Travelling to the Isle of Man TT by Ferry – All You Need to Know (And Where to Book Your Stay)

If you’re planning to join the stream of devoted fans crossing the Irish Sea for the legendary Isle of Man TT, securing your travel spot is the first essential mission. As experts in TT travel, we’ve gathered everything you need to know about the atmosphere, logistics, and essential details of arriving by ferry.

Essential Ferry Logistics

Ferry travel is the only way to bring your own vehicle to the TT, making it the preferred method for many bike enthusiasts. Ticket types generally include Bring Your Own Bike (BYOB), Foot Passengers (for whom unlimited public transport passes are often available), and Standard Vehicles (Cars). Vehicle space for cars is extremely limited during the TT fortnight, and given the heavily congested roads and lack of parking near viewing spots, we encourage consideration before bringing a car. Please note that packages for non-standard vehicles like vans, trailers, or motorhomes must typically be booked directly with the ferry company.

Services run to Douglas from UK ports including Liverpool and Heysham, and from Irish ports including Belfast, Larne, and Dublin. Journey times typically range from 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours 45 minutes. The Douglas ferry port is located conveniently near the bus station for foot passengers. While the sailing frequency increases over the TT fortnight, UK services generally offer more options than Irish services (which may only run once per week from Dublin). Availability is crucial: TT ferry sailings typically go on sale approximately one year in advance, and vehicle spaces often sell out within weeks. Securing your ferry travel should always be your top priority.

Secure Your Stay: Accommodation Booking

Once your ferry travel is secured, the next crucial step is reserving your place to stay. For guests looking to book accommodation only for the Isle of Man TT, Classic TT, or Manx Grand Prix, we direct you to our dedicated booking platform:

Book your Isle of Man TT accommodation directly via: https://www.dukebookings.com

Detailed Accommodation Types on Duke Bookings

Duke Bookings offers a wide range of accommodation to suit every budget and preference, ensuring a unique and atmospheric stay during the races. For premium comfort, the Duke TT Village (Pop-up Hotel) provides individual, secured en-suite twin-bedded cabins/rooms. Located centrally near the Grandstand and paddocks in Douglas, this option offers hotel-style amenities and privacy. For those who enjoy a more rustic experience without sacrificing comfort, Premier Glamping is available (for example, near Governors Bridge), featuring spacious, furnished tents and full on-site facilities.

Mid-range options include the Braddan TT Glamping Village, which offers a cosy, unique glamping experience near the Braddan Bridge section of the course, providing comfortable beds and communal amenities. For convenience without the setup hassle, travellers can book Peel Pre-Erected Tents, which are fully set up in 2, 4, or 6-person sizes and ready upon arrival, often located in the coastal town of Peel. Finally, the Budget Glamping option, often situated within the Braddan Glamping Village, is the most cost-effective choice, featuring basic tents, inflatable beds, and access to shared showers and toilets—perfect for those on a tighter budget.

A Note for International Travellers

For international visitors, while the ferry offers a fantastic experience, we often encourage booking flights as a convenient alternative. Flights can be taken directly from UK arrival airports (such as Manchester or Liverpool) and avoid the potentially long and time-consuming road or rail connection required to reach a distant ferry port after an international flight.

No matter how you travel, ensure you book early to secure both your crossing and your accommodation, and prepare for an unforgettable trip to the TT