FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I pay by cash on the bus?

West Cork Connect accepts cash on board all our buses. Please have the exact fare ready for the bus driver when you board the coach. We also accept credit/debit cards on all our buses. In addition, you can purchase your bus ticket for any of the West Cork Connect routes online here. 

Can I pay by credit card or debit card on the bus?

West Cork Connect accepts credit cards, debit cards and Visa cards on board all our buses. We also accept cash, but please have the exact fare ready when you board the coach. In addition, you can purchase bus tickets using a debit/credit card online for any of the West Cork Connect routes here. 

Can I tap my card to pay for my bus ticket?

If you’re travelling on board a West Cork Connect bus, you can tap your credit or debit card to pay for your bus ticket(s), provided the charge is under €50. All Visa and MasterCard cards displaying the contactless symbol can be used. Simply take out your contactless bank card and tap it on the card machine when requested to do so by the driver to pay in less than a second. West Cork Connect is happy to accommodate contactless payments on all our routes.

Can I use my phone to pay for my bus ticket?

With West Cork Connect, you can pay for your bus ticket using Apple Pay on your iPhone or Google Pay on your smartphone. To do this, you must first set up a payment method for contactless transactions on your phone.

What types of bus tickets are available?

West Cork Connect offer single-journey bus tickets, return-journey bus tickets and ten-journey bus tickets. West Cork Connect offer different fare options. For example, children, teenagers and students with appropriate identification (YAC Card, Student Leap Card or ISIC Card) can avail of reduced fares, while children under the age of 5 and Free Travel Card holders will not be charged.

How long is my bus ticket valid?

All West Cork Connect bus tickets are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. All return bus tickets are open for travel within 12 months.

What are the bus fares?

West Cork Connect offers several different fare options for all of our bus routes: adult single, adult return, YAC single, YAC return, student single, student return teen single, teen return, and child single and child return, as well as ten-journey tickets for adults, students and teens. Full details of all of our fares can be found here. Children under the age of 5 and Free Travel Pass holders will not be charged.

What are the fare categories by age?

The following are West Cork Connect’s fare categories based on age:

• Under 5s Go Free: 0–4 yrs;
• Child Fare: 5–12 yrs;
• Teen Fare: 13–19 yrs;
• Student Fare (with valid ID only);
• YAC Fare: 19–23 yrs (with valid YAC Card only);
• Student Leap Fare: students aged 16–18 or 24+ yrs (with valid Student Leap Card only);
• Free Travel: 66+ yrs (with valid Free Travel Card only).

Full details of all of our fares can be found here.

Are there child bus fares available?

Children under the age of 5 (i.e. 0–4 years) travel for free with West Cork Connect, while children and teens aged 5–19 years enjoy reduced fares. A responsible adult must accompany all children under the age of 16 on the bus at all times. West Cork Connect also offers reduced fares to students with a valid YAC / Student Leap Card or ISIC Card. Full details of all of our fares can be found here.

Is the Free Travel Pass accepted on the bus?

West Cork Connect accepts the Free Travel Pass on all of our bus services. To avail of this option, you must have a valid Department of Social Welfare Travel Card with you at the time of travel. You may be asked to present your card to the driver; you must do so to ensure you avail of free travel on our bus routes.

Is the Leap Card accepted on the bus?

The West Cork Connect bus service accepts Leap Cards on all daily routes. A TFI Leap Card is a prepaid travel card that offers a convenient way to pay public transport fares. As well as West Cork Connect buses, the leap card is valid throughout Ireland on trains, the DART, the Luas trams and other public transport operators; with a Leap card, you can make significant savings on public transport journeys. At West Cork Connect, we aim to offer the best quality transport at the lowest price and are happy to bring you this convenient payment option. Simply buy a Leap card online here, top it up with travel credit and present it to the West Cork Connect bus driver.  

Is the Student Leap Card accepted on the bus?

If you are a student aged 16–18 years (or 24+ years) and hold a valid Student Leap Card, you can avail of reduced rates with West Cork Connect but only when you purchase your bus ticket online here. To avail of this option, you must carry your valid Student Leap Card with you at the time of travel. You will be asked to present your card to the driver; you must do so or you will incur additional charges.

Is the YAC Card accepted on the bus?

If you are aged 19–23 years and hold a valid Young Adult Card (YAC), you can avail of reduced rates with West Cork Connect but only when you purchase your bus ticket online here. To avail of this option, you must carry your valid YAC Card with you at the time of travel. You will be asked to present your card to the driver; you must do so or you will incur additional charges.

What forms of student identification are accepted on the bus?

West Cork Connect accepts the Student Leap Card and the ISIC Card (International Student Identification Card); no other forms of student identification are accepted at this time. You must carry one of these accepted forms of student ID with you at all times on all of the West Cork Connect buses. You may be asked to present your card to the driver; failure to do so will prevent you from availing of our reduced student fares. Those aged under 16 are not required to carry ID.

Do I qualify for a student bus fare?

To qualify for the student bus fare on any of the West Cork Connect services, you must be a student and have a valid Student Leap Card or ISIC Card (International Student Identification Card); no other forms of student identification are accepted at this time. You must carry one of these accepted cards with you at all times on all of the West Cork Connect services.

What is the ten-journey bus ticket? 

West Cork Connect offers “ten-journey bus tickets”, which are valid for 10 one-way journeys in any direction. This works out much cheaper than buying multiple single or return tickets. You make huge savings with these discounted prices, and it’s particularly economical for those commuting to work daily as it covers you for the week. West Cork Connect’s ten-journey tickets are valid for 12 months. There are different charges for adults, students and teens. Check out the price of the ten-journey bus tickets using our “Fare Finder” here.

Do I have to have an online booking to travel on the bus?

With West Cork Connect, you do not have to make an online booking to travel on any of our bus services. West Cork Connect accepts cash and credit/debit cards on all of our buses. If you are paying by cash, please have the exact fare ready. While there is no obligation to make an online booking, it is only by purchasing your ticket online that we can guarantee you a bus seat (please bear in mind, however, that seats are not individually allocated). You can book a seat and buy your bus ticket here.

I did not receive my ticket after booking online; what should I do?

If you booked and paid for a West Cork Connect bus ticket online at either WestCorkConnect.ie or KinsaleConnect.ie and have not yet received it in your inbox, please check your spam/trash folder. If this is unsuccessful, please email us at info@westcorkconnect.ie and request to have your ticket resent.

Are bus seats allocated with an online booking?

On the West Cork Connect bus service, seats are not individually allocated. You may sit anywhere on the coach, provided the seat is free. While there is no obligation to make a booking before travelling, an online booking is the only way to guarantee a bus seat on the route you intend to travel. You can purchase your ticket here.

I have a Free Travel Pass, can I reserve a bus seat?

With West Cork Connect, Free Travel Card holders can reserve bus seats online here. A small booking fee will apply for Free Travel Pass holders in order to guarantee a bus seat (please bear in mind. However, that seats are not individually allocated). As of September 2023, the booking fee is €1. A Free Travel Card seat reservation is only valid for travel when accompanied by a valid Free Travel Card.

Can children travel unaccompanied on the bus?

On the West Cork Connect bus services, all children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Accompanied children under 5 years can travel for free on all West Cork Connect bus services, while children aged 5 and up as well as teenagers enjoy reduced fares.

Is there Wifi on board the bus?

There is WiFi on all the dedicated West Cork Connect buses. However, from time to time, we may use another vehicle from our extensive fleet of coaches available for private hire or where a vehicle cannot be supplied from our own fleet, we may supply a similar vehicle without prior notice from another suitable company; under these circumstances, we cannot guarantee WiFi onboard, but if you email us on info@westcorkconnect.ie we can advise.

Are there USB charging points on board the bus to charge electronic devices?

There are USB charging ports on all the dedicated West Cork Connect buses. However, from time to time, we may use another vehicle from our extensive fleet of coaches available for private hire or where a vehicle cannot be supplied from our own fleet, we may use a similar vehicle without prior notice from another suitable company; under these circumstances, we cannot guarantee there will be USB charging points on board, but if you email us on info@westcorkconnect.ie we can advise.

Can I charge my phone on the bus?

There are USB charging ports on all the dedicated West Cork Connect buses, so you can charge your phone and other mobile devices on board. However, from time to time, we may use another vehicle from our extensive fleet of coaches available for private hire or where a vehicle cannot be supplied from our own fleet, we may use a similar vehicle without prior notice from another suitable company; under these circumstances, we cannot guarantee there will be charging facilities onboard, but if you email us on info@westcorkconnect.ie we can advise.

Can I eat/drink on board the bus?

Out of consideration for your fellow passengers, we ask that you refrain from eating and drinking on the West Cork Connect coaches.

Are there toilet facilities on the bus?

We do not have toilet facilities on the West Cork Connect coaches.

What is your policy on the use of e-cigarettes on the bus?

West Cork Connect does not permit the use of e-cigarettes on our coaches.

Are the buses wheelchair-accessible?

West Cork Connect does not use wheelchair-accessible vehicles for our daily services. We have a large fleet of coaches and minibuses available for private hire, and we can arrange wheelchair-accessible vehicles for private use on request only.

Can I bring a guide dog or assistance dog on the bus?

Guide dogs and assistance dogs accompanying passengers can travel on all West Cork Connect buses. A guide dog or assistance dog must be clearly identifiable, wearing its official coat and harness to distinguish it from a working dog or pet. Each passenger is allowed only one guide dog or assistance dog. The owner is responsible for their guide dog or assistance dog, and it must be kept under control, whether leashed, harnessed or in a carrier. These dogs must not obstruct the aisle or occupy seats. Other pets or animals are not permitted on board the West Cork Connect buses or in the luggage compartment.

Can I bring my pet on the bus?

With the exception of guide dogs, assistance dogs and therapy dogs, West Cork Connect does not allow animals on our buses.

Where do I put my luggage on the bus?

On the West Cork Connect coaches, all luggage – other than hand luggage – must be stored in the luggage compartment of the coach you are travelling on.

Can I bring my bicycle or pram on the bus?

On all West Cork Connect coaches, there is space for bicycles and prams in the storage compartment underneath the bus.

Does West Cork Connect have a lost property department?

West Cork Connect has a lost property department. If you have left something behind on the coach, please get in touch with us by emailing info@westcorkconnect.ie or calling us. Please specify the date and time you travelled and provide a description of the item you lost. We cannot accept responsibility for any lost/stolen items. Click here to find out more.

What are my rights as a bus passenger?

EU Regulation 181/2011 provides for a minimum set of rights for passengers travelling by bus and coach services within the European Union. Please click here for our Terms and Conditions.

What does the “D” in the bus timetables mean?

The “D” in the West Cork Connect timetables stands for “Drop-off only”. This means that passengers can disembark at a stop labelled with a “D”, but new passengers will not be collected at this particular stop at the allocated drop-off time.

What does the “P” in the bus timetables mean?

The “P” in the West Cork Connect timetables stands for “Pick-up only”. This means that new passengers will be collected at a stop labelled with a “P” at the allocated pick-up time, but passengers already on the bus cannot disembark at this particular stop.

What happens if a bus is full?

When travelling with West Cork Connect, we’ll always try our best to have an adequate number of coaches on the road to cater for all our passengers. If it is a particularly busy time, we’ll generally add an extra bus or several buses to the route if available. However, we cannot always guarantee a seat for every person wishing to travel on the West Cork Connect service. An online booking is the only way to ensure a bus seat (please remember that seats are not individually allocated). You can purchase your ticket here.

How much is the bus fare from Cork to Skibbereen?

The price of the bus ticket from Cork to Skibbereen depends on the ticket type. For example, as of September 2023, an adult single Cork–Skibbereen West Cork Connect bus ticket costs €11 or €18 for an adult return ticket; a student single Cork–Skibbereen West Cork Connect bus ticket costs €9 or €14 for a student return bus ticket. There are special rates for YAC Card holders, Student Leap Card holders, teens and children. Deals are also available for adult, student and teen frequent travellers who wish to avail of the ten-journey tickets. Our fares are subject to change so check out the latest prices using our “Fare Finder” here. Accompanied children under the age of 5 and Free Travel Pass holders travel for free on all routes.  

How much is the bus fare from Cork to Bantry?

The price of the bus ticket from Cork to Bantry depends on the ticket type. For example, as of September 2023, an adult single Cork–Bantry West Cork Connect bus ticket costs €13 or €20 for an adult return ticket; a student single Cork–Bantry West Cork Connect bus ticket costs €11 or €18 for a student return bus ticket. There are special rates for YAC Card holders, Student Leap Card holders, teens and children. Deals are also available for adult, student and teen frequent travellers who wish to avail of the ten-journey tickets. Our fares are subject to change so check out the latest prices using our “Fare Finder” here. Accompanied children under the age of 5 and Free Travel Pass holders travel for free on all routes.  

How much is the bus fare from Cork to Rosscarbery?

The price of the bus ticket from Cork to Rosscarbery depends on the ticket type. For example, as of September 2023, an adult single Cork–Rosscarbery West Cork Connect bus ticket costs €10 or €17 for an adult return ticket; a student single Cork–Rosscarbery West Cork Connect bus ticket costs €9 or €13 for a student return bus ticket. There are special rates for YAC Card holders, Student Leap Card holders, teens and children. Deals are also available for adult, student and teen frequent travellers who wish to avail of the ten-journey tickets. Our fares are subject to change so check out the latest prices using our “Fare Finder” here. Accompanied children under the age of 5 and Free Travel Pass holders travel for free on all routes.  

How much is the bus fare from Cork to Clonakilty?

The price of the bus ticket from Cork to Clonakilty depends on the ticket type. For example, as of September 2023, an adult single Cork–Clonakilty West Cork Connect bus ticket costs €9 or €15 for an adult return ticket; a student single Cork–Clonakilty West Cork Connect bus ticket costs €8 or €12 for a student return bus ticket. There are special rates for YAC Card holders, Student Leap Card holders, teens and children. Deals are also available for adult, student and teen frequent travellers who wish to avail of the ten-journey tickets. Our fares are subject to change so check out the latest prices using our “Fare Finder” here. Accompanied children under the age of 5 and Free Travel Pass holders travel for free on all routes.   

How much is the bus fare from Cork to Bandon?

The price of the bus ticket from Cork to Bandon depends on the type of ticket. For example, as of September 2023, an adult single Cork–Bandon West Cork Connect bus ticket costs €7 or €11 for an adult return ticket; a student single Cork–Bandon West Cork Connect bus ticket costs €6 or €10 for a student return bus ticket. There are special rates for YAC Card holders, Student Leap Card holders, teens and children. Deals are also available for adult, student and teen frequent travellers who wish to avail of the ten-journey tickets. Our fares are subject to change so check out the latest prices using our “Fare Finder” here. Accompanied children under the age of 5 and Free Travel Pass holders travel for free on all routes.   

How much is the bus fare from Cork to Dunmanway?

The price of the bus ticket from Cork to Dunmanway depends on the ticket type. For example, as of September 2023, an adult single Cork–Dunmanway West Cork Connect bus ticket costs €10 or €17 for an adult return ticket; a student single Cork–Dunmanway West Cork Connect bus ticket costs €8 or €12 for a student return bus ticket. There are special rates for YAC Card holders, Student Leap Card holders, teens and children. Deals are also available for adult, student and teen frequent travellers who wish to avail of the ten-journey tickets. Our fares are subject to change so check out the latest prices using our “Fare Finder” here. Accompanied children under the age of 5 and Free Travel Pass holders travel for free on all routes.   

How much is the bus fare from Cork to Innishannon?

The price of the bus ticket from Cork to Innishannon depends on the ticket type. For example, as of September 2023, an adult single Cork–Innishannon West Cork Connect bus ticket costs €6 or €10 for an adult return ticket; a student single Cork–Innishannon West Cork Connect bus ticket costs €5 or €8.50 for a student return bus ticket. There are special rates for YAC Card holders, Student Leap Card holders, teens and children. Deals are also available for adult, student and teen frequent travellers who wish to avail of the ten-journey tickets. Our fares are subject to change so check out the latest prices using our “Fare Finder” here. Accompanied children under the age of 5 and Free Travel Pass holders travel for free on all routes.   

What is the Free Travel Pass?

Everyone aged 66 and over, legally resident and living permanently in the Irish State, is entitled to a Free Travel Pass (some people under 66 also qualify). The Free Travel Scheme is a government initiative and Free Travel Passes are issued by the Department of Social Protection. West Cork Connect accepts the Free Travel Pass (or a Public Services Card with ”FT” printed on it), which entitles the holder to free travel on all our daily scheduled bus services. There are no restrictions on the times you can use your Free Travel Card with regards to our routine bus services. You must always carry your Free Travel Pass when travelling on our coaches. The Travel Pass is non-transferable and can only be used by the person named on the card. Find out more about how the Free Travel Pass works on the Kinsale Connect services here or apply for the Free Travel Pass Scheme here.