Anyone who’s ever waited for a bus in Galway knows the mix of hope and resignation. The 404 bus, operated by Bus Éireann (official route page), runs from Newcastle through Eyre Square to Oranmore, with a weekday frequency of every 20 minutes. This guide brings together the official timetable, real-world reliability data, and what passengers actually experience, so you can plan your journey with confidence.

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Route length: approx. 12 km ·
Frequency (weekday): Every 20 minutes ·
First departure (Eyre Square): 06:16 ·
Last departure (Eyre Square): 23:00 (approx) ·
Number of stops: 25+ ·
Operator: Bus Éireann

Quick snapshot

1Route Overview
  • Covers Newcastle to Oranmore via Eyre Square (Bus Éireann)
  • Operated by Bus Éireann (Bus Éireann)
  • Weekday frequency 20 min (Bus Éireann)
2Timetable Access
3Reliability
4Comparison with 405

Eight key facts sum up the essentials of the 404 route.

Label Value
Operator Bus Éireann
Route Newcastle/Westside – Eyre Square – Oranmore
Weekday Frequency Every 20 minutes
Saturday Frequency Every 20 minutes
Sunday Frequency Reduced (check timetable)
First Departure (Eyre Square) 06:16
Last Departure (Eyre Square) 23:00 (approx)
Fare Range €1.35 – €2.20

What is the 404 bus schedule in Galway?

What are the operating hours of the 404 bus?

  • First departure from Eyre Square: 06:16 (Bus Éireann)
  • Last departure from Eyre Square: approximately 23:00
  • First departure from Oranmore: around 06:30 (Transport for Ireland)
  • Last departure from Oranmore: around 23:00

The 404 runs from early morning until late evening, providing a consistent service for commuters and late shoppers alike. Operating hours are longest on weekdays, with a slightly earlier finish on Sundays.

Bottom line: The 404 bus runs from about 06:00 to 23:00 daily. For Sunday riders, check the reduced schedule because timings vary.

What is the frequency of the 404 bus on weekdays?

  • Weekdays: every 20 minutes (Bus Éireann)
  • Saturdays: every 20 minutes
  • Sundays: reduced frequency (exact intervals not published in advance)

Frequency is the same on weekdays and Saturdays. Sunday service runs at longer intervals, but the official timetable does not specify the exact gap.

The trade-off

Weekday frequency is strong at 20 minutes, but Sunday reliability suffers from reduced service and lack of precise schedule data. Riders heading out on a Sunday should allow extra time and check real-time tracking.

The pattern: Weekday and Saturday service is reliable in frequency, while Sunday requires more flexibility.

Where does the 404 bus go in Galway?

What are the main stops on the 404 route?

  • Newcastle/Westside (starting point)
  • Galway Cathedral
  • University of Galway (Visit Galway)
  • Bon Secours Hospital
  • ATU (Atlantic Technological University)
  • Eyre Square (city centre hub)
  • Oranmore (terminus)

Key stops include the University, hospital district, and the main city square. The route crosses the Corrib and serves both the western suburbs and the eastern commuter town of Oranmore.

Why this matters

Students and hospital staff rely on the 404 to reach two major campuses and the hospital — a missed bus can mean a late lecture or appointment.

Does the 404 bus go to Oranmore?

Yes. The 404 runs from Newcastle through Eyre Square and continues to Oranmore Centre. According to Bus Éireann’s Galway city services page, the route is officially designated as Oranmore to Westside. Moovit lists the first stop as Oranmore (Opp Oran Town Centre) and the last stop as Eyre Square, with 15 stops and a travel time of about 24 minutes. However, Bustime estimates the full trip at 49 minutes. The difference likely reflects whether the journey is measured end-to-end or one direction only.

The implication: The 404 definitely serves Oranmore, but travel time estimates vary. Allow at least 30 minutes for the full trip.

What is the timetable for the 404 bus from Oranmore to Galway?

What are the bus times for the 404 bus from Galway to Oranmore today?

Real-time departures are available via the Transport for Ireland app (official journey planner) or Bustime. The official timetable from Bus Éireann shows first departure from Eyre Square at 06:16 and last at approximately 23:00. For Oranmore-bound trips from the city, the first bus leaves around 06:30 and the last around 23:00.

The catch: Schedules change seasonally. Bus Éireann has announced a new timetable effective (Bus Éireann). Always check the current PDF or the app before travelling.

Where can I find the 404 bus timetable PDF?

  • Direct download from Bus Éireann’s route 404 page
  • Linked from Transport for Ireland’s Galway city services page
  • Also available on third-party sites like Busload (user-sourced stop list)

The PDF is the official source. Third-party sites can be helpful for stop sequences but may not reflect the latest changes.

What to watch

The PDF timetable is updated infrequently. If you’re travelling after June 2026, the new Bus Éireann timetable will apply — don’t rely on older downloads.

Is the 404 bus in Galway reliable?

What do users say about 404 bus reliability?

Mixed. According to Galway Buses (independent tracking site), Route 404 had a punctuality rate of 63.1% based on 2024 FOI data, and the site labels the route as underperforming. The Galway Advertiser (local news outlet) reported the same figure. For context, Route 401 averages around 65% on-time performance — not much better.

User comments on forums and bustimes.org often mention buses arriving early or not at all. Real-time tracking helps, but the underlying punctuality remains a frustration for regulars.

Bottom line: The 404 bus is reliable in frequency (20 min) but not in punctuality. Only 63% of buses run exactly on time. For time-sensitive trips, use real-time tracking and leave a buffer.

How does reliability compare to other Galway routes like 405?

The 405 route serves a different part of the city, but both are part of the same Bus Éireann Galway network. Punctuality data specifically for 405 is not publicly available from the same FOI source, but anecdotal reports suggest similar on-time performance issues. The 405 and 404 share the same operating company and general reliability challenges.

The pattern: On-time performance around 63-65% appears typical for Galway city bus routes, meaning about one in three buses runs outside the published schedule.

What are the bus times for the 404 bus from Galway to Oranmore today?

How to check real-time times for the 404 bus?

  • Transport for Ireland app (iOS/Android) – covers all Bus Éireann services
  • Bustime – web-based real-time departure board
  • Google Maps – transit layer shows live departures

Real-time data feeds from Bus Éireann’s tracking system. Accuracy depends on the bus’s GPS signal and network updates.

Are there holiday schedules?

  • Reduced service on Christmas Day, St. Stephen’s Day, and Good Friday
  • Sunday timetable may apply on public holidays
  • Check Bus Éireann’s holiday page before travel

Holiday schedules are not always posted far in advance, so it pays to check the official site a few days before.

The implication: For today’s real-time departures, the TFI app is the best bet. For a planned trip on a holiday, verify the schedule directly with Bus Éireann.

Seven technical details define the 404 service beyond the basics.

Specification Value
Route length approx. 12 km (Bus Éireann)
Number of stops 25+
Operating hours (typical) 06:00 – 23:00
Weekday frequency Every 20 minutes
Saturday frequency Every 20 minutes
Sunday frequency Reduced
Fare range €1.35 – €2.20 (Transport for Ireland)

The implication: These specs confirm the route is a high-frequency corridor, but the Sunday gap remains a weak point for weekend riders.

Upsides

  • Good weekday frequency (20 min)
  • Connects key hubs: university, hospital, city centre, Oranmore
  • Real-time tracking available via TFI app
  • Operated by Bus Éireann – official, established operator

Downsides

  • Low on-time punctuality (63.1%)
  • Sunday service is reduced and poorly defined
  • Holiday schedules often announced late
  • Travel time estimates vary (24 to 49 minutes)

What’s known and what’s still unclear

Confirmed facts

  • Bus Éireann operates route 404 (Bus Éireann)
  • Timetable available online as PDF
  • Route runs from Newcastle to Oranmore via Eyre Square (Transport for Ireland)
  • New timetable takes effect 28 June 2026 (Bus Éireann)
  • Weekday frequency is every 20 minutes
  • On-time performance is approximately 63% (Galway Buses)

What’s unclear

  • Exact Sunday schedule – intervals not specified
  • Real-time reliability may not be 100% accurate
  • Holiday schedules not always published in advance
  • Travel time range (24 to 49 minutes) unresolved

Voices on the 404

“A new timetable for Route 404 takes effect on Sunday 28 June 2026.”

Bus Éireann (spokesperson)

“Route 404 is underperforming with a punctuality rate of just 63.1%.”

Galway Buses (local transport monitoring site)

For Galway commuters, the 404 bus is a workhorse route that connects the western suburbs to the city centre and Oranmore. The service runs frequently on weekdays, but punctuality is a real weakness. The choice for daily riders is clear: use real-time tracking and add a 10‑minute buffer, or risk arriving late when the bus runs off schedule.

Additional sources

appassets.mvtdev.com, transportforireland.ie, buseireann.ie, galwaytransport.info

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Frequently asked questions

How much does the 404 bus cost?

Cash fare ranges from €1.35 to €2.20 depending on distance. Leap Card users get a discount. Exact fares are set by Transport for Ireland (national transport authority).

Does the 404 bus run on Sundays?

Yes, but with reduced frequency. The exact schedule is not always published; check real-time apps for live departures.

Can I use a Leap Card on the 404 bus?

Yes. Leap Cards are accepted on all Bus Éireann city services, including route 404.

How long does the 404 bus take from Oranmore to Galway?

Estimates range from 24 minutes (Moovit) to 49 minutes (Bustime). Allow 30–45 minutes for a safe estimate.

Is the 404 bus wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Bus Éireann city buses are low-floor and wheelchair accessible.

What is the 404 bus route code?

The route number is 404. It is part of the Galway City bus network.

Where can I buy tickets for the 404 bus?

Tickets can be bought with cash on board or using a Leap Card (top up online or at shops).

Does the 404 bus stop at Galway Clinic?

The 404 does not stop directly at Galway Clinic. Nearest stop is on the Dublin Road served by other routes. Check Transport for Ireland for alternatives.

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