Buses
Local bus services in Isle of Man provide services to local areas across the Isle of Man, with a number of routes covering Douglas, Ramsey, Peel, Point of Ayre, Castletown and Port Saint Mary. The main bus depots are located in Douglas, Ramsey and Peel.
Details of local bus services and timetables can be found at Bus Vannin
Trains
Visitors can use the heritage train network that includes 3 railway lines serving a number of destinations across the island. The rail network links Port Erin in the south of the island to Castletown, Douglas, Derby Castle, Snaefell and Ramsey in the north; offering a convenient and cost effective4 way of exploring the island.
There are three heritage railways currently in operation including Steam Railway Line; Snaefell Mountain Railway and Electric Railway
For more information please see Isle of Man Heritage Railways
Public Transport Safety Tips
Most journeys on public transport go ahead without incident, in order to minimise the chances of any incidents, passengers may wish to consider the following safety tips:
- Be aware of your belongings at all times.
- Do not leave your bags and belongings unattended at any time.
- Stay alert and aware of your environment and those around you.
- Do not show valuables including money and jewellery in public.
- If you are carrying a bag/handbag, ensure you use a bag that has a strong good quality strap and wear it across your shoulder (not on your shoulder), with the pockets closed facing towards your waist. Carrying the bag on your shoulder makes it much easier for criminals to snatch the bag or cut the strap.
- Be careful and cautious in crowds and beware of pickpockets, do not leave anything valuable showing in public including wallets in back trouser pockets.
- Sit in carriages with other passengers do not sit in carriages with no/fewer passengers.
- Try not to use smaller/isolated stations especially at night.
- When waiting for buses, trains, boats and taxis stand with other passengers in an area that is well lit, do not stand/wait in isolated areas.
Car
There are car hire firms in Isle of Man that offer car rental services for both short and longer term car hire offering a range of vehicles from small budget cars to family cars to larger vehicles and luxury cars. Some of the more remote areas in the Isle of Man are most conveniently reached by car.
On the Isle of Man the towns are linked via the A roads whilst the villages are linked via the smaller roads. Major roads around the Isle of Man include the A1, A2, A3, A4 and A5. The island is compact in nature and travelling distances within the island are small, a trip from Castletown in the south to Ramsey in the north is approx 24 miles with a journey time of 40 minutes.
Parking in Douglas includes on street parking and off street car parks. Car parks in Douglas include those located at Bottleneck, Pulrose Road and Shaw’s Brow.
For more information please see: Isle of Man Parking
Drivers should note there may be driving restrictions in and around Douglas and other town centres. It is recommended visitors ensure they fully understand the local parking rules before parking and help avoid unnecessary fines and worry.
Bicycle
With a number of quiet countryside roads and lanes the Isle of Man is well suited for cyclists; it offers a cost effective and healthy way of seeing the scenic island up close. Cyclists can see the scenic countryside and coastline whilst visiting a number of tourist attractions across the island. For more information and details on a number of well established cycling routes please see: Isle of Man Cycle Routes
Air
The Isle of Man has good air links with airports in the UK; there are regular services from London City Airport and Gatwick to Isle of Man Airport, the average flight time from London is 1 hour 15 minutes. Airline operators offering services to the island include British Airways, easyJet, Flybe, and Aer Lingus. There are flights from airports across the UK including Liverpool, Manchester, Blackpool, Leeds Bradford, Luton, Birmingham, Newcastle and Belfast City.
For further information see Isle of Man Airport.
Ferry
The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company offers ferry services to the Isle of Man from a number of ports including Liverpool, Heysham, Belfast in Northern Ireland and Dublin in the Republic of Ireland. There are standard ferries in use which run throughout the year along with the fast craft which runs from March to November.
The location of the Isle of Man in the Irish Sea makes it a popular port side destination for cruises; there are berths at Douglas, Douglas Bay and Peel.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
