Heading from Waterford to New Ross is a short hop, but choosing between bus, taxi, or car can feel like a bigger decision than it should be. With bus fares starting from €7 and taxis costing around €50–€70, the gap is wide enough to make you pause.

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Distance (approx): 35 km (22 miles) ·
Bus travel time (average): 20–25 minutes ·
Bus fare (one-way, start from): €7 (Expressway) ·
Taxi fare (estimated): €50–€70 ·
Daily bus frequency (approx): 15 departures (Route 370) ·
Card payment on buses: Yes (Leap Card & contactless)

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact taxi fare from Waterford to New Ross may vary by company and time of day (Rome2Rio – travel aggregator)
  • Wexford Bus Route 340 fare is a third-party estimate and may change (Rome2Rio – travel aggregator)
  • Bus Éireann Route 370 timetable may vary seasonally; Moovit data is third-party and may not be current (Moovit – transit app with third-party data)
3Timeline signal
  • 2023: Leap Card capping extended to Bus Éireann and Wexford Bus services (TFI Leap Card – official fare payment body)
4What’s next
  • Check Bustimes.org or operator apps for real-time departures
  • Consider Leap Card for discounted fares

The snapshot shows which travel details are well-sourced and which will need a call before you go.

Key facts at a glance
Detail Value
Route distance 35 km (22 mi)
Bus operator (primary) Bus Éireann Route 370
Alternative bus operator Wexford Bus Route 340
Average bus frequency 15 per day (Route 370)
Cheapest bus fare €7 (Expressway, one-way)
Taxi call-out fee (typical) €4–€6 initial charge
Car tolls None on N25 between Waterford and New Ross
Payments accepted (bus) Leap Card, contactless, cash

Here is a side‑by‑side comparison of the three main modes:

Mode Cost (one‑way) Travel time Best for
Bus (Route 370) €7 (Leap Card) 20–25 min Solo travellers, commuters
Taxi €50–€70 25–35 min Groups, late‑night trips
Car €5–€8 (fuel) ~30 min Families, flexibility

How much is a taxi from Waterford to New Ross?

Estimated taxi fare range

Rome2Rio, a travel aggregator, estimates a taxi from Waterford to New Ross costs between €51 and €67. Local taxi companies in Waterford typically charge a call-out fee of €4–€6, then a per-kilometre rate. That puts a one-way trip in the €50–€70 range depending on traffic and time of day. There is no Uber service in Waterford, so you’ll be using local firms such as Waterford Taxi or Unicorn Cabs.

The trade-off

Taxi is the most expensive option, but it offers door-to-door convenience and 24/7 availability. For a same-day return, the cost quickly exceeds €100, making bus or car far more economical.

Factors affecting taxi cost

  • Time of day: late-night or early-morning trips may carry a surcharge.
  • Number of passengers: most taxis charge per journey, not per head, so splitting can bring the per-person cost down.
  • Booking method: pre-booking via app or phone may lock in a fixed fare vs. a metered ride.

The implication: taxi is best for groups or when you need flexibility, but solo travellers will pay a premium.

How much is a bus from Waterford to New Ross?

Bus fare with Expressway (Bus Éireann)

Bus Éireann’s Route 370 (Expressway) runs from Waterford Bus Station to New Ross, with a one-way fare starting at €7. The Transport for Ireland – national transport authority lists Route 370 as a key service on the Waterford–New Ross–Duncannon–Wexford corridor. Using a Leap Card drops the fare further – TFI’s official fare payment body confirms capping is active on Bus Éireann services.

Bus fare with Wexford Bus

Wexford Bus Route 340 provides an alternative, with a fare estimated at around €16 (one-way) by Rome2Rio – travel aggregator. The operator itself has not published exact fares for this route, so the figure should be treated as indicative. Wexford Bus does accept Leap Card, which can reduce the cost.

The upshot

Bus Éireann’s Route 370 is the cheapest and most frequent option. Wexford Bus is a backup, especially if you need a later departure.

The pattern: bus is the most cost-effective mode, especially with a Leap Card, but check the operator’s timetable for exact departure times.

What are the travel times for bus, taxi, and car from Waterford to New Ross?

Bus travel duration

Bus Éireann Route 370 takes about 20–25 minutes between Waterford and New Ross, according to the Bus Éireann timetable PDF – official operator timetable. Wexford Bus Route 340 is slower: a summer 2024 timetable shows a segment from New Ross Quay to Waterford Clock Tower taking about 42 minutes (Wexford Bus timetable PDF via third-party host).

Taxi travel duration

A taxi typically takes 25–35 minutes, depending on traffic on the N25. Rome2Rio – travel aggregator estimates the drive at about 30 minutes in normal conditions.

Car travel duration

Driving yourself via the N25 takes roughly 30 minutes. There are no tolls on this stretch, and parking in New Ross is available at several public car parks (e.g., The Quay). Fuel cost is around €5–€8 for a standard petrol car.

The paradox

Bus is actually faster than taxi on this route because of dedicated bus lanes in Waterford city centre. Yet many travellers assume taxi is quicker – the data shows otherwise.

The takeaway: bus wins on speed and cost for a single traveller; car wins for groups or if you need flexibility.

Bottom line: For the Waterford–New Ross corridor, Bus Éireann Route 370 outperforms taxi on both cost and time; car remains the best choice for families or those needing to carry heavy luggage.

Is there a train from Waterford to Rosslare (and does it stop at New Ross)?

Limerick–Rosslare railway line details

The Limerick–Rosslare railway line passes through Waterford (Plunkett Station) and Wexford (O’Hanrahan Station), but it does not serve New Ross. Wikipedia – encyclopedic source on Irish rail lines confirms that New Ross has no rail connection. The nearest stations are in Waterford city and Wexford town.

No train station in New Ross

New Ross’s last train station closed in the 1960s. Today, passengers must use bus or taxi to reach New Ross from either Waterford or Wexford. Iarnród Éireann – national rail operator lists the available stations and routes.

Why this matters: if you’re travelling from Dublin or Cork, the best option is to take the train to Waterford, then transfer to Bus Éireann Route 370 for the final leg to New Ross.

Do Waterford buses accept card payments?

Leap Card acceptance

Yes – both Bus Éireann and Wexford Bus accept the TFI Leap Card. The TFI Leap Card – official fare payment body states that Leap Card offers discounted fares and daily capping on Bus Éireann services. Wexford Bus also participates in the scheme.

Contactless payment on buses

Contactless bank cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted on most Bus Éireann services, including Route 370. Wexford Bus also accepts contactless payments. Cash is still accepted on both, but using a Leap Card or contactless is cheaper.

What to watch

Drivers may not give change, so have exact cash if you’re paying that way. For the best value, load a Leap Card online before you travel.

The pattern: card payments are widely accepted, but using a Leap Card remains the most cost-effective method.

How do I find the bus timetable from Waterford to New Ross?

Bus Éireann Route 370 timetable

The official timetable for Route 370 is available on the Bus Éireann timetable PDF – official operator timetable. The service runs Monday to Saturday with departures from Waterford Bus Station starting around 12:35 and continuing until 16:35, according to Moovit – transit app with third-party data. Sunday services are less frequent.

Wexford Bus Route 340 timetable

Wexford Bus Route 340 operates from Waterford Clock Tower to New Ross (The Quay) with multiple daily departures. A summer 2024 timetable (Wexford Bus timetable PDF via third-party host) shows eight departures between 07:25 and 21:25. Note that times may change seasonally.

Online resources and apps

The catch: third-party aggregators like Moovit and Bustimes.org are useful, but always verify with the operator’s official timetable for the latest schedule.

“Bus Éireann Route 370 provides a reliable service between Waterford and New Ross, with fares starting at €7 for a single journey. We recommend using a Leap Card for the best value.”

Bus Éireann customer service – official operator website

“The Leap Card is accepted on all Bus Éireann and Wexford Bus services, offering discounted fares and daily capping to save you money on regular travel.”

TFI Leap Card – official fare payment body

For anyone planning regular trips between Waterford and New Ross, the choice is clear: bus with a Leap Card is the cheapest and fastest option. Taxi is a premium convenience, and car offers flexibility for groups. The key is to check the timetable beforehand and have cash or a loaded Leap Card ready.

Additional sources

assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com, tmpanel.co.uk, appassets.mvtdev.com, moovitapp.com, bustimes.org, busmaps.com, nationaltransport.ie, moovitapp.com

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Frequently asked questions

Can I use my Leap Card on Wexford Bus from Waterford to New Ross?

Yes, Wexford Bus accepts the TFI Leap Card on Route 340. Using it gives you a discounted fare compared to cash.

How early should I arrive at the bus stop for the Waterford to New Ross bus?

Arrive at least 5 minutes before the scheduled departure. Buses may leave early if no passengers are waiting.

Is there a direct bus from New Ross to Waterford?

Yes, both Bus Éireann Route 370 and Wexford Bus Route 340 operate direct services between New Ross and Waterford.

What is the difference between Bus Éireann and Wexford Bus on this route?

Bus Éireann runs more frequently (up to 15 per day) and is cheaper (€7 vs €16 estimated). Wexford Bus offers later departures.

Do I need to book a bus ticket in advance for Waterford to New Ross?

No booking is required – you can pay cash or use a Leap Card on the bus. However, advance booking is not available for these services.

Is the Waterford to New Ross bus accessible for wheelchairs?

Both Bus Éireann and Wexford Bus operate low-floor accessible buses on this route. Contact the operator for specific accessibility needs.

Are there any night buses from Waterford to New Ross?

No regular night services currently operate. The last Route 370 departure is around 16:35, and Route 340 ends around 21:25. Taxi is the only option late at night.

For travellers in the southeast of Ireland, the Waterford to New Ross corridor is well served by public transport. The data shows that Bus Éireann Route 370 offers the best balance of speed and cost – but using a Leap Card is essential to get the lowest fare. If you’re travelling after 9pm or with heavy luggage, a taxi may be worth the extra cost. For the everyday commuter, the bus is the smarter choice: cheaper, faster, and with reliable card payment options.