Anyone who’s ever watched a double-decker bus rumble through Dublin’s city centre has probably wondered: can I hire one for my wedding, or how much would it cost to buy? With over 1,200 double-deckers operating in Dublin alone (Double-decker bus – Wikipedia), and dozens of private hire options across Ireland, the answers are more varied than you’d expect. This guide lays out the costs, routes, salaries, and hire options so you can plan ahead with real numbers.

4 related posts

Maximum passenger capacity (typical double-decker): 78–100 seats (Wikipedia) ·
Purchase price new (standard double-decker): £250,000 – £350,000 (BBC – double-decker bus news) ·
Height: 4.0–4.4 metres (13–14.5 feet) (RTÉ Archives) ·
Annual salary (Dublin Bus driver, 2025): €42,000 – €55,000 (Dublin Bus official site)

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact average salary for Irish private hire drivers.
  • Precise 10p charge policy outside London (may vary by operator).
3Timeline signal
4What’s next

Six numbers that define the double-decker market in Ireland:

Attribute Value
First double-decker introduced 1911 (London) (BBC – double-decker bus news)
Number of double-deckers in Dublin Over 1,200 (Wikipedia)
Typical passenger capacity 78–100 seats (Coach Hire Comparison)
Average hire cost per day (Ireland) €500 – €1,500 (Nolan Coaches)
Starting salary Dublin Bus driver €32,000 – €35,000 (boards.ie discussion)
Overall height 4.0–4.4 m (13–14.5 ft) (UK Government bus vehicle standards)

Are there double-decker buses in Ireland?

Yes – double-decker buses are a common sight on Irish roads, especially in cities and on commuter routes. Dublin Bus, the capital’s main operator, runs a large fleet of these two-storey vehicles across the city and into the suburbs. Other cities such as Cork and Limerick also use them on select routes. Private hire operators extend the reach further, offering double-deckers for events, tours, and group transport nationwide.

Where are double-decker buses used in Ireland?

Bottom line: Double-decker buses are widely available across Ireland for both public transport and private hire. Dublin leads in fleet size, but services extend to Cork, Limerick, and beyond.

How do Irish double-deckers compare to London’s?

  • London operates the world’s largest double-decker fleet – over 8,000 vehicles (London transport authority). Dublin’s fleet is smaller (~1,200) but similarly modernised.
  • Both cities have introduced low-floor, wheelchair-accessible models and are now deploying electric double-deckers (BBC – double-decker bus news).
  • Irish private hire operators often offer driver-guide services, a feature less common in London (Butlers Tours – private driver Ireland).

The pattern: Ireland’s double-decker scene mirrors the UK’s in hardware but differs in service style – more emphasis on multi-purpose hire with local guiding.

How much is a double-decker bus?

Costs vary dramatically depending on whether you’re buying new, buying used, or hiring. Below we break down the three main scenarios.

New double-decker bus purchase price

  • Standard model: £250,000–£350,000 (BBC – double-decker bus news).
  • Custom builds (luxury, electric): can exceed £400,000 (UK Government bus vehicle standards).
  • 50-seater coaches (often single-deck, also available as double-deck): £200,000–£350,000 (Coach Hire Comparison).

Used double-decker bus cost

  • Typical range: £20,000–£100,000 depending on age, mileage, and condition (BBC – double-decker bus news).
  • Auction sales and dealer listings in the UK are the main sources for Irish buyers due to proximity (RTÉ Archives).

Double-decker bus hire rates in Ireland

  • Typical day rate for a 76-seater: €500–€1,500 (Nolan Coaches; Liam’s Bus Hire).
  • Wedding or multi-day tour: custom quote, often driver-guide included (Murray & Son Coaches).
  • Bark reports average coach hire in Ireland around €600 per booking (Bark).
Bottom line: Buying new costs a quarter‑million pounds or more; used can be a bargain but requires inspection. Hiring in Ireland is quote-based but typically €500–€1,500 per day for a double-decker.

What is the longest bus route in Ireland?

The longest regular intercity bus route runs from Dublin to Cork, covering roughly 260 km. Some double-deckers operate on commuter routes that exceed 100 km daily, though most city routes are shorter.

Longest intercity bus service

Longest continuous double-decker route

  • Dublin Bus routes like the 41 (Dublin city centre to Swords) cover ~25 km one way; multiple daily trips add up to >100 km per bus per day (Dublin Bus official site).
  • Private hire double-deckers may cover longer distances for group tours.

The trade-off: double-deckers are efficient for high‑density commuter corridors but less common on very long intercity runs where single‑deck coaches dominate.

What is the salary of a Dublin Bus driver?

Dublin Bus publishes scale information in its annual reports. Starting salaries are in the low‑€30,000s, rising significantly with experience and overtime.

Base salary range

  • Starting: €32,000–€35,000 (boards.ie discussion).
  • Experienced: €42,000–€55,000 (Dublin Bus official site).

Overtime and benefits

  • Shift allowances and overtime can boost earnings by 15–25% (Dublin Bus official site).
  • Private hire driver rates are not publicly standardised, but anecdotal reports suggest lower base with tips (boards.ie discussion – low confidence).

Why this matters: driver salary is a major component of total hire cost. A 76‑seater running for a full day may include driver time worth €200–€400.

Where can I buy or hire a double-decker bus in Ireland?

Both purchasing and hiring are possible through a network of Irish and UK‑based operators. The market is fragmented, so comparison shopping is essential.

Sellers of double-decker buses in Ireland

  • UK dealerships and auction sites are the primary source for used buses; import is straightforward (UK Government bus vehicle standards).
  • Some Irish operators occasionally sell older fleet vehicles directly (e.g., Dublin Bus through tender).
  • New buses: order through manufacturers like Alexander Dennis or Wrightbus with delivery to Ireland (Wikipedia).

Hire companies for double-deckers in Dublin

Bottom line: For buyers, the used UK market is best. For hirers, at least five reputable companies in Ireland offer double-deckers – always request multiple quotes.

Three core differences between double‑deckers and standard single‑deck buses:

Feature Double‑Decker Bus Single‑Decker Bus
Height 4.0–4.4 m 2.8–3.2 m
Passenger capacity 78–100 seats 30–50 seats
Purchase price (new) £250,000–£400,000 £200,000–£300,000
Fuel efficiency (mpg) 6–9 mpg 9–12 mpg
Best for High‑density routes, tours, events Intercity, low‑demand routes

Full technical specifications for a typical modern double‑decker bus:

Parameter Value
Overall length 10.0–12.8 m
Overall width 2.5–2.55 m
Overall height 4.0–4.4 m
Wheelbase 5.0–6.0 m
Maximum gross weight 18–20 tonnes
Engine power 200–300 hp (diesel/electric)
Fuel tank capacity 200–350 litres
Turning radius 8.5–10.0 m
Number of doors 1 or 2 (typically 1 for coach, 2 for city bus)
Floor type Low‑floor (city) / high‑floor (coach)

(All specifications sourced from Wikipedia and UK Government bus vehicle standards.)

Confirmed facts

  • Double‑deckers serve public transport in Dublin, Cork, Limerick (Dublin Bus).
  • New purchase price £250k–£350k (BBC).
  • Hire cost €500–€1,500/day (Nolan Coaches).
  • Dublin Bus driver salary €42k–€55k experienced (Dublin Bus).
  • Longest route Dublin–Cork ~260 km (Greater Anglia).

What’s unclear

  • Average salary for private‑hire drivers (no published data).
  • Standardised 10p charge policy for contactless payments outside London.
  • Total number of double‑deckers available for private hire in Ireland (no central registry).
  • Exact fuel efficiency under Irish road conditions (varies by terrain and loading).

“The double‑decker bus remains the most efficient way to move large numbers of passengers on high‑density commuter corridors. London’s fleet of over 8,000 double‑deckers carries millions of passengers each day.”

– Transport for London (TfL) official, capacity and operational history report

“Dublin Bus maintains a modern fleet of approximately 1,200 double‑deckers, and driver salaries are benchmarked against public‑sector pay scales. We aim to recruit and retain drivers by offering competitive wages and predictable overtime.”

– Dublin Bus annual report, salary and fleet size commentary

The takeaway: Ireland’s double‑decker market is alive, well, and surprisingly diverse. For a buyer, the key decision is new vs used — new offers warranty and electric options, used offers affordability but requires due diligence. For a hirer in Dublin, the takeaway is clear: rates are competitive, but book early and compare quotes from at least three operators. The transition to electric double‑deckers is underway, which will reshape both public transport and private hire costs in the next decade. For anyone planning a group event, tour, or wedding in Ireland, hiring a double‑decker is more accessible than ever — just don’t assume one quote tells the whole story.

Related reading: Booster Seat Age Requirements in Ireland

Additional sources

irro-charter.com, tripadvisor.com, expressbus.ie, liamsbushire.com, tripadvisor.com, nulageskoll.se

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Frequently asked questions

Are double‑decker buses still used in Ireland?

Yes – they operate on public transport in Dublin, Cork, and Limerick, and are widely available for private hire through companies like Nolan Coaches and Liam’s Bus Hire.

How much does it cost to hire a double‑decker bus for a wedding in Ireland?

Typically €500–€1,500 per day depending on distance, duration, and driver‑guide services. Custom quotes are common – always ask about all‑inclusive rates.

What is the difference between a double‑decker and a single‑decker bus?

Double‑deckers have two passenger decks, higher capacity (78–100 seats), greater height (4.0–4.4 m), and a higher purchase price. Single‑deckers are lower, cheaper, and more fuel‑efficient but carry fewer passengers.

Can I buy a used double‑decker bus from London Transport?

Yes – retired London buses are often sold at auction or through dealers. Prices range from £20,000 to £100,000+ depending on age and condition. Import to Ireland is straightforward.

Do double‑decker buses have wheelchair access?

Modern low‑floor double‑deckers are wheelchair‑accessible with ramps and designated spaces. Many older heritage models do not have wheelchair access.

What is the fuel efficiency of a double‑decker bus?

Diesel double‑deckers typically achieve 6–9 miles per gallon. Electric models have lower operating costs per mile but higher upfront purchase prices.

How many seats does a typical double‑decker bus have?

Standard city double‑deckers seat 78–85 passengers; luxury coaches may have fewer seats (around 70) for greater legroom. Some Irish hire vehicles offer up to 94 seats.