See How to Catch Regional/National buses from Galway - coming soon.
To catch a local bus in Galway City:
- Go to the right bus stop (see for Main Bus Stops for central city stops), at the right time (see City Bus Details for route maps and timetable links)
HINT: it's a good idea to be at the bus-stop five minutes early, in case the bus-driver's watch is fast. - Get your fare out before the bus arrives (see Fares for details)
- When you see the bus coming, you don't usually need to signal to the driver.
However it may be a good idea to do so if the bus-stop is used by several different buses or is not a popular one. To signal the driver, raise your arm in front of you. OR - if the bus that is coming is not the one you want, shake your head. - When the bus arrives, wait for any passengers who are getting off (Galway city buses only have one door)
- Get on to the bus and either give your fare to the bus driver and wait for him/her to give you a ticket (Bus Eireann) or put it in the box on your left (City Direct) - or show the driver your pass if you are using a weekly or monthly ticket or Travel Pass.
- Sit in any seat that is available - however leave the ones very close to the door for people who are elderly / disabled, or who have children in prams etc.
To get off the bus:
- Wait until the bus has gone past the stop before the one you want
- Push the bell - usually a square red button on the poles in the middle of the bus, with one every two or three rows.
Once the bell is pushed, a sign near the front of the bus usually lights up saying "bus stopping" - once this is lit, the bell does not need to be pushed again. - When the bus reaches your stop, get off.
Some people get up and walk to the door before the bus stops, so they can get off immediately. However you should only do this if it is safe: the bus is travelling fast, or your are unsteady on your feet for any reason, do not stand up until the bus has stopped.
If the driver accidentally misses your stop, either call out or go up to him/her and remind him: don't just wait for the next stop, because it may be some distance away.
