Discover the Isle of Man with the Go Explore Card: Your Ultimate Travel Companion
Whether you are here for the thrills of the TT, Classic TT, or Manx Grand Prix (MGP), or simply exploring our stunning coastline, the Isle of Man offers one of the most unique transport networks in the world.
For visitors, the Go Explore Card is the “golden ticket.” It’s a smart card designed to make your travel seamless, cost-effective, and—most importantly during race weeks—completely stress-free.
Why the Go Explore Card is Essential for Race Fans
During the TT and MGP, the island changes. The famous 37.75-mile Mountain Course closes to the public for hours at a time, making car travel difficult. This is where public transport shines:
Priority Access: Buses often have access to specific crossing points and routes that private cars don’t, getting you closer to the action at the Grandstand or Braddan Bridge.
The Only Way Up: When the Mountain Road is closed for racing, the Snaefell Mountain Railway is often the only way to reach the legendary spectating spot at The Bungalow.
Zero Parking Stress: Finding a parking spot in Douglas or Ramsey during race week can be a challenge. With a Go Explore card, you can leave the car behind and let the island’s expert drivers handle the narrow lanes.
What’s Included?
The Go Explore card offers unlimited travel on all scheduled services across the island’s diverse fleet:
Bus Vannin: A modern, island-wide network with low-floor access and free Wi-Fi. During the TT, look out for the special TT1, TT3, and TT6 services that run directly to key vantage points like the Creg-Ny-Baa.
Isle of Man Steam Railway: Stunning vintage locomotives running between Douglas and the southern towns of Castletown and Port Erin.
Manx Electric Railway (MER): Victorian trams that hug the northern coastline between Douglas, Laxey, and Ramsey.
Snaefell Mountain Railway: The only electric mountain railway in the British Isles, taking you to the summit (2,034ft) for views of the “Seven Kingdoms.”
Douglas Bay Horse Trams: A nostalgic way to travel the length of the Douglas Promenade.
Benefits and 2026 Pricing
The card is a “tap-on” smart card. You pay a one-off £2 activation fee for the physical card (which you can keep as a souvenir or reuse next year), then load it with the duration that fits your trip.
Pro Tip: The Go Explore Heritage card is the ultimate value-add. It includes all the transport above plus free entry to all Manx National Heritage sites, including Castle Rushen, the Laxey Wheel, and the House of Manannan.
Where to Buy Your Card
The Welcome Centre: Located inside the Sea Terminal in Douglas (perfect if you arrive by ferry).
The Airport: Available at the Information Desk.
Main Stations: Purchase at Douglas Steam Railway, Derby Castle (MER), or Ramsey Bus Station.
Online: If you live in the UK, you can order your card online at least 10 days before your trip to have it ready in your pocket when you land.
