Where to live in Dublin: choosing an area by your commute
13 October 2026
In Dublin, how you get to work or college matters more than distance on a map. A room on a direct Luas or DART line can be quicker to reach than one much closer with two buses. Here is how to choose an area by your commute.
Start from where you need to be
Mark your workplace or college, then look at the transport lines that reach it directly. Search for rooms along those lines rather than in a circle around the address.
The rail lines
The Luas Red line runs east to west through the city, with branches towards Tallaght and Saggart. The Luas Green line runs north to south, from Broombridge through the city centre towards Sandyford and beyond. The DART runs along the coast, from Howth and Malahide in the north to Bray and Greystones in the south, and commuter trains serve towns such as Maynooth and Kildare.
Think about your hours
If you work early mornings, late evenings or shifts, check the first and last trams, trains and buses for your route. Walking or cycling distance may matter more than anything else.
Count the full cost
A cheaper room further out can cost more once you add fares and time. A Leap Card makes fares cheaper than paying cash.
Use the tools
Every ad on StayLister shows the walk to its nearest train or Luas stop, and you can search near your college or workplace to see the nearest rooms first.