How to travel from Donegal to Clifden, Ireland

The distance between Donegal and Clifden is around 231km (144 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to drive which takes around 2h 60m.

4 routes found

We've found 4 different ways to get from Donegal to Clifden by bus and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

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

💰 Cheapest
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bus
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Bus via Claremorris, O'Brien's Chemist

Take the bus to Claremorris O'Brien's Chemist and then to Maam Cross Emo Oil Station.

  • Duration4h 10m
  • Departstwice daily
  • Typical cost
    €9($9)
Operated by

Multiple bus operators

2 similiar routes

We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.

🚀 Fastest
2
car
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Drive

Drive to Clifden.

  • Duration2h 60m
  • Distance231km (144 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Donegal and Clifden

There are several options for getting from Donegal to Clifden by bus and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus which costs around €9 ($9) and will take around 4h 10m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can drive and arrive in approximately 2h 60m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately €46 ($46).

The distance between Donegal and Clifden is around 231km (144 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 208km (130 miles)

It takes around 4h 55m to get from Donegal and Clifden by bus. If you are travelling by car it will take around 2h 60m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Donegal to Clifden is to drive which takes around 2h 60m and will set you back approx €46 ($46).

The cheapest way to travel between Donegal and Clifden, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus which will typically cost around €9 ($9) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

There is no train service that runs between Donegal and Clifden. We recommend that you drive to Clifden. instead which will take 2h 60m.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Donegal and Clifden. It typically takes around 4h 55m and departs twice daily.

There are no direct bus services that runs from Donegal to Clifden. However, you can instead can take several connecting buses with changeovers in Eyre Square Galway. These services run twice daily and will take a minimum of 4h 55m.

Bus Feda Teoranta, Citylink, Bus Eireann and Local Link Galway run regular bus services between Donegal and Clifden. Buses run twice daily and take around 4h 55m on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Donegal to Clifden. We recommend that you take the bus to Eyre Square Galway and then to Clifden Clifden. instead which will take 4h 55m.

The closest major airport to Clifden is Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC) (NOC) which is approximately 93km (58 miles) from Clifden. Shannon Airport (SNN) (SNN) and Donegal Airport (CFN) (CFN) 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 Donegal and Clifden. The distance is around 231km (144 miles) by road and it will take around 2h 60m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Donegal to Clifden is to take the bus which takes, on average, 4h 55m and will usually cost around €11 ($11).

How do I get from Donegal to Clifden

Compare travel optionsbetween Donegal and Clifden

Transport options from Donegal to Clifden
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Bus via Claremorris, O'Brien's Chemist + 2 similar
4h 10m
€9($9)
twice daily246km (153 miles)
Bus4h 55m
€11($11)
twice daily283km (176 miles)
Bus via Galway Bus Station, stop 5550415h 15m
€32($32)
5 times a day287km (179 miles)
Drive
2h 60m
€46($46)
on demand231km (144 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Donegal and Clifden

Bus companies

Airports near Clifden

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

NOC
Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC)
Domestic Airport
Distance
93km (58 miles) from Clifden
SNN
Shannon Airport (SNN)
International Airport
Distance
115km (71 miles) from Clifden
CFN
Donegal Airport (CFN)
Domestic Airport
Distance
204km (127 miles) from Clifden