How to travel from Cork to Kilkenny, Ireland

The distance between Cork and Kilkenny is around 152km (95 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to drive which takes around 1h 40m.

3 routes found

We've found 3 different ways to get from Cork to Kilkenny by bus, train and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out KilkennyCork if you're planning a return trip.

💰 Cheapest
1
bus
+

Bus

Take the bus to Kilkenny Ormond Road.

  • Duration2h 35m
  • Departshourly
Operated by

Eurobus

+ 1 others
2
train
+
train
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Train

Take the train to Kildare and then to Kilkenny MacDonagh.

  • Duration3h 20m
  • Departs6 times a week
  • Typical cost
    €34($34)
🚀 Fastest
3
car
+

Drive

Drive to Kilkenny.

  • Duration1h 40m
  • Distance152km (95 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Cork and Kilkenny

There are several options for getting from Cork to Kilkenny by bus, train and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus which costs around and will take around 2h 35m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can drive and arrive in approximately 1h 40m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately €21 ($21).

The distance between Cork and Kilkenny is around 152km (95 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 118km (73 miles)

It takes around 2h 35m to get from Cork and Kilkenny by bus. If you are travelling by car it will take around 1h 40m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Cork to Kilkenny is to drive which takes around 1h 40m and will set you back approx €21 ($21).

The cheapest way to travel between Cork and Kilkenny, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus which will typically cost around for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Cork and Kilkenny. It typically takes around 3h 20m and departs 6 times a week.

There are no direct train services that runs from Cork to Kilkenny. However, you can instead can take several connecting trains with a changeover in Kildare. These services run 6 times a week and will take a minimum of 3h 20m.

Irish Rail run train services between Cork and Kilkenny. Trains depart 6 times a week and will take around 3h 20m, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Cork and Kilkenny. It typically takes around 2h 35m and departs every 3 hours.

Yes there is a direct bus service that runs between Cork and Kilkenny with no changeovers required. The bus runs every 3 hours and takes 2h 35m.

Eurobus and Dublin Coach run regular bus services between Cork and Kilkenny. Buses run every 3 hours and take around 2h 35m on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Cork to Kilkenny. We recommend that you take the bus to Kilkenny Ormond Road. instead which will take 2h 35m.

The closest major airport to Kilkenny is Dublin Airport (DUB) (DUB) which is approximately 109km (68 miles) from Kilkenny. Shannon Airport (SNN) (SNN) and Cork Airport (ORK) (ORK) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

Yes it is possible to drive from Cork and Kilkenny. The distance is around 152km (95 miles) by road and it will take around 1h 40m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Cork to Kilkenny is to take the bus which takes, on average, 2h 35m and will usually cost around .

How do I get from Cork to Kilkenny

Compare travel optionsbetween Cork and Kilkenny

Transport options from Cork to Kilkenny
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Bus
2h 35m
hourly169km (105 miles)
Train
3h 20m
€34($34)
6 times a week299km (186 miles)
Drive
1h 40m
€21($21)
on demand152km (95 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Cork and Kilkenny

Bus companies

Train operators

Airports near Kilkenny

The following major airports near Kilkenny offer regular flights to various popular destinations within Ireland and internationally.

DUB
Dublin Airport (DUB)
International Airport
Distance
109km (68 miles) from Kilkenny
SNN
Shannon Airport (SNN)
International Airport
Distance
113km (70 miles) from Kilkenny
ORK
Cork Airport (ORK)
International Airport
Distance
123km (76 miles) from Kilkenny