How to Visit Cliffs of Moher & Aran Islands from Galway Without a Car

Go Car-Free: Visit the Cliffs of Moher and Aran Islands from Galway by Bus & Boat

– Looking for a car-free way to visit the Cliffs of Moher or Aran Islands from Galway? Now you can explore some of the most stunning destinations on Ireland’s west coast using only public transport – no car needed.

A brand-new Route 351 bus, operated by TFI Local Link Limerick Clare, now runs between Galway City and Doolin Pier, stopping at the Cliffs of Moher and scenic villages like Kinvara and Ballyvaughan along the way. The new bus route complements the existing Bus Éireann Route 350 – improving accessibility to Doolin pier and making it easier than ever to enjoy a day trip or overnight stay to the Cliffs of Moher and Aran Islands without a car. These service enhancements are part of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, a national initiative developed and funded by the National Transport Authority.

Here’s everything you need to know to plan your car-free Wild Atlantic Way adventure!

New Route 351: Galway to Cliffs of Moher and Doolin Pier

This brand-new 351 bus route connects Galway City directly to the Cliffs of Moher and Doolin Pier, where you can catch a ferry to the Aran Islands or take a Cliffs of Moher Boat Tour with Doolin Ferry.

The new service, offers up to five daily trips, with four running the full scenic route. It’s fully integrated with the Leap Card and Free Travel Pass, and offers real-time journey planning via the TFI Live App. The scenic journey along the coast takes just over two hours, with stops at popular locations along the Wild Atlantic Way such as Oranmore Train Station, Kinvara, Ballyvaughan, Fanore, Doolin village, Doolin Pier and the Cliffs of Moher Coach Park. Ticket options include single, return, student and child fares while under fives travel for free.

📅 Departures from Galway City (Eyre Square):
08:20 | 11:35 | 15:45 | 17:45
View full schedule here

🚢 Arrives at Doolin Pier in time for morning/early afternoon ferry to the Aran Islands or Cliffs of Moher Boat Tour.
View Doolin Ferry sailing times here.

Route 351 at a glance
o Operator: TFI Local Link Limerick Clare
o Frequency: Up to 5 services daily (with 4 full‑route trips)
o Route: Galway (Eyre Square South) – Oranmore (incl. Rail Station) – Kinvara – Ballyvaughan – Black Head – Fanore – Doolin (Doolin Inn & Doolin Pier) – Cliffs of Moher Coach Park
o Journey time: Just over 2 hours from Galway to Doolin Pier
o Tickets: Cost between €2.50 and €9 depending on number of stops travelled
o Payment Options: TFI Leap Card, Free Travel Pass, and cash accepted

For timetables and real‑time updates, passengers can use the TFI Live app.

Doolin Ferry: Sustainable Sailing to the Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher

Once you reach Doolin Pier, the adventure continues! Hop aboard our new eco-friendly ferry, the Cliffs of Moher Express, designed with sustainability and passenger comfort in mind.

Onboard Features:

– Solar panels and reduced emissions system
– Stabilisation technology for smoother sailings
-Indoor/outdoor seating, climate control, and Wi-Fi
-Wheelchair accessibility and retractable canopy on outer deck 

Whether you’re headed to Inis Mór, Inis Meáin, or Inis Oírr, or taking our unforgettable Cliffs of Moher Cruise, you’re in for breathtaking views and memories you’ll never forget. If time permits, see the Cliffs from above and below or combine your cliffs cruise with a trip to the Aran Islands for an epic day of adventure.

🛥️ Plan your adventure: All you need to know

Plan Your Car-Free Trip from Galway

Here’s a sample car-free itinerary from Galway:

Morning:

• Take Route 351 from Galway City to Doolin Pier (08:20 or 11:35)

Midday/Afternoon:

• Option 1: Catch a ferry to the Aran Islands
  Spend a few hours exploring Inis Oírr  or Inis Mór before catching the ferry back.
  If time permits, combine your island visit with a Cliffs of Moher Cruise (combo tour)

• Option 2: Do the Cliffs of Moher Boat Tour 
  The tour lasts 50 minutes with onboard commentary available to download in various languages.
  Afterwards spend a few hours exploring the charming Doolin village

• Option 3: See the Cliffs of Moher from above and below
  Enjoy a Cliffs Cruise and then see the views from above. Either do a Cliffs walk or take the bus to the Cliffs of Moher Experience.

Evening:

• Hop back on the bus to Galway

• Or why not stay overnight in Doolin or on the Aran Islands, soak up the atmosphere and get the bus home the following day!

🌍 It’s never been simpler — or more sustainable — to explore the Wild Atlantic Way by bus and boat.

Final Travel Tips:

• Download the TFI Live App for real-time bus updates

• Arrive 10–15 minutes early for buses at busy stops

• Use your Leap Card for the best fares

• Book ferry sailings in advance at DoolinFerry.com