Since moving to Dublin, I’ve always admired these adorable yellow and blue vintage buses rolling through the city. As someone who loves all things vintage, this Dublin city tour has been on my bucket list forever. When my brother and a friend came to visit, I finally had the perfect excuse to book it; and it was absolutely worth the wait!

Even after years of living in Dublin, I loved every second and would highly recommend it to both visitors and locals. In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know before booking your Dublin City tour on the Vintage Trips Tea bus, plus my personal experience on the iconic vintage tea trip.

Honestly, there’s never a bad time to book a tour on the Vintage Tea Trips bus! Since the entire experience happens on the bus, it’s the perfect activity for a rainy day. Which are quite frequent in Ireland. The tours run year-round, so whether you’re visiting in the height of summer or the middle of winter, you can always enjoy a cozy ride through the city.

I did the tour in February, and there was nothing better than sipping hot tea, nibbling on delicious treats, and watching the streets of Dublin go by from the warmth of the bus.

Adults: €57

Youth (Ages 11-16): €44

Children (ages 4-10): €34

Infants (0-3): €15

They offer a concession rate for students, but you need to call to reserve tickets.

Your ticket includes a tour of Dublin city and a full afternoon tea menu, complete with sandwiches, desserts, and unlimited drinks.

Seating is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, so the sooner you book, the better your chances of snagging a great spot. However, if you want to guarantee the best views of Dublin City, you can reserve VIP front-row seats on the upper deck for an extra €5 per person.

The Vintage Tea Tour departs from St. Stephen’s Green North, right in the heart of Dublin. You’ll find the bus between Dawson Street and Kildare Street, just a short five-minute walk from Grafton Street, Dublin’s main shopping area.

The bus ride typically lasts between 70 to 80 minutes, depending on traffic. That’s plenty of time to soak in the sights of Dublin, enjoy a history lesson from the guide, and savor your sandwiches with endless cups of tea. When I went, a football match in town caused some delays, so our tour stretched closer to 90 minutes. Honestly, I didn’t mind the extra time to relax and take in the views!

No, this is a guided Dublin City tour, where you’ll pass by some of Dublin’s top landmarks without stopping. If you’re looking for a hop-on, hop-off option, I recommend checking out this tour.

Tours operate almost daily, with multiple time slots. The first tour departs at 11:30 AM, and the last one usually runs at 4:00 or 4:30 PM, depending on the day. 

If you’re booking the bus tour during winter, keep an eye on the sunset time. Opting for a later tour means you’ll be cruising through the city after dark, giving you more of a nighttime experience with Dublin’s twinkling lights instead of daytime views.

Yes. This tour is incredibly popular, especially during summer, Dublin’s peak tourist season. Booking early not only secures your spot but also gives you a better chance of grabbing one of the best seats on the top deck.

One of the best parts of the Vintage Tea Bus tour is the unlimited drinks. Whether you’re a tea lover or prefer coffee, there’s something for everyone.

The afternoon tea spread changes, but it is always a good mix of sweet and savory treats. Here is a sample menu that I had when I was on the tour.

No, alcohol is not served or allowed on board. But honestly, with all the delicious tea and coffee options, you won’t miss it!

If you have dietary restrictions, no worries! The Vintage Tea Trips team is super accommodating. They offer halal, gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options. Just be sure to mention your needs when booking or email them at least 72 hours in advance.

Unfortunately not, so plan ahead! The closest free public restrooms are outside Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre, just a 5-minute walk from the departure and arrival point.

No, there’s no extra space on the bus since it’s designed for a cozy afternoon tea experience. Pack light and leave your luggage elsewhere.

Absolutely! The Vintage Tea Bus can accommodate up to 38 people, so whether you’re traveling with a big family, hosting a hen party, or celebrating a birthday, it’s the perfect choice. You can either book the whole bus, just the upper deck (26 seats), or the lower deck (12 seats). To book, just get in touch with the team to arrange the large group. 

You’ll hop on a beautifully restored 1960s double-decker bus for a truly unique experience. The bus itself is a retro gem, both inside and out, and offers an unforgettable setting for an afternoon tea. Sitting on the top floor of the bus while taking in the views of Dublin is hands down one of the best ways to see the city.

What better way to explore Dublin than by enjoying a cozy afternoon tea on a bus? As you sip your tea and nibble on treats, the tour guide shares fascinating stories and highlights from Dublin’s rich history. The guide doesn’t talk the entire time, giving you plenty of time to enjoy your food and chat with friends, all while learning about the beautiful, historical city of Dublin.

This Dublin City tour starts at St. Stephen’s Green, one of the most beautiful parks in Dublin. If you have time before your tour, take a stroll through the gardens, admire the sculptures, and watch the swans glide across the pond.

First up, you’ll pass Christ Church Cathedral, one of Dublin’s most stunning landmarks. Built by the Vikings in the 11th century, this church has been rebuilt and renovated several times over the centuries. If you have extra time in Dublin, I highly recommend visiting the inside! The medieval floor tiles, incredible stained glass, and cool underground crypt make it a must-see. Want to explore inside? Book tickets here. 

You can’t do a Dublin City tour without seeing the Guinness Storehouse! Even if you’re not a beer drinker, this spot is worth a visit. Housed in the first-ever multi-story steel-framed building in Ireland, this museum walks you through the brewing process, history of Guinness, and some of the most iconic advertisements.

The best part? As you go up through the floors, you’ll eventually reach the Gravity Bar, where you get a 360-degree view of Dublin. In my opinion, this is the best view of the city. If you don’t drink alcohol, no worries—your admission includes a free pint, but you can also choose a soda or Guinness 0.0.

Phoenix Park is an iconic park. It is the largest enclosed city park in Europe. Honestly, it’s so vast that you could easily lose track of time while exploring its many corners. One of the park’s coolest features is the herd of wild deer that has called this place home since the 17th century. Just a heads up, while the deer are absolutely stunning, don’t try to pet or feed them. They’re wild animals, and it’s best to admire them from a safe distance. 

Inside the park, you’ll also find the Dublin Zoo, an impressive obelisk, a fortress, a castle, and several gardens, the Irish president’s residence, and even the U.S. ambassador’s home. If the sun is shining, this is the ideal spot to relax. And for a fun adventure, rent a bike at the main entrance and zoom around the park—definitely a unique way to see it all.

O’Connell Street is more than just a major street in Dublin, it is packed with Irish history. This street witnessed key moments like the 1913 Dublin lock-out, the 1916 Easter Rising, and the Irish Civil War of 1922. Named after the nationalist leader Daniel O’Connell, his statue stands proudly at the entrance. The street is also home to the iconic Spire of Dublin, which makes for a great photo op! You can also check out the Dublin Portal on North Earl Street, just off O’Connell Street, and say hello to strangers from all over the world!

If you’re like me, you’ll fall in love with Dublin’s Georgian houses. Those vibrant doors and intricate stained-glass windows are simply irresistible! As you explore this charming part of the city, a tour of these historical homes is a must.

If you’re planning something special, the team can tailor the tour to fit your needs. Whether you want to be picked up from your hotel or airport or visit specific locations around Dublin city, they’ll make it happen. Contact the Vintage Tea Bus team here to plan your perfect Dublin City tour. 

I absolutely love picking up cute souvenirs that are unique to a museum or experience, and the art and branding of Vintage Tea Trips are beyond adorable. I’m excited to share that they have a whole shop filled with these charming designs, so you can take a piece of the experience home with you.

At the end of your tour, you’ll get a takeaway cup as a lovely keepsake, but if you’re looking for more, the shop has a delightful selection of souvenirs, from art pieces to trinkets, all perfect for remembering your Dublin adventure. At the start and end of the tour, you’ll find a small cart outside the bus where you can pick up a little something to take home!

I booked my tour for a chilly Sunday afternoon in mid-February at 3 PM. The sky was a bit overcast, but luckily, the rain held off. Honestly, this tour is perfect for any weather, even rainy days since you’re cozy inside the bus the whole time.

I arrived about 15 minutes early, which gave me time to check in, snap a few photos of the bus, and browse the cute souvenirs. When the guide called out names to help everyone find their seat, I was relieved that I booked early enough to grab a spot on the top floor! The seats were super comfy, and when I sat down, I was greeted by a delicious spread of food already waiting at my table.

What I really loved about this tour was how relaxed it felt. It’s not rushed, and you have time to appreciate the sights of Dublin while sipping your tea and enjoying a delicious spread of sandwiches and treats. It’s a fantastic way to see Dublin from the perspective of a double-decker bus. The guide also made it really fun with some quirky facts and lighthearted stories about the city’s history. I appreciated that the guide didn’t talk the entire time, which meant I could just sit back, enjoy, and savor the moment.

Even though I have lived in Dublin for almost six years, this tour made me feel like a tourist again. It’s such a cozy, charming way to explore the city while indulging in a classic afternoon tea. Whether it’s sunny or rainy, I highly recommend adding the Vintage afternoon tea bus tour to your Dublin itinerary. It’s unique, nostalgic, and gives you the perfect mix of sightseeing and indulgence. If you’re looking for a unique Dublin City tour, this is the one you don’t want to miss. It’s the perfect way to see Dublin in style!

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