Disabled Parking at Dublin Airport
Dublin Airport has more dedicated disabled parking than most travellers expect, and the system for using it is straightforward once you know the steps. DAA, the airport operator, provides over 160 accessible bays for disabled parking permit holders, a reduced daily rate for Blue Badge holders, wheelchair-accessible shuttle buses and a dedicated assistance service that can take you from the car park to your gate. This guide explains where the accessible bays are, how to claim the reduced rate with or without pre-booking, the height limits that affect adapted vehicles, and how to arrange help on the day.
Dublin Airport has over 160 accessible parking bays: 56 in Terminal 1 Short Term Car Park B, 64 in the Terminal 2 Short Term Car Park and 65 in the Express Red long-term car park. Blue Badge holders can get a reduced parking rate by applying for a single-use PRM code before booking, or by showing their badge at a pay station after parking.
For help between the car park and the terminal, contact OCS, DAA's assistance provider, before you travel. A valid UK Blue Badge is recognised in Ireland.
Accessible Parking at Dublin Airport at a Glance
| Car park | Accessible bays | Location | Maximum height | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terminal 1 Short Term Car Park B | 56 | Ground floor, near the terminal entrance | 1.85 m | Terminal 1 departures, short stays |
| Terminal 2 Short Term Car Park | 64 | Levels 1 and 2, about 2 minutes from the terminal | 2.1 m | Terminal 2 departures, taller vehicles |
| Express Red (long term) | 65 | Across multiple parking zones, close to shuttle stops | No height restriction | Longer trips, adapted vans |
DAA's car park FAQ gives a higher total of over 180 accessible bays, including two in T1 Car Park A.
DAA states that it offers accessible parking options at all of its car parks, with the largest concentrations in the three car parks above. Assistance help points with intercoms are located near the accessible spaces in every car park.
Where to Park with a Blue Badge at Dublin Airport
Terminal 1: Short Term Car Park B
Car Park B holds 56 accessible bays on the ground floor, close to the terminal entrance. This is the shortest route to Terminal 1 departures for a driver or passenger with limited mobility. The 1.85 metre height limit is the main constraint: many wheelchair-accessible vans and vehicles with roof-mounted equipment will not fit, so check your vehicle height before you travel.
Terminal 2: Short Term Car Park
The Terminal 2 multi-storey has 64 accessible bays across levels 1 and 2, about two minutes from the terminal, linked by a covered walkway. Its 2.1 metre maximum height accommodates more adapted vehicles than Car Park B, making it the better short-term option for taller cars.
Long stays: Express Red
For trips of more than a day, Express Red is the most practical choice. It has 65 accessible bays spread across its zones and placed close to the shuttle pick-up points. All long-term car park shuttles are fully wheelchair accessible and run frequently to designated stops at both terminals. Express Red also has no height restriction, which makes it the only DAA car park suitable for high-roof wheelchair-accessible vehicles on a long stay. Read more in our guide to the Express Red car park.
How Do You Get the Reduced Blue Badge Rate at Dublin Airport?
There are two ways. To pre-book, complete DAA's PRM form to receive a single-use PRM code, then enter it when booking. If you park without pre-booking, take your ticket and Blue Badge to the pay station in the Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 Short Term car park, and staff will apply the reduced rate before you pay.
Option 1: Pre-book with a PRM code (recommended)
- Complete DAA's online PRM form with your permit details and the registration of the vehicle you will drive.
- You receive a single-use PRM code by email.
- On DAA's booking page, tick "I have a PRM code", enter it and complete your booking.
DAA recommends pre-booking because accessible spaces are limited. Previously published DAA rates for permit holders were €9.50 per day in the short-term car parks and €4.95 per day at Express Red. Confirm the current rate when you request your code.
Option 2: Without pre-booking
- Park in an accessible bay and take a standard ticket. If you need help at the barrier, press the intercom.
- Short Term car parks: on your return, bring your ticket and Blue Badge to the pay station in the Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 Short Term car park, and staff apply the PRM rate before you pay.
- Express Red: if accessible spaces are booked out online, drive up and park, then press the help button at the exit barrier, provide your PRM code and show your Blue Badge, and the team applies the reduced rate.
Without pre-booking, a space is not guaranteed, especially at peak times.
Is a UK Blue Badge Valid at Dublin Airport?
Yes. The UK government lists Ireland as a country that recognises the UK Blue Badge, so holders from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland can use it in Ireland. At Dublin Airport, DAA's reduced rate is available to passengers with a valid Blue Badge.
Irish disabled parking permits, and badges that comply with the EU parking card standard, are also recognised. Display your badge clearly on the dashboard, and carry it with you so you can present it at the pay station or when requesting assistance.
Assistance from the Car Park to Your Gate
DAA's dedicated assistance provider, OCS, can help you get from the car park to the terminal and onwards to your gate. To arrange support:
- Before you travel: contact OCS and request special assistance through your airline when you book your flight. DAA lists OCS on +353 1 944 6108 on its reduced mobility page, and on +353 1 814 5902 (prm@ocsireland.com) in its car park FAQs.
- On arrival: use the assistance help points near the accessible bays in every car park. Press the intercom and a member of the team will come to assist.
- General car park questions: call DAA on +353 1 944 0440.
Allow extra time for assistance at busy periods. DAA's general advice is to arrive two hours before a short-haul flight and three hours before a long-haul flight. See our guide on how early to arrive when parking.
Other Parking Options for Travellers with Reduced Mobility
| Option | Why it can help | Things to check |
|---|---|---|
| Drop & Go (DAA) | Hand over your keys in a terminal car park; no shuttle | Zones are in T1 Car Park C Level 2 (1.85 m) and T2 Short Term Level 3 (2.1 m), so height limits apply |
| Independent meet and greet | Driver takes your car at the terminal; minimal walking | Operator's process, handover point and insurance |
| Hotel park and fly | Some hotels, such as the Maldron and Crowne Plaza, list accessible parking spaces | Shuttle accessibility and booking rules |
| Being dropped off | Free at the set-down zones | The driver cannot leave the car to help you inside; use the Short Term car park instead |
See our guides to Drop and Go parking, meet and greet, hotel parking and drop-off and pick-up rules.
Practical Checklist for Blue Badge Holders
- Measure your vehicle height, including roof equipment, before choosing a car park (1.85 m at T1 Car Park B, 2.1 m at T2, unrestricted at Express Red).
- Request your PRM code and pre-book, especially for summer, mid-term breaks and Christmas.
- Book OCS assistance and airline special assistance in advance.
- Display your badge, and carry it for the pay station.
- Photograph your bay and zone number on long stays.
- Allow extra time for the shuttle and assistance at peak times.
Frequently Asked Questions
For every parking option at the airport, see our main guide to Dublin Airport parking.
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