Kilkenny is well connected by train and bus. The train station (MacDonagh Station) is north of the city on Dublin Road and has regular services to Dublin Heuston (1 hour 40 minutes) and Waterford (40 minutes). There are several services a day in each direction.
Bus Éireann coaches connect Kilkenny to Dublin, Waterford, and Cork. Citylink and other private operators run services to Dublin. The bus stop is near the train station.
By car, Kilkenny is 120 km south of Dublin via the M9 motorway — about 90 minutes in reasonable traffic.