Travelling to and around the Isles of Scilly

Getting to the Isles of Scilly, by air or sea.

Arriving on Scilly is often a magical experience. Arrive by sea and you'll appreciate our isolated location, as the dots on the horizon take shape as islands, with golden beaches and ancient monuments nestled into the cliffs. The relatively shorter journey by air gives you the chance to see our unique landscape from above, as you decend over the azure seas, minature flower fields, and countless rocky headlands.

There are regular scheduled air and sea links between Scilly and the mainland (but no longer a helicopter service; this ceased operations in 2012).

By rail and road

There are regular trains serving Penzance which is the terminus of the South West mainline. Connections are available to Paddington and Waterloo in London, Plymouth, Exeter and Bristol in the South West, and connections to the Midlands and the North. Sleeper trains are available.

National Rail - journey planner and ticket availability for trains throughout the UK

First Great Western - the main regional rail company serving the South West.

Cross Country Trains - another train company that serves Penzance.

If you're travelling by road, the M5 to Exeter and greatly improved roads through Devon and Cornwall, make it a relatively quick journey by coach or by car.

The RAC - up to date road conditions and route planner: type in start and end points and it will tell you where to go and how long it will take.

The AA - road condition information.