Public transport fares in Ireland are amongst the most expensive in the world, as new analysis shows that Dublin commuters are paying out on average over 5% of their wages on monthly tickets.

Public transport in Ireland has historically been considered expensive compared to mainland Europe, but significant reforms in 2025 and 2026 have made it much more affordable. In the 2026 Budget, the Irish government allocated nearly €1 billion to maintain reduced fares, including "Free Travel" for children under 9 and a 50% discount for young adults (19–25) via the Young Adult Leap Card. For standard adults, a "90-minute fare" in Dublin allows for unlimited transfers across bus, Luas, and DART for a flat fee (currently around €2.00), which is competitive with other major capitals. However, intercity rail travel through Iarnród Éireann can still be pricey if not booked in advance, and rural bus coverage remains limited, often necessitating more expensive private car rentals. While Ireland is no longer the "outlier" it once was for high transit costs, it remains more expensive than cities like Vienna or Luxembourg, where transport is either heavily subsidized or entirely free for residents and visitors alike.