PRICE GUIDE · CHILDCARE & FAMILY · 2026–2027
School Run / Pickup cost in Ireland
€10–€25 per run. Typically €15.
A school run / pickup in Ireland costs €10–€25 per run, typically around €15. The price is set by distance, number of children and one-off vs regular.
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HOW MUCH IT COSTS
How much does a school run / pickup cost in Ireland?
| Low end | €10 | a simple job, off-peak, outside the cities |
|---|---|---|
| Typical | €15 | what most people pay |
| High end | €25 | the biggest jobs, short notice, Dublin |
Locufy guide prices for 2026–2027. Updated 2026. A national range, not a quote — enter your town above for real prices from the babysitters, childminders, nannies, crèches and agencies near you.
What moves the price
- Distance to the school — a longer drive takes more of the driver's time and fuel, so each school run costs more.
- Number of children being transported — more children may need a bigger vehicle or extra stops, which lifts the price per run.
- Provider's experience — a driver experienced with transport for special needs may charge more for each school run.
- Complexity of the route — several pickups or a long route through traffic make each school run take longer.
What families pay for Childcare is down 35% over five years, largely because of subsidies (CSO Consumer Price Index, Childcare, to 2025 December); what providers charge has not fallen in the same way. CSO CPM18
WHAT YOU GET
What a school run / pickup booking includes
Takes: The duration of a school run typically ranges from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the distance from home to school and traffic conditions..
WHAT PEOPLE BOOK
Common school run / pickup jobs
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School Run / Pickup near you, with prices shown
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How to pay less
- Sharing a group school run with other families can lower the cost for each child.
- Booking school runs for the whole term at once can cost less per run than arranging them week by week.
- Combining the morning drop-off and afternoon pickup with the same driver can cost less than booking them separately.
- A regular daily school pickup may cost less per trip than occasional or emergency pickups.
Before you book
- A detailed schedule of school and activity times.
- Emergency contact information for both parents and guardians.
- Any special requirements or instructions for the child.
- Access to the home for the driver on pickup days.
- You can ask whether the school run driver is insured to carry children, and which child car seats and safety steps they use.
School Run / Pickup cost: questions people ask
The cost can vary based on factors such as distance to the school, the number of children being transported, and the provider's experience. Additional services like after-school care or special requests may also affect pricing.
The duration of a school run typically ranges from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the distance from home to school and traffic conditions. Providers usually plan their routes to ensure timely arrivals.
Generally, school run services do not require a qualified specialist, but caregivers should have experience working with children. It's important to check references and qualifications to ensure safety and reliability.
Many school run services offer emergency or same-day bookings, but availability can vary. It's advisable to contact providers directly to check if they can accommodate last-minute requests.
Yes, many providers allow you to book multiple related jobs, such as morning drop-offs and afternoon pickups on the same day. Discuss your needs with the provider to arrange a suitable schedule.
Services outside the scope of school runs usually include babysitting, transportation for extracurricular activities, or long-distance travel. It's important to clarify the specific services offered by each provider.
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