With its rugged coastline, rich history and quaint villages, the Isle of Man is an ideal destination for anyone looking to explore the old and discover the new while they’re on holiday. But how do you get there? In this guide, we explore the different travel options from the UK and Ireland.
Where is the Isle of Man?
The Isle of Man is in the Irish Sea, off the north-west coast of England. It’s around an equal distance from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Can I drive to the Isle of Man?
Yes, but you must go via ferry. Simply make sure you book as a passenger with a car, then drive to your nearest ferry port. When you arrive, you can drive straight off the ferry onto the island and get your Isle of Man adventure started.
How to get to the Isle of Man by ferry
Travelling to the Isle of Man by ferry is scenic and flexible. Once on board, all you need to do is sit back and enjoy the sea views, though if you can’t relax with all the pre-holiday anticipation, there are spaces for entertainment, dining and shopping as well.
All ports offer regular sailings from April to October.
Isle of Man ferry routes
You can get to the Isle of Man from ports in:
- Liverpool
- Heysham
- Belfast
- Dublin
You can travel as a foot passenger, or bring a car, motorcycle or campervan. All routes travel to Douglas, the island’s capital.
Getting the ferry to Isle of Man from Liverpool
The ferry between Liverpool and Douglas operates daily sailings from April to October, and on weekends throughout winter.
Address:
Isle of Man Ferry Terminal
1 Triskelion Way
Liverpool
L3 1QW
Getting the ferry to Isle of Man from Heysham
The ferry between Heysham and Douglas operates up to 12 times a week with daily sailings. Signs for the port are easy to follow if you’re driving.
Address:
Steam Packet Company Passenger Terminal
South Quay
Heysham
Lancashire
LA3 2XE
Getting the ferry to Isle of Man from Belfast
The ferry between Belfast and Douglas operates seasonally, including during all major holiday periods.
Address:
Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Terminal
Albert Quay
Belfast
BT3 9HY
Getting the ferry to Isle of Man from Dublin
The ferry between Dublin and Douglas operates seasonally. It leaves from Terminal 1 and shares the port with Irish Ferries.
Address:
Dublin Port (Terminal 1)
Terminal Road South
Dublin Port
Dublin 1
Ireland
The benefits of getting the ferry to the Isle of Man
1. It's budget-friendly
Tickets often come at a fraction of the cost of other modes of travel, especially if you book in advance or during the off-peak season. There are also flexible ticket options for families and groups.
2. It’s laidback
Forget rushing through long queues. Taking the ferry offers a more relaxed alternative. Enjoy the slower pace and feel your stress melt away as you approach the island.
3. It’s accessible
The ferries are designed to accommodate passengers with accessibility needs, with ample seating, lifts and ramps available.
4. It’s family friendly
No need to worry about wrestling with pushchairs in tiny plane aisles. If you have children with you, it’s easy to take everything they need. There are even play areas where little ones can let out some of their energy.
Isle of Man ferry FAQs
How long does it take to get the ferry to Isle of Man?
The length of your journey depends on where you’re travelling from and in which vessel. The different durations are:
From Liverpool: 2 hours 45 minutes on Manannan; 4 hours 15 minutes on Manxman
From Heysham: 3 hours 45 minutes on Manxman
From Belfast: 2 hours 45 minutes on Manannan; 4 hours 45 minutes on Manxman
From Dublin: 2 hours 55 minutes on Manannan
How much does the Isle of Man ferry cost?
It costs from £26/€31.75 each way for a foot passenger, and from £98.50/€117 each way for a car.
What’s the cheapest ferry route to the Isle of Man?
The minimum costs for each ferry route are the same. The cheapest option is to travel as a single foot passenger, which costs from £26/€31.75 each way.
Can you take pets on the ferry to Isle of Man?
Yes, you can take domestic cats and dogs on the ferry. They can be left in your vehicle, or you can book a kennel, a place in the pet lounge, or a pet-friendly cabin. For full details of how to prepare and what to bring with you, check the Steam Packet Pets Policy.
Getting around the Isle of Man
There are plenty of ways to travel around the Isle of Man. You can hire a car if you don’t want to bring your own, with providers across the island, including one near the Douglas ferry terminal.
Taxi services are available in Douglas, the main towns and villages on the island, and at the ferry terminal. You can pre-book a taxi to coincide with your ferry arrival and departure, or simply to get you from A to B during your stay. Many destinations on the Isle of Man have fixed charges, so the cost of your journey shouldn’t be a surprise.
If you’d prefer to catch public transport, there are several bus services on the Bus Vannin network, which covers the island. Buy a Go Explore card if you’re going to use public transport a lot, as it’s cheaper than buying individual tickets. You can also get a Go Explore Heritage card, which gives you five days of unlimited travel and unlimited access to Manx National Heritage sites.
There’s also the train. Taking the Isle of Man Steam Railway is often an adventure in itself, as it’s the longest narrow gauge steam line in Britain and even uses its original trains and carriages from 1873. It’s a great way to enjoy views across the countryside.
Sail to the Isle of Man with Steam Packet ferries
Make your trip between England and the Isle of Man seamless and memorable with Steam Packet. Our year-round ferry services are comfortable, convenient, and offer excellent customer service.