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There are a variety of options to roam around the Isle of Man, by just jumping on a train or bus, hiring a bike or car or even go walking on many footpaths to get into the countryside |
Bus Services
There is a comprehensive network of bus services operated throughout the Island. These link together the main towns including direct services From Douglas to Castletown, Port Erin, Peel, Laxey and Ramsey. The main bus services operate daily throughout the year and most journeys are carried out in modern low-floor double deck buses which are ideal for viewing the spectacular scenery of the Island.
During the daytime (Mondays to Saturdays) the main routes have buses running approximately every half hour with less frequent operations in the evenings and on Sundays.
Integrated ticketing allows passengers with return, multi-journey or explorer tickets to travel in one direction by bus and return by train or tram. Buses on route numbers 1, 2 and 8 pass the Isle of Man Airport, calling at a bus stop immediately outside the Airport terminal building Tickets and information can be obtained from the Isle of Man Welcome Centre in the Sea Terminal, the Information Desk at the Airport as well as staffed railway stations and bus.
Isle of Man Steam Railway
The Islands' network of steam trains, electric trams and horse trams enable you to travel from the Southern town of Port Erin all the way up to the Northern town of Ramsey. The Steam Train will take you the first part of the journey, to Douglas, from where you can jump on a Horse Tram along the promenade to catch the Electric Railway up to Ramsey.
The Isle of Man Steam Railway is the longest narrow-gauge steam line in the British Isles, running for 16 miles through glorious countryside between Douglas and Port Erin. The Port Erin Railway Museum tells the incredible story of Manx steam railways.
Manx Electric Railway
TheManx Electric Railway operates on the east coast of the Island between Douglas and Ramsey, a distance of 18 miles. This is the longest vintage narrow-gauge line in the British Isles and uses the oldest working tramcars in the world.
TheSnaefell Mountain Railway (the only electric mountain railway in the British Isles) takes you on a breathtaking 5-mile journey from Laxey to the summit of Snaefell, up gradients as steep as 1 in 12. Attractions en-route include the licensed Summit Café, Murray's Motorcycle Museum near Bungalow Station and ever-changing views of the Great Laxey Wheel.
Groudle Glen Railway
Running for three-quarters of a mile from glen to clifftop, this 2ft-gauge line operates at various times throughout summer months.
Douglas horse trams
One of the great summer sights of Douglas, the trams are known locally as 'toast racks' and travel for 2 miles along the promenade.
Curraghs Wildlife Park
The park's Orchid Line boasts the smallest gauge on the Island - just three and a half inches!
Getting around by car
The vast expanse of country roads on the Island means that there is no end to your exploring of the beautiful surroundings by car. We have 688 miles of roads in total, ranging from busy 'A' roads to quiet, narrow, winding lanes out of the hustle and bustle of the Island's towns.
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Car hire Athol Car Hire Ronaldsway Airport, Terminal Building Counter, The Arrivals Hall Tel 01624 822481
Empire Garage Promenade, , Tel 01624 842666
Isle of Man Rent a Car Ronaldsway Airport, Terminal Building Counter, Tel 01624 825855
Mylchreests Car Rental New Castletown Road, , Tel 01624 823533
Ocean Ford Douglas Road, , Tel 01624 820830
St. Bernards Car Rental Castlemona Arcade, Central Promenade, Tel 01624 613878
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Taxi hire
Taxis are readily available for anybody needing one. You can flag them down on the street, pick one up at a taxi rank or call ahead to book one. There are a number of taxi companies, located around the Island and some are devoted almost entirely to getting people to and from the airport and the sea terminal.
Taxi ranks can be found outside the airport and the sea terminal and also in various other locations, especially in Douglasace at Ramsey with the ancient seat of government and royal residence at Castle Rushen, Castletown.
Getting around by bike
You can travel around the Island by bike, either on the roads or on one of the six designated cycle tracks taking you through the countryside.
Cycling tracks
Each of the six tracks takes you through some of the Island's rugged countryside, some over hills and others on the flat.
Getting around on foot
The Isle of Man is the perfect place for walking., from the long distance Raad ny Foillan (Road of the Gull) coastal footpath and the Island-long Millenium Way, to others including Bayr ny Skeddan (Herring Road) and the old Railway Lines. Shorter paths running through villages, towns and through the country-side.
Raad ny Foillan (The Road of the Gull) is a 100-mile coastal footpath of stunning vistas - one of several long distance trails on the Island.Bayr ny Skeddan (The Herring Road) is a 14-mile walk between Castletown and Peel, based on the route once used by Manx fishermen.The Millennium Way, 28 miles long, is an historic King's Highway
