Getting around

A great way to travel the prom, right on your doorstep!

The three-foot gauge Douglas Bay Horse Tramway uses 12 original tramcars including a double decker tram. A number of Royal visitors have been carried on the horse drawn tramway including the Queen, late Queen Mother and Princess Margaret. Horse trams operate between April and November.

You can start your journey of the Douglas Promenades outside the apartments, the nearest stop being ‘Palace Hotel’. Travel North to link up with the Electric Railway at Derby Castle Terminus, or south to Douglas town centre, Sea Terminal and Bus Station. A fun way to travel and enjoy the stunning views out to sea.

Take the Electric Railway to visit the North

The Manx Electric Railway was built between 1893 and 1899 and connects the Island’s capital, Douglas, with Laxey in the east and Ramsey in the north.

It’s acknowledged as the longest narrow gauge vintage electric railway system in the British Isles and still uses its original Victorian and Edwardian rolling stock. In fact two of the trams in use are the oldest regularly operated tram cars in the world!

The 17 mile railway will take you along some of the most scenic stretches of railway in the British Isles. On one side you’ll experience the beautiful Manx countryside, glens and picturesque villages and to the other you’ll have far reaching views out to sea.

Trams depart from the Manx Electric Railway terminus (Derby Castle) at the Onchan end of Douglas Promenade, and can be located by the large ELECTRIC RAILWAY sign in the cliffs above. Trams also depart from Laxey and Ramsey. Although well known for its rural location there are more than 60 official stations or stops on the Manx Electric Railway network which provides a perfect opportunity to hop off and explore some of the Island’s most stunning glens and coastal areas.

Closed and open carriages which are often linked together in cooler weather to enable passengers to choose their exposure to the Manx fresh air!

Travel by steam in the South

The Isle of Man Steam Railway is the longest narrow gauge steam line in Britain that still uses its original locomotives and carriages.

The three foot narrow gauge railway was opened in 1873 and runs through the Island’s charming countryside between the Island’s capital and a range of destinations in the south.

Originally the southern route, which is around 15 and a half miles long, was part of a much larger steam railway network which used to serve Peel in the west, Ramsey in the north and the small mining village of Foxdale.

Many of the Island’s heritage attractions in the south of the Island are located near to railway stations making it a convenient way to travel. Simply sit back and revel in the spectacular Manx scenery and countryside as it gradually passes by you.

A one way journey along the beautiful Manx countryside running the full length from Douglas to Port Erin takes an hour to complete. In July and August, the peak months of the holiday season, there are seven return trains a day through the countryside, one of which is an evening service.

Take a trip to the top of the mountain

This unique Victorian enterprise, which is around five miles long, has been in operation since 1895 and is the only electric mountain railway in the British Isles.

You can start your journey on the Manx Electric Railway from Douglas or Ramsey to the pretty village of Laxey on the east coast – then board the Mountain Railway winding its way to the Island’s only mountain, Snaefell’s summit, where breathtaking views await.

Peaked at 2,036 feet above sea level, you may be able to see some, or all, of the Seven Kingdoms – England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, the Isle of Man and the kingdoms of heaven and the sea.

Local buses

Exploring the Isle of Man’s heritage attractions and glorious countryside during your visit is made easy with the Island’s extensive bus network.
The Isle of Man’s bus network – Bus Vannin – serves the whole of the Island on a regular basis allowing you explore the Island quickly and seamlessly while taking in the stunning sights from the comfort of a warm and reliable mode of transport.
There is a late-night bus service that operates on Friday and Saturday evenings and serves all the major towns. So, you can enjoy a few drinks or late night meal in different locations without having to worry about a taxi fare.

Bus Timetables for the different routes on the Isle of Man can be found here.

Local taxis

Taxis are a convenient way of getting around in comfort. Letting you experience the freedom of the Isle of Man, travelling by taxi gives you complete control of where you want to go without having to rely on fixed schedules.

Taxis on the Isle of Man are generally modern and comfortable with air-conditioning, plush seats and GPS. The vast majority of taxi drivers you’ll come across are friendly and helpful, with many happy to point out interesting sights and landmarks along the way.

There are many taxi ranks in the centre of Douglas, ready to take you back to your accommodation after soaking up the Douglas nightlife, shopping areas, theatre, cinemas or restaurants.

Alternatively, you can telephone for a taxi at any time with many firms operating a 24 hour all Island service. View the Isle of Man Taxi Directory here.

Hassle free car hire

Hiring a car during your stay lets you enjoy the Isle of Man’s scenic highlights and fascinating attractions with as many stops as you like so you can sit back and enjoy the experience without having to rush anywhere or stick to a confined schedule.

The majority of car hire companies are based at Ronaldsway Airport in Ballasalla which makes it easy to get yourself on the road as soon as you land. Alternatively, some companies will arrange delivery in advance to the Sea Terminal if you are arriving to the Island by ferry.

Whether you are visiting for a day, a week, or for an extended trip, you’ll find a great selection of cars to meet your needs.

Make sure you pick up a parking disc on arrival as many areas around the Island are zoned for free car parking – simply display your time of arrival and leave the disc so that it is clearly visible on your dashboard. Discs are available from all tourist information points, including the Isle of Man Welcome Centre located at the Sea Terminal in Douglas.

Motorbike hire

Motorcycle hire company offering a unique tailor made and bespoke motorcycle hire holiday packages. With a wide selection of late, low mileage modern motorcycles, we can provide the perfect bike for all riding styles, individual height and weight requirements and budgets.

We can be there to personally greet you on your arrival and take you to your choice of accommodation, be it a waterfront hotel, B&B or a traditional Manx cottage. Your choice of motorcycle will be ready and waiting for you, as will a welcome pack including everything you will need to make your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

Take a tour by Trike!

The Isle of Man is known as the Road Racing Capital of the World. With that in mind, Isle of Man Trike Tours are offering you a unique way to enjoy our roads. Despite many of the roads having no speed limit, a factor that attracts many enthusiasts, the team want you to enjoy our beautiful Island and tours safely. The emphasis of the tours is on enjoyment rather than high speed, though believe us when they say 30mph feels more like 50mph on the Trike when the wind is blowing through your hair!

The Island has hundreds of miles of quieter roads that will take you through places of historical interest and breathtaking scenery. The drivers are very knowledgeable about the Island, its history, people and places, so feel free to ask anything! The team love to show people what our Island has to offer and therefore IOM Trike Tours provide a range of set tours for your enjoyment. Alternatively they are also happy to discuss tours tailored to your requirements.