SAILING TO THE TT
The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has been bringing dedicated TT fans across the Irish Sea since the early 1900s and, over 100 years later, their role in the annual pilgrimage continues to this day.
With a number of routes to the North West of England, Northern Ireland, and Ireland year-round, and additional services throughout the TT fortnight, travel by sea is the most popular method of transport for fans and competitors alike.
The Steam Packet ferry services offers lots of flexibility, with a timetable of routes from four different ports around the clock using three reliable vessels.
Whether that’s taking the overnight boat to ensure you meet the start of the race day, or by taking the evening boat back over at the end of a race day, there are plenty of options.
WHERE CAN I TAKE THE FERRY FROM TO THE ISLE OF MAN TT RACES?
During the TT fortnight, sailings run up to three times a day from Heysham and Liverpool, up to three times a week from Belfast and once a week from Dublin. Check out the Steam Packet Company’s provisional schedule here.
WHICH FERRY JOURNEY TO THE ISLE OF MAN TT RACES IS BEST FOR ME?
Choosing the best ferry journey to the Isle of Man TT Races comes down to where you’re travelling from, and whether you are travelling with a vehicle or not.
TAKING THE ISLE OF MAN TT FERRY AS A FOOT PASSENGER
Both English ferry terminals are served by trains, with Liverpool Lime Street being served by trains from all over the country just a short walk from the terminal, and Heysham connecting with a Lancaster train in-line with the 14:15 sailings every day. For other sailings, a taxi can be taken from Lancaster to Heysham, taking just 20 minutes. The best terminal for you may be the one easiest connected by train.
If you’re travelling to the ferry with a vehicle that you aren’t bringing to the Island, take into account where you can park for the duration of your holiday. It might be cheaper to travel from Liverpool, but it may be easier and cheaper to park in Heysham.
TAKING THE ISLE OF MAN TT FERRY WITH A VEHICLE
If you are travelling with your vehicle and bringing it to the Island, the best terminal will likely be the one that’s easiest for you to reach. Heysham is slightly further north so better for Scotland, whilst Liverpool is easily connected via motorways from the South and East. Likewise, the Irish terminals will be best selected based on how convenient your travel is to reach them.
WHAT IS THE FERRY JOURNEY TO THE ISLE OF MAN TT RACES LIKE
The ferry itself is often a comfortable journey during the summer months, and with sailing times of under three hours from Liverpool and Dublin and just shy of four hours from Heysham and Belfast, there’s just enough time for a lap of the ship, a meal, a quick nap and before you know it, the Island is in sight.
Owing to the obvious fact that the ferry is the only way to get a bike in to the Island, you will be surrounded by fellow TT fans and motorbike enthusiasts for the journey
The boats themselves are well equipped so you can remain connected and entertained throughout the journey. If you want to work for the journey to maximise your holiday allowance, Manxman offers full Wi-Fi connectivity for the entire crossing, meaning you can literally Zoom your way to the Island and back.
If your holiday starts the second you step foot on the boat, you can sit back and relax in the bars and cafes on all the boats, enjoying whatever’s on the big screens. If you’re on Manxman or Manannan, you can expect TT content for sure.
Despite the boat being the only way to the Island with a motorbike, there’s actually no better place to get your TT started. As TT fans are the friendliest sporting community out there, the second you sit down, you can guarantee you’ll be next to someone with whom you share the TT in common.
Our long-time, die-hard TT fans can give you intel on where to sit on the hedges, how best to get there and what they recommend doing when the racing isn’t on. Before you know it, you’ll be booking your next TT trip together before you’ve even arrived for this one.
TRAVEL FROM THE FERRY UPON ARRIVAL TO THE ISLE OF MAN
On arrival into the Island, there is nothing more spectacular than the hundreds of motorbikes queued up waiting to get off. Like its very own parc ferme and start line, the roar of engines waiting to disembark is nothing short of thrilling.
Not arriving by bike? We have more information about how to travel on Island when you arrive here. Whether you want to hire a car, jump a bus or grab a taxi, we’ve got you covered.
Decided that you will be taking the ferry to the Island this TT? Book now with the Steam Packet Company or check out one of the package operators for the best travel and accommodation offers.
