I still recall the first day I had to wait for the M7 Express bus. I stood at the Red Cow stop in the rain, checking my watch every two minutes. Was the bus already late, or had I simply missed it? A fellow passenger approached me and showed me how he used the Dublin Coach Tracker on his phone.
To my surprise, the location of the Green Bus appeared on the map as a small dot. I could clearly see that it was speeding along the N7, just five minutes away. That small piece of information helped me go from worried to relaxed in no time.
Whether you are off to the airport or commuting from Limerick, this tool is simply revolutionary. Let’s now look at how you can become a master at your commute with the help of real-time information.
Curious if your coach is stuck in M50 traffic? You can also check the latest updates through our Dublin Traffic News guide to stay ahead of congestion before you even leave home. I can also walk you through how to view the live GPS location of all fleet vehicles. This post will walk you through the ways to check if the bus is full before it even arrives. Keep reading to find out the ways to save your favorite stops to track the buses faster.
- Track all the buses across all the routes in real-time.
- See the exact occupancy of the next approaching coach.
- Get the location of the nearest stop using the GPS in your phone.
Ready to stop guessing and start gliding? Let’s dive in!
How to Use the Dublin Coach Real-Time Tracker
Using the real-time tracker is very easy, provided you know where to look. It can be used both on your computer and smartphone.
Accessing the Tracker via Website and App
The best way to use the real-time tracker is via the official Dublin Coach Tracker web link. To do this, you can simply visit dublincoach.ie/track-my-bus. If you are a frequent traveler, I highly recommend the mobile app version of the real-time tracker. It’s called “The Big Green Bus” and is available in the App Store and Google Play Store for free.
Follow these steps to get started:
- Open the App: Open the app titled “The Big Green Bus” from Dublin Coach.
- Enable GPS: Allow the app to auto-detect your location.
- View Nearest Stops: The app will automatically display the coaches going in your direction.
- Save Favourites: Press the star icon to save your regular stops.
Selecting Your Route and Stop
Once you open the tracker, you can search by route or stop name. For example, you can type “Ennis” or “M7 Express” into the search bar.
To find your specific bus, follow this process:
- Search: Enter a landmark like “Red Cow” or “Kildare Village.”
- Navigate the Map: Use the interactive Google Maps overlay to see icons.
- Zoom in: Pinch the screen to see exactly which street the bus is on.
- Re-center: If the map looks frozen, hit the “re-center” button to refresh.
- Identify: Click the bus icon to see its unique fleet number.
Understanding the Features: More Than Just a Map
This tracker offers more than just a moving icon. It provides deep data to help you plan your day.
Live GPS Positioning vs. Scheduled Times
There are two different times displayed by the tracker. They are “Scheduled” and “Estimated.” The scheduled time is what you will find printed in any official timetable. The estimated time, or ETA, is worked out by using real-time GPS satellite tracking.
It takes into account any delays caused by driving on the N7 or by a buildup of traffic around the Red Cow. I’ve found it to be accurate to within a minute or two. You can even switch between today’s and tomorrow’s journeys.
Using the Bus Capacity and Load Feature
One of the coolest features is the load capacity display. It shows a percentage of how full the bus is. If it’s 90% full, it might be best to wait for the next bus. This is a great help during rush hours, as the M7 bus tends to be packed.
It gives you a heads-up on whether or not you’ll actually have a seat for your long ride. You can even see a full itinerary for each stop on the bus’s route.
How to Use the Capacity Feature:
- Select your bus icon: Tap the green bus on the map.
- Check the percentage: Look for the “Load” or “Capacity” figure.
- Decide: If it’s 90% full, it might be best to wait for the next bus.
- View Itinerary: Look for the full list of remaining stops for this specific bus.
- Check Alerts: Look for the red exclamation mark for major service disruptions.
Popular Routes to Track
Some routes are busier than others, and a closer eye must be kept on the tracker.
M7 Express: Limerick – Kildare – Dublin
The M7 Express is the flagship route for the Green Bus fleet. It connects Ennis, Killarney, and Tralee to Dublin. During peak hours, these buses operate every 15 to 20 minutes. Tracking this route is a must, especially at the Red Cow interchange.
The tracker will help you time your Luas connection to perfection, so you’re not stuck in the cold. It’s the best way to manage this high-frequency corridor. Many students also track this route to get to the National Tech Park.
726 Portlaoise to Dublin Airport
For those flying out of Dublin Airport, this route is a lifesaver. The 726 operates on 23 stops from Portlaoise to Dublin Airport T1/T2. When you’re flying out, this tracker is a must. It helps you track if your bus will be on time for your flight. I personally check this tracker before I even leave my house to go to the airport. It takes the “what if” out of the equation.
We all have our little secrets for making the commute easier. The Green Bus community is full of great advice!
What is your #1 commute essential?
- The Dublin Coach Tracker app:Can’t leave home without it.
- Noise-canceling headphones: For a peaceful journey to Cork.
- A backup power bank: Keeping the phone alive for tickets.
- A travel pillow: Catching up on sleep on the M1 motorway.
Have a “pro-tip” for finding the best seat or the fastest stop? Maybe you know the quietest time to travel from Dundrum to the Airport? Share your commuter hacks in the comments below! Use #DublinCoachCommuter to help out your fellow travelers. Let’s make the journey better for everyone!
Travel Smarter, Not Harder
Dublin Coach Tracker is not just a nice-to-have feature. It is a must-have tool that gives you the power back in your hands.
No longer will you be standing at the bus stop in the rain, unsure if the bus has passed you by. With live updates, you can travel with complete confidence. And if you are planning other practical services around the city, such as booking reliable Skip Hire Dublin for a home project, staying informed and organised always makes life easier. Do you prefer the Green Bus as a means of transport in Ireland? Let us know why in the comments!
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why isn’t my bus appearing on the tracker?
In some cases, the bus will not appear on the screen if there is a temporary problem with the GPS signal. The other reason is that the service has not yet started its journey. Try to refresh the page or view the manual timetable to view the next scheduled slot.
Does the tracker show how full the bus is?
Yes, the Dublin Coach app and web tracker provide information on the capacity percentage. This allows you to view the current load of the bus as it is approaching your stop. This is a great feature to help you avoid an overcrowded coach, especially on weekends.
Can I track Dublin Coach on the TFI Live App?
Yes, indeed. As it is a private company, it has its own special tracking system. The TFI Live app tracks public services, while the “Big Green Bus” app is the best to use for this particular fleet.
How often does the tracker refresh the bus position?
The tracker is based on live GPS information that updates every few seconds. If the icon is not moving, you can also use the manual “refresh” or “re-center” buttons on the map to ensure you are getting the latest satellite position.
Can I use the tracker for the Dublin to Belfast route?
Yes, the tracker will work for the whole network, including the direct M1 to Belfast service. Simply type the name of the route into the search box to view the live map. The live map will show you all the coaches currently operating on the motorway.
What is the best way to find my nearest Dublin Coach stop?
The best way to use this service is the mobile app. The app will use your phone’s GPS to automatically show you the nearest stops and exactly how to get to each one. You can also save these as “Favourites” for quick reference the next time you want to use the service.