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Is a 45 min layover in Dublin long enough?

DUB · Dublin · Dublin, Ireland
It Depends

A 45 minutes layover at DUB (Dublin) is tight — it may or may not be enough.

Meets the low end of published MCTs but leaves no buffer for peak security lines.
Quick Stats
Concourses
2
Max Transit
20m
Avg. Security
20m
Primary Hub
Aer Lingus
Minimum Connection Times
Domestic → Domestic
40min
tight
Domestic → International
50min
✗
International → Domestic
60min
✗
International → International
60min
✗
AD PLACEMENT — CONTEXTUAL
Tips for 45 min Connections
If your connection involves a US-bound flight, budget significant extra time for US Preclearance, which includes full CBP interviews and a separate security screening.
Check whether your onward flight departs from the same terminal, since T1-T2 transfers require exiting and re-entering security.
Security queues can back up badly at peak morning and early evening banks, so use Fast Track if your ticket qualifies.
Signage for 'Flight Connections' is present but the walk between terminals is longer than it looks on the map, so don't cut it close.
Aer Lingus flights are concentrated in Terminal 2, so same-airline connections are usually simpler than cross-terminal itineraries.
Busyness — Connection Risk
12a6a12p6p12a
Low risk
Moderate
High risk
Tight connections are safer outside peak hours. Morning rush (6–9a), midday (11a–2p), and evening (4–8p) are highest risk.
Getting Between Concourses
Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are linked by a covered landside walkway (roughly 8-10 minutes on foot) and a shuttle bus service for those who prefer not to walk, especially with heavy luggage. Because the terminals are landside-connected rather than airside-connected, transfer passengers must re-clear security when moving between terminals unless routed through a dedicated transfer path. Passengers connecting onto US-bound flights face an additional US Preclearance process (CBP screening plus a security recheck) inside Terminal 2, which functions like an extra immigration and security layer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 45 minutes enough for a layover at Dublin (DUB)?

Meets the low end of published MCTs but leaves no buffer for peak security lines.

What is the minimum connection time at DUB?

Minimum connection times at Dublin: Domestic-to-Domestic is 40 minutes, International-to-International is 60 minutes. These are the shortest layovers airlines will sell.

Can I make a 45 minutes connection at DUB on an international flight?

45 minutes is below the 60-minute international MCT at Dublin. You may need to rush and could miss your connection. Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are linked by a covered landside walkway (roughly 8-10 minutes on foot) and a shuttle bus service for those who prefer not to walk, especially with heavy luggage. Because the terminals are landside-connected rather than airside-connected, transfer passengers must re-clear security when moving between terminals unless routed through a dedicated transfer path. Passengers connecting onto US-bound flights face an additional US Preclearance process (CBP screening plus a security recheck) inside Terminal 2, which functions like an extra immigration and security layer.

How much time do I need for a layover at DUB?

We recommend at least 1 hour for a comfortable connection at Dublin. This gives you enough buffer for security (typically 20 minutes) and transit between terminals (up to 20 minutes).

What happens if I miss my connection at DUB?

Head to the Aer Lingus or your operating airline's transfer desk immediately, located in the connections area of Terminal 2, as most missed connections are rebooked there or at the main ticket desks in Terminal 1.

Other Layover Durations at DUB
25 min30 min35 min40 min50 min55 min1 hr1¼ hr1½ hr1¾ hr2 hr2½ hr3 hr4 hr
45 min Layovers at Other Airports
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AD PLACEMENT — BEFORE FOOTER