Getting to the Isles of Scilly

By Air and Sea

There are regular air and sea links between Scilly and the mainland. From Penzance you have the choice of either the Scillonan III ferry, or the helicopter. There are also scheduled flights by fixed wing aircraft from Land's End, Newquay, Exeter, Southampton and Bristol, with connections on to other UK airports. Generally there are no flights or sailings on a Sunday.

Scillonian III and fixed wing aircraft

The Isles of Scilly Travel Centre
Telephone 0845 710 5555 
Email : sales@islesofscilly-travel.co.uk

Helicopter

British International, 
The Heliport, Penzance, 
Cornwall. TR18 3AP 

Telephone (01736) 363871
Email: reservations@brit-int.co.uk

By Rail and Road

There are regular trains serving Penzance which is the terminus of the South West mainline. Connections are available to Paddington and Waterloo in London, Plymouth, Exeter and Bristol in the South West, and connections to the Midlands and the North. Sleeper trains are available.
If you're travelling by road, the M5 to Exeter and greatly improved roads through Devon and Cornwall, make it a relatively quick journey by coach or by car.

Useful Links:

Public Transport
Wales and west - the regional rail company serving the South West - timetables and other information
National Rail- plan your train journey 
National Express - plan your coach journey 
UK Public Transport Information Website - really useful information on trains, coaches, buses etc

Road Travel
The RAC - up to date road conditions and route planner - type in start and end points and it will tell you where to go and how long it will take.
The AA - road condition information.

Getting around once you're on Scilly

St. Mary's

On arrival, there is a choice of transport to your accommodation. Buses meet scheduled flights at the airport and if you arrive by boat, it is a short walk into Hugh Town (you can arrange for your luggage to be delivered) or you can take a taxi.

For travelling around the island, there is a community bus service which departs from opposite the Town Hall (timetable available from the Tourist Information Centre). This will get you to town in the morning in time for a trip on the boats or take you from Hugh Town to within minutes of deserted sandy beaches. There are several taxis which are very reasonably priced. And the more adventurous can hire a bicycle and wander at will around the quiet lanes - the highest point of St Mary's, Telegraph, is only about 150 feet (45 metres) above sea-level, so it shouldn't strain your legs too much. Bus tours provide a leisurely introduction to the island, with an entertaining and informative commentray from the drivers.

Boating
There are 15 or so passenger boats that work from St. Marys. Most work together as the St. Mary's Boatman's Association which provides the main passenger service between the islands, including circular trips to view the seals and seabirds.
In addition to the Association, several smaller independant boats run a more personal and individual service. Trips vary according to the time of year and the weather - notice boards on St. Mary's quay and in the town provide up to date information. Boats are also available for hire.

Contacts:

Tour buses / cars
Island Rover - 01720 422131
Jim Johnson's Bus Service and Tours - 01720 422555
Classic Car Tours - 01720 422479

Taxis
Island Taxis - 01720 422126 or 422635
Q Cabs - 01720 422260
St Mary's Taxis (Jim Johnson) - 01720 422555
Scilly Cabs - 01720 422901
Atlantic Taxis - 01720 423410

Bicycle Hire
Buccaboo, Porthcressa - 01720 422289

Boats
St. Mary's Boatman's Association - Karenza, Ennor Close, St. Mary's, Isles of Scilly TR21 0NL
Hicks & Sons Boat Hire - 01720 422541, Fax 01720 423132
Sea Quest (glass bottomed boat) (Alfred Hicks) - 01720 422511
Island Sea Safaris (rib with underwater camera) (Mark Groves) - 01720 422732
Calypso (Tim Fortey) - 01720 422187
Blue Hunter (Paul Osborne) - 01720 423377
Crusader (Paul Hicks) - 01720 422028

Off Islands

Boats
Bryher & Tresco
Firethorn, Faldore, Cyclone (David & James Stedeford)  01720 422886

St Agnes
Spirit of St Agnes (David Peacock) 01720 422704 website

St Martins
Voyager, Enterprise, Lightening (Terry Perkins)  01720 422814