The Isle of Man is 221 square miles of striking landscapes, scenic drives, and over a 100,000 years of Manx history still visible today. Visitors can explore heritage sites, ancient monuments, and museums all year-round. In the fair weather periods, the Isle of Man draws people for cycling along country roads, walking and hiking the glens, climbing its rugged cliffs, and watching its unique wildlife. Taking a ferry to the Isle of Man offers the opportunity to enjoy all the island has to offer by giving you the ability to travel with independence and your own equipment for whatever activity takes your fancy.
The Steam Packet Company operates ferries from Heysham, Liverpool, and Birkenhead to the Isle of Man, giving you the option to travel as a foot passenger or with a car. Here is a comparison of the three journeys and the vessels that sail them:
From £180/per vehicle
The Heysham — Douglas ferry route connects north west England with the Isle of Man. The route is served by the vessel Ben-My-Chree, a conventional ferry with sailing durations around 3 hours 45 minutes. This service departs to the Isle of Man up to 13 times each week. The Ben-My-Chree offers 4 berth en-suite cabins with televisions and complimentary tea and coffee. The Heysham port offers a waiting lounge with snack bar and restaurant and a children’s play area.
From £180/per vehicle
The Liverpool to Isle of Man ferry route is served 12 times per week by the Manannan, Steam Packet’s most recent addition to the fleet. The new fastcraft offers spacious seating areas, two cinema lounges, and a large cafe bar area which help you travel in comfort on the 2 hour 45 minute journey from Liverpool. The vessel can accommodate up to 200 vehicles. Upgrade to a club experience for access to the skylounge on the upper deck where you can enjoy watching the Manannan slice through the waves of the Irish Sea.
From £180/ per vehicle
Birkenhead is park of Liverpool’s vast dock system that offers passenger services to Douglas on the Isle of Man. The Birkenhead route operates just twice per week on Saturdays and Sundays during the winter season (usually November to March). The 4-hour and 15 minute journey is served by the Ben-My-Chree ship. The Steam Packet Company provides a free shuttle bus between the Twelve Quays dock and Liverpool Pier Head terminal for arrivals and departures. The Twelve Quays terminal offers a waiting lounge with food and drink vending machines.