Published 7 September 2026 · Planning links updated 11 September 2026
Scilly is one of those rare UK destinations where not having your own car can make the holiday feel more natural rather than less convenient. Scillonian III is a passenger ferry, and visitors commonly get around on foot, by bike, local road transport and boat.
The key is to think island by island rather than imagining a mainland road network spread across the archipelago.
St Mary's: the easiest place to start
Hugh Town, the quay and several beaches are walkable from one another, while the wider island can be explored on foot, by bike, bus, taxi or golf buggy. Visit Isles of Scilly describes walking as one of the easiest ways to get around and lists buses, taxis, bike hire and golf buggies among the services visitors can use.
If you arrive by air, a dedicated airport transfer service meets Skybus and Penzance Helicopters arrivals on St Mary's. If you arrive by ferry, you step directly into Hugh Town's harbour area.
The off-islands are made for walking
St Martin's, Bryher and St Agnes are all compact enough that walking is central to the visitor experience. Official island guides specifically describe St Martin's and Bryher as easy to explore on foot, while St Agnes is only about a mile across.
Tresco is also highly walkable and offers bike hire for visitors wanting to cover more ground. The lack of a conventional visitor car culture is part of the point: your pace changes, and the journey between places becomes part of the day.
Boats are your inter-island transport
Regular boat services connect the main islands and also support sightseeing and wildlife trips. Timetables are shaped by tides, weather and seasonal demand, so use current local information rather than relying on an old screenshot.
The Tourist Information Centre on St Mary's sells inter-island boat tickets and provides island-hopping advice. Your accommodation host is also often a useful source for the next day's practical options.
How to plan luggage
Without a car boot, packing becomes more important. Keep luggage manageable, check the allowance for your chosen air or sea operator and ask your accommodation about transfer arrangements. If you are splitting your stay across islands, make sure you understand how bags will move with you.
Who might still need extra planning?
Visitors with reduced mobility, very young children or lots of specialist equipment should look closely at accessibility and transfer information before booking. Car-free does not mean every route is equally easy for every traveller, especially where coastal paths and boat boarding are involved.
Sources and accuracy
We use official tourism bodies, transport operators and public heritage organisations for factual claims in this guide. Timetables, fares, opening times and weather-dependent services can change, so always confirm time-sensitive details directly before travelling.
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