Compare Travel Options
Ferry, plane or helicopter — all three options compared clearly and honestly.
Photo: Hugh Town harbour, St Mary's (26 August 2006) — Chris Gorringe · CC BY-SA 2.0. Display may be cropped. Photo details.
Compare the three crossing options
Use the side-by-side transport details to choose a service. Already decided? Plan the practical steps in the travel checklist.
2026 Ferry Update: 2026 is expected to be the final season for Scillonian III, with Scillonian IV planned to replace her from March 2027. Always check the latest operator updates before travelling.
At A Glance
Cheapest Day Trip
Scillonian Ferry
Day trips from £35 adult (early booking)
Fastest Crossing
Helicopter / Skybus (Land's End)
Around 15–20 minutes (helicopter) / 20 minutes (Skybus from Land's End)
Best for Luggage
Scillonian Ferry
25kg allowance, 2 bags per person
Best for Tresco
Penzance Helicopter
Only service flying direct to Tresco
Best for Dogs
Ferry or Skybus (Land's End / Newquay)
Both welcome dogs — book ahead
Most Flexible
Skybus
Three airports; Land's End year-round, Newquay & Exeter seasonal
Scillonian Ferry
2h 45 mins
Fares vary by date
Day trips from £35 adult. Prices vary. Always check the official operator before booking.
Penzance Harbour
St Mary's Harbour
March to November
Standard: 2 hold bags, 25kg combined (max 85×60×40cm each, no bag over 20kg). Day trips: no hold luggage. Cabin: one 5kg bag (40×55×20cm)
Dogs welcome — must be booked in advance, max 2 per adult
May be cancelled in rough seas or high winds
Advantages
- Generous 25kg luggage allowance
- Dogs welcome on board
- Scenic crossing past St Michael's Mount
- Direct rail connection to Penzance
- Lowest typical fares
Watch Out For
- Longest journey at 2h 45 mins
- Seasonal — March to November only
- Can be cancelled in rough weather
Book early — popular sailings sell out. Check islesofscilly-travel.co.uk.
Best For
Families, those with luggage, scenic travellers & dog owners
Skybus
20–60 mins
Fares vary by airport
Fares vary by airport, season and availability. Check islesofscilly-travel.co.uk.
Land's End (20 mins), Newquay (30 mins) or Exeter (1 hr)
St Mary's Airport
Land's End year-round; Exeter seasonal; Newquay suspended until 16 March 2027
15kg hold across two bags; cabin: one bag up to 30 × 15 × 15 cm / 3kg. No hold allowance on day-trip tickets
Dogs on Land's End & Newquay routes only — not permitted on Exeter route
Fog and low cloud can ground flights — check operator status before travelling
Advantages
- Three departure airports to choose from
- Land's End route operates all year round
- Land's End to St Mary's in just 20 mins
- Spectacular low-altitude aerial views
Watch Out For
- Cabin bag: 30 × 15 × 15 cm, max 3kg — measure before packing
- Fog or low cloud can disrupt flights
- No dogs permitted on Exeter route
Land's End departures are most popular for day trips. Book in advance during peak season.
Best For
Day trips, year-round flexibility & those wanting spectacular aerial views
Penzance Helicopter
~15–20 mins
Day trips from £149
Indicative 2026 fares: standard day trip from £199 return; last-minute day trip from £149 return (24 hrs before travel, subject to availability); on-the-day scenic flight from £139. Fares vary — always check penzancehelicopters.co.uk.
Penzance Heliport
St Mary's or Tresco
All year (weather permitting)
Standard: 20kg soft hold bag (70 × 39 × 31 cm) plus cabin item 3kg (30 × 15 × 15 cm). Day trips: small daypack up to 5kg. Scenic flights: no luggage
Dogs carried onboard — book by phone on 01736 780828; must fit the operator's secure crate (larger crate with prior booking); confirm current rules/fees
Year-round service, but weather and operational-condition dependent — flights can be delayed or cancelled as conditions differ at departure, en route or destination
Advantages
- Fastest crossing — around 15–20 minutes
- Only service flying direct to Tresco
- Operates all year round
- 20kg hold luggage — most generous air allowance
Watch Out For
- Most expensive option
- Soft bags only — no rigid cases or hard-shell luggage
- Max 10 passengers per flight
Day trip availability is limited. Last-minute fares available from 24 hrs before travel. Book well in advance for peak dates.
Best For
Speed, Tresco visitors, special occasions & those departing from Penzance
Independent guide — for planning purposes only. All prices, times, luggage rules and pet policies shown are indicative and subject to change. Always confirm current details directly with the official operator before booking or travelling.
Not Sure Which To Choose?
Read our independent Travel Guide
Families, dogs, day trips, bad weather — we've covered it all.
Traveller Tip
Did You Know?
Important Note
Local Advice
FAQ
Travel Comparison — FAQs
Continue Reading
Scillonian Ferry Guide
Full details on the ferry crossing, luggage, dogs and booking.
Read moreSkybus Flights Guide
All three airports, journey times and what to expect on board.
Read morePenzance Helicopter Guide
The fastest route to Scilly — and the only direct flight to Tresco.
Read moreTravel with Dogs
Which services accept dogs and how to book your pet on board.
Read moreScillonian Luggage Guide
Ferry baggage allowances, sizes and packing tips.
Read moreScilly Seasickness Guide
Crossing conditions and seasickness advice for the ferry.
Read moreParking For The Scilly Ferry
Long-stay parking near Penzance harbour.
Read moreScilly Day Trip Guide
How to plan a single day on the islands.
Read moreUseful next steps for this trip
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