Go Bus vs Citylink

Toon--soldier

Hi does anybody know which is the quicker bus company to Dublin, i know Gobus use the motorway but im not sure if citylink still use the old n6?

poisonated

AFAIK they are both the same. I prefer citylink purely because you can get it cheaper. You can sometimes buy a ticket from Galway - Dublin for 1 euro.

banshee_bones

They both do a non stop service. I think city link are marginally cheaper but GoBus has wifi on board.

Zapho

Yup, but be careful, not all Citylink buses to Dublin are non-stop, but all Gobus services are non-stop. I marginally prefer Gobus!

And they both have wifi on board, afaik.

inisboffin

There's a whole other thread on this, sorry my computer is being too iffy to search.

I prefer gobus, local company, cleaner buses (usually), more punctual and marginally faster (via motorway route)

Citylink are cheaper if you buy online sometimes, but I find the website to be a pain in the h*le. They are grand tho, and glad of their Clifden service!

The go two routes, the 'non stop' via motorway, and via the towns, be sure to check which.

Gobus also have the latest depts from Dublin back (11.15 pm and 1.15am)

ethernet

CityLink is cheaper. The times change fairly often so keep an eye on their respective timetables.

They both have very similar coaches now (some the same) and wi-fi tends to be available on both (twice it wasn't on GoBus).

I've yet to be on a GoBus coach that actually left the station on time. 40 minutes late leaving Dublin on Friday afternoon. A large line of people queued along George's Quay waiting for the bus from the airport - enough to fill an extra bus - but they still didn't board the two (yes, two) extra coaches there on standby.

Prior to that, coming back from Dublin, a group of people boarded a GoBus coach with wine bottles and other pisswasser in their hands, already twisted. The racket they were creating before the bus even had pulled off was something else and yet the driver didn't bother to talk to them, let alone ask them to get off. Yes, sounding like a cranky old man, but it was a needlessly painful journey for me and many others.

inisboffin

Funny, I could almost quote you the exact same scenarios in reverse (Citylink being the baddie in my case). I kind of operated on the 3 strikes rule for them with regard to who I chose to give regular business to. I found the staff a bit rude sometimes (not all of them) Just goes to show it depends on chance half the time.
Gobus is often my only option from Dublin, as I leave 11 at night. The bus is usually very quiet on the 11.15.
That and the fact that gobus is a local company (vs Citylink which is Veolia) are the top two factors that inform my choice.

I still get Citylink to Clifden the odd time.

speedboatchase

Does Gobus stop in Oranmore?

synacron trion

speedboatchase wrote: »

Does Gobus stop in Oranmore?

No, GoBus is a direct service. The only stops are the station in Galway, Dublin airport and Dublin city.

kraggy

GoBus is direct and usually cheaper than Citylink. Them 1 euro tickets are few and far between.

Never going with CityLink again after the way I was treated once.

GoBus are local too. Citylink aren't Irish.

And Gobus staff are always nice.

Mrs OBumble

inisboffin wrote: »

Gobus is often my only option from Dublin, as I leave 11 at night. The bus is usually very quiet on the 11.15.
That and the fact that gobus is a local company (vs Citylink which is Veolia) are the top two factors that inform my choice.

I had a bad experience on a chartered CityLink bus a year ago (day was so hot the air-con broke ... we melted, and some folks go so sick the driver had to stop a couple of times).

Other than that, I've only had good experiences with both of 'em.

In case this thread comes up in future searches: the 11:15pm GoBus from Dublin to Galway is usually quiet. But the 1:15am is sometimes very full and booking is highly recommended. If you have a booking for it, and are ready at 11:15pm, they'll usually let you get on then.

forumfiend

Zapho wrote: »

And they both have wifi on board, afaik.

Just wondering, what's the wifi like? Is it free? Is it reliable? Is the speed reasonable? Do they have power sockets (asking a bit much, I know, but my laptop would never make it to Dublin without a bit of external power).

Mr.Mister

forumfiend wrote: »

Just wondering, what's the wifi like? Is it free? Is it reliable? Is the speed reasonable? Do they have power sockets (asking a bit much, I know, but my laptop would never make it to Dublin without a bit of external power).

About 80km/ph

inisboffin

JustMary wrote: »

In case this thread comes up in future searches: the 11:15pm GoBus from Dublin to Galway is usually quiet. But the 1:15am is sometimes very full and booking is highly recommended. If you have a booking for it, and are ready at 11:15pm, they'll usually let you get on then.

Good to know, I have only missed the 11.15 once and the bus was definitely busier, but I got on ok. I usually just do a 'walk on' at the stop, so will bear that in mind.

Wifi is free, the last few times (I get them a fair bit) the wifi was great. In the past, the times the signal had been weaker, it tended to be the first and last half hours of the journey for some reason. No power source though. Train has that (but no internet!).

inisboffin

synacron trion wrote: »

No, GoBus is a direct service. The only stops are the station in Galway, Dublin airport and Dublin city.

They also have a legal stop inbound to Dublin at Heuston Station (but not outbound)

forumfiend

Mr.Mister wrote: »

About 80km/ph

Very funny.

synacron trion

inisboffin wrote: »

They also have a legal stop inbound to Dublin at Heuston Station (but not outbound)

Really? Cool. Its not on the timetable on the website though.

inisboffin

synacron trion wrote: »

Really? Cool. Its not on the timetable on the website though.

Anytime anyone asked there wasn't any problem. They won't pick up there on the way out tho.

synacron trion

inisboffin wrote: »

Anytime anyone asked there wasn't any problem. They won't pick up there on the way out tho.

Is it unofficial so? As in if you ask for it, because they are passing they will let you off?

forbairt

I generally use CityLink for the simple reason they stop / pickup in Oranmore which is my usual destination when going Dublin -> Galway ...

I've also had the 1 euro galway -> dublin ticket when booking online before which is kinda cool if you manage to get it

Not the most comfortable buses I find but also generally not that packed
(have done a bit of travel on spanish buses for 5 - 6 hours travel and my god they are comfortable ... doing that on Irish buses would kill me)

Haven't travelled on the gobus ones yet though I may try them out in 2 weeks depending on which are leaving next at dublin airport

CityLink also have wifi onboard most of their buses though I've mixed opinions on it ( 50% time great 50% flaky as **** )

inisboffin

synacron trion wrote: »

Is it unofficial so? As in if you ask for it, because they are passing they will let you off?

I think it is a 'legal request stop' (the only one I believe). They are generally quite strict about stopping (except one looong story recently but it didn't effect the journey time). Any time someone stood up and went to get off, it stopped. But they won't stop if no one is getting off, there's no reason. Some Bus Eireann buses are like this too. If no one is at a stop or getting off, they won't pull in. So I don't think it is unofficial, but it isn't 'scheduled'.

inisboffin

forbairt wrote: »

I generally use CityLink for the simple reason they stop / pickup in Oranmore which is my usual destination when going Dublin -> Galway ...
)

Does the Citylink you take then go on the motorway, or via the smaller towns all the way up?

muffinman

ethernet wrote: »

Prior to that, coming back from Dublin, a group of people boarded a GoBus coach with wine bottles and other pisswasser in their hands, already twisted. The racket they were creating before the bus even had pulled off was something else and yet the driver didn't bother to talk to them, let alone ask them to get off. Yes, sounding like a cranky old man, but it was a needlessly painful journey for me and many others.

By any chance was this about 2 months ago and 2 separate groups of stags and hens who made friends on the bus and made sure everyone knew about it?

Aside from that experience, Gobus is by far my favourite

How exactly does one avail of this €1 ticket with Citylink? I have never been able to find it.

For me, Gobus only marginally wins for their constant direct service

thesandeman

GoBus=Toilet=WINNER!!

Mrs OBumble

brokenlaptop wrote: »

How exactly does one avail of this €1 ticket with Citylink? I have never been able to find it.

You book via their website, and if there's one available it will show you. I've had it a couple of times - generally there aren't many available on their most popular services, though, so you have to book some weeks in advance.

RolandIRL

citylink are cheaper, but their seats are so tiny! very little legroom if the bus is packed. as said before, you can €1 tickets online with citylink, but can you go to the tourist office and get them there far enough in advance?

citylink stop in every bleeding place though. i was returning to galway from dublin airport and GoBus left an hour later, but was in at the same time! and the toilet really makes a difference. seats are much better, and have table :eek: on gobus :eek:

Mr Keek

inisboffin wrote: »

Wifi is free, the last few times (I get them a fair bit) the wifi was great.

Whoo hoo, I predict a trip to Dublin just to go Downloading music! Damn you Eircom, look what ye are forcing me into with your 3 Stikes!

inisboffin

Mr Keek wrote: »

Whoo hoo, I predict a trip to Dublin just to go Downloading music! Damn you Eircom, look what ye are forcing me into with your 3 Stikes!

Now in fairness I wasn't downloading, just emails and surfing, so haven't tested that - best of luck with it tho!

ethernet

No wi-fi on GoBus on the way to Dublin on Sunday. Aaargh! Router on board wasn't handing out IP addresses - might have just needed a reboot but imagine the blank stares were I to ask the driver.

There seems to be some confusion here about CityLink. They run both a multi-stop and a direct service. My housemate has used the direct service with one of their double decker buses. Seats wouldn't be the most comfortable, as you'd expect!

Did CityLink sort out the licence for the direct service yet?

citycentre

ethernet wrote: »

Did CityLink sort out the licence for the direct service yet?

They are still operating illegally as far as I know - the case was adjourned or something the last time it went to court... I know the laws are a bit crazy regarding the licencing of bus routes but the way Citylink are just flouting them brazenly is as good a reason as any to favour GoBus as far as I'm concerned...

Xandra

I don't want to start a new thread, so I will ask some question here.

My friends and I, 4 people, will go Dublin city-Galway this Friday on 10.15 or 12.15. I guess I will just go to George Quay and pay the fee on bus without booking.

However, on the way back Galway-Dublin on Sunday around 17.45 or 18.45;
- Will the bus full during that period? Should I book online in advance??
- If I book at 18.45, is it possible to take the 17.45 bus??

Thank you!

inisboffin

I'd say give them a ring to be sure. I have gotten buses around that time, they were busy but not full. Not sure about if you booked a different time, I'd say if it isn't full AND if the one you booked wasn't full, you'd be ok, but ring them!

On Citylink, if that route is still 'illegal', surely there is some connection to insurance and full coverage for passengers being affected?

Mrs OBumble

They now have a licence for the "direct" service. Paid E3000 to charity in order to get the Probation Act.

http://www.galwaynews.ie/12590-citylink-given-probation-act-galway-district-court

Blink182rock

Mr.Mister wrote: »

About 80km/ph

haha... ah now ... 90 anyway

citycentre

JustMary wrote: »

They now have a licence for the "direct" service. Paid E3000 to charity in order to get the Probation Act.

http://www.galwaynews.ie/12590-citylink-given-probation-act-galway-district-court

Ah totally missed that bit of news - Glad they have it sorted, I always wondered what the implications would be insurance-wise etc. if god forbid there was an accident while the service was illegal...

ethernet

Xandra wrote: »

I don't want to start a new thread, so I will ask some question here.

My friends and I, 4 people, will go Dublin city-Galway this Friday on 10.15 or 12.15. I guess I will just go to George Quay and pay the fee on bus without booking.

However, on the way back Galway-Dublin on Sunday around 17.45 or 18.45;
- Will the bus full during that period? Should I book online in advance??
- If I book at 18.45, is it possible to take the 17.45 bus??

Thank you!

This is one thing I've noticed, with GoBus at least. Would recommend booking online. It probably won't be full that early on a Friday. Those who have booked online and those with return tickets are asked to board first at George's Quay. Have never noticed this though when leaving Galway though - it's more a case of just getting there early enough to get a seat.

To answer your second question, I don't think that would guarantee your place. It might be best to book your return as open for now and then confirm your return trip when you're sure when you'll be heading back.

harryd2

I normally go with City-link, as Go bus are (were?) in bed with Veolia.

inisboffin

harryd2 wrote: »

I normally go with City-link, as Go bus are (were?) in bed with Veolia.

It's the other way around I believe. Not sure if things have changed yet tho.

Veolia *did* own the Nestor link, but Burkes took it over
See this wiki link from another thread. AFAIK gobus.ie is now a local Galway Company.

But now I can't find the Citylink connection (though there was one pointed out to me), and that is one of the main reasons (but not the only one) why I use gobus.

Anyone any more info?

citycentre

inisboffin wrote: »

Anyone any more info?

http://www.comfortdelgro.com.sg/global/bus.htm

Singapore owned company, one of the largest (if not the largest) transport company in the world.... (Nothing to do with Veolia afaik).

GoBus are completely locally owned.

Head The Wall

Blink182rock wrote: »

haha... ah now ... 90 anyway

Buses are limited to 100Km/h

notel70

I use go-bus for the following reasons

1. They are a local company - tuam man owns them, citylink are owned by the worlds largest bus company based in singapore,
2. City link are sly and dishonest, they basically told the courts/radio/papers(via their UK pr company) that they did have a non-stop licence when they didnt(they have since gotten one), they knew their licence was invalid and while spouting all this crap about having a licence they were appling for a new licence!!,
3. Go-bus upped the quality of the service massively, before them there was no on board toilets/wifi/motorway and they did all this for a cheaper price,
4. Citylink are trying to run gobus out of business, having their buses leave 15mins before all the gobus's, offering unrealistic eur1 fares(think about it, how much is the toll cost, diesel, driver, EUR300k bus).

I cant see go-bus lasting in the long term(due to citylink running a loss making service so that they run their rival out of business, classic monopoly behaviour), and you can be sure once they go citylink will go back to running buses with no toilets/wifi and hike the price up.

support local business

harryd2

inisboffin wrote: »

It's the other way around I believe. Not sure if things have changed yet tho.
Anyone any more info?

I can only find links between Go bus and Veolia. Never heard of City-link connection.
eg: "GoBus in association with Veolia Transport Ireland" from Galway advertiser

But this may have changed recently

notel70

harryd2 wrote: »

I can only find links between Go bus and Veolia. Never heard of City-link connection.
eg: "GoBus in association with Veolia Transport Ireland" from Galway advertiser

But this may have changed recently

history of the two companies is as follows:

Citylink was originally set up by Jim Burke(brother of they guy who owns burkes buses in tuam) who then sold the company to to UK citilink(approx 5yrs ago) which is owned by the worlds largest bus company based in singapore.

Gobus started life as Nestors, nestors was bought by Veolia and renamed bus nestor, Jim Burke then bought the company from Veolia about 2yrs ago and renamed it gobus.

So go-bus is a 100% galway company, citylink isnt anymore

charlie_says

So is there a service that goes directly (not stopping on the quays in Dublin) from Galway straight to the airport in Dublin on the motorway?

Motorway to Dublin and then on the M50, this is the most direct route is it not. According to the GPS it is anyhow...

Mrs OBumble

charlie_says wrote: »

So is there a service that goes directly (not stopping on the quays in Dublin) from Galway straight to the airport in Dublin on the motorway?

Motorway to Dublin and then on the M50, this is the most direct route is it not. According to the GPS it is anyhow...

Yes, that would be most direct.

But no, there is no such service.

jkforde

FYI, Citylink outsources operations to Callinan Coaches

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2010/0616/breaking35.html

notel70

jkforde wrote: »

FYI, Citylink outsources operations to Callinan Coaches

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2010/0616/breaking35.html

Citylink have been using Callihan coaches on their non-stop gal-dub route since they started it(illegaly) earlier in the year.

Ever since Citilink Uk bought Citylink Irl from Jim Burke a good few years ago they have never owned a bus. They've hired in all their buses from other firms. Looks like citylink are just consolidating all their coach hire(both multistop and nonstop) to the one company.

Gobus were also using calliahans coaches but stopped using them about 2mths ago, think it was related to Jim Burke finding out that callihan was also supplying to citylink.

Squeeonline

thesandeman wrote: »

GoBus=Toilet=WINNER!!

*shakes head and facepalms*

both direct galway-dublin routes have toilets. Something to do with the law. otherwise they'd have to stop mid way.

Both have wifi

Both buses have similar fleets (though there are differences)

in my experience Gobus are slightly cleaner and I like to support the underdog.

Both follow the same route out of Galway and Dublin and both stop at Houston station if requested on the way to Dublin.

Both standard fairs are €10 each way or €15 to airport.

TBH it just depends what times suit you better, as they usually leave 15mins apart.

This is coming from someone who takes that route about twice/three times a month. I know what I'm talking about.

notel70

Squeeonline wrote: »

*shakes head and facepalms*

both direct galway-dublin routes have toilets. Something to do with the law. otherwise they'd have to stop mid way.

Both have wifi

Both buses have similar fleets (though there are differences)

in my experience Gobus are slightly cleaner and I like to support the underdog.

Both follow the same route out of Galway and Dublin and both stop at Houston station if requested on the way to Dublin.

Both standard fairs are €10 each way or €15 to airport.

TBH it just depends what times suit you better, as they usually leave 15mins apart.

This is coming from someone who takes that route about twice/three times a month. I know what I'm talking about.

100% correct.

Gobus = Galway owned
Citylink = Singapore owned