/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.footballgroundguide.com%2Fmain%2F2026%2F05%2Fimago1077316383-e1784137690657.jpg)
Arsenal return to Dublin for the first time since their pre-season friendly against Chelsea in August 2018 when they take on Real Betis at the Aviva Stadium on Wednesday, 5 August 2026.
With a capacity of 51,700, the Aviva Stadium sits in the Ballsbridge area of south Dublin and is one of the easiest major stadiums in Ireland to reach. Its biggest advantage is Lansdowne Road DART station, which is built directly beneath the West Stand, giving supporters a simple journey from across the city.
Whether you are flying in from England, travelling from Northern Ireland or staying in Dublin for a few days, FootballGroundGuide explains the best ways to reach the stadium.
Getting to Dublin
By air
Dublin Airport is the main gateway for Arsenal fans travelling from England. Direct flights operate from London Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Luton, as well as Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester and Edinburgh, with a flight time of around one hour and 20 minutes.
From the airport, the easiest route is to take the Dublin Express Route 784 into the city centre. Buses depart from Terminal 1 (Zone 1) and Terminal 2 (Zone 21) throughout the day.
Supporters can either leave the bus at Merrion Square and walk around 15 minutes to the stadium, or continue to Westland Row before taking the DART from Pearse Station to Lansdowne Road. The journey by bus and train costs around €11 (£9), while a taxi to the stadium can cost €40-€60 (£34-£51) or more on matchdays.
From Belfast and Northern Ireland
Supporters travelling from Northern Ireland can use the Dublin Express Route 785, which runs from Belfast Grand Central Station to Dublin city centre.
The coach stops close to Pearse Station, where Arsenal fans can either take the DART to Lansdowne Road or walk to the stadium in around 25 minutes.
By intercity rail
Irish Rail operates regular services into Dublin from Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford and other major cities.
From Connolly, Pearse or Heuston stations, supporters can easily connect to the DART network for the short journey to Lansdowne Road.
By DART
The DART is by far the easiest way to reach the Aviva Stadium. Lansdowne Road Station sits directly beneath the West Stand, leaving supporters with only a one-minute walk to the turnstiles.
Fans staying in the city centre can board southbound services from Pearse, Tara Street or Connolly stations. The journey takes around five minutes from Pearse and approximately 10 minutes from Connolly.
Supporters staying further along Dublin's coastline, including Malahide, Howth, Clontarf, Blackrock, Dún Laoghaire and Greystones, can travel directly without changing trains.
Buying a Leap Card or return ticket before travelling is recommended, as queues at ticket machines become lengthy after major events. Additional trains are usually scheduled after full-time, although Lansdowne Road Station becomes extremely busy. Walking 10 to 15 minutes to Sandymount or Grand Canal Dock stations can often result in a quicker journey home.
/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.footballgroundguide.com%2Fmain%2F2024%2F09%2FPubs-near-Aviva-Stadium.jpg "How to get to Aviva Stadium: Best ways for Arsenal fans to travel for the Real Betis pre-season friendly 1")
By Luas (tram)
There is no direct Luas service to the Aviva Stadium.
Supporters arriving at Heuston Station should take the Red Line to Connolly before changing to the DART. Those using the Green Line can leave at Charlemont and walk approximately 25 minutes to the stadium.
By Dublin Bus
Several Dublin Bus routes serve the Ballsbridge area, including the 4, 7, 7A, 8, 18, 38, 38A, 47, 45, 84, C1 and C2, depending on where you are travelling from.
A Leap Card is the easiest way to pay and can also be used on DART, Luas and commuter rail services. Visitors staying in Dublin for several days may find the Leap Visitor Card good value, as it offers unlimited travel across the public transport network.
On foot
If you are staying in Dublin city centre, walking to the stadium is an excellent option.
From Trinity College, the route takes around 25 to 30 minutes through Merrion Square, Lower Mount Street and Northumberland Road before reaching Lansdowne Road. It is an easy walk through one of Dublin's most attractive neighbourhoods.
By taxi or rideshare
Taxis are readily available throughout Dublin and can be booked using the Free Now app.
A journey from the city centre usually costs between €12 and €18 (£10-£15), although fares can increase during busy periods before and after the match.
Demand after full-time is always high, so supporters are advised to pre-book a return journey or arrange collection a short walk away from the stadium to avoid the busiest crowds.
By car
Driving is the least convenient way to reach the Aviva Stadium, as there is no public parking at the stadium on matchdays, and parking restrictions are strictly enforced throughout the surrounding residential streets. Vehicles parked illegally are regularly clamped or towed away.
Supporters driving into Dublin are better off leaving their car in one of the city-centre multi-storey car parks near St Stephen's Green, Merrion Square or Grafton Street before completing the journey by DART or on foot.
If approaching from the M50, follow signs towards East Wall Road (R131), then continue via Sean Moore Road, Tritonville Road and Newbridge Avenue before joining Lansdowne Road.
Those already in the city centre can follow Merrion Square, Lower Mount Street and Northumberland Road before turning onto Lansdowne Road for the stadium. Even then, heavy traffic should be expected in the hours before kick-off, making public transport the better option for most Arsenal fans.