Dublin Port Tunnel Guide
Essential information for navigating the Dublin Port Tunnel toll system
About the Dublin Port Tunnel
The Dublin Port Tunnel is a 4.5km (2.8 mile) twin-bore tunnel linking Dublin Port with the M1 motorway near Dublin Airport. Opened in December 2006, the tunnel was designed to remove heavy goods vehicles from Dublin city center, providing a direct route between the port and the national road network.
For visitors to Ireland, the tunnel offers a convenient way to bypass city center traffic when traveling between Dublin Airport and the east coast, or when accessing Dublin Port for ferry connections. However, it's important to understand the tunnel's unique toll system and usage restrictions.
Important Notice
The Dublin Port Tunnel uses a variable toll system with different rates depending on the time of day. Unlike the M50 toll, payment is made at physical toll booths.
Key Information at a Glance
Location
- Northern End: M1 motorway junction near Coolock (Junction 2, M1)
- Southern End: Dublin Port area (East Wall Road)
- Length: 4.5km (2.8 miles)
- Toll Point: Located at the southern end (port side)
Toll Details
- Variable Pricing: Different rates for peak and off-peak hours
- Payment Methods: Cash, credit/debit cards, electronic tags
- Direction: Tolls apply in both directions
- HGVs: Free of charge for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes (with some exceptions)
Operating Information
- Speed Limit: 80 km/h (50 mph)
- Height Limit: 4.65m (15'3")
- Lane Configuration: Two lanes in each direction
- Average Journey Time: 5-6 minutes (without congestion)
Restrictions
- Hazardous Materials: Certain dangerous goods are prohibited
- Cyclists & Pedestrians: Not permitted
- Breakdowns: Special procedures in place (see Safety section)
- Closures: Rare but may occur for maintenance
Toll Rates and Payment
The Dublin Port Tunnel uses a variable toll system with higher rates during peak hours to manage traffic flow. Different categories of vehicles pay different rates, with heavy goods vehicles (>3.5 tonnes) generally traveling for free to encourage them to use the tunnel rather than city streets.
Current Toll Rates (as of May 2025)
| Vehicle Category | Peak Hours | Off-Peak Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Cars (including vans under 3.5 tonnes) | €10.00 | €3.00 |
| Buses (with more than 8 passenger seats) | €3.00 | €3.00 |
| Heavy Goods Vehicles (over 3.5 tonnes) | Free* | Free* |
| Motorcycles | Free | Free |
*Note: HGVs with 5+ axles that are not in the Dublin Port Tunnel Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) database are subject to a €10 toll during all hours.
Peak Hours Definition
| Direction | Morning Peak | Evening Peak |
|---|---|---|
| Northbound (Port to M1) | 6:00 AM - 10:00 AM | N/A |
| Southbound (M1 to Port) | N/A | 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM |
All other times are considered off-peak.
Payment Methods
Cash
- Accepted at all toll booths
- Euro currency only
- Change is provided
- Staff available to assist
Credit/Debit Cards
- All major cards accepted
- Contactless payment available
- Dedicated card lanes available
- PIN may be required for larger amounts
Electronic Tags
- Express lanes for tag users
- Compatible with all major Irish tag providers
- No stopping required
- Works with tags from other Irish toll roads
Rental Cars
- Check with your rental company for their policy
- Some rentals have tags installed
- Others may charge the toll to your account
- Some expect you to pay yourself at the booth
Payment Tips
- Have correct change ready if possible to speed up passage
- Follow the signage for the appropriate payment lane
- If using an electronic tag, ensure it's properly mounted on the windscreen
- Keep your receipt as proof of payment
Safety Information
The Dublin Port Tunnel is monitored 24/7 by a control center equipped with CCTV, fire detection systems, and emergency response capabilities. However, understanding safety procedures is essential for all tunnel users.
General Safety Rules
- Obey the 80 km/h (50 mph) speed limit
- Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead
- Turn on headlights when entering the tunnel
- Do not change lanes unless necessary
- Do not stop except in emergencies
- Follow all posted signs and signals
- Tune to FM radio 97.3 MHz for tunnel information
In Case of Breakdown
- If possible, drive to one of the emergency lay-bys located every 500 meters
- Switch on hazard warning lights
- Exit the vehicle and use the emergency phones located in the lay-bys or at 125-meter intervals along the tunnel
- Stand behind the safety barrier and wait for assistance
- Do not attempt repairs yourself within the tunnel
Note: The tunnel is equipped with an Incident Detection System that automatically alerts operators to stopped vehicles.
In Case of Fire
- If your vehicle is on fire, try to exit the tunnel if possible
- If unable to exit, pull into a lay-by or to the side of the tunnel
- Switch off the engine and turn on hazard warning lights
- Leave the vehicle immediately
- Activate the nearest fire alarm by breaking the glass
- Use the emergency phones to report the fire
- Proceed to the nearest emergency exit, marked by green signs
- Do not return to your vehicle
Emergency Facilities
- Emergency Exits: Located every 250 meters, connecting the two tunnel bores
- Emergency Phones: Located every 125 meters and in all lay-bys
- Fire Extinguishers: Located at emergency points throughout the tunnel
- CCTV: Continuous monitoring by tunnel operators
- Public Address System: For emergency announcements
- Radio Rebroadcast: Emergency messages can interrupt normal radio broadcasts
Practical Information
Height and Width Restrictions
- Maximum Height: 4.65 meters (15'3")
- Lane Width: 3.5 meters (11'6")
Vehicles exceeding these dimensions are not permitted to use the tunnel. Oversized vehicles should use alternative routes through the city.
Hazardous Materials
Certain dangerous goods are prohibited from the tunnel, including:
- Explosives (Class 1)
- Flammable gases (Class 2.1)
- Toxic gases (Class 2.3)
- Flammable liquids (Class 3)
- Certain oxidizing and organic peroxides (Classes 5.1 and 5.2)
- Toxic substances (Class 6.1)
- Infectious substances (Class 6.2)
- Radioactive materials (Class 7)
Vehicles carrying these materials must use alternative routes.
Traffic Conditions
The tunnel typically experiences its heaviest traffic during:
- Morning Peak: 6:00 AM - 10:00 AM (particularly northbound)
- Evening Peak: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM (particularly southbound)
- Ferry Arrival/Departure Times: Traffic may increase around these times
Check current traffic conditions on the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) website or local traffic apps.
Closures and Maintenance
The tunnel occasionally closes for maintenance, typically during overnight hours with minimal traffic. Planned closures are usually announced in advance on:
- The Dublin Tunnel official website
- Local radio stations
- Variable message signs on approaching routes
During closures, follow the posted diversion routes.
Alternative Routes
Whether you're avoiding peak-hour tolls or the tunnel is unsuitable for your vehicle, several alternative routes connect Dublin Port with the M1 and other key destinations.
East Link Bridge (Tom Clarke Bridge)
Best for: Accessing the south side of Dublin or as an alternative during off-peak hours.
Toll: €1.90 for cars (2025 rate), payable at toll booth.
Route: From Dublin Port, follow signs for East Link Bridge. After crossing, you can connect to the R131 and other routes to reach the M50 or city center.
Considerations: Lower toll than the tunnel during peak hours, but can be congested during rush hours. Not suitable for reaching the north side of Dublin or M1 directly.
City Center Route
Best for: No-toll alternative when traffic is light, or for destinations within the city.
Toll: None
Route: From Dublin Port, follow East Wall Road to North Strand Road, then Amiens Street into the city center. For the M1, continue to Dorset Street and Drumcondra Road, then the Swords Road.
Considerations: Can be very congested during peak hours. Multiple traffic lights and pedestrian crossings. Not recommended for heavy vehicles or during busy periods.
Samuel Beckett Bridge Route
Best for: Accessing south Dublin business districts or the south side of the M50.
Toll: None
Route: From Dublin Port, take North Wall Quay to Samuel Beckett Bridge, then continue on Sir John Rogerson's Quay. Follow route to Grand Canal Dock area or continue to South Link Road for M50 access.
Considerations: Good alternative for south Dublin destinations. Can be busy during business hours due to office locations along the route.
M50 Eastern Bypass
Best for: Completely avoiding city center when traveling between the port and locations to the south or west.
Toll: M50 toll (€3.20 for cars without account, 2025 rate) payable by 8 PM the next day.
Route: From Dublin Port, take East Link Bridge, then follow routes to join the M50 at Junction 1 (South). From there, you can access various routes around Dublin.
Considerations: Longer in distance but may be faster during peak city traffic. Includes two separate tolls (East Link and M50) if traveling in both directions.
Note on HGVs: Heavy goods vehicles over 5 axles are restricted from Dublin City Centre between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM, seven days a week. The Dublin Port Tunnel is the designated route for these vehicles, which is why there is generally no toll for them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Dublin Port Tunnel toll so expensive during peak hours?
The variable toll system of the Dublin Port Tunnel is designed to manage traffic flow effectively and avoid congestion. The higher peak-hour rates (€10 compared to €3 off-peak) discourage non-essential travel during the busiest periods, helping to maintain an efficient flow of traffic, particularly for heavy goods vehicles traveling to and from the port.
The primary purpose of the tunnel is to provide a route for HGVs traveling to and from Dublin Port, removing them from city center streets. The toll structure reflects this priority, with HGVs traveling free while cars pay premium rates during peak hours.
If you're driving a car and want to avoid the higher toll, consider traveling during off-peak hours or using one of the alternative routes described in this guide.
How does the toll system work for rental cars?
For the Dublin Port Tunnel, most rental cars are treated the same as any other vehicle. Unlike the M50 barrier-free toll, the Dublin Port Tunnel has physical toll booths where you must stop and pay, either with cash, card, or an electronic tag.
Some rental companies equip their vehicles with electronic toll tags, which may allow you to use the express lanes. Others expect you to pay the toll yourself at the booth. The policy varies by rental company, so it's important to check with your specific provider.
If your rental car has an electronic tag installed, the rental company will typically charge the toll to your account, often with an additional administrative fee. Some rental companies include unlimited toll usage in premium rental packages.
Always confirm the toll policy with your rental company when picking up your vehicle.
Is there a way to pre-pay or get a discount for regular use?
Yes, for frequent users of the Dublin Port Tunnel, electronic toll tags offer the most convenient payment method and potential cost savings. Several tag providers operate in Ireland, including:
- eFlow
- eToll
- Payzone
- DirectRoute
These tags work on all tolled roads in Ireland, including the Dublin Port Tunnel, M50, and other toll roads throughout the country.
While there is no specific discount for regular Dublin Port Tunnel users with tags (unlike some other toll roads where tag users receive reduced rates), the convenience of not having to stop and pay, especially during busy periods, can save time.
Some tag providers offer special business accounts for companies whose vehicles use the tunnel frequently.
What happens if I break down in the tunnel?
If your vehicle breaks down in the Dublin Port Tunnel, follow these steps:
- Switch on your hazard warning lights immediately
- If possible, drive to one of the emergency lay-bys located every 500 meters
- If you cannot reach a lay-by, stay in your vehicle with seatbelt fastened until help arrives
- Use the emergency phones located in the lay-bys or at 125-meter intervals along the tunnel wall to contact the tunnel operators
- Provide your location (marked on the tunnel walls) and details of the breakdown
- Follow all instructions given by tunnel staff
The tunnel is continuously monitored by CCTV, and an Incident Detection System automatically alerts operators to stopped vehicles. Response times are typically quick, with dedicated breakdown recovery services available 24/7.
Never attempt to make repairs yourself within the tunnel, and do not attempt to walk through the tunnel unless instructed to do so by emergency personnel.
Is the Dublin Port Tunnel the best route between Dublin Airport and Dublin Port?
For most travelers, yes, the Dublin Port Tunnel is the most direct and usually the fastest route between Dublin Airport and Dublin Port. The journey takes approximately 15-20 minutes in normal traffic conditions.
From Dublin Airport, follow signs for the M1 southbound toward Dublin City. After a short distance, take the exit for Dublin Port Tunnel. The tunnel will bring you directly to the port area.
The main considerations are:
- Time of day: During peak hours (particularly 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM when traveling southbound), the higher toll applies (€10 for cars)
- Traffic conditions: While the tunnel generally flows well, access roads can become congested during peak periods
- Vehicle type: If you're driving a vehicle with a height exceeding 4.65 meters, you'll need to use an alternative route
For most travelers catching a ferry or coming from a ferry to the airport, the time saved by using the tunnel outweighs the toll cost, even during peak hours.
Are there any restrictions on what can be transported through the tunnel?
Yes, the Dublin Port Tunnel has restrictions on the transport of certain dangerous goods and hazardous materials. These restrictions align with the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) tunnel category C.
The following categories of dangerous goods are prohibited from the tunnel:
- Explosives (Class 1)
- Flammable gases (Class 2.1)
- Toxic gases (Class 2.3)
- Flammable liquids, packing group I (Class 3)
- Desensitized explosives (Class 3 and 4.1)
- Certain organic peroxides (Class 5.2)
- Toxic substances, packing group I (Class 6.1)
- Infectious substances (Class 6.2)
- Radioactive materials above specific activity levels (Class 7)
Vehicles carrying these materials must use alternative routes through the city, despite the general HGV ban in the city center. Special permits can be obtained for such transports.
For detailed information about dangerous goods transport in Ireland, contact the Health and Safety Authority or Transport Infrastructure Ireland.
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