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This is a Alpha release of a mobile bus app designed to help people on the Isle of Man use the available Isle of Man bus services on the island, the App's and Website are currently in development. Contact us to give feedback and suggestions on how we can improve the App's and website. Download the iPhone App from the iTunes App Store here and the Android App from the Google Play Store here .

Welcome to Bus-Man

Find all you need to know about the Isle of Man Bus Services running on the island. Bus positions updated from last known locations.

Bus-Man is proud to announce winning the Bus Feed Competition held by MICTA .

Plan your bus journey using Bus-Man, enter the 'from' and 'to' locations, the date and time of the trip and search for the available bus services running between the two locations on the date and time of your trip. You can also plan a return trip.

See what bus services are running on the Isle of Man bus network and touch or click the markers to find more details zoom in further to find the bus stops on the island.

Find the bus stops near you with Bus-Man, or search for a location.

Use the bus service timetables with Bus-Man, select the service timetable for your journey.

The Bus-Man Website

Find the all the above Bus-Man functionality on our companion website at wwww.Bus-Man.com

rReasons why the Bus-Man website and mobile apps are no longer active.

Sorry, the Bus-Man apps and website are no longer active. Bus-Man was a proof of concept to win Manx ICT Association competition. I was told at the end of the competition that there would be further funding to further develop the apps by Ian Longworth and Mark Lewin but this never materialised. Bus-Man was a great project, but unfortunately I could not fund the further development myself when Bus Vannin were indirectly paying for the development of another mobile app and could afford to purchase of 53 Mercedes mini buses. In May 2017 Ian Longworth refused to give the new timetable information in order to update the Bus-Man apps with the current information.

I suggested adding Electric Trams, Horse drawn Trams and the Steam railways timetables to the Bus-Man apps but he refused giving the excuse that the timetables could not be altered to the bus format. The Bus-Man apps could have really been a benefit to Bus Vannin and the Isle of Man tax payer but they have squandered the opportunity.

At the beginning of February 2019 the real-time bus feed from Bus Vannin stopped. On Monday 11th of February, Richard Crammer at Bus Vannin stopped the bus feed from being restarted.

The Bus-Man project was well recieved from the public and most people I have spoken to preferred it over the government funded apps and was the best app the government could offer for a couple years at times with over 2800 users per week and with a total of over 48,000 users during the three years it was running.

I only hope the new 53 Mercedes minibuses improves the Bus Vannin service and the new Department of Economic Development brings real returns for the Isle of Man tax payer.

Information used in the Bus-Man Apps and website has been provided by Bus Vannin. The Bus-Man Apps and website has been developed in conjunction with Bus Vannin, MICTA and the Digital Strategy.

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The Isle of Man by public transport: a 3-day itinerary

The Isle of Man by public transport: a 3-day itinerary | PACK THE SUITCASES

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It’s surprisingly easy to do the Isle of Man by public transport – much easier than other weekend getaway destinations like the Lake District or the Highlands. As an added bonus, the Isle of Man’s public transport isn’t just boring buses. Oh no. You’ve got horse trams, the electric railway and the steam train – so the transport is as much a part of the experience as the places you’re using it to get to.

I thought I’d share my 3-day itinerary for doing the Isle of Man by public transport, which I made for a long weekend this summer (using only one day of annual leave because of desperate times).

Get the kettle on – wait no, get a G&T because you’re not driving – and read on…

The Isle of Man by public transport: a 3-day itinerary | PACK THE SUITCASES

Before you go to the Isle of Man

Where to stay.

If you’re car-free, you’re best off staying in the centre of Douglas as a base. This’ll make it so much easier to use all the different public transport and head out for day trips to different parts of the island. Douglas also has the most going on at night too. So in the evenings, you can eat at a good choice of  Douglas restaurants and then have a drink without forking out loads for a taxi ‘home’. On our last trip, we stayed at the gorgeous  Raymonds B&B . The room was massive and was only £75 a night, complete with brilliant veggie breakfast.

Flights to the Isle of Man

I fly from Liverpool with EasyJet. Last time (and the trip this itinerary is based on), this meant a horribly early morning 7:30 Saturday flight to make the most of the weekend. But it worked out pretty well. It was about £40 each there and back. Obviously this will depend on the time of year and stuff, so as always you should check Skyscanner/Momondo etc.

It’s only an 18-minute flight so you’re only just in the air when you hear ‘cabin crew, prepare for landing’. Highly amusing.

The Isle of Man by public transport: a 3-day itinerary | PACK THE SUITCASES

Aaaaaaaand onto my actual itinerary for a long weekend in the Isle of Man by public transport…

Day 1 in the Isle of Man (Saturday): to the north

  • Arrive hideously early having got the 7:30 flight from Liverpool with EasyJet. Breeze past everyone waiting for their suitcases because you’ve only got hand luggage. Exerting self-control when packing for a long weekend does have some payoff.
  • Head to the airport information desk and purchase a 3-day explorer GO card , at the bargain price of £32 each. You can use it on the horse tram, buses, railways, EVERYTHING.
  • Fling yourself wholeheartedly onto a bus to Douglas , assuming that’s where you’re staying. The buses have free WiFi, but I’d recommend downloading the PDF of the bus map to your phone just in case you need to look at it offline.
  • Alight near wherever you’re staying to rid yourself of baggage. If you let them know ahead, I find most B&Bs/hotels are happy to hold luggage if you’re arriving before check-in time.
  • Hop onto the  horse tram  wherever it stops near you. For us, it was outside the  Gaiety Theatre  (also worth seeing if you have time) . As a horsey person, I’m always wary of any tourist stuff involving horses, but these chaps are definitely well looked after. They’re all Shires, Clydesdales or crosses and they have GREAT human names: Andrew, Philip, Keith, etc. Use the horse tram to get to the north end of the promenade.
  • From the north end, change onto the Manx Electric Railway (usually leaving at 10 and 40 past the hour) to Ramsey . The journey is really pretty and will introduce you to the amazing Manx scenery. I don’t want to spoil it for you by describing it but it’s very good indeed.

The Isle of Man by public transport: a 3-day itinerary | PACK THE SUITCASES

  • Ramsey is up in the north of the island. You can walk along the shore (or Mooragh Prom) and back over the bridge to explore the town a bit, probably getting windswept in the process.
  • Ramsey’s centre has a handful of really nice shops to mooch round, including my favourite  The Tide , where you can find all kinds of Manx-themed bits and bobs.
  • Warm up with lunch at Rosa’s Pantry , a cute café that does brilliant vegan options.
  • Suitably revived, head to Ramsey bus station and get the bus to Laxey . It’s the number 3 bus and leaves at 15 or 45 past the hour (on a Saturday, that is). Enjoy the scenic ride – not quite as exciting as the electric railway but as bus journeys go, it’s a good one.
  • Laxey is a pretty, coastal village set into a valley, which makes for some beautiful scenery and photo opportunities. The  Laxey Wheel  (or Lady Isabella to her mates) is the main attraction. It’s a huge, red, working waterwheel set into the hillside above the village and you can go up it to look at the view from the top. There are some nice walks nearby if you have time.
  • If the weather is clear, now’s your chance to ride the  Snaefell Mountain Railway  from Laxey up over 2,000 feet to the top of the Isle of Man’s only official mountain, Snaefell . The views are beyond anything and it’s the only place in the British Isles where you can see the ‘seven kingdoms’ of England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Heaven, Mann and the Sea from one vantage point.
  • Round off your trip to Laxey by visiting the lovely bunting-strewn café  The Shed  on the promenade for tea and cake or heading to the  Shore pub  for a pint of the local Bosun’s Bitter.
  • Get the bus back to Douglas from King Orrie’s Grave, Minorca Hill.

The Isle of Man by public transport: a 3-day itinerary | PACK THE SUITCASES

  • You must go to  The Little Fish Café  on the North Quay for your evening meal (I keep typing ‘evening meal’ in my blog posts because American readers are confused by the word ‘tea’ and I refuse to go southern and say ‘dinner’.) Make sure you book ahead, especially on a weekend because it gets busy, but it’s very much worth it. Manx queenies (a type of tiny-but-delicious scallop) are a big deal round these parts and you can get some amazing ones there. It’s also really pretty inside and one of those places that I’m confident recommending to my friends/family when they visit because everyone will love it. Also, it was the first place I  ever  got recognised in real life by a reader of the blog, which blew my mind. This obviously cemented it as my favourite restaurant of all time…
  • After eating your own bodyweight in queenies, head for a gin & tonic or three just across the road at the  Seven Kingdoms Distillery . They do their own excellent rhubarb gin.
  • End the night at  Bath & Bottle  for craft beer and cocktails. It’s a bar you can happily go to in a dress and heels at the weekend without feeling overdressed. I like this very much. Enjoy the cocktails and craft beer.
  • Walk ‘home’ or get a taxi if you’re in the aforementioned heels. Sorry, that goes against the public transport theme but sometimes it’s needed.

The Isle of Man by public transport: a 3-day itinerary | PACK THE SUITCASES

Day 2 in the Isle of Man (Sunday): west coast is the best coast

  • After eating a full breakfast at the B&B because you’re definitely not hungover, head to the  Manx Museum  (easily walkable from most places in Douglas). This is a really good way to get to grips with Manx history and also to see a giant elk and a pufferfish with an hilarious facial expression. It’s free to get in and is open 10:00 – 17:00. It should take a couple of hours and is a good one for if it’s raining.
  • Have a mooch round Douglas because you won’t really have seen it in daylight yet. This is the bit where I insist on going into TK Maxx because I really know how to experience the culture of a place.
  • Look out for the  Tower of Refuge   in Douglas bay, an iconic part of the Manx coastline, while walking through the seafront gardens – which are really pretty in summer. Douglas also has some really nice colourful Victorian buildings if you want to get some Instagram photos… Just saying.

The Isle of Man by public transport: a 3-day itinerary | PACK THE SUITCASES

  • Have lunch at the very trendy Noa Bakehouse . You will not regret it.  It does the best pancakes and ‘squassants’ (squashed croissants).
  • Pop over the road to Lord Street bus stop and get the bus to Peel .
  • Peel is a lovely seaside town to explore. It’s home to the  House of Manannan , a museum all about the Isle of Man’s Celtic and Viking history, including a replica of a Viking longboat. This is a brilliant shout if you’re caught in the rain but if you’ve just done the Manx Museum you might be a bit museumed out. 
  • Another option is going to Peel Castle . It’s a beautiful ruin and you can do a lap of it if it’s not too windy, and then walk down the beach to the other end of the town. Or you can go inside it, which is worth doing because the views are great and you might see the ghostly black dog who haunts it… Moddey Dhoo. What a name. It’s £6 to get into the castle.
  • Then head to the local ice cream parlour,  Davisons  right on the front, to get an ice cream before wandering down the beach (vegan ice cream available too!). 
  • Before you leave the delights of Peel, pop into  Two Fellas , which is new micropub. It’s a simple no-frills setup, with a brilliant range of craft beer (the proper hoppy kind). Also call in at the famous  kipper factory  to stock up on all your kippery needs. 
  • Get the bus from Peel Town Hall back to Douglas . It’s at 23 or 53 past the hour.

The Isle of Man by public transport: a 3-day itinerary | PACK THE SUITCASES

  • Eat at the new(ish)  Just Pizza and Pasta , which does brilliant pizza and unexpectedly inside has the kind of style of somewhere you’d expect to find in the Northern Quarter in Manchester or Bold Street in Liverpool.
  • Post-pizza drinking options include The Railway Inn  or the Thirsty Pigeon . The latter is closed on Sundays though I think.
  • We needed to pack for the morning so for this particular long weekend that this itinerary is based on, we only stayed out for one before walking back to the B&B. The woes of a very short break.

Day 3 in the Isle of Man (Monday): down south

  • Today is your last day and time is of the essence , so get that breakfast down you, pack the suitcases (ahem) and get waddling.
  • Head to Douglas’s Steam Railway . Make a quick stop by the platforms for a photo with the 9 3/4 sign if you’re a Harry Potter fan (and if you’re not, please get off my blog).
  • Take the 09:50 steam train to Port Erin . All aboard, toot toot, etc. The journey is frankly incredible, passing through loads of gorgeous scenery. More importantly, it’s an excellent opportunity to lean out the window and wave manically at EVERYONE you pass. If they don’t wave back, you can swear at them. It’s all in the unwritten rules of steam trains. I checked.
  • The train should arrive at Port Erin about 10:50. You have a brief chance to run down to the beach or just look at it from afar if the train got in late, before catching the number 28 bus from Port Erin train station at 11:30. This takes you to the Calf of Man (The Sound) for 11:50.

The Isle of Man by public transport: a 3-day itinerary | PACK THE SUITCASES

  • The Sound is right down in the south of the Isle of Man and it’s full of seals. Dolphins and basking sharks sometimes call in and there are loads of seabirds. But your best bet is spotting some seals playing and being super cute. If you walk to the left of the café, you can find some little steps that go down the rocks to a small seating area. Try not to fall in the sea and die.
  • Have lunch at the  Sound Cafe . It’s designed so that most tables have a panoramic view, which is very impressive. If it’s summer, a weekend day, or any kind of busy time, you’ll need to secure a table ASAP because it gets full and can take a while.
  • Hoover that lunch up and get the number 28 bus to Port St Mary at 13:55. You won’t get to see much of Port St Mary other than a bus stop, sorry. One to save for next time. Change onto the number 2 bus to Castletown .
  • Castletown is a town in the south of the island, where you can find lots of tiny doors built into the sides of buildings. They belong to the town of  Balley Cashtal Beg , which is Manx Gaelic for ‘Little Castletown’. A town within the town! You can do a whole walk/trail looking for them if you have time. It may be aimed at children but I bet I appreciated it a lot more.
  • The main thing to do in Castletown is  Castle Rushen . It’s £8 and worth it. It’s pretty much in full working order rather than being a ruin. Most of it is indoors too so it’s a good one for a rainy day. It features those standard-issue historical dummies where you’re not quite sure if they’ll suddenly start moving and make you jump and then die of shame.
  • After castling, get the bus to Ronaldsway Airport from outside Castletown’s Co-Op (you’re getting to see so many cultural landmarks!) at 16:06, arriving at the airport in time for your flight home (hopefully).

The Isle of Man by public transport: a 3-day itinerary | PACK THE SUITCASES

  • The airport last time we were there was chokka. I don’t know if it’s always like that but be prepared. Our flight was at about 17:30, so we were back in Liverpool quite early, which gave us plenty of time to get our train off to Cheshire lands.
  • And that’s the end of the Isle of Man itinerary (almost).

The Isle of Man by public transport: a 3-day itinerary | PACK THE SUITCASES

For next time…

Obviously, this 3-day itinerary for doing the Isle of Man by public transport isn’t the only way you could organise your trip. It might not even be the best way – we did Saturday to Monday because of when we could take annual leave, but Friday to Sunday would have been slightly better transport-wise.

Also, there’s loads of stuff I’ve not included that’s 100% accessible by public transport – not least my FAVOURITE place on the island, Niarbyl .

Have a look at my other Isle of Man posts if you want to find out more about things to do/see/eat:

  • an Isle of Man travel guide: the hidden gem of the British Isles
  • 20 of the best Isle of Man restaurants and places to eat and drink
  • 60 things to do in the Isle of Man .

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11 comments.

Brilliant itinerary. Without the TK Maxx reference I’d never have read it 😉 x

Ahaha, it’s a unique and cultural landmark. I actually went in one today too! Out of control x

This is a fantastic guide! What a fantastic way to see the Isle of Man!

Thank you! x

It’s a lovely place! I had the privilege of working there for several months in the 80s (engineering job). Had a flat in Peel which is a nice area especially with the castle and there’s some scenic coastal walks, good beach too. Kippers of course are wonderful !

Thanks Ben! You’ve been to so many places I have. Peel is great, really like it there.

This & your other IOM posts are extremely helpful. My husband and I are planning a trip next summer of some combination of Ireland & IOM ( we are in the US). You may have covered this, and my apologies if i missed it, but is IOM bikeable? (Meaning not too hilly in which case it’s public transport for me!) We won’t be renting a car in any event so I’ll be referring to your guides many times as I plan!

Hi Kayla, glad you like the posts. You can definitely do some of it by bike and then do the tougher terrain by bus! Have a look at this: https://www.visitisleofman.com/things-to-do/activities/cycling/road-cycling

I did all the public transport too!!! We decided to turn it into a challenge and do it all in a day LOL. (my partner is from there and I’d been there before, I should probably point that out) We literally took the railway to Laxey, the mountain tram up Snaefell, back to Douglas, horse tram along the promenade and then the steam train to Port Erin to meet our friends in the evening haha! I really like Peel – isn’t the House Of Manannan great?! And I loved all the little fairy doors in Castletown!

Ah brilliant! My other half is also from there sort of – his dad is Manx and all his childhood holidays were there so he knows it so well. Peel is lovely!

Came across your blog by chance and will refer to it for other places… so useful and informative, many thanks. (No 28 bus only goes from Port Erin to The Sound on weekends and Bank Holidays)

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plan my journey isle of man

ThePitcrewOnline

From the fans… For the fans

First Timer’s Guide to the Isle of Man TT

plan my journey isle of man

The atmosphere starts when you arrive at the ferry terminal. Perhaps you’re hot and bothered, having negotiated your way through the centre of Liverpool along with the rest of the world, or maybe you’ve arrived at Heysham Port, all smug with how easy the last bit of the journey is along the new bypass. Perhaps you’ve only travelled a few miles. Or maybe it’s been an expedition just to get here.

And suddenly the world is a sea of bikes, all loaded to the gunnels and beyond, and you’re lined up three abreast in the car lanes alongside a few battered vans covered in stickers. You get separated from your mate, as you’ve managed to get everything into your rucksack, but he’s got the widest panniers in the world so has been sent into a different queue.

plan my journey isle of man

If you’re one of the lucky ones to get on board first, you do a quick dash to grab a table in the bar, or if you’re on the overnight, nab somewhere to stretch out on the floor without being tripped over every 5 minutes. Otherwise you hang around outside waiting to board, judging people’s packing abilities, and checking that all your bits are still where they should be. This is it. Your first time to the Isle of Man for the TT. Will it be everything that everyone says it is?

A three and a bit hour sailing, and it’s time to disembark. Back on the car deck you do your best impression of a Krypton Factor contestant – limboing under chest-high ropes in full bike gear, squeezing between panniers and exhausts, trying not to catch your rucksack on mirrors, and then trying to figure out where on earth the end of the rope is and how the hell to untie it.

And then your row starts to move. A bit of concentration as you negotiate the humps and bumps and slippery bits on the car deck, and then you’re on the ramp. Out into the fresh air. You’ve made it. You have officially arrived on the Isle of Man, ready to take in the greatest road racing in the world.

But where do you start? There’s so much to do and see…

plan my journey isle of man

Two pieces of advice:

Don’t have an itinerary. Make a list, but keep it flexible. Remember everything is governed by the weather. Hopefully it’ll be cracking the flags and you’ll be stocking up on suncream. But you might well end up sulking in your tent, wondering if you can be bothered to go to the pub. So have some rainy day plans as well.

Talk to people. Particularly if you’re on a campsite, you’ll be surrounded be people who will have been before. Get chatting and find out where they suggest – maybe they’ve got a spectacular spectating spot, or have discovered a cracking chippy.

I’ve done quite a lot of spectating over the years, I really enjoy going off somewhere and spending the day with my earpiece radio and race guide. I like to have a couple of beers while I’m watching, so my spectating revolves around public transport. But it is still possible to get away from the crowds without too much walking. And the public transport on the Island is superb – clean, on time, not too rammed, and the buses have free wifi.

plan my journey isle of man

Where’s good for spectating? Have a think about what kind of racing you want to see. Do you want to experience flat out speed? Do you want a slow bit where you can see the whites of their eyes? A technical bit? The mountain? Famous locations? Near a pub? In a hedge? The possibilities are endless. Bear in mind that in some places you’ll be stuck there until the roads open, and on the mountain there’s a further wait while the one-way system is put back in place. And not everywhere has the luxury of toilets or a burger van.

Weather forecasts are only so much use – the Island is renowned for its microclimates, and I’ve lost count of the times it’s been glorious in Ramsey but everything is delayed as the heavens have opened at the grandstand, or the mountain is shrouded in mist.

Also, even on a stunning day, it’s chilly in the shade, particularly if you’re not moving around. There’s nothing more miserable than going to a suntrap in your shorts and t-shirt, and as the day goes on the sun moves round and everyone else is now wearing seventeen layers and there’s another couple of hours ’til the roads open.

I always try and spend one of the race days spectating up the mountain. Bus to Laxey, buy a picnic and a few beers in the corner shop, and then join the enormous queue for a tram up to Bungalow. On race days the trams stop short of the road, but you can cross over the footbridge and jump on another tram to the summit. I usually walk up towards the old museum building and Joey’s statue, find a shady spot to keep my picnic cool and then I’m set for the day. And you can always wander back down to the tram and head up to the summit for cake.

I would definitely recommend spectating at least one practice session from the Grandstand – tickets are cheaper and easier to get hold of, and as practice takes place from about 6pm you can spend a couple of hours wandering round the paddock, watch scrutineering, and do a bit of souvenir shopping, all the while keeping an eye out for famous faces.

And don’t forget your time away from the racing. Do you want to spend it in the pub, soaking up the atmosphere? Or do you want to do a bit of exploring? For a lazy day I can highly recommend the ice cream parlour by the Villa Marina on Douglas prom – there is loads of outside seating, and it’s great for watching the world go by, particularly when a ferry has just unloaded. Most events are listed in the programme, from live music to beach racing to stunt shows to fireworks to Red Arrows displays, but it’s definitely worth picking up a local paper for more gig listings.

There’s plenty to do if the weather doesn’t play ball. Have an adventure on a steam train or the electric tram, visit one of the several museums around the Island – the Douglas museum usually has a TT-themed exhibition, and the Villa Marina cinema in Douglas shows a selection of bike-themed films. Or there is always the pub.

plan my journey isle of man

And a handy hint – many churches around the island open up as cafes during TT fortnight, quite often with photography displays. I can highly recommend St Ninian’s, with it’s TT-themed stained glass windows, an upstairs exhibition space, and excellent lemon drizzle cake. Maybe next year I’ll work on doing a cake-based guide to TT fortnight…

The TT really is a holiday like no other, and if you’ve never been I hope I’ve given you a taste of it. Just writing this has made me long to be back there – I’ve got my sailings booked for next year, and I’m already counting the days ’til I pack my rucksack and head up to Heysham on my Ducati Scrambler.

Whatever you decide to do while you’re over there, you’ll be planning your next trip even before you set off home.

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2 Replies to “First Timer’s Guide to the Isle of Man TT”

Wow, brilliantly written! I’ve already dreamed & longed for many years now, to experience the TT- your article amplified my desire 10-fold!! Time to start selling off some of “my stuff” to augment my “TT Account!!” Thank you for the inspiration!!

Thank you John, that’s brilliant to hear, we appreciate you taking the time to read the article. Keep us posted on how your journey to the TT goes 🙂

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Via Douglas Town centre, Onchan and Hailwood Avenue 

Mondays to Saturdays services to Nobles Hospital

Sundays and Public Holidays services to Nobles Hospital

Services 21, 21b and 21h to Pulrose, Anagh Coar and Farmhill

Mondays to Fridays timetables for services to Pulrose, Anagh Coar and Farmhill

Saturdays timetable for services to Pulrose, Anagh Coar and Farmhill

Sundays and Public Holidays timetable for services to Pulrose, Anagh Coar and Farmhill

Summary of services to Victoria Road, Douglas

Services 3a, 22 , 25, 25, 25h

Summary of services to Westmoreland Road

Services 4b, 14b, 15b

Services to Willaston, Hailwood Avenue and Birch Hill

Mondays to Saturdays timetables for services to Willaston, Hailwood Avenue and Birch Hill

Sundays and Public Holidays timetables for services to Willaston, Hailwood Avenue and Birch Hill

Services 15, 16, 16b, 16d & 29 to Groudle, Maughold & Port Soderick

Please note all service 16's and 29 only operate on School Days.

Services 18k, 19c, 20 & 20a from Ramsey to North of the Island 

Serving Bride, Andreas, Smeale and Jurby

Mondays to Sundays and Public Holidays timetables for services from Ramsey to Bride, Andreas, Smeale and Jurby

Public holiday additional services

Extra journeys operated on public holidays only

See the routes and maps page for more information on which route timetable you need.

Flights to Isle of Man

Ancient fortresses, Viking burial sites and Celtic stone crosses – on the Isle of Man, there’s rich history around every corner.  While you’re here, visit the mysterious Neolithic tomb of Cashtal yn Ard, or discover the maritime past and the legend of Manannán, where the island  got its name.

Our cheapest summer flights to the Isle of Man

Visit lush landscapes and maritime heritage.

Fly to the Isle of Man with British Airways and head into the rolling green hills to start your adventure.

See the sweeping views across the Manx countryside, then camp out under the stars to spot the sparkling constellations that decorate the night sky.

Stroll along Jurby Beach and take in the sea air, craggy cliffs and deep blue Irish sea, or really stretch your legs on a picturesque walking trail. Try Bayr ny Skedden, a fisherman’s path that winds along Castletown’s coast to the small town of Peel.

Before you leave, explore tiny St. Patrick’s Isle and roam the haunting ruins of Peel Castle, once home to Viking warriors and kings. Book your flight to the Isle of Man now.

Flight time

Pound sterling

Isle of Man flight FAQs

A flight from London to the Isle of Man takes approximately one hour and 20 minutes.

You can fly to the Isle of Man from London City Airport and London Heathrow Airport.

The most popular time of year to visit the Isle of Man is summer, when the weather is ideal for exploring the lush greenery of the Manx countryside. Try visiting in spring or autumn instead to save – our  low fare finder can help you find the cheapest time to fly to the isle.

The Isle of Man is a leafy, picturesque destination all year round, but to make the most of the countryside walks and explore the outdoor ruins, summer is the best time to visit. April, May and June are the sunniest months, while July and August are the warmest.

If you’re planning a trip to the Isle of Man, there are lots of ways to make your trip fit your budget. Choose one of the many affordable places to stay if you’re visiting for a short break, especially during spring or autumn. Al fresco dining could be a budget-friendly way to explore the food scene here, so you could enjoy a picnic with local Manx produce or pick up some fish and chips and head to the beach.

It’s easy to get from the airport to the centre of the island by taxi or bus. There are frequent buses between the airport and Central Promenade which take around 40 minutes, and the same journey takes about 15 minutes by taxi. There’s also a range of public transport to help you get around and see the best bits of the island. Bus services, a heritage rail network and taxis all run island-wide. 

You can also hire a car with British Airways if you want to see more   of what the Isle of Man has to offer. You’ll receive great benefits, with all mandatory charges included and 24-hour customer support, plus you’ll collect Avios points on every rental.

Nestled in the heart of the Irish Sea, this mountainous green island is a magical destination for a short break. Explore the Isle of Man’s food and drink scene and indulge in some freshly caught fish, or try a traditional Manx breakfast, complete with smoked kippers. Go on a wildlife tour and see if you can spot a seal or a dolphin, then roam through the wildflowers and wooded glens.  There’s also a fascinating network of vintage railways to see here, including the Isle of Man Steam Railway, the Manx Electric Railway and the Snaefell Mountain Railway.

Citizens of the UK and Ireland and EU passport holders do not need a visa to visit Isle of Man. If you hold a passport from a country or territory outside of these areas, you may need to apply for a visa before you travel. You can find out more about visa requirements for all the countries we fly to on our visa information page. 

You can book a hand baggage-only ticket or make the most of our generous baggage allowance. If you choose economy standard or one of our British Airways Holidays’ packages, each passenger can check in a bag weighing up to 23kg – in addition to a handbag, laptop case or other small bag. Families travelling in any cabin with younger children can also check in one car seat and one fully collapsible pushchair. Read more about baggage allowances for children .

If you’re flying in our business cabin, you can check in two bags weighing up to 32kg each. Read our baggage guide for full details.

Discover outstanding service from the moment you book. Fly with just hand baggage and you can carry two bags free of charge. Choose our checked baggage option and you can travel with hand baggage and a 23kg bag checked into the hold, plus enjoy free seat selection 24 hours before you fly. On board you’ll find HEPA-filtered air, quality on-board catering, and a warm, uniquely British welcome. 

Simply relax and let us take care of you, every step of the way.

All our cabins offer the same great – and uniquely British – experience. Choose your perfect way to fly, from economy to business.

Our Euro Traveller cabin offers all the touches you need to enjoy your flight at an affordable price.

Work or relax in our Club Europe cabin and enjoy lounge access, a dedicated check-in area and more personal space.

You might also be interested in…

Aberdeen flights, dublin flights, edinburgh flights, glasgow flights, jersey flights, newquay flights, terms and conditions.

  • Flight only prices are updated every 24 hours and are accurate when published. Flights at these prices are limited and may sell out quickly.
  • Package holiday prices (flight + hotel or flight + car) prices are updated every 24 to 48 hours and are accurate when published and may vary upon reaching subsequent pages. Availability may be extremely limited particularly during peak periods.
  • Return fares displayed are the lowest adult return prices in the cabin specified including taxes, fees and carrier charges, based on a 7-day return journey.
  • Each–way fares displayed are the lowest adult each-way prices in the cabin specified based on the lowest adult return prices for a 7 day travel period, including all taxes, fees and carrier charges available in this period.
  • One-way fares displayed are the lowest adult prices in the cabin specified including taxes, fees and carrier charges available in this period.
  • Package holiday prices (flight + hotel and flight + car) shown are in GBP per person based on 2 adults sharing one room or one car and prices include taxes, fees and carrier charges unless otherwise specified. Flight + car prices based on drivers aged 30-70 years.
  • Additional charges will be applied for payments made using a corporate credit card.
  • Advertised fares are available on ba.com. Additional charges may apply if purchased through British Airways outlets or travel agents.
  • Combine and save on Holidays: Guaranteed savings are only available when booking a Flight + Hotel or Flight + Car booking including one land product, it does not apply to a ‘Customise your trip’ holiday including more than one hotel and / or car.
  • Package holidays are protected under British Airways Holidays Ltd by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 5985.
  • Standard British Airways terms and conditions apply

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The Isle of Man is now welcoming back fully vaccinated visitors.

Who can travel to the Isle of Man

Travel guidance and staying safe

Visiting the Isle of Man - key things to know

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plan my journey isle of man

You are here: Home > Visitor Information > Travel Information > Getting Here

How to get to the Isle of Man

The extraordinary story starts when you travel to the seabound kingdom located in the heart of the Irish Sea.

The Isle of Man is easily accessible by  air  or  sea  from various locations across the UK and Channel Islands. The  Isle of Man Steam Packet  operates regular ferry services to the North West of England all season, and the East Coast of Ireland in the summer months. Climb aboard, by foot or car and feel the wind in your hair and salt on your lips as you sail across the sea. 

Sailors from around the world are always welcome in Manx waters. So, if you are a  cruise ship  touring the world or seaman looking for a break, moor up at one of our harbours, marinas or bays and come ashore. Discover a variety of  entertainment and  attractions  at one of the seaside villages and soak up the atmosphere before you depart.

Soar across the sky in less than half an hour, whilst taking in the Island’s sublime landscape from the air. Land in style at Ronaldsway Airport and start exploring. Regular  bus  and  taxi  services are available to help you along the way, kick-starting the remarkable journey into the Manx land.  Looking to find your own way around?  Hire a car  before stepping out of the airport and enjoy the road trip of a life time.  Guided tours  are also offered through breath-taking greenery and striking coastlines. 

Race across the Manx countryside from South to East in a  carriageway  pulled by an engine of fire and steam, as you soak up the land and sea. Take to the road in your  campervan , discovering spectacular views and  campsites  island wide that offer quality service and spellbinding star lit experiences.

The lost find themselves, when they journey to the Isle of Man.

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IMAGES

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  4. Large tourist illustrated map of Isle of Man

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  5. Isle of Man Coastal Path

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  6. Isle of Man Walking Holidays

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VIDEO

  1. The Isle Man TT

  2. How Can I Plan My Journey to Early Retirement?

  3. A voyage from Heysham to Douglas on the Ben My Chree

  4. We are the Movers

  5. Meeting the Manxman

  6. How Chris Wilson beat life in prison and created "The Master Plan"

COMMENTS

  1. Plan Your Journey

    The gateway to Britain's public transport network. Latest News. Plan your journey; About Traveline

  2. Itineraries

    4 Ride Cycling Itinerary. Anna Christian is a professional cyclist who lives and cycles on the Isle of Man when she's not away riding around the world with…. View Itinerary. Allow us to simplify the planning process for your upcoming journey. We've curated a selection of itineraries designed to guarantee you make the most of your time ...

  3. Bus Vannin

    Routes and Maps. We offer bus services right across the Island - find more information about our routes and timetables and let us get you where you want to go…. This is the home page for the Public Transport Umbraco Site. This will be the first page the user will encounter and contains all of the links/pages.

  4. Welcome

    Journey Planner. Plan your bus journey using Bus-Man, enter the 'from' and 'to' locations, the date and time of the trip and search for the available bus services running between the two locations on the date and time of your trip. ... The Bus-Man apps could have really been a benefit to Bus Vannin and the Isle of Man tax payer but they have ...

  5. Book your connectVILLAGES trip with new MANNgo app

    From today, passengers can download the app which will enable them to book a trip and also track their bus's movements, both for pick-ups and any changes to arrival times. In addition to the app, bookings can still be made by calling +44 1624 697440 between 8.30am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday. The introduction of the MANNgo app will provide an ...

  6. The Adventure List: 3 Days in the Isle of Man

    Day 3. AM - Cycling. The Isle of Man is the ideal destination for a spot of cycling, with a variety of terrains to appeal to both novices and experts. At only half a day's ride from end to end, the Isle of Man has it all when it comes to enjoying the Island on two wheels: climbs and mountain paths, breathtaking coastal roads, off-roading trails ...

  7. Isle of Man trip planner: make a Isle of Man itinerary & map

    Plan on the go with our free travel app. With Wanderlog's mobile travel planner on Android and iOS, access and edit your trips wherever you go — even while offline. Keep your places to visit, flight/hotel reservations, and day-by-day itineraries for your trip to Isle of Man in our web and mobile app vacation planner.

  8. Isle of Man Government

    Friday, 1 July 2016. Isle of Man Public Transport's customers now have access to real time tracking of buses, trams and trains thanks to a new free app that has been built by a local developer in conjunction with the Cabinet Office and the Manx ICT Association. The app, called "Bus-Man" can be found in all the app stores or can be ...

  9. Isle of Man Public Transport

    Isle of Man Public Transport is a division of the Department of Infrastucture. Public Transport operates bus services throughout the Island as Bus Vannin every day except Christmas Day, plus a unique network of heritage railways for an extended season: The Isle of Man Steam Railway, dating from 1873, which operates along a 15¾ mile line ...

  10. Isle of Man Journey Planner / Transit Map

    DOWNLOAD THE APP. NAVITIME Transit for Journey plannner / Transit maps in Isle of Man, can be used for trains (railway), MRT, LRT, subways (metro), buses and ferries. Cities, Isle of Man. You can confirm access information (directions/travel time/route information, etc.) for your destination. We also provide iPhone/Android apps.

  11. Experience

    A visit to the Isle of Man will reward you with magnificent wildlife, thriving plantations and beautiful beaches. During your stay, take the time to explore the Isle of Man's to discover a wide range of things to see and do. Douglas, the Island's capital, is a great place to start your journey as it is the hub for entertainment, great ...

  12. IOM Transport

    <link rel="stylesheet" href="styles.50cd29e34b080561.css"> Please enable JavaScript to continue using this application.

  13. The Isle of Man by public transport: a 3-day itinerary

    As an added bonus, the Isle of Man's public transport isn't just boring buses. Oh no. You've got horse trams, the electric railway and the steam train - so the transport is as much a part of the experience as the places you're using it to get to. I thought I'd share my 3-day itinerary for doing the Isle of Man by public transport ...

  14. Road Trip to the Isle of Man: Travel Guide and Journey Planner

    This Isle of Man route planner covers guides to 16 destinations . The Isle of Man destination guide includes references and embedded links to over 100 attractions, experiences, and activities. Browse from a range of bookable, local experiences and activities, by location, such as tours, boat trips, bike hire, and things to do in the Isle of Man.

  15. Routes and Maps

    Our buses serve most of the island. We have a route map for the whole island, and more detailed maps for the main towns - you can find PDF versions of these as well as an index to places served in the downloadable documents section. From the maps check which service you require for your desired journey. Times can then be checked at the bus ...

  16. Isle of Man Government

    Please see Isle of Man Public Transport Facebook page for the latest travel information.. Please see our Complaints and Compliments page for more information. Welcome to the Isle of Man Transport website. Here you will find timetables for all bus vannin services plus details of special events and services on the Steam Railway, Manx Electric Railway and Snaefell Mountain Railway.

  17. First Timer's Guide to the Isle of Man TT

    The Isle of Man TT is addictive. You'll be planning your next trip even before you've left. Two pieces of advice: Don't have an itinerary. Make a list, but keep it flexible. Remember everything is governed by the weather. Hopefully it'll be cracking the flags and you'll be stocking up on suncream.

  18. Isle of Man Bus timetables

    Services 3, 3a, 3b, N3 & X3 to and from Ramsey via Baldrine, Laxey and Glen Mona. Mondays to Saturdays timetables for services to Ramsey via Laxey. Mondays to Saturday timetables for services to Douglas via Laxey. Sundays and Public Holidays timetables for services to and from Ramsey via Laxey.

  19. Getting Around

    See beyond every hill and investigate every sight that catches your eye and travel at your own pace. The Isle of Man is well served by a variety of tour operators who are qualified to guide either on foot, by car or aboard coaches throughout the Island. For a journey back in time, the Isle of Man's heritage railways are a fun way to explore ...

  20. Cheap flights to Isle of Man (IOM)

    Plan your trip to Isle of Man ... There are frequent buses between the airport and Central Promenade which take around 40 minutes, and the same journey takes about 15 minutes by taxi. There's also a range of public transport to help you get around and see the best bits of the island. Bus services, a heritage rail network and taxis all run ...

  21. Wanderlog: travel itinerary, vacation & road trip planner

    Plan your road trip or vacation with the best free itinerary and road trip planner. Wanderlog lets you to make itineraries with friends, mark routes, and optimize maps — on web or mobile app ... Isle of Man +44. ... Use Wanderlog to map your journey to figure out the best routes, keep track of hotel and flight bookings and reservations, and ...

  22. Isle of Man Government

    Friday, 26 January 2018. New for 2018, bus vannin is excited to launch the first of a number of initiatives under the Simply Go banner aimed at making traveling by bus much simpler for all customers. The first product is an easy-to-use journey planner called Traveline. Traveline can help you find the best route by simply entering in where you ...

  23. How to get to the Isle of Man

    The Isle of Man is easily accessible by air or sea from various locations across the UK and Channel Islands. The Isle of Man Steam Packet operates regular ferry services to the North West of England all season, and the East Coast of Ireland in the summer months. Climb aboard, by foot or car and feel the wind in your hair and salt on your lips ...

  24. Trains To Sandown

    Save money when you travel to Sandown by train. Railcards offer value for money if you travel by train, saving you at least 1/3 on most rail fares. With a bit of planning, buying tickets in advance can save you a pretty pound, and if the travel bug has you travelling a lot then a Railcard might be worth your while!. The Railcards available include:

  25. Our Island Plan

    Our Island Plan. Building a secure, vibrant and sustainable future is the vision set out by the Government in Our Island Plan. Secure. We have an Island where everyone feels safe, our economy is secure, our health and education systems support everyone, and we have housing, food, energy, and transport security. Vibrant. Our Island is vibrant ...