Anyone who’s made the trip between Sligo and Galway knows the bus is the most straightforward option, but picking the right service can feel like a gamble. With two main operators running direct routes, the choice often comes down to price, frequency, and how much time you have.

4 related posts

Distance: 135 km (84 miles) ·
Average travel time: 2 hours 25 minutes ·
Cheapest ticket: €24 ·
Daily departures: 8+ (Expressway Route 64) ·
Main operators: Bus Éireann Expressway, Bus Feda

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact timetable changes during public holidays (Christmas, St. Stephen’s Day) — check operator sites
  • Real-time availability of student or group discounts — not consistently published
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • Book Expressway tickets online via Bus Éireann or Expressway.ie
  • Check Bus Feda’s website for the latest schedule and booking options
Six key facts about the Sligo to Galway bus route: Expressway offers more frequency, Bus Feda offers an alternative with a different route.
Label Value
Route Sligo to Galway
Distance 135 km
Main operator Bus Éireann Expressway (Route 64)
Alternative operator Bus Feda
Cheapest fare €24
Average duration 2 hours 25 minutes

The pattern is clear: Expressway dominates on schedule availability while Bus Feda fills a niche for Donegal corridor travelers.

What is the Sligo to Galway bus timetable?

Expressway Route 64 timetable

Bus Feda timetable

  • Bus Feda offers a direct service from Donegal to Galway that includes Sligo as a stop (Bus Feda timetable).
  • At least one service arrives at Sligo at 10:45 (Bus Feda timetable).
  • An older timetable PDF shows additional Sligo arrival times including 10:45, 13:45, 17:15, and 21:15 (Bus Feda PDF).
  • Bus Feda also operates a Route 964 service connecting Donegal and Galway (Bus Feda Facebook).
Bottom line: Expressway Route 64 is the high-frequency option with multiple daily departures. Bus Feda is the alternative with a single daily service. For most travelers, Expressway offers more flexibility.

How much does a bus from Sligo to Galway cost?

Expressway Route 64 ticket prices

  • Expressway tickets start at €24 (Expressway tickets and fares).
  • Fares vary by time of booking and demand; booking online is recommended (Expressway tickets and fares).
  • Independent aggregators like Busbud also list Expressway schedules and prices (Busbud listing).

Bus Feda ticket prices

  • Bus Feda’s pricing is competitive but not consistently published online; check their site for current fares (Bus Feda timetable).
  • Bus Feda also operates services to Limerick, which may offer alternative pricing (Bus Feda PDF).

Discounts and offers

  • Student and group discounts may apply on Expressway services; check with Bus Éireann directly (Bus Éireann Route 64 page).
  • Bus Feda’s discount policy is not publicly detailed; contact the operator for specific offers (Bus Feda timetable).
Bottom line: Expressway’s €24 starting fare is the cheapest confirmed price. Bus Feda is likely competitive but less transparent. For budget travelers, Expressway is the safer bet.

Which bus companies operate from Sligo to Galway?

Bus Éireann Expressway

  • Expressway is the main operator on the Sligo to Galway route, running Route 64 (Bus Éireann Route 64 page).
  • Route 64 is a Galway-to-Derry service that travels via Sligo (Bus Éireann Route 64 page).
  • Expressway provides a dedicated tickets-and-fares page for fare structure information (Expressway tickets and fares).

Bus Feda

  • Bus Feda is a private operator providing an alternative direct service from Sligo to Galway via Donegal (Bus Feda timetable).
  • Bus Feda’s service branding on social media references Route 964 for some Donegal–Galway services (Bus Feda Facebook).
  • Bus Feda also advertises services between Galway and Donegal destinations including Killybegs, Ardara, Glenties, Dungloe, and Annagry (Bus Feda Facebook).
The trade-off

Expressway offers frequency and a well-established network. Bus Feda offers a single daily service but may serve smaller towns along the Donegal corridor. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize flexibility or coverage.

How long does the bus from Sligo to Galway take?

Expressway travel time

  • Expressway Route 64 takes approximately 2 hours 25 minutes from Sligo to Galway (Bus Éireann Route 64 page).
  • Travel time may vary depending on traffic and the number of stops (Expressway Route 64 page).

Bus Feda travel time

  • Bus Feda may take slightly longer due to its route via Donegal (Bus Feda timetable).
  • Exact travel time for Bus Feda is not consistently published; check the timetable for specific departure and arrival times (Bus Feda timetable).
Bottom line: Expressway is the faster option at around 2 hours 25 minutes. Bus Feda may take longer but offers a different route. For time-sensitive travelers, Expressway is the clear choice.

Is there a direct bus from Sligo to Galway?

Direct services

  • Expressway Route 64 is a direct service from Sligo to Galway (Bus Éireann Route 64 page).
  • Bus Feda is also direct from Sligo to Galway (Bus Feda timetable).

Connections and transfers

  • Route 64 timetable materials state that a change of coach may be necessary at Sligo on some services (Expressway PDF timetable).
  • Bus Feda’s service is generally direct, but check the timetable for any route variations (Bus Feda timetable).
The upshot

Both operators offer direct services, but Expressway’s Route 64 may require a coach change at Sligo on some departures. Bus Feda’s single daily service is more straightforward but less frequent.

Comparison: Expressway Route 64 vs Bus Feda

Three key differences: Expressway wins on frequency and price transparency; Bus Feda wins on route coverage for Donegal towns.

Feature Expressway Route 64 Bus Feda
Operator Bus Éireann Private operator
Frequency Multiple daily departures One daily departure
Cheapest fare €24 Competitive (not consistently published)
Travel time ~2h 25m ~2h 30m (estimated)
Route Direct via N17 Direct via Donegal
Booking Online via Expressway.ie or Bus Éireann Online via Bus Feda website
Discounts Student/group discounts available Not consistently published

The implication: Expressway is the pragmatic choice for most travelers, while Bus Feda suits those needing Donegal coverage.

Specifications: Sligo to Galway bus services

Six specifications show how both services are direct but differ in frequency, pricing, and route coverage.

Specification Expressway Route 64 Bus Feda
Service type Intercity express Regional coach
Number of stops 40 stops (Galway to Magee Campus) Fewer stops (Donegal corridor)
Luggage allowance Standard (check with operator) Standard (check with operator)
Toilet on board Yes (on most services) Yes (on most services)
Wheelchair accessible Yes (on most services) Check with operator
Online booking Yes Yes

What this means: Expressway has the edge on accessibility and amenities, but Bus Feda’s simpler route may appeal to regional travelers.

Upsides and downsides

Upsides

  • Expressway offers high frequency with multiple daily departures
  • Both operators provide direct services from Sligo to Galway
  • Expressway’s €24 starting fare is affordable
  • Online booking available for both operators
  • Bus Feda covers smaller towns along the Donegal corridor

Downsides

  • Bus Feda only offers one daily departure
  • Expressway may require a coach change at Sligo on some services
  • Bus Feda’s pricing is not consistently published
  • No services on Christmas Day for Expressway
  • Discount availability is not always clear

How to book your Sligo to Galway bus ticket

Step 1: Choose your operator

  • Decide between Expressway Route 64 (high frequency) and Bus Feda (single daily service).
  • Consider your schedule: Expressway offers more flexibility; Bus Feda is a single departure.

Step 2: Check the timetable

  • Visit the Expressway Route 64 page for departure times (Expressway Route 64 page).
  • Check Bus Feda’s timetable for their daily service (Bus Feda timetable).

Step 3: Book online

  • Expressway tickets can be booked via Bus Éireann or Expressway.ie (Expressway tickets and fares).
  • Bus Feda tickets can be booked through their website (Bus Feda timetable).

Step 4: Arrive at the bus station

  • Sligo bus station is the main departure point for both operators.
  • Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure to ensure a smooth boarding.

Step 5: Enjoy the journey

  • Both services offer comfortable seating and onboard amenities.
  • Travel time is approximately 2 hours 25 minutes for Expressway, slightly longer for Bus Feda.
What to watch

For first-time travelers, Expressway’s higher frequency means less risk of missing a connection. Bus Feda’s single daily service requires more careful planning.

Related reading: Sligo to Galway bus prices and schedules comparison · Expressway Route 64 vs Bus Feda timetable and fares

Additional sources

checkmybus.com, scribd.com, busfeda.ie, moovitapp.com, rome2rio.com

For those continuing their journey beyond Sligo, Galway to Dublin bus services offer a convenient connection to the capital.

Don't miss these

Frequently asked questions

Can I bring luggage on the Sligo to Galway bus?

Yes, both Expressway and Bus Feda allow standard luggage. Check with the operator for specific size and weight limits.

Are there toilets on the bus from Sligo to Galway?

Yes, most Expressway and Bus Feda services have onboard toilets. Confirm with the operator for specific services.

Do I need to print my bus ticket?

No, digital tickets on your phone are accepted by both operators. Some services may require a printed ticket — check booking confirmation.

Is the Sligo to Galway bus wheelchair accessible?

Expressway services are generally wheelchair accessible. Check with Bus Feda for their accessibility policy.

Can I change or cancel my bus ticket?

Policies vary by operator. Expressway allows changes and cancellations with conditions; check their terms. Bus Feda’s policy is not consistently published.

What is the best time to travel from Sligo to Galway by bus?

Morning departures (around 07:35–08:35) are popular for day trips. Afternoon services (around 11:30–13:13) offer more flexibility.

Are there any stops between Sligo and Galway?

Expressway Route 64 has multiple stops along the N17 corridor. Bus Feda’s route via Donegal includes stops in smaller towns.

For travelers on the Sligo to Galway corridor, Expressway Route 64 offers frequency and price transparency, while Bus Feda provides an alternative route with a single daily service. Expressway remains the more practical option for most passengers, whereas Bus Feda suits travelers who need coverage for Donegal towns or prefer a less crowded service.