Castlebar to Westport Bus: Timetable, Prices & Operators

Anyone who regularly travels between Castlebar and Westport knows that the bus is the easiest way to cover the 12 kilometres between the two Mayo towns, taking about 15 minutes and served by two operators, Bus Éireann and Michael Moran, each with slightly different timetables and fares. The schedules, ticket prices, and practical steps are broken down below so you can get where you’re going without unnecessary delays.

Travel time: approximately 15 minutes · Price range: €11 – €16 · Direct bus available: Yes

The following table summarises the key journey details.

What is the Castlebar to Westport bus timetable?

Four facts about the schedules stand out, and the pattern is that both operators run daily services but with different hours. The official timetable for Bus Éireann Route 456 shows Galway to Castlebar via Westport, meaning Westport is a stop on a longer intercounty corridor rather than a dedicated shuttle (Bus Éireann (Ireland’s state-owned bus operator) route page). Michael Moran’s service 968, according to Rome2Rio, runs directly between the two towns and covers the 12 km in about 15 minutes (Rome2Rio (travel aggregator) Castlebar–Westport listing).

Where to find the official timetable

• Bus Éireann publishes route 456 timetables on its website, including PDF downloads for offline use.
• Michael Moran’s schedules are available on third-party sites like Rome2Rio and bustimes.org; the operator does not maintain a dedicated public timetable page.
• TFI Local Link Mayo provides a combined timetable for county routes, including some services that connect Castlebar and Westport (TFI Local Link Mayo (county public transport service) timetable).

Morning and Sunday schedules

• Rome2Rio reports that the earliest Castlebar-to-Westport departure is at 12:15 AM and the latest at 11:45 PM, with buses running every day.
• Sunday services are available but frequency may be reduced; Bus Éireann’s route 456 operates a modified Sunday timetable.
• TFI Local Link route 454 offers Ballina to Castlebar services seven days a week, though it does not directly link Castlebar and Westport.

PDF download options

• Bus Éireann provides a downloadable PDF version of the route 456 timetable directly from its route page.
• TFI Local Link Mayo publishes PDF timetables for specific routes, such as route 460a/b, which includes fare information and service hours (Transport for Ireland (national transport authority) PDF).

The pattern is clear: both operators serve the corridor, but the choice depends on timing and budget.

What is the Bus Éireann timetable for Castlebar to Westport?

Two key details define the Bus Éireann offering: Route 456 is a Galway–Castlebar service that passes through Westport, and it runs multiple times a day. Passengers can board at Westport for Castlebar and vice versa without needing a transfer, but the service is part of a longer journey.

Route 456 details

• Route 456 connects Galway, Westport, and Castlebar; Westport is the midpoint stop.
• According to Mayo Ireland, after 2016 all 456 services began operating via Westport, improving frequency for the corridor (Mayo Ireland (regional tourism site) travel update).
• The route is classified as an intercity service, not a local shuttle, which affects fare pricing and stop locations.

Departure times from Castlebar and Westport

• Bus Éireann’s timetable is published online with separate columns for each direction; the exact Castlebar departure and Westport arrival times are shown on the route page.
• Rome2Rio estimates that buses in the Castlebar direction run every three hours.
• For the Westport-to-Castlebar direction, Rome2Rio reports hourly departures.

How to use Expressway services

• Expressway (Bus Éireann’s intercity brand) may offer complementary services but does not list a direct Castlebar–Westport route; passengers should check the Expressway website for multi-leg journeys.
• Available tickets include single, return, and online discounts. Bookings can be made via the Bus Éireann website or onboard (Bus Éireann fare finder).

The implication: passengers should verify the route’s direction to avoid confusion.

How much does the bus from Castlebar to Westport cost?

Fares range between €11 and €16 for a single journey, according to Rome2Rio’s estimate. The actual price depends on the operator and whether you buy online or onboard.

Standard single fare

• Rome2Rio reports a single fare between €11 and €16 for a direct bus.
• Bus Éireann’s fare finder includes Route 440 (labelled Westport–Castlebar) and indicates a lower price point when booked in advance.
• Michael Moran’s service 968 is expected to be in the same price range based on market norms.

Student and group discounts

• Bus Éireann offers student discounts with a valid Student Leap Card; the discount applies to online and onboard purchases.
• TFI Local Link Mayo’s PDF for route 460a/b lists single, return, weekly, adult, young adult, and child fares, with Free Travel Pass holders eligible.
• Group discounts are not explicitly mentioned by either operator; best to enquire directly.

Online booking vs onboard purchase

• Bus Éireann allows online booking through its website; debit and credit cards accepted.
• Onboard purchase with cash is accepted by Michael Moran (based on typical rural bus practice) and by TFI Local Link services.
• Online purchase may offer lower fares on Bus Éireann routes, while Michael Moran currently requires onboard payment according to Rome2Rio data.

The catch: the exact fare difference remains unclear without real-time comparison.

“Route 456 serves Galway to Castlebar via Westport.”

Bus Éireann (Ireland’s state-owned bus operator), official route description

“Direct bus services between Westport and Castlebar operate hourly and every day.”

Rome2Rio (travel aggregator), service summary

The Castlebar to Westport bus route is straightforward for travellers who know the operator differences and check the timetable in advance. For the occasional visitor, the easiest approach is to board Michael Moran’s service at Upper Chapel Street and pay cash. For regular commuters or those on a budget, booking Bus Éireann Route 456 online can shave a few euro off the fare. The trade-off is clear: convenience versus cost. For anyone living in Castlebar or Westport, the choice between the two operators is a matter of timing and budget. Bus Éireann offers a scheduled, bookable service with online discounts; Michael Moran provides a simple cash-based ride with reportedly fewer departures. For the daily commuter, the implication is clear: check both timetables each week, or risk missing the only bus that fits your schedule.

For those heading further west, the Castlebar to Galway bus offers similar timetables and operator comparisons.

Frequently asked questions