The average bus between Dundalk and Athlone takes 4h 2m and the fastest bus takes 3h 37m. The bus service runs several times per day from Dundalk to Athlone. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays; use the search form on this page to search for a specific travel date.
Buses run every 2 hours between Dundalk and Athlone. The earliest departure is at 4:33 AM at night, and the last departure from Dundalk is at 9:33 PM which arrives into Athlone at 2:12 AM. All services require a transfer, and take on average 4h 2m. The schedules shown below are for the next available departures.

4h 4m • 1 change

4h 4m • 1 change

4h 11m • 1 change

4h 11m • 1 change

3h 54m • 1 change

4h 10m • 1 change

4h 4m • 1 change

4h 4m • 1 change

3h 54m • 1 change

4h 10m • 1 change

4h 4m • 1 change

4h 4m • 1 change

3h 54m • 1 change

4h 10m • 1 change

4h 4m • 1 change

4h 4m • 1 change

3h 54m • 1 change

4h 10m • 1 change

4h 4m • 1 change

4h 4m • 1 change
Want to know about travelling from Dundalk to Athlone? We have put together a list of the most frequently asked questions from our users such as: What is the cheapest mode of transport? What is the quickest option? How much do tickets usually cost? and many more.
No, there is no direct bus from Dundalk to Athlone. However, there are services departing from Dundalk station and arriving at Athlone station via Athlone Stn. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 4h 2m.
Dundalk to Athlone bus services, operated by Expressway (Bus Éireann), depart from Drogheda Bus station.
Dundalk to Athlone bus services, operated by Expressway (Bus Éireann), arrive at Athlone Stn station.
The distance between Dundalk and Athlone is 118.9 km. The road distance is 173 km.
Bus Éireann operates a bus from Drogheda Bus to Athlone Stn every 3 hours. Tickets cost €23–35 and the journey takes 3h 2m.