Commuting by train from Athlone to Dublin

Because of possible changes in work, I may need to commute to Dublin from Athlone.

Any comments on the service would be much appreciated, I've only ever used the line once and it was off-peak and had to stand the whole way.

I just hope that the commuter service is better.

ANXIOUS

Im going to be starting this commute soon. Im looking at getting the approx half seven train in the mornings.

Victor

I've not noted those trains to be particularly late, although keeping up with this: http://www.irishrail.ie/media/PunctualityPostersPeriod22012Galway1.pdf might be difficult.

Trains depart Athlone at:

05:15 arrive Heuston 07:00 - starts at Athlone, almost guaranteed a seat
06:02 arrive Heuston 07:53
06:55 arrive Heuston 08:38
07:28 arrive Heuston 08:50
08:33 arrive Heuston 10:15

Depart Heuston at 15.30, 16.30, 17.10, 17.45, 18.30, 19.15.

http://www.irishrail.ie/index.jsp?p=119&n=147

On-line single fares €16-26.
Single €24.00
Day Return €24.50
Weekly €111.00
Monthly €395.00 http://www.irishrail.ie/index.jsp?p=118&n=199

Try to get a taxsaver ticket with work or if you can't, pick and choose what tickets you buy.

Lapin

Its not as bad from Athlone as it used to be. I use the 06.35 service from Galway occasionally and there are still a few seats available coming into Athlone at 07.28 there. With only Tullamore left to call at, its usually comfortable enough and quite punctual.

I think the earlier service from Galway calls at every station after Athlone so it usually gets fairly packed with commuters getting on at Newbridge, Kildare etc.

Getting home from Heuston on a Friday can be a nightmare.

dowlingm

Maybe IE should stop calling at Clara entirely as punishment for producing Brian Cowen.

ANXIOUS

So is the general opinion that, if you get on the half seven train at athlone you will get a seat?