S6 Bus Route Dublin – Timetable, Stops, Map & Live Tracker
The S6 bus route connects The Square in Tallaght to Blackrock Station, threading through University College Dublin’s Belfield campus. Operated by Go-Ahead Ireland, this cross-city service spans approximately 50 to 68 minutes depending on traffic conditions, serving 58 to 60 stops across Dublin’s southern corridor.
Commuters and students alike rely on the S6 for its direct link between southwest Dublin and the coastal suburbs of Blackrock. The route integrates with major transport hubs including the Luas Red Line at Tallaght and the DART at Blackrock, making it a critical component of the capital’s public transport network.
Accessibility features include low-floor buses with wheelchair spaces, while Leap Card integration supports fare capping and 90-minute multi-modal transfers across Dublin Bus, Luas, and DART services.
What is the S6 Bus Route in Dublin?
- Services run daily from 5:30 AM (weekdays) to 11:30 PM, with extensions to midnight on select days
- Peak frequency reaches every 15 minutes Monday through Friday
- Route serves major educational and commercial centers including UCD Village and Blackrock Main Street
- Low-floor accessible buses operate as standard across the fleet
- Real-time tracking available through multiple third-party applications
- Leap Card integration supports fare capping and 90-minute hopping privileges
- Connects with Luas Red Line at Tallaght terminus and DART services at Blackrock
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Route Number | S6 |
| Operator | Go-Ahead Ireland (since January 2023) |
| Termini | The Square (Tallaght) ↔ Blackrock Station |
| Primary Via Points | UCD Belfield, Mount Merrion Avenue, Booterstown Avenue |
| Total Stops | 58 (outbound) / 60 (inbound) |
| Journey Duration | 50-68 minutes (traffic dependent) |
| Service Days | Daily including Bank Holidays |
| Frequency Range | 15-30 minutes depending on day |
| Payment Methods | Leap Card, Cash, Contactless |
| Timetable Validity | November 2023 / April 2024 revisions |
S6 Bus Timetable and Schedule
Weekday Operations
Monday to Friday, the first departures leave The Square at 5:30 AM and Blackrock Station at approximately 6:19 AM. Services continue until 23:30, with late-night extensions running until 00:14 to 00:30 on certain days. Buses maintain 15-minute intervals throughout the day, providing consistent coverage during both peak and off-peak periods.
Weekend and Holiday Services
Saturday operations commence at 6:00 AM, running every 15 to 20 minutes until 23:30. Sunday and Bank Holiday schedules start later at 7:30 AM with reduced frequency of every 20 to 30 minutes, though final departure times remain aligned with weekday schedules.
Journey Duration Variables
While scheduled times indicate a 50-minute journey, actual travel extends to 68 minutes during peak congestion. Traffic through Mount Merrion Avenue and Belfield campus areas contributes most significantly to delays. Sample departure times from UCD (Belfield) outbound include 06:09, 06:44, and 23:35, while inbound services from Blackrock opposite Sydney Avenue operate from 06:19 through 00:11.
Weekday mornings between 7:30 AM and 9:00 AM see the heaviest passenger volumes at UCD stops during term time. Travelers should anticipate full buses and potential standing room only during these periods.
S6 Bus Stops and Route Map
Key Stops and Landmarks
The route traces a southeastern arc through Dublin’s suburbs. Notable stops include UCD Village and Belfield UCD for university access, Woodbine Road for residential connections, and Blackrock Park/Main Street for town center access. Booterstown Avenue and Seafield Road serve coastal residential areas before reaching Blackrock Station.
Directional Differences
Outbound services from Tallaght to Blackrock cover 58 stops, while return journeys include two additional stops, totaling 60. Both directions maintain identical core routing through the UCD campus and Mount Merrion districts, with minor variations in stop placement at terminal loops accounting for the discrepancy.
Digital Navigation Tools
Route maps are accessible through the Transit app and Moovit platforms, which display real-time vehicle positions and transfer opportunities. The official PDF route map provides static reference for stop locations and physical connections.
S6 Bus Fares, Tickets and Real-Time Info
Ticketing Options
Standard Dublin Bus fare structures apply to the S6 route. Passengers may pay cash or use contactless payment methods. The Leap Card offers discounted rates and supports the fare hopping system, allowing transfers to other buses, Luas, or DART within 90 minutes of initial validation without additional charges.
Leap Card holders benefit from automatic fare capping and the ability to transfer between the S6 and other Dublin Bus services, Luas lines, or DART trains within a 90-minute window. This integration significantly reduces costs for multi-modal commuters.
Exact fare values for specific journey segments are not detailed in current timetables. Passengers should consult the Transport for Ireland website or station signage for current pricing before travel to ensure correct payment.
Real-Time Tracking Applications
Real-time arrival data flows through multiple platforms. The Transit app provides full timetable integration and next-bus predictions. BusTimes.org offers schedule archives and stop-specific timings, while Citymapper delivers journey planning with live disruption alerts.
Alternative Transport Connections
The DART provides direct rail service from Blackrock Station to Dublin city center with connections to the Tallaght area. The Luas Red Line serves The Square at Tallaght, while the Green Line connects via the UCD area, offering parallel routing options during bus service disruptions.
Timeline of S6 Route Development
- : Go-Ahead Ireland assumes operation of the S6 under National Transport Authority contract, transferring from previous operators.
- : Transport for Ireland publishes updated timetables with modified frequency patterns for weekday and weekend services.
- : Current timetable revision (Version 241) implemented, refining schedules and extending late-night service options to midnight.
- : Official PDF schedules released by Go-Ahead Ireland, available alongside Transport for Ireland documentation.
Established Facts and Remaining Uncertainties
| Verified Information | Information Requiring Confirmation |
|---|---|
| Route operates daily 5:30-23:30 (extended to 00:30) | Specific fare amounts for individual segment journeys |
| Go-Ahead Ireland operates the service under NTA contract | Real-time accuracy during severe weather events |
| 58-60 stops depending on direction of travel | Future timetable alterations post-April 2024 |
| Leap Card accepted for payment and 90-minute hopping | Current status of onboard bicycle policies |
| 50-68 minute journey duration (traffic dependent) | Specific vehicle allocation per individual service |
Context Within Dublin’s Transport Network
The S6 occupies a unique position linking Dublin’s largest suburban shopping center at Tallaght with the established professional and residential coastal communities of Blackrock. The route’s passage through UCD Belfield addresses significant student transport demand, connecting campus residents with Luas and DART interchanges essential for wider city access.
The service complements rather than competes with heavy rail options, providing granular stop coverage in areas distant from DART stations. For those attending major events such as the Divine Mercy Conference Dublin 2026 – Dates, Speakers, Tickets Guide, the S6 offers convenient access to city center connections via Blackrock DART or Tallaght Luas.
Low-floor accessibility features and real-time tracking integration position the S6 as a modern suburban service, though passenger feedback indicates variability in journey times due to traffic conditions on the Mount Merrion corridor.
Sources and Verification
The S6 service operates between The Square (Tallaght) and Blackrock Station via UCD (Belfield), serving 58 stops outbound and 60 stops inbound with a journey time of approximately 50-68 minutes.
— Transit App and Moovit route documentation, 2024
Services operate daily with frequencies ranging from 15 minutes (Monday-Friday) to 30 minutes (Sunday/Bank Holidays), with first buses departing at 05:30 on weekdays and 07:30 on Sundays.
— Transport for Ireland Timetable, November 2023
Key Takeaways
The S6 provides essential connectivity between Tallaght and Blackrock via UCD, operating 15-30 minute frequencies daily from early morning until midnight. Travelers should utilize real-time apps for current arrival data and consider Leap Card benefits for multi-modal journeys. For those calculating transport costs alongside vehicle ownership, the Road Tax Calculator Ireland – Official Rates, Bands and Guide offers comparative financial context.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the S6 bus run on Christmas Day?
Standard public holiday schedules may vary for December 25th. Passengers should consult Transport for Ireland announcements closer to the date for specific service status.
Can bicycles be carried on S6 buses?
Standard Dublin Bus bicycle policies apply. Folding bicycles are permitted subject to space availability, while full-size bicycles are generally restricted from carriage during peak hours.
Is the S6 route wheelchair accessible?
Low-floor buses with dedicated wheelchair spaces operate on this route as standard. Specific vehicle accessibility features can be verified through real-time tracking applications before boarding.
What is the last S6 bus from UCD on Friday nights?
Based on April 2024 timetables, the final outbound departure from UCD (Belfield) on Fridays is scheduled for 23:35, with late extensions continuing until approximately 00:14.
Does the S6 connect to Dublin Airport?
No direct connection exists. Passengers must transfer to other services at Tallaght Luas or city center locations to reach Dublin Airport.
How accurate are the real-time tracking apps?
Third-party applications aggregate official GPS data from Go-Ahead Ireland. Minor discrepancies may occur during signal delays or unexpected traffic disruptions.
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