Bus from Portlaoise to Kilkenny
2 direct routes · 92–119 min · first bus 09:16, last bus 16:37 (weekdays).
Next buses to Kilkenny as of 10:36
Scheduled times at the boarding stop in Portlaoise, from the operators' timetables — they update automatically. Open the stop for live tracking.
Direct routes
| Route | Operator | Journey time | Weekday journeys | Days | First | Last | Board at | Get off at | Calls at |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 73 | Bus Éireann | ~92 min | 2 | Sat 2 · Sun 1 | 10:49 | 16:37 | Portlaoise JFL Ave | Kilkenny Stn | Carlow |
| 838 | Slieve Bloom Coach Tours | ~119 min | 2 | Sat 2 · no Sunday buses | 09:16 | 14:30 | Kilminchy | Market Yard | — |
Times are for the first boarding point in Portlaoise on each route's weekday timetable — open the route for the full timetable, live map and every stop.
The same number runs elsewhere in the UK — see every 73 bus or 838 bus timetable.
Frequently asked questions
Which bus goes from Portlaoise to Kilkenny?
2 routes run directly from Portlaoise to Kilkenny: the 73 (Bus Éireann), the 838 (Slieve Bloom Coach Tours). The most frequent is the 73, twice each weekday — board at Portlaoise JFL Ave and get off at Kilkenny Stn, about 92 minutes.
How long does the bus take from Portlaoise to Kilkenny?
Between 92 minutes on the 73 and 119 on the 838, depending on which route you catch and on traffic. It calls at Carlow on the way.
What time is the first and last bus from Portlaoise to Kilkenny?
On weekdays the first direct bus leaves around 09:16 and the last around 16:37. Check the route timetables for weekends.
How much is the bus from Portlaoise to Kilkenny?
Fares follow the National Transport Authority's fare structure — a TFI Leap Card is significantly cheaper than cash, with daily and weekly caps on most services.