TFI Leap Card Guide & FAQ (Updated Jan 2020)

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Welcome to the Commuting & Transport guide to using the Transport for Ireland (TFI) Leap Card

This resource aims to give our users full information on using the TFI Leap Card and the functionality available on the card, across all operators, both public and private, across the country as well as answering some of the most frequently asked questions in relation to TFI Leap Card which have come up on Boards over the years.

The guide is divided into three sections
- General TFI Leap Card Information[/URL]
- Operator by Operator TFI Leap Card information[/URL]
- Frequently Asked TFI Leap Card Questions on Boards.ie. [/URL]

The guide is updated as frequently as possible and kept as accurate as possible however we would always advise you to check the TFI Leap Card website for the very latest information and can accept no responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained within this thread.

I'd like to acknowledge the input of the Boards.ie Commuting & Transport community in creating this resource and for their views and feedback that have helped shape it. I'd also like to thank LXFlyer for creating a similar resource in the past which was very valuable to our members.

If you have any comments on this TFI Leap Card guide or suggestions on improving it for the community or spot something that is out of date, please send a private message to Devnull.

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The TFI (Transport for Ireland) Leap Card is a convenient way to pay for public transport services in and around the Greater Dublin Area, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford and Wexford as well as on local services in the towns of Sligo and Athlone.

It saves you carrying change and Leap fares can be up to 31% cheaper than cash single tickets! TFI Leap Card users in the Dublin area also benefit from discount features such as Capping and the Leap 90 Discount. Buy your card, Top-Up with Travel Credit or a period ticket and away you go!

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STANDARD TFI LEAP CARD TYPES AND PRICES
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Adult Standard €5 Deposit
For anyone required to pay an adult fare. Buy at Payzone retailers, Irish Rail Ticket Machines and LeapCard.ie.

Adult Personalised €5 Deposit
For any adult requiring a personalised card for products such as taxsaver. Buy through LeapCard.ie.

Student Personalised €10
Full-time second or third level students can buy a Student TFI Leap Card through StudentLeapCard.ie.

Child (5-15) €3 Deposit
For children aged 5 to 15 wishing to avail of child fares. Buy at Payzone retailers and LeapCard.ie.

Child Personalised (16-18) €3 Deposit
For those aged 16 until the day of their 19th birthday wishing to avail of child fares. Purchase through LeapCard.ie.

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VISITOR LEAP
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The Leap Visitor Card is the most convenient public transport ticket available for tourists and visitors to Dublin. Get unlimited travel over your selected time period on Airlink (747/757), Dublin Bus, Luas, DART and Commuter Rail in the Dublin Short Hop zone. You can even travel to and from the Airport at the start and end of your trip without any additional charge.

Visitor Leap Prices
1 day (24 hours) – €10.00
3 days (72 hours) – €19.50
7 days (168 hours) – €40.00

Where to buy Visitor Leap
- Dublin Airport T1 Bus & Travel Information Desk
- Dublin Airport T2 Spar Shop
- Dublin iAirport WHSmith (T1 Arrivals)

- Dublin Bus, 59 Upper O’Connell St. (map)
- Discover Ireland Centre, 14 Upper O’Connell St. (map)
- Visit Dublin Centre, 25 Suffolk St. (map)
- Easons Busaras, Beresford Place
- Easons Heuston Station, Dublin 8

Alternatively you can buy your Visitor TFI Leap Card Online and have it delivered to your home country before you travel

Topping up Visitor Leap
Once you have a Leap Visitor Card, you can top-up with additional time periods (1, 3 or 7 days) for the prices shown above at any TFI Leap Card Payzone outlet in Dublin (up to a maximum of 4 times).

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TOP-UP OPTIONS
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1. Ticket Machines
Ticket Machines at every LUAS stop in Dublin and those within the Dublin Short Hop Zone and Cork Commuter lines on Irish Rail support topping up of Leap cards.

2. Top-up Android App

Leap Top-Up is a free App for NFC enabled Android phones. It allows you to instantly Top-Up your TFI Leap Card, check your balance and buy tickets! Once downloaded, simply hold your TFI Leap Card to the back of your NFC-enabled Android smartphone to instantly check your balance, collect a pre-paid ticket, or top-up your TFI Leap Card – anytime, anywhere.

Click here to download from the Google Play Store https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ie.leapcard.tnfc

3. Payzone Outlets
Click here to find your nearest outlet. http://www.payzone.ie/paywithpayzone.jsp?pt=74

4. Auto Top-up

If you choose to enable Auto Top-Up, your TFI Leap Card will automatically Top-Up with funds from your bank account whenever your Travel Credit balance falls below €10, even on bus. You can choose to Auto Top-Up by €30, €40 or €50.

To avail of this top-up option you will need an Irish Bank Account and your BIC and IBAN numbers, which can often be found via your online banking if you do not already know them.

Click here for more info on Auto Top-up.

5. Topping up via LeapCard.ie
- Go to LeapCard.ie
- Click ‘Top-Up’.
- Enter your card number.
- Select Top-Up amount and load location.
- Make your payment by credit/debit card.
- Collect your Top-Up at your nominated Load Location.

Online Top-Up via LeapCard.ie for Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann users needs to be collected from the selected Load Location during the online process for the credit to be applied to your card.

It can take up to 48 hours for your travel credit to be ready for collection at your nominated load location. If you need to travel before this time, we would advise you to use the TFI Leap Card App or visit a PayZone outlet to buy credit for or add tickets to your TFI Leap Card directly rather than using the TFI Leap Card website.

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GENERAL LEAP INFORMATION
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Going into Negative Balance
If your TFI Leap Card has a positive balance but not enough to pay for your journey, you can still use it to travel, providing the fare does not take your negative balance to more than €5 (€3 for Child Leap).

Note that if you are already in negative balance, you cannot use your card again for travel credit based journeys until you top-up, even if the journey will not take you over the negative limit of €5.

Registering your Card on LeapCard.ie
Registering your TFI Leap Card protects your Travel Credit or tickets it if it’s lost or stolen. Once you register, you can also see and print your transaction history and register for Auto Top-Up and other features. Multiple cards can be registered to one account.

Replacing/Refunding Your Card on LeapCard.ie
Login to your Account, select the ‘Refund or Replace’ option and follow the instructions. If you want a refund of your deposit and credit on the card, you will need to have your IBAN and BIC numbers to hand. Refunds can be lodged to any Irish bank account or any other bank account in the SEPA region in Europe.

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DUBLIN BUS / GO-AHEAD IRELAND (tag on only)
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The Transport for Ireland (TFI) Leap Card can be used on all Go-Ahead services in Dublin and all Dublin Bus scheduled services, including Airlink, Xpresso and Nitelink.

Single Fares
A list of Dublin Bus and Go-Ahead TFI Leap Card Single Fares can be found here
https://about.Leapcard.ie/about/fares-discounts

Purchasing Single Fares on Dublin Bus / Go-Ahead.
For journeys 13 stages or less tell the driver your destination and hold your TFI Leap Card to the target on the driver’s ticket machine. The correct fare will be deducted for your journey.

For journeys over 13 stages, Airlink and Nitelink use the Validator on the right hand side as you enter the bus. The appropriate fare will be deducted from your Travel Credit

Click here for the Dublin Bus fare calculator to work out the number of stages for your journey.

Period Passes Available
Passes can be purchased via LeapCard.ie and collected at a Pazyone Outlet or TFI Leap Card App, purchased at PayZone directly and the majority can also be purchased via the TFI Leap Card App directly.

- Rambler 5 Day and 30 Day Adult (Valid on Dublin Bus and Go-Ahead)
- Rambler 5 Day and 30 Day Student (Valid on Dublin Bus and Go-Ahead - Requires Student Leap)
- Rambler 1 Day Family (Valid on Dublin Bus and Go-Ahead)
- Airlink Single/Return (valid on 747/757 only)
- DoDublin City Tour Ticket
- Monthly/Annual Bus Travelwide (Requires Personalised TFI Leap Card)

If your employer participates in the TaxSaver scheme you will also be able to load monthly/yearly TaxSaver tickets, valid on both Dublin Bus and Go-Ahead services, onto your Personalised TFI Leap Card for both single modes and multi modes and save up to 52% - speak to your HR Department or see TaxSaver.ie for details.

Using Period Passes
Period passes are normally validated on board by using the Validator on the right hand side as you enter the bus.

However if you have not already used a period pass before 8pm on the day in question, the validator will default to use travel credit instead of the period pass. If you'd rather use your period pass for the first time after 8PM, ask the driver to validate your period pass using his ticket machine.

Paying for a Companion
You may pay for one or more companion using your TFI Leap Card credit. To do this, simply present the TFI Leap Card to the drivers ticket machine and state to them that you would like to pay for a companion.

Fare Capping
If you make lots of trips with your TFI Leap Card in 1 day or 1 week (Mon-Sun) Leap will automatically cap the price at certain levels saving you money. You can travel for free for the rest of the day/week once you hit a cap applicable to those services.

Note that Airlink, Nitelink, Tours and companion fares do not count towards caps.

Dublin Bus & Go-Ahead Cap
Day: Adult €7.00 / Student €5.00 / Child €2.70
Week: Adult €27.50 / Student €20.00 / Child €8.50 (Mon-Sun)

All Modes Cap (Dublin Bus/Go-Ahead/LUAS/DART/Short Hop Commuter Rail)
Day: Adult €10.00 / Student €7.50 / Child €3.50
Week: Adult €40.00 / Student €30.00 / Child €14.00 (Mon-Sun)

Leap 90 Discount
When you pay for two or more journeys within 90 minutes on city bus services in Dublin or switch from one mode to another (excluding Airlink), a discount of €1 for adults/students and 75c for children will apply to the second and subsequent fares. A new 90 minute period starts with each transfer.

See the Dublin Bus and Go-Ahead TFI Leap Card FAQ for answers to the most commonly asked questions

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IRISH RAIL (tag on and off)
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TFI Leap Card can be used on DART and commuter services in Dublin and Cork.

Single Fares
A list of all Irish Rail TFI Leap Card Fares for DART, Dublin Commuter and Cork Commuter services can be found here
https://about.Leapcard.ie/about/fares-discounts

Dublin Short Hop Zone Period Passes
- Monthly/Annual Rail Only (Requires Personalised TFI Leap Card)

The above products are automatically collected from all Irish Rail validators and gates in the short hop zone when purchased via LeapCard.ie when you touch on or touch off.

If your employer participates in the TaxSaver scheme you will also be able to load monthly/yearly TaxSaver tickets onto your Personalised TFI Leap Card for both single modes and multi modes and save up to 52% - speak to your HR Department or see TaxSaver.ie for details.

Cork to Cobh and Middleton Period Passes
- Adult Weekly/Monthly
- Child Weekly/Monthly
- Student Weekly/Monthly (Requires Student TFI Leap Card)

Fare Capping
If you make lots of trips with your TFI Leap Card in 1 day or 1 week (Mon-Sun) on Irish Rail, Leap will automatically cap the price at certain levels saving you money. You can travel for free for the rest of the day or week once you hit a cap applicable to those services.

Irish Rail Dublin Short Hop Zone Only)
Day: Adult €9.50 / Student €7.00 / Child €3.20
Week: Adult €37.00 / Student €27.00 / Child €12.50 (Mon-Sun)

All Modes Cap (Dublin Bus/Go-Ahead/LUAS/DART/Short Hop Commuter Rail)
Day: Adult €10.00 / Student €7.50 / Child €3.50
Week: Adult €40.00 / Student €30.00 / Child €14.00 (Mon-Sun)

Leap 90 Discount
When you pay for two or more journeys within 90 minutes on Dublin City bus services or switch from one mode to another (excluding Airlink), a discount of €1 for adults/students and 75c for children will apply to the second and subsequent fares. A new 90 minute period starts with each transfer.

See the Irish Rail TFI Leap Card FAQ for answers to the most commonly asked questions

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LUAS (tag on and off)
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TFI Leap Card can be used on all Luas services on both lines in Dublin.

Single Fares
A list of Luas TFI Leap Card Single Fares can be found here
https://luas.ie/leap-card-fares.html

Period Passes
- Adult Monthly/Yearly All Zones (Requires Personalised TFI Leap Card)

These products are automatically collected from all LUAS validators when purchased via LeapCard.ie when you touch on or touch off.

If your employer participates in the TaxSaver scheme you will also be able to load monthly/yearly TaxSaver tickets onto your Personalised TFI Leap Card for both single modes and multi modes and save up to 52% - speak to your HR Department or see TaxSaver.ie for details.

Fare Capping
If you make lots of trips with your TFI Leap Card in 1 day or 1 week (Mon-Sun) on LUAS, Leap will automatically cap the price at certain levels saving you money. You can travel for free for the rest of the day or week once you hit a cap applicable to those services.

Fare Caps (LUAS only)
Day: Adult €7.00 / Student €5.00 / Child €2.70
Week: Adult €27.50 / Student €20.00 / Child €8.50 (Mon-Sun)

All Modes Cap (Dublin Bus/Go-Ahead/LUAS/DART/Short Hop Commuter Rail)
Day: Adult €10.00 / Student €7.50 / Child €3.50
Week: Adult €40.00 / Student €30.00 / Child €14.00 (Mon-Sun)

Leap 90 Discount
When you pay for two or more journeys within 90 minutes on Dublin City Bus services, or switch from one mode to another (excluding Airlink), a discount of €1 for adults/students and 75c for children will apply to the second and subsequent fares. A new 90 minute period starts with each transfer.

Transferring from one line to another
If you are transferring from one line to another, it is recommended to touch off when leaving the first line and to touch on again when commencing journey on the second line and off again when completing your second line journey.

See the LUAS TFI Leap Card FAQ for answers to the most commonly asked questions

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BUS EIREANN (tag on only)
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TFI Leap Card can be used on Bus Eireann services in the Greater Dublin Area, Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford areas and also on the Town services operated in both Sligo and Athlone.

Period Passes Avaliable*
- 24 Hour Adult/Child Zonal tickets
- 7 Day Adult/Child Zonal tickets
- 24 Hour Student Zonal tickets (requires Student TFI Leap Card)
- 7 Day Student Zonal tickets (requires Student TFI Leap Card)
- Monthly Zonal tickets

Passes can be purchased via LeapCard.ie and collected at a Pazyone Outlet or the TFI Leap Card App, purchased at PayZone outlets directly and 24 hours and 7 day passes can also be purchased on board. The majority of passes can also be purchased via the TFI Leap Card App directly.

If your employer participates in the TaxSaver scheme you will also be able to load monthly/yearly TaxSaver tickets onto your Personalised TFI Leap Card for both single modes and multi modes and save up to 52% - speak to your HR Department or see TaxSaver.ie for details.

* Please note that period passes are not available on Sligo or Athlone town services.

Purchasing Single Tickets
- Ask for a single ticket to your destination, present the driver your TFI Leap Card and they will deduct the appropriate fare.

Purchasing 24 Hour and 7 Day Passes
- Tell the driver the ticket you would like and hold your card on the validator so they can issue your ticket.
- Re-present the ticket again to activate the ticket and use it straight away

Using Period Passes
If you have a monthly ticket already loaded onto your TFI Leap Card or already activated your 1/7 day pass, simply present it on the drivers validator when boarding.

Area Specific Detailed Information
Leap Boundaries, Zones and Fares for the Greater Dublin Area.
Leap Boundaries and Fares for the Cork Area
Leap Boundaries and Fares for the Limerick Area
Leap Boundaries and Fares for the Galway Area
Leap Boundaries and Fares for the Waterford Area
Leap Coverage and Fares in Athlone Town
Leap Coverage and Fares in Kilkenny City
Leap Coverage and Fares in Sligo Town

See the Bus Eireann TFI Leap Card FAQ for answers to the most commonly asked questions

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CITY DIRECT GALWAY (tag on only)
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City Direct accept TFI Leap Cards on all of their services in Galway.

Single Fares
A list of Single Fares can be found here
https://www.citydirect.ie/cash-and-leap-fares

All Student TFI Leap Cards are accepted from the 1st of September to the 31st of May on all routes.

Period Passes
- Adult Leap Weekly/Monthly
- Child Leap Weekly/Monthly
- Student Monthly (Requires Student Leap)

All City Direct period passes can be purchased via Payzone outlets and the TFI Leap Card website.

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SWORDS EXPRESS (tag on only)
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Swords Express accepts Adult, Student and Child TFI Leap Cards on it's full range of services, including Nitelink, offering a range of discounts against cash prices as well as offering a 10 journey option.

Fares
A full list of fares can be found at: http://www.swordsexpress.com/Tickets-Fares/?#Leap

Purchasing Tickets
Show the driver your TFI Leap Card and state the ticket that you require. You will then be asked to place the ticket on the drivers validator to issue the relevant ticket and if it is a ten journey ticket, deduct the first journey.

Using 10 Journey Tickets
For subsequent journeys on ten journey tickets, present the TFI Leap Card to the validator and listen for the beep indicating a journey has been successfully deducted.

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MATTHEWS COACHES (tag on only)
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TFI Leap Card can be used to pay for single trips on the Matthews Grange Rath – Bettystown – Laytown – Dublin route.

Purchasing and Using Tickets
On boarding the coach you should show your card to the driver. Hold your card against the driver’s TFI Leap Card Validator, state your destination to the driver and the fare will be deducted from the Travel Credit on your card.

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WEXFORD BUS (tag on only)
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TFI Leap Card can now be used on Wexford Bus to purchase Adult/Student/Child tickets for Single/Return journeys and also 10 Journey and Weekly Tickets using Travel Credit.

Purchasing Tickets
Show the driver your TFI Leap Card and state the ticket that you require. You will then be asked to place the ticket on the drivers validator to issue the relevant ticket and if it is a ten journey ticket, deduct the first journey.

Using 10 Journey Tickets and Period Passes
For subsequent journeys on period passes and 10 journey tickets, present the TFI Leap Card to the validator and listen for the beep indicating the ticket has been successfully validated.

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ASHBOURNE CONNECT (tag on only)
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TFI Leap Card can now be used on Ashbourne Connect to purchase Adult/Student/Child tickets for Single/Return journeys and also 10 Journey Tickets using Travel Credit.

Purchasing Tickets
Show the driver your TFI Leap Card and state the ticket that you require. You will then be asked to place the ticket on the drivers validator to issue the relevant ticket and if it is a ten journey ticket, deduct the first journey.

Using 10 Journey Tickets
For subsequent journeys on ten journey tickets, present the TFI Leap Card to the validator and listen for the beep indicating a journey has been successfully deducted.

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COLLINS COACHES (tag on only)
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Adult and Student TFI Leap Cards can now be used on the Collins Coaches’ Dublin Commuter Service to purchase Single and 10 Journey Tickets using Travel Credit on your TFI Leap Card.

Purchasing and Using TIckets
Show the driver your TFI Leap Card and state the ticket that you require. You will then be asked to place the ticket on the drivers validator to issue the relevant ticket and if it is a ten journey ticket, deduct the first journey.

Using 10 Journey Tickets
For subsequent journeys on ten journey tickets, present the TFI Leap Card to the validator and listen for the beep indicating a journey has been successfully deducted.

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Transport for Ireland Route 139 - Naas to Blanchardstown (tag on only)
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TFI Leap Cards are accepted for single fares on all journeys on the 139 service which operates between Naas and Blanchardstown.

Fares:
Information on fares can be found here:
https://www.transportforireland.ie/route-139-bus-service-connecting-naas-blanchardstown/

Purchasing Tickets
On boarding the coach you should show your card to the driver. Hold your card against the driver’s TFI Leap Card Validator, state your destination to the driver and the fare will be deducted from the Travel Credit on your card.

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Local Link Route 196 - Knocksedan to Swords (tag on only)
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TFI Leap Cards are accepted for single fares on all journeys on the 196 LocalLink service which operates from Knocksedan to Swords.

Fares:
Information on fares can be found here:
https://about.leapcard.ie/local-link-louth-meath-fingal

Purchasing Tickets
On boarding the coach you should show your card to the driver. Hold your card against the driver’s TFI Leap Card Validator, state your destination to the driver and the fare will be deducted from the Travel Credit on your card.

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LEAP FOR A DUBLINBIKES SUBSCRIPTION
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You can associate a TFI Leap Card so that it can be used with Just Eat dublinbikes, enabling new and existing Just Eat dublinbikes members to use the service with your TFI Leap Card rather than a separate dublinbkes card.

Further information on using TFI Leap Card with Dublin Bikes can be found here https://about.leapcard.ie/just-eat-dublinbikes

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LEAP FOR A GOCAR SUBSCRIPTION
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You can associate a TFI Leap Card so that it can be used with GoCar Car Rentals, enabling new and existing GoCar members to use the service with your TFI Leap Card.

Further information on using TFI Leap Card with GoCar can be found here https://www.gocar.ie/add-access-card/

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GENERAL TFI LEAP CARD FAQ
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Can I add Travel Credit to my TaxSaver TFI Leap Card?
Yes, your TaxSaver TFI Leap Card can be topped up with Travel Credit or Tickets, at over 500 shops nationwide, as well as at all Luas stops & DART/Commuter Rail stations. You may wish to do this if you want to travel on services where your TaxSaver ticket is not valid.

Can someone else use my personalised TFI Leap Card?
No; your personalised TFI Leap Card is unique to you. Only the person whose name & photo is printed on the card, can use it. If someone else uses your personalised TFI Leap Card, they may be fined & have the card confiscated.

What is a Load Location?
A load location is where you nominate to collect your online top-up or period pass, as part of the online ordering process. You can choose to collect your online top-up or period pass at

- Any TFI Leap Card Payzone agent by asking for a balance check
- LUAS validators
- DART/Commuter Rail validators and gates in the short hop zone
- TFI Leap Card Android App (for selected products)

Note that if you select a load location of LUAS, PayZone or the TFI Leap Card App, the top-up is sent out to all three load locations. So if one of those is down when you attempt to pick it up, you have an alternative to collect it.

Is there a way around the 48 hour wait to pick up products bought on LeapCard.ie?
If you need to travel before this time, we would advise you to use the TFI Leap Card App or visit a PayZone outlet to buy credit for or add tickets to your TFI Leap Card directly rather than using the TFI Leap Card website.

Can I use the TFI Leap Card App in place of the card?
No - the TFI Leap Card App only allows top-ups and collection of tickets and cannot be used in place of a TFI Leap Card.

How can I see more than my last 5 transactions on my TFI Leap Card?
If you have registered your TFI Leap Card - and we strongly recommend that you do, you can see the last 50 transactions via LeapCard.ie

Why is there no TFI Leap Card app for Apple devices?
Unfortunately Transport for Ireland are unable to offer the Leap Top-Up app to iPhone users due to Apple restrictions on uses of NFC Technology on iOS.

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DUBLIN BUS / GO-AHEAD FAQ
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What happens if I want to use Travel Credit instead of a period pass on Dublin Bus or Go-Ahead services?
If you have Travel Credit on your card, you can approach the driver and ask for a single fare instead of using your Rambler.

Why can I not collect my online top-up on Dublin Bus or Go-Ahead?
This method is not avaliable due to technical limitations with current on bus ticketing equipment. There are plans to refresh this equipment in the future so this feature can be provided.

There are only a few stops to go will the right side validator change the max fare to the max for the rest of the route?
No - The machine takes the highest fare on the whole route, not taking into consideration where on the route the current bus is.

Can I load multiple ramblers for example on one card?
Yes - however they will function as two separate tickets rather adding days onto your existing rambler.

For example, if you have 15 days of an existing rambler and buy a new 30 day rambler, the bus displays will count the existing rambler days down to 0 before starting to use the new 30 day ticket.

How do I collect taxsaver tickets?
To collect your Dublin City Bus services taxsaver ticket, you can either use the TFI Leap Card App, or go to your local Payzone retailer and ask for a balance check on or after 27th of every month which will load the new ticket.

What happens if I present my TFI Leap Card to a validator when alighting?
You will be charged the maximum fare for a bus journey in addition to your original fare - remember Dublin Bus and Go-Ahead services are tag on only.

If the right hand machine is out of service, how can I use my rambler?
Simply present your ticket to the driver and state which product you wish to use.

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IRISH RAIL FAQ
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What is the Dublin Short Hop Zone?
Click here for a map of the Dublin Short Hop Zone.

What is the Cork Commuter Zone?
Click here for a map of the Cork Commuter Zone

How do I collect Rail taxsaver products?
Your new taxsaver ticket will be automatically collected a few days before your existing one runs out (usually around 27th every month) when you tag on/off.

Can I use Leap on Intercity Services?
You can use your TFI Leap Card on these services, but they are only valid to/from stations within the Short Hop Zone.

If the barriers are open do I still need to tag on/off?
Yes, you always need to tag on if the barriers are open to have a valid ticket for your journey and also you must tag off or you will not be charged the correct fare for your journey.

Can I get a refund if I tag on and choose not to travel due to service disruption etc?
If you tag on at an Irish Rail station and then tag off again after two minutes, but before 10 minutes, you will not be charged for your journey.

Why do I see a message saying 'just validated' when tagging on/off?
Please note that you can only tag on/off once every two minutes.

Can I pay for a companion on Irish Rail?
No - You can only pay for a companion on Dublin Bus or Go-Ahead services.

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LUAS FAQ
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How many zones is it between station x and y?
Click here for a LUAS full network Zone Map.

Why do I have to touch off when changing line?
If you are using both lines our best advice is to Touch On and Off for the 1st line trip and then after you change lines Touch On and Off for the 2nd line trip. By Touching On/Off for each tram trip you will get the best value fare for your overall journey, you will have a valid ticket and you will have the flexibility to change your mind about the 2nd part of your journey.

If I have a monthly/yearly ticket do I still need to tag on?
You still need to Tag On and Tag Off at a validator at Luas Stops even when using monthly or yearly passes, both to have a valid ticket and collect future tickets if using taxsaver (see below).

How do I collect LUAS taxsaver products?
Your new taxsaver ticket will be automatically collected a few days before your existing one runs out (usually around 27th every month) when you tag on/off.

Why do I see a message saying 'just validated' when tagging on/off?
Please note that you can only tag on/off once every three minutes.

What happens if I forget to tag off?
You will be charged the maximum LUAS Leap fare which is currently €2.45 off peak and €2.50 at peak.

Can I use validators on both platforms regardless of where I am traveling to?
Yes, you can use any validator at a stop for tagging on and off, regardless of which direction you are travelling.

Can I pay for a companion on LUAS?
No - You can only pay for a companion on Dublin Bus or Go-Ahead services.

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BUS EIREANN FAQ
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What zone is my Greater Dublin Area destination in?
Click here to see a list of common destinations and their zones in the Greater Dublin Area.

Why can I not collect my online top-up on Bus Eireann?
This method is not avaliable due to technical limitations with current on bus ticketing equipment. There are plans to refresh this equipment in the future so this feature can be provided.

Can I use my TFI Leap Card on Expressway/GoBe/Eurolines/Translink services?
No, TFI Leap Card is not accepted on any of these services.

How do I collect taxsaver tickets?
To collect your Bus Eireann taxsaver ticket, you can either use the TFI Leap Card App, or go to your local Payzone retailer and ask for a balance check on or after 27th of every month which will load the new ticket.

Wearb

Can two people travel on the Luas using one card if there is enough credit on it? (Wasn't allowed to post separately, something about expired token. Anyway you might want to delete my reply later so as not to spoil you information)

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Wearb wrote: »

Can two people travel on the Luas using one card if there is enough credit on it?

No - Luas is strictly one person at a time, same for Irish Rail - The only system you can pay for a companion on is Dublin Bus.

(but I'll add it to the FAQ)

Victor

Wearb wrote: »

Can two people travel on the Luas using one card if there is enough credit on it? (Wasn't allowed to post separately, something about expired token. Anyway you might want to delete my reply later so as not to spoil you information)

On a bus, yes, two people can travel with one Leap Card - the second person will be issued a paper ticket. You will need separate cards to travel by tram or train.

Wearb

Victor wrote: »

On a bus, yes, two people can travel with one Leap Card - the second person will be issued a paper ticket. You will need separate cards to travel by tram or train.

I logged onto leapcard with my account to purchase a second card for my wife. I didn’t continue with the purchase as there wasn’t an option to fill in her name. I was afraid that I would end up with two in my name. ?

Wearb

My apologies. I just noticed that I was posting on a sticky. Please feel free to move them.

Victor

Wearb wrote: »

I was afraid that I would end up with two in my name. ?

That isn't a particular problem, unless your wife want's to top-up online, in which case she would need to access your account.

AndrewJRenko

devnull wrote: »

Why do I have to touch off when changing line?
If you are using both lines our best advice is to Touch On and Off for the 1st line trip and then after you change lines Touch On and Off for the 2nd line trip. By Touching On/Off for each tram trip you will get the best value fare for your overall journey, you will have a valid ticket and you will have the flexibility to change your mind about the 2nd part of your journey.

Can I ask about this bit - is the advice above really true?

From what I can see in checking one of the family cards, travelling from Zone Green 3 to Zone Red 1, they are charging €2.27 (€2.50 initial deduction with €0.23 returned) when using the Leap without taking off/on when changing lines. From the listed Leap fares this would be €1.94 plus €1.54 if they tag off/on to make it two seperate journeys.

So is the advice above correct And the bit about having a 'valid ticket' - could you be done for fare evasion on the 2nd leg if you didn't tag off/on when changing line?

Victor

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

So is the advice above correct And the bit about having a 'valid ticket' - could you be done for fare evasion on the 2nd leg if you didn't tag off/on when changing line?

If you didn't tag on for the second leg, I suspect you are unlikely to to be done. If you tried to avoid tagging off for the second leg, you would be done.

AndrewJRenko

Victor wrote: »

If you didn't tag on for the second leg, I suspect you are unlikely to to be done. If you tried to avoid tagging off for the second leg, you would be done.

Thanks, but the key question is - do I have to tag off after the first leg, and tag on before the 2nd leg to avoid being done?

G_R

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

Thanks, but the key question is - do I have to tag off after the first leg, and tag on before the 2nd leg to avoid being done?

If your whole journey is less than 90 mins (the amount of time before the card will auto tag you off) then no but if its longer than that you should tag off and then back on and the system will adjust the second fare accordingly.

Red Silurian

devnull wrote: »

No - Luas is strictly one person at a time, same for Irish Rail - The only system you can pay for a companion on is Dublin Bus.

(but I'll add it to the FAQ)

I can confirm that bus eireann Limerick will also allow you to pay for a companion using a leap card

loyatemu

since the latest upgrade to the TopUp app, I can no longer read the balance on any of my cards. It detects the card but gets not further. Seems to be a few people compaining of the same issue on the Play Store - anyone here encountered it?

AndrewJRenko

loyatemu wrote: »

since the latest upgrade to the TopUp app, I can no longer read the balance on any of my cards. It detects the card but gets not further. Seems to be a few people compaining of the same issue on the Play Store - anyone here encountered it?

I find that it often takes two or three goes to read the card properly. I have to take it away for a few seconds, then bring it back in again and see if it can get a clean read. I have the same effect on two different phones from two different manufacturers.

loyatemu

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

I find that it often takes two or three goes to read the card properly. I have to take it away for a few seconds, then bring it back in again and see if it can get a clean read. I have the same effect on two different phones from two different manufacturers.

yeah I've found that too, but now it doesn't work at all - the progress bar goes about 10% of the way across and stops.

DrPhilG

Hope this isn't a daft question. I've read the FAQ but still need clarification.

I'm coming to Dublin for a few days from Donegal. Driving to Dun Laoghaire and staying there for 3 nights but will be heading into Dublin on Friday for most of the day, to Bray/Greystones for Saturday morning to afternoon, back to Dun Laoghaire to change and then into Dublin on Saturday evening.

Heading north again Sunday morning.

I was initially looking at a 3 day Leap Visitor card, but I believe that card doesn't cover trips outside Dublin County, so getting the Dart to Bray/Greystones wouldn't be covered.

Any other suggestions? Would I be as handy just taking the car to Bray and just pay normal fare for the trips into the city? There are 2 of us.

Thanks!

wench

Bray & Greystones are covered, they are in the Dublin short hop zone

See map here
http://www.irishrail.ie/fares-and-tickets/dart

Alun

loyatemu wrote: »

yeah I've found that too, but now it doesn't work at all - the progress bar goes about 10% of the way across and stops.

Mine still works, but does seem a bit fussier than before for some reason.


What annoys me most though is that simply holding the card to the phone, which then automatically starts up the app, fails every single time. I have to start up the app manually, and then present the card. Probably just a timeout that needs tweaking, but still anoying.

DrPhilG

wench wrote: »

Bray & Greystones are covered, they are in the Dublin short hop zone

See map here
http://www.irishrail.ie/fares-and-tickets/dart

Ah that's grand then probably will be worth it then. Standard return fare between Dun Laoghaire and Dublin/Bray is €6 odd so a 3 day visitor pass for €20 is already cheaper. Plus I can get around on the bus when in town.

Only down side is that I have to call to the airport on the way in to buy the visitor passes.

Thanks!

G_R

DrPhilG wrote: »

Ah that's grand then probably will be worth it then. Standard return fare between Dun Laoghaire and Dublin/Bray is €6 odd so a 3 day visitor pass for €20 is already cheaper. Plus I can get around on the bus when in town.

Only down side is that I have to call to the airport on the way in to buy the visitor passes.

Thanks!

You can also but them in the following city centre locations as per leap card website

Dublin City Centre

-Dublin Bus, 59 Upper O’Connell St.
-Discover Ireland Centre, 14 Upper O’Connell St.
-Visit Dublin Centre, 25 Suffolk St.
-Easons Busaras, Beresford Place
-Easons Heuston Station, Dublin 8

jecomichal

Hi, does anyone know if it is possible to have two 24hr tickets active on one leapcard at the same time for the same zone (Limerick, BusEirean)? One for myself and one for my partner.
Thanks in advance

Dravokivich

jecomichal wrote: »

Hi, does anyone know if it is possible to have two 24hr tickets active on one leapcard at the same time for the same zone (Limerick, BusEirean)? One for myself and one for my partner.
Thanks in advance

You'll need 2 separate Leap Cards.

DrPhilG

G_R wrote: »

You can also but them in the following city centre locations as per leap card website

Dublin City Centre

-Dublin Bus, 59 Upper O’Connell St.
-Discover Ireland Centre, 14 Upper O’Connell St.
-Visit Dublin Centre, 25 Suffolk St.
-Easons Busaras, Beresford Place
-Easons Heuston Station, Dublin 8

Sorry, yeah I knew about those locations too but as I'm heading to Dun Laoghaire tomorrow afternoon it would probably be faster to stop at the airport on the way down than to have to go into the city.

Thanks though!

yosser hughes

I have an annual Luas Taxsaver Leap Card. Do I have to tag on and off? I do anyway but if I didn't, would I get done? I don't see why I would.
I would have thought there is no need to tag on and off to be honest.

Victor

yosser hughes wrote: »

I have an annual Luas Taxsaver Leap Card. Do I have to tag on and off? I do anyway but if I didn't, would I get done? I don't see why I would.
I would have thought there is no need to tag on and off to be honest.

They prefer if you do tag-on for a few reasons:
* It keeps your ticket up to date.
* It makes sure you actually have your ticket.
* It provides statistics on usage.

yosser hughes

Victor wrote: »

They prefer if you do tag-on for a few reasons:
* It keeps your ticket up to date.
* It makes sure you actually have your ticket.
* It provides statistics on usage.

Thanks Victor. However, if I didn't tag on for some reason would it matter? Could I be fined?

gwalk

Is the app completely unresponsive for anyone else lately?

Won't read card at all for me, can't top up and cant see balance, kinda makes the app redundant

chewed

Quick query on Leap Card.... is it possible to have a monthly or annual leap card for Bus Eireann under the tax saver scheme and also a Luas monthly added (for a specific number of stops or zones)?

I'm looking at a job position that will require BE bus into city and a Luas ride for 5 stops.

Victor

That should be possible. Check with BÉ and Luas if they will sell it to you as a single ticket.

AndrewJRenko

gwalk wrote: »

Is the app completely unresponsive for anyone else lately?

Won't read card at all for me, can't top up and cant see balance, kinda makes the app redundant

Not working on the Samsung in this house

happyday

I will have a foreign student staying with me for the school year. He is 15. He wants to know how much a student Leap card is. He will be travelling by bus to and from school in Cork city.

devnull

happyday wrote: »

I will have a foreign student staying with me for the school year. He is 15. He wants to know how much a student Leap card is. He will be travelling by bus to and from school in Cork city.

He does not qualify for a Student Leap Card.

He will need a Child Leap Card 5-16 which he can either buy online or through a Leap Card agent.

Search for Leap Card Agents here:
http://www.payzone.ie/index.jsp?p=100&n=102&a=0

happyday

devnull wrote: »

He does not qualify for a Student Leap Card.

He will need a Child Leap Card 5-16 which he can either buy online or through a Leap Card agent.

Search for Leap Card Agents here:
http://www.payzone.ie/index.jsp?p=100&n=102&a=0

My local shop sells them. Do you know how much a child Leap card is? Can you buy a monthly one and how much is that? I can't find out on the website.

G_R

happyday wrote: »

My local shop sells them. Do you know how much a child Leap card is? Can you buy a monthly one and how much is that? I can't find out on the website.

The card is free. You then just need to lodge money to it to be used on the bus/dart/luas. You do usually have to lodge money to it when you buy it so it might cost you a fiver but you'll have a fiver credit on it.

The fares are subject to capping so it's very cheap.

Daily
Bus only cap is 2.70, train/dart only cap is 3.20, luas only is 2.70 and multimode is 3.50

Weekly
Bus 8.50, Irish rail 12.50, luas 8.50 and multimode is 14.00

Hope that helps!

happyday

G_R wrote: »

The card is free. You then just need to lodge money to it to be used on the bus/dart/luas. You do usually have to lodge money to it when you buy it so it might cost you a fiver but you'll have a fiver credit on it.

The fares are subject to capping so it's very cheap.

Daily
Bus only cap is 2.70, train/dart only cap is 3.20, luas only is 2.70 and multimode is 3.50

Weekly
Bus 8.50, Irish rail 12.50, luas 8.50 and multimode is 14.00

Hope that helps!

That's very helpful! Thanks. He will only be using it for the bus to and from school in Cork. So the bus will cost him €8.50 a week maximum. Very good value. Thanks again.

G_R

happyday wrote: »

That's very helpful! Thanks. He will only be using it for the bus to and from school in Cork. So the bus will cost him €8.50 a week maximum. Very good value. Thanks again.

Oh, sorry, those are the Dublin caps! As far as I know there is no capping in Cork, but fares are as follows:

Child 0-11 stages €0.91
Child 12+ stages €1.12
Child (School Hours) €0.77

G_R

G_R wrote: »

Oh, sorry, those are the Dublin caps! As far as I know there is no capping in Cork, but fares are as follows:

Child 0-11 stages €0.91
Child 12+ stages €1.12
Child (School Hours) €0.77

Did a bit of googling for you.

7 day red zone pass might be your man

Zone Adult Student Child
Red Zone 24 Hour €5.60 €4.40 €3.20
Red Zone 7 day €23.00 €18.00 €12.00
Red Zone Month* €84.00 €67.00 €41.00

happyday

G_R wrote: »

Did a bit of googling for you.

7 day red zone pass might be your man

Zone Adult Student Child
Red Zone 24 Hour €5.60 €4.40 €3.20
Red Zone 7 day €23.00 €18.00 €12.00
Red Zone Month* €84.00 €67.00 €41.00

I'm getting more confused! If he uses the bus to and from school 5 days a week if would cost €7.70 for the week so that looks like the best value for him. Am I right?

G_R

happyday wrote: »

I'm getting more confused! If he uses the bus to and from school 5 days a week if would cost €7.70 for the week so that looks like the best value for him. Am I right?

So if he's just going to school then yeah 77c x 10 journeys would be the best value. But if he is going to be using the bus outside of that more than a couple of times a week it might be worth getting the 12eur ticket then he will have unlimited travel for the week.

If you go for the 12eur option, you will have to buy a ticket for the card at either a leap card agent or via the Android app and then load it to the card.

If you're going for the PAYG 77c option, then you will need to top up with money, again either via the app or in a shop.

happyday

G_R wrote: »

So if he's just going to school then yeah 77c x 10 journeys would be the best value. But if he is going to be using the bus outside of that more than a couple of times a week it might be worth getting the 12eur ticket then he will have unlimited travel for the week.

If you go for the 12eur option, you will have to buy a ticket for the card at either a leap card agent or via the Android app and then load it to the card.

If you're going for the PAYG 77c option, then you will need to top up with money, again either via the app or in a shop.

Thanks. That's just what I needed to know.

DUBLINBUSGUY

Hi. Can you hit the daily cap on a child leap card and use the expresso Dublin bus services for free?

G_R

DUBLINBUSGUY wrote: »

Hi. Can you hit the daily cap on a child leap card and use the expresso Dublin bus services for free?

Yes, the xpresso is included in the cap.

Airlink and tours are not, and nitelink is half covered

AndrewJRenko

G_R wrote: »

Yes, the xpresso is included in the cap.

Airlink and tours are not, and nitelink is half covered

DUBLINBUSGUY wrote: »

Hi. Can you hit the daily cap on a child leap card and use the expresso Dublin bus services for free?

I didn't know that they provided coffee on Dublin Bus services now.

Victor

DUBLINBUSGUY wrote: »

Hi. Can you hit the daily cap on a child leap card and use the expresso Dublin bus services for free?

G_R wrote: »

nitelink is half covered

I don't think there is a child Nitelink fare.

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

I didn't know that they provided coffee on Dublin Bus services now.

You are confusing Expresso (bus) with Espresso (coffee).

Stephen15

Victor wrote: »

I don't think there is a child Nitelink fare.You are confusing Expresso (bus) with Espresso (coffee).

I think you'd find it's spelt Xpresso. Expresso sounds like a hybrid between the bus and the coffee.

G_R

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

I didn't know that they provided coffee on Dublin Bus services now.

First WiFi, then coffee, wonder what's coming next

Lucan123

Another reason to be using the Leap card - they are removing the refund receipt on busses for cash payments from 9th Sept

https://www.dublinbus.ie/News-Centre/General-News/Removal-of-the-refund-facility-on-board-bus-services/

Simply Red

I have a balance on my card at the moment that is usable as I got a bus this morning, however when I go to collect an online Topup it says my card profile expired on the 22nd August and it won’t allow me to collect it.
I just have one of the standard cards that doesn’t have an expiry date (that I know of). Anyone know what this means? Thanks