How do I travel to Tresco?

You can reach Tresco by helicopter directly from Penzance (the only direct service), or via St Mary's: fly or take the ferry to St Mary's and then take a tripper boat from St Mary's Quay to Tresco (~20–25 mins).

Can I fly directly to Tresco?

Yes — the Penzance Helicopter is the only mainland-to-Tresco direct service. All other operators (Skybus and the Scillonian ferry) only serve St Mary's.

How long does it take to travel from Penzance to Tresco by helicopter?

Approximately 20 minutes — making it one of the fastest and most memorable ways to arrive on the islands.

Do tripper boats from St Mary's go to Tresco?

Yes — regular tripper boats connect St Mary's Quay with Tresco during the season (approximately April to October). Always check current timetables with the operator.

Is Tresco worth visiting?

Tresco is widely regarded as one of the finest island experiences in the British Isles. The Abbey Garden, private estate atmosphere, pristine beaches and car-free environment make it exceptional. Most visitors who go once return repeatedly.

How to Travel to Tresco

Direct by helicopter from Penzance, or via St Mary's — all options explained.

Photo: Pentle Bay, Tresco (10 September 2012) — Jonathan Billinger · CC BY-SA 2.0. Display may be cropped. Photo details.

Alastair Semmens· Isles of Scilly CompareUpdated: June 2026Reviewed: June 2026

Independent guide — not affiliated with any operator. All prices, times and policies are indicative. Verify with operators before booking. Editorial Policy · Research · Disclaimer

Sources: Penzance Helicopters, Isles of Scilly Travel

Getting to Tresco

Tresco is the only inhabited island in the Isles of Scilly with a mainland direct air service. The Penzance Helicopter flies directly to Tresco's private helipad from Penzance Heliport in approximately 20 minutes. All other mainland transport services — the Scillonian ferry and Skybus — serve St Mary's only, from where Tresco is reached by tripper boat.

Option 1: Penzance Helicopter (Direct — Recommended)

Penzance Heliport → Tresco Helipad · ~20 mins · Year-round (weather permitting) · 20kg luggage (soft bags) · Day trips from £149 return (last-minute; standard from £199)

The only mainland service that flies direct to Tresco. If Tresco is your primary destination, this is the definitive way to arrive. Book well in advance for peak season dates.

Helicopter details

Option 2: Via St Mary's (Ferry or Skybus + Tripper Boat)

1Travel to St Mary's by Scillonian ferry from Penzance (2h 45 mins) or Skybus from Land's End, Newquay or Exeter (20–60 mins).
2Arrive at St Mary's (ferry at St Mary's Quay; Skybus at St Mary's Airport, ~10 min taxi to quay).
3Take a tripper boat from St Mary's Quay to Tresco (~20–25 mins). Tripper boats are seasonal (approx. April–October).

Which Option Is Best for Tresco?

If Tresco is your primary destination — particularly for a short break, a special occasion, or you are staying at Tresco Estate — the helicopter is almost always the better choice. It is faster, more direct, and there is something exceptionally fitting about arriving on a private island by helicopter.

If you are visiting multiple islands and want to maximise luggage or have your dog with you, arriving via St Mary's and taking the tripper boat gives you the best of all worlds. The ferry's 25kg luggage allowance is particularly useful for longer stays.

FAQ

Travel to Tresco — FAQs

Tresco Island Guide

What to do, where to stay and what to expect on Tresco.

Penzance Helicopter

The only direct Tresco service from the mainland.

Compare All Options

Full comparison of all three transport options.

St Mary's Guide

The main island and gateway to the off-islands.