ahead through your Local Link office. Timetables can change, and the buses come daily, weekly, or every 2 weeks.
Email or call your TFI Local Link office to reserve a seat on door-to-door services.
How can I pay and how much does it cost?
The price of the ticket varies depending on what route you are travelling. You can find out all the rates on the Transport for Ireland website.
Cash and the Free Travel Pass
Cash and the Free Travel Pass are accepted on all Local Link services and children under 5 can travel for free.
Local Link fares include single, return, student, and child fares.
Leap Card
You can also save money using a Leap Card (pre-paid travel card), which gives you a discounted ticket.
The Young Adult (19-25) or Student Leap Card are accepted on Local Link services.
TFI Go App
You can book some Regular Rural Bus Services tickets using the TFI Go App. It allows you to buy and use tickets with your phone. There is no need to print. Just activate the ticket and show it to the driver while boarding.
More information on ways to pay is available on the TFI website.
If you are wheelchair users or a passenger with reduced mobility
Up to 90% of Local Link services are wheelchair accessible.
If you pre-book, bus routes can be changed to pick you up if you have reduced mobility.
Community Car Schemes
Community Car schemes offer free transport for people in areas throughout Ireland without other public transport. The cars are driven by volunteer Garda-vetted drivers.
These are run by charities or community groups organised by your local Local Link office.
Contact your Local Link office to ask about existing schemes or to set up a new one in your area.
Getting to a hospital appointment
HSE Transport to day hospitals and day centres
You may be able to get transport to day hospitals and day centres, outpatient departments and other hospital services provided by the HSE. These services depend on where you are in Ireland.
Contact the HSE for more information.
Health Appointment service in Louth, Meath and Fingal
If you have a hospital appointment and no way to get there, you may be able use the Health Appointment service.
The service only covers hospital visits in:
- Meath
- Louth
- Cavan
- Dublin
To book, contact TFI Local Link Louth Meath Fingal at 046 9074 830 or 1800 303707.
Please contact them as soon as you get your appointment date.
If you live in another area
For services in other areas, contact your local Citizens Information Centre or your Local Link office.
Irish Cancer Society
The Irish Cancer Society offers 2 support services to help people get to healthcare appointments.
- Volunteer Driver Service
- Travel2Care
Volunteer Driver Service
The Volunteer Driver Service provides transport for cancer patients to and from chemotherapy treatments in hospital. A hospital referral is needed.
See the Irish Cancer Society website for participating hospitals.
Travel2Care
Travel2Care covers transportation costs for certain hospitals.
In order to apply for the service, you must:
- Live permanently in Ireland
- Have a genuine financial need
- Need to travel over 50km to a designated cancer center or approved hospital
- Need to travel for assessment, diagnosis, surgery, or active treatment
- Not qualify for other schemes like HSE-funded transport or Volunteer Driver Service
See the Irish Cancer Society website for participating hospitals.
More information
Charities and local services
Charities and local services within communities may also offer some services. Contact your Local Citizens Information Centre.
Travel by public transport and by taxi
You can find out more about Bus, Rail, Luas, and Taxi options.
Contact details for Local Link offices
Get in touch with your Local Link office.