Transfers from Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC)
Ireland West Airport Knock sits on the N17, halfway between Galway and Sligo. It has no published coach park, so where a group meets its vehicle is something the operator plans with you before anyone flies.
No coach park, so plan the meeting point
The airport does not publish a coach park, and waiting is not permitted in the drop-off zone outside the terminal. People meeting arrivals are told to use the on-site car park. For a group, the operator will plan where the vehicle waits and where the driver meets passengers. Pass that arrangement on to everyone before travel, and do not assume a coach will be standing at the door.
The Bus Éireann stop is under a minute's walk from the terminal, served by Expressway routes 64 (Galway-Sligo-Derry) and 440 (Athlone-Westport). Worth knowing if one traveller misses the group transfer.
Where your driver meets you
- Waiting is not permitted in the drop-off zone outside the terminal; the airport tells those meeting arrivals to use its on-site car park.
Coach parking and set-down
- The airport does not publish a coach park. The Bus Éireann stop is under a minute's walk from the terminal.
Drive to the city centre
- about 55-62 km to Sligo, about 45-60 min
Pilgrim groups heading for Knock Shrine
Knock Shrine is about 20 km from the airport. It has car and coach parking at its North Car Park, entered from the Ballyhaunis road. The shrine's busiest times are the annual Novena, 14-22 August, and the first Saturday of each month. If your dates fall then, allow extra time for the last stretch and for regrouping after ceremonies.
Pilgrimage groups often include people with limited mobility. If anyone uses a wheelchair, ask for a wheelchair-accessible minibus and say how many wheelchair spaces you need, because those spaces cut into luggage room.
Sligo, Galway and the midlands
Knock is the nearest listed airport for Sligo, Galway and Athlone, and a second option for Letterkenny. Sligo is about 55 km, around 45 minutes; Galway about 60-65 minutes; Athlone just over an hour. In Sligo, the county council runs a coach drop-off and collection point on Markievicz Road, close to the town centre. From Galway, Cong and Ashford Castle are about 50 minutes further on.
Delays and vehicle choice
Because nothing may wait in the drop-off zone, a late flight means the driver holds back at the agreed waiting place until the group is through. Give the operator flight numbers and the group leader's mobile so the two can speak on landing.
A midi coach copes better than a 12-14 m coach on narrow rural roads and in town centres, but carries fewer bags. For a large party with a case each, a full-size coach with underfloor bays is the safer fit.
Questions
Where does the coach meet us at Knock airport?
The airport publishes no coach park and does not allow waiting in the drop-off zone. The operator agrees the meeting point with you before travel.
How far is Knock Shrine from the airport?
About 20 km. The shrine has coach parking at its North Car Park, off the Ballyhaunis road.
Is Knock the closest airport for Sligo?
Of the airports we cover, yes: about 55 km, around 45 minutes by road.
Cities
Vehicles
- Full-size coach — 49-81 seats
- Midi coach — 29-35 seats
- Minibus — 16-19 seats
- Executive van (Mercedes V-Class and similar) — 6-7 seats
- Executive car (E-Class saloon class) — 1-3 seats
- Wheelchair-accessible minibus — 10-16 plus wheelchair spaces
Bringing a group through Knock?
Send flight times, numbers, any wheelchair users and where you are staying. A licensed operator quotes and plans the meet.
Request a quote or call 35312659152