The DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) is by far the best way to reach Bray from Dublin. Trains run frequently from Dublin Connolly and Dublin Pearse stations, take around 30 minutes, and drop you at Bray Daly station a short walk from both the seafront and the town centre. The DART runs roughly every 15–20 minutes during the day, more frequently at peak times. You do not need to book in advance — just use a Leap Card or buy a ticket at the station.
Several Dublin Bus routes also serve Bray, but they take considerably longer than the DART due to traffic and the number of stops. For most visitors coming from central Dublin, the DART makes the bus irrelevant.
By car from Dublin, the N11 is the main route south and Bray is well signposted. The drive takes 30–40 minutes depending on traffic, though the N11 from Dublin can be slow at peak times. Parking in town is available but limited in summer, and the DART removes the problem entirely. If you are coming from further south along the Wicklow coast, the N11 connects Bray to Wicklow town and beyond.