The Complete Isles of Scilly Travel Hub

The Isles of Scilly sit 28 miles south-west of Land's End and are one of the most remote yet accessible island groups in England. Reaching them requires advance planning — there are three distinct transport options, each suited to different budgets, travel styles, and departure points.

Three Ways to Reach the Isles of Scilly

Scillonian III Ferry — the traditional sea crossing departs from Penzance harbour and takes approximately 2 hours 45 minutes to reach St Mary's. It operates seasonally, typically from late March to early November, and carries passengers, vehicles for crew, and significant luggage. The ferry is the only option that allows you to bring large items and is particularly popular with families and those carrying camping equipment.

Skybus Flights — operated by Isles of Scilly Travel, Skybus connects the islands with Land's End Airport, Newquay Cornwall Airport, and Exeter Airport. Flight times range from around 20 minutes (Land's End) to around 1 hour (Exeter). Luggage allowances are strictly limited by weight — typically 15kg per person — making this option better suited to lighter travellers. Skybus operates year-round from Land's End. Exeter is seasonal; Newquay services are suspended from 1 September 2026 until 16 March 2027. Check the operator's live status before booking.

Penzance Helicopter — a helicopter service operates from a dedicated heliport in Penzance, offering the fastest crossing to St Mary's (approximately 20 minutes) and the only direct service to Tresco. It combines speed with a generous baggage allowance relative to Skybus and operates throughout the year. The helicopter is particularly valued by travellers heading to the off-islands and those seeking premium comfort.

Choosing the Right Route for Your Journey

Your ideal route depends on several factors: where you're travelling from, how much luggage you're carrying, whether you have pets, your budget, and which island you're staying on. Travellers based in the South West of England have access to all three options, while those travelling from further afield — such as the Midlands or Northern England — may find Newquay or Exeter airport connections more convenient than driving to Penzance.

For those travelling to Tresco specifically, the helicopter provides the only direct link, landing near the island's settlement. All other services arrive at St Mary's, from which inter-island boat trips run regularly to Tresco, Bryher, St Martin's, and St Agnes. These inter-island launches are an integral part of the Scilly travel experience and run throughout the day during peak season.

Seasonal Considerations and Booking Advice

Demand for travel to the Isles of Scilly is extremely high during the summer months, particularly in July and August. It is strongly recommended to book your outward and return journeys as early as possible — ideally at the point you confirm your accommodation. The Scillonian ferry in particular sells out weeks in advance during peak school holidays. Flight seats on Skybus also go quickly for popular routes.

Weather can affect all three services, though in different ways. The ferry crossing can be rough in poor conditions, making seasickness a genuine consideration for some passengers. Flights and helicopter services are more susceptible to low cloud and fog, particularly in spring and autumn. Always check the operator's cancellation and disruption policy before booking, and consider travel insurance that covers transport delays specific to island destinations.

About This Resource

Isles of Scilly Compare is an independent travel comparison platform. We are not affiliated with any transport operator, accommodation provider, or tourism body. We regularly review information against operator guidance and welcome corrections from operators and frequent travellers to help keep this guide accurate and up to date. We do not publish live pricing — all cost references are indicative only. For accurate fares and to make a booking, always visit the official operator websites directly.