Getting Around – Roy Cottage Self-catering Accommodation Isle of Man | Holiday Cottage Castletown IOM

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Whether you choose to hire a car, take a taxi, travel by bus or step back in time and hop aboard the Victorian rail networks, you’ll find it easy to get around the Isle of Man.

If you are bringing your own car or bike, parking spaces are available outside the cottage. You’ll find Castletown is an ideal base for exploring the southern island as anywhere on the island is within easy reach by car, nowhere is more than an hour away. Car Hire is readily available and a good option to give you unlimited freedom. Taxis are abundant, with the largest rank based nearby at the airport.

But, you may wish to leave your car at home because, between them, the bus and train services allow you to see the sights of the Island. You can purchase a Go Explore card which gives you unlimited travel on scheduled bus and rail services, allowing seamless travel across all Isle of Man Transport.

The Isle of Man’s heritage railways are a fun way to explore the Island’s impressive landscape and heritage sites in style. From Roy Cottage the Isle of Man Steam Railway offers easy access to villages and towns to the west of Castletown through to Port Erin, and north to Douglas. It is only about 5 minutes walk to the steam railway station and it offers a good service in March and November as well as at weekends around Christmas.

There’s an extensive bus network – Bus Vannin – that serves the whole Island on a regular basis and run efficient services. The bus stop is only a two minute walk away from the cottage.

Once in Douglas you can journey back in time round the Island, with access to more heritage railways. The Manx Electric Railway is a pleasant way to get from Douglas to Ramsey and back again. Travel along the promenade in Douglas on the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway, or take a trip up the mountain on the Snaefell Mountain Railway. The valleys of Laxey and Groudle Glen have narrow gauge railways.

By car or bike

There are free electric car charging stations available in The Quay car park in the centre of Castletown, and in other towns across the Island.

The town has dedicated parking for the local bank, supermarkets and the railway station.

Car hire

Why not hire a car and take to the open roads? See beyond every hill and investigate every sight that catches your eye and travel at your own pace.

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.

Taxi

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.

Taxi ranks are present directly outside the entrance of the Sea Terminal building and the airport ready to take you on to your chosen destination once you arrive on the Island. Taxis are available to meet flight and sailing times with most destinations around the Isle of Man being covered by fixed tariff charges, so you know exactly how much the journey will cost.

Go Explore card

Go Explore card holders can experience of the Steam Railway, Manx Electric Railway, Snaefell Mountain Railway, Douglas Horse Trams and buses.

Alternatively there are 5 day Go Explore Heritage cards available which includes unlimited travel plus admission to all Manx National Heritage attractions.

Get yours online or in person from the Welcome Centre in Douglas Sea Terminal, the airport information desk, main stations and the House of Manannan in Peel.

+44 1624 686801

Isle of Man Steam Railway

Opened in 1874 the Isle of Man Railway (IMR) is a 3ft narrow gauge steam-operated railway, connecting Castletown with Douglas and Port Erin. At 15 and a half miles it is the longest narrow gauge steam line in Britain.

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.

+44 1624 662525

Isle of Man Bus Timetables

Bus Vannin is the local operator of the Island's bus network. Various Day Saver and Explorer tickets are available.

Castletown Bus services operate through the town to Douglas, Port St Mary and Port Erin using route numbers 1, 2, 11 and 12; these run about every twenty minutes on weekdays and Saturdays with a less frequent service at weekends and after 6.00 pm. Some services do not run through the town but use the bypass road because they also serve Ronaldsway Airport just outside the town.

+44 1624 697400

Douglas Bay Horse Tramway

The horse trams are a common sight on the promenade during the summer months and are a great way to enjoy and the stunning views out to sea.

Dating back to 1876, the trams were first introduced to take advantage of the booming tourist trade in Victorian times. It is the oldest surviving Horse Tramway in Britain.

Visitors can start the two mile journey at either end of the Douglas Promenades, from the main depot at Derby Castle, or the Sea Terminal. You can also visit the horses in their stables and browse the shop. Stable tours run daily - enquire at Derby Castle Station.

+44 1624 662525

Manx Electric Railway

For the best coastal and glen views as well as a wonderful period tram ride, the MER connects the Island’s capital, Douglas, with Laxey in the east and Ramsey in the north.

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. With more than 60 official stations or stops on the network, it provides a perfect opportunity to hop off and explore some of the Island’s most stunning glens and coastal areas.

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.

+44 1624 861226

Snaefell Mountain Railway

Running a total of four miles from the village of Laxey to the top of the island’s highest mountain, Snaefell at 2,036ft, Snaefell Mountain Railway 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.

At the top is a cafe and ticket station. From the top on a clear day it is said one can see some, or all, of the Seven Kingdoms - England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, the Isle of Man and the kingdoms of heaven and the sea.

+44 1624 662525

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