If you travel to the Isle of Man by sea, you’ll have the option of coming as a foot passenger or bringing the car – perfect if you are travelling with your family, taking sports equipment or if you just want to retain your independence while here.
The Steam Packet Company operates ferry services to the Isle of Man from Heysham, Liverpool, Birkenhead, Dublin, and Belfast using two reliable vessels.
You can choose to board the 96-metre wave piercing catamaran, Manannan, which offers passengers a great experience of quick and comfortable travel to the Isle of Man. Relax in a variety of seating areas, including two cinema lounges, a large café bar at the stern and the Coast-to-Coast café. Manannan runs between March and November from Liverpool and operates seasonal services from Dublin and Belfast.
For those wishing to travel at a more leisurely pace or who are visiting during the winter months, you can board the Ben-my-Chree. The conventional ferry offers 4 berth en-suite cabins with a TV and complimentary tea and coffee making facilities. Ben-my-Chree operates all-year-round services from Heysham and provides winter services from Birkhenhead.
On board both ships, you’ll find shops, cafés, and bars as well as premium and executive lounges for those looking to travel in ultimate comfort. Pets are also allowed on some ferry services. When you arrive, you’ll dock at the Sea Terminal in Douglas, the Island’s capital, where you’ll find a taxi rank, a bus station just outside and where car hire drop off can be arranged in advance.
If you wish to visit the Island during the TT and Manx Grand Prix periods, please book well in advance. These are exceptionally busy times and you will need to book early in order to fulfil your travel plans. For timetables, fares and to make a booking, please visit the Steam Packet Company website or call their reservations team on 01624 661661.