Bus Éireann extends southern route from Cavan to Athlone

Passengers travelling from Cavan to Athlone are to benefit from significantly enhanced services and timetables on Route 466.

The enhanced Route 466 now includes six daily services between Cavan and Athlone, including peak time services for commuters.

The new service is operating seven days a week and includes improved options for connecting with Irish Rail services at Longford and Athlone.

Brian Connolly, senior operations manager, West, Bus Éireann said that, thanks to the National Transport Authority, through the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, 1.7 million kilometres have been added to the network - creating almost 50 new jobs.

"Demand for our services in the North East/Midlands is higher now than pre-pandemic. This enhanced service between Cavan and Athlone will enable us to connect more people with who and what matters to them. The new services are proving particularly popular at the moment with Christmas shoppers who are choosing to take the bus to Athlone and leave the car at home,” he remarked.

Joanne Hayes, tourism officer, Cavan County Council, says the substantial increase in Bus Éireann services between Cavan and Athlone is a “great boost” to the town and the local authority welcomes these upgrades for passengers.

“These new services will facilitate both locals and visitors who want to travel within and explore the Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands region, increasing tourism and adding value to the local economy.”

Bus Éireann Route 466 serves Cavan, Ballinagh, Granard, Edgeworthstown, Longford, Keenagh, Ballymahon, Glasson, Athlone. Updated service details and timetables are available at buseireann.ie

The expansion of the route follows changes introduced for Cavan customers travelling to and from Dublin Airport on Expressway Route 30/X30, which now uses stop eight instead of 12 for pick up and departure.