England, UK
St Mary's Airport (ISC) on St Mary's island is the islands' airport. Mainland departure airports for flights to St Mary's include Land's End Airport (LEQ), Newquay Airport (NQY), and Exeter Airport (EXT). Isles of Scilly Travel, operating as Skybus, is the sole airline providing scheduled passenger flights to St Mary's. Routes link Land's End (LEQ), Newquay (NQY), and Exeter (EXT) to St Mary's (ISC). No direct international flights connect to St Mary's Airport. All flights are domestic connections from the UK mainland. Travelers from global hubs usually fly into a major UK airport (e.g., London Heathrow (LHR), London Gatwick (LGW)) and then connect via ground transport or another domestic flight to one of the Skybus departure points.
High Season (June-August) has the highest frequency of flights, with daily services from all three mainland airports. Prices are highest; book well in advance. Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October) has reduced frequency from Exeter and Newquay, but Land's End flights stay frequent. Prices are slightly lower than peak season. Low Season (November-March) has significantly reduced frequency, often only a few flights per week from Land's End, and possibly no flights from Newquay or Exeter. Flights are subject to weather cancellations. Prices are lowest during this period. One-way flights typically range from £100-£200+, varying by origin and season.
Small terminal with a cafe, toilets, and a shop. Facilities are limited.
Pre-booked minibus transfers meet all flights to Hugh Town or other accommodation (£3-£5 per person). This method is most common. Walking to Hugh Town with luggage is not practical (approx. 2 miles, hilly terrain).
Land's End (LEQ), Newquay (NQY), and Exeter (EXT) offer more extensive facilities, including cafes, shops, car parking, and car rental. Connection options to Penzance and city centers are available.
No train services operate on the Isles of Scilly. The closest major train station to the Isles of Scilly is Penzance (PNZ) in Cornwall. Great Western Railway (GWR) operates direct services to Penzance from London Paddington and other major UK cities. This station serves as the main rail gateway for connecting to the Scillonian III ferry. No long-distance bus services operate on the Isles of Scilly. National Express operates long-distance bus services to Penzance from various UK cities. This creates a budget-friendly way to reach the ferry terminal.
Tourist car rental is not available on St Mary's and is generally not permitted or practical on the off-islands. Vehicles remain limited, and walking, cycling, or boat trips make the main modes of transport. On the Mainland, if driving to a Skybus airport or Penzance ferry terminal, standard UK driving laws apply. Leave vehicles in designated car parks (pre-booking recommended, specifically in Penzance during peak season). On St Mary's, roads are generally narrow, often with high hedges. Speed limits remain low, mainly 20 mph. Pedestrians, cyclists, and occasional farm vehicles share the roads. Off-Islands: Roads are mainly tracks, paths, or very narrow lanes with minimal vehicle traffic.
Walking, cycling, or boat trips are the main modes of transport on the islands, not cars.
On St Mary's, roads are narrow and shared with pedestrians, cyclists, and farm vehicles.
Other islands feature mostly tracks and paths with minimal vehicle traffic.
The Scillonian III ferry provides a traditional and scenic way to reach the Isles of Scilly, offering a slower pace and opportunities to spot wildlife. This main sea link is operated by Isles of Scilly Travel. The route is from Penzance Harbour, Cornwall, to St Mary's Harbour (Hugh Town), Isles of Scilly. The journey duration is approximately 2 hours 45 minutes. Frequency varies seasonally: High Season (April-October) means typically 6 days a week, sometimes daily. Low Season (November-March) has no operations. Immigration checks typically occur prior to boarding at Penzance, or upon arrival at St Mary's.
Penzance Harbour is located in Penzance town center, within walking distance of the train station and bus stops. Taxis are also available. St Mary's Harbour (Hugh Town) is located in Hugh Town. Most accommodations in Hugh Town are within walking distance. Pre-booked taxis or minibuses can meet the ferry for transfers to other parts of St Mary's. Inter-island boat services depart from the quay adjacent to the Scillonian III berth. The Isles of Scilly can accommodate smaller cruise ships. These ships typically anchor off St Mary's, and passengers tender ashore to Hugh Town. This is not a regular scheduled service for general passengers.
Skybus (St Mary's Airport): Arrive at least 60-90 minutes before departure. Scillonian III (St Mary's Harbour): Arrive at the quay at least 30-45 minutes before departure.
Be aware of baggage allowances for Skybus (strict limits) and Scillonian III (generous; pre-send luggage via freight for convenience).
Always check the weather forecast and travel updates before departing the islands. High winds or fog cause cancellations or delays.
Book your ferry or flight well in advance, specifically for high season travel. Space fills quickly due to the islands' popularity and limited transport capacity.
