How do I get from Penzance to the Isles of Scilly?

Two services depart directly from Penzance: the Scillonian III ferry from Penzance Harbour (2h 45 mins to St Mary's, March–November) and the Penzance Helicopter from Penzance Heliport (~20 mins to St Mary's or Tresco, year-round).

Is the Scillonian ferry the only way from Penzance?

No — the Penzance Helicopter also departs directly from Penzance. There is a dedicated heliport approximately 1 mile from the town centre. The helicopter is significantly faster but more expensive.

How long does the ferry from Penzance take?

The Scillonian III takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes from Penzance Harbour to St Mary's Quay.

Can I get a train to Penzance?

Yes — Penzance is the terminus of the Great Western Railway main line from London Paddington and is well connected to the national rail network. The station is within walking distance of the ferry terminal.

Penzance to Isles of Scilly

Two direct services from Penzance — by sea or by air.

Photo: Hugh Town harbour, St Mary's (26 August 2006) — Chris Gorringe · CC BY-SA 2.0. Display may be cropped. Photo details.

Getting from Penzance to the Isles of Scilly

Penzance is the closest mainland point to the Isles of Scilly and offers two direct connections to the islands: the iconic Scillonian III ferry, which has sailed from Penzance Harbour since 1977, and the Penzance Helicopter, which operates from a dedicated heliport on the edge of the town.

Penzance itself is the terminus of the national rail network — the last stop on the Great Western Railway main line — making it accessible from London Paddington, the Midlands and the North without a car.

Scillonian III Ferry

Departs from Penzance Harbour, a 5-minute walk from Penzance railway station. Journey time: 2h 45 mins to St Mary's Quay. Seasonal service: approximately March to November. Luggage: 25kg (2 bags). Dogs welcome with advance booking.

Full ferry details

Penzance Helicopter

Departs from Penzance Heliport, approximately 1 mile from Penzance town centre. Journey time: approximately 20 minutes to St Mary's or Tresco. Year-round service (weather and operational conditions permitting). Luggage: 20kg (soft bags only). Indicative 2026 day trips: standard from £199, last-minute from £149 (24 hrs before); on-the-day scenic flight from £139.

Full helicopter details

Which Option From Penzance?

If cost and luggage allowance are your priorities, the Scillonian ferry is the better choice from Penzance. If speed, year-round availability, or a direct flight to Tresco matter more, the helicopter is the clear option. Both depart from Penzance town — the ferry from the harbour, the helicopter from a short taxi or bus ride away.

You can also reach the Isles of Scilly from Land's End Airport (a 30-minute drive from Penzance) via Skybus — the fastest crossing at approximately 20 minutes, and typically lower fares than the helicopter.

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Mainland Cornwall

Make a day of West Cornwall before you cross

Penzance sits at the heart of West Cornwall. If you have a day free before your ferry or helicopter, a private tour of the western tip is an easy way to reach Land's End, Cape Cornwall and the mining coast and still finish near your departure point. It's a mainland experience, not an island activity.

Private Tour of West Cornwall — guided day around the western tip from near Penzance

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Staying overnight in Penzance

Penzance accommodation — before or after Scilly

Many travellers stay a night in Penzance either side of their Scilly crossing — especially ferry passengers with early-morning sailings or late arrivals back on the mainland. This map shows overnight accommodation in and around Penzance. Availability and pricing are provided by the booking partner and change over time; always confirm details directly before booking.

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For a fuller itinerary pairing mainland Cornwall with your island stay, see our West Cornwall before or after Scilly guide.

FAQ

Penzance to Isles of Scilly — FAQs

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