Getting Around

Public Transport

By Bus
The Isle of Man’s bus network - bus Vannin – serves the whole of the Island with its modern and accessible fleet. The bus will announce each stop and the nearby attractions – allowing your clients to easily get from A to B.

Buses depart from five stands at Lord Street Bus Interchange in central Douglas. Cash and contactless payments are accepted, but it is preferred to use contactless where possible.

For the best value, your clients or group can travel with Go Explore cards (for 1, 3, 5, or 7 consecutive days) seamlessly across all Isle of Man Transport scheduled bus services and the historic railway network - the Steam Railway, Manx Electric Railway, Snaefell Mountain Railway, Douglas Bay Horse Tramway, Groudle Glen Railway and Great Laxey Mine Railway.

A Go Explore Heritage version of the card offers 5 consecutive days of transport above plus admission to Manx National Heritage attractions.

It is advised to check timetables and opening times of attractions prior to purchase to ensure it meets your clients needs. Trade rates are offered on multiple purchases of the Go cards. Contact hireme@gov.im for details. Single day passes Go Saver and Go Explore tickets can be purchased on board bus and rail services. Multi-day passes can be purchased and topped up at the following locations;

• Airport Information desk

• Welcome Centre – located in the Sea Terminal, Douglas

• Ramsey Bus Station

When the railways are in operation they are also available at;

• Douglas Railway Station

• Port Erin Railway Station

• House of Manannan, Peel

Hullad Oie Night Owl (late night) services operate on Friday and Saturday evenings serving all main routes. Enhanced bus services operate during TT week and for other big events as well as a Sunset Links service connecting West coast towns Peel and Port Erin.

connectVILLAGES services are available in the more remote areas of the North of the Island which responds to passenger requests.

A useful tool for your clients taking public transport is www.findmybus.im. All buses have free WIFI.

Accessibility information can be found here.

By Train and Tram
The main Heritage Railway network serves half the Island and operates from March to October (and special events throughout the winter). The Steam Train will continue to run timetabled services throughout November as the Island bolsters its winter offering for visitors.

The Steam Railway situated on the north quay connects Douglas to the ancient capital Castletown and the resort town of Port Erin while stopping off at various points along the coast and in the smaller southern villages.

The Manx Electric Railway (MER) connects Douglas with Laxey and onto Ramsey with multiple stops in between for great glen walks, with the Snaefell Mountain Railway departing from Laxey onto Snaefell summit. This is the highest point on the Island at 621 metres above sea level and panoramic views of the ‘seven kingdoms’.

The Douglas Bay Horse Tramway runs from the Villa Marina to Derby Castle where visitors can pick up the MER to Laxey.

A choice of 18 self-guided Railway Rambles for keen sightseers to stop off and follow a walking route before rejoining the railway network.

By Vehicle and Car Hire

Your clients own vehicle, minibus or coach can make the journey to the Island by ferry, but car, campervan and motorcycle hire is available on the Island.

We have a number of self-drive routes complete with Google map that can include key must-see attractions and landmarks.

If your clients are using a car ensure they have parking disc to display in designated parking zones around the Island’s main towns – this may limit them to 30 minutes, 1 hour or 2 hour parking depending on the street or zone parked. Pay attention to parking instructions such as reverse only parking on Douglas Promenade.

Monitor any road closures easily using Road Watch. On occasion closures take place on the Mountain Course during preparation and for major events like the Isle of Man TT and Manx Grand Prix.

View the Island’s electric car charging points here.

Details of coach drop off zones and parking bays and accompanied maps can be found on our Practical Information for Visiting Coaches page.

Tours and Taxis

A selection of local tour guides offer transportation and touring in their luxurious and comfortable vehicles, while the majority of guides can offer step-on guiding services for your minibus or coach.

For more extreme and experiential tour options be sure to look for tours offered by trike or helicopter! Local guides present a number of different tours, specialisms and experiences of the Isle of Man or can create something bespoke for your clients.

Alternatively taxis are economical for short journeys and can offer a convenient and friendly mode of travel to your clients own schedule, as well as providing quick transfer services from the airport and sea terminal. Taxis meet key sailings and flight arrivals with most destinations around the Island covered at a fixed tariff although they generally provide meter-reading fares.

The main taxi rank can be found in the capital Douglas on Victoria Street. Alternatively, your clients can telephone for a taxi at any time with many firms operating a 24 hour all Island service. View the Isle of Man Taxi Directory here.

 Useful information for licenced public passenger vehicles can be found here.

By bike and cycle hire

Foot passengers on the Isle of Man Steam Packet ferry can bring their cycle bike for free – improvements are currently being made for better provision for cyclists on the new vessel Manxman.

The Island has a number hire shops or tour companies which offer cycle touring you can be sure to find something to suit your clients cycling requirements. Most cycle hire services provide delivery and collection service to their chosen accommodation. View bike hire suppliers and cycle tour operators here.

A number of self-guided road cycling and mountain bike routes along with guides, maps that cover the Island’s trails and connecting inter-forest routes are available here.

All provisions for exploring cyclists can be found at the Island’s cycle friendly accommodation and eating out establishments.