To get to the Isles of Scilly, fly to St Mary’s with Skybus or sail from Penzance on Scillonian III, then take inter-island boats as needed.
Scilly feels far away, yet getting there is straightforward once you know the two routes and the mainland steps. This page gives you a clear pick between flight and ferry, then walks through the full chain from your front door to your island doorstep.
How Do You Get To The Isles Of Scilly?
Most visitors arrive on St Mary’s. You either land at St Mary’s Airport or dock at St Mary’s Quay. From St Mary’s, scheduled boats connect to Tresco, St Martin’s, Bryher, and St Agnes, plus day-trip landings on smaller isles when conditions allow.
| Route | Typical Time | Best Fit |
|---|---|---|
| Fly: Land’s End → St Mary’s | 15–20 min in the air | Fast arrival, day trips, light bags |
| Fly: Newquay → St Mary’s | 30–40 min in the air | Linking from wider UK travel |
| Fly: Exeter → St Mary’s | 60–70 min in the air | Devon base, rail-air combos |
| Sail: Penzance → St Mary’s (Scillonian III) | 2 hr 45 min–3 hr 15 min | Scenic ride, heavier luggage |
| Fly + Sail (one-way each) | Mixed | Speed in, slow return |
| Train to Penzance | Varies by city | Car-free travel to the ferry |
| Drive to Land’s End or Penzance | Varies by city | Flexible start times |
| Inter-island boats from St Mary’s | 10–30 min | Staying off St Mary’s |
Getting To The Isles Of Scilly From Mainland UK With Less Stress
Nearly every trip breaks into three legs: your mainland travel, the crossing, then the final hop to your stay. Lock the mainland leg first, since it controls your check-in window. Then book the crossing that fits your timing and baggage. If you want one place to compare dates and departure points, use Isles of Scilly Travel route options to see flight and ferry choices together.
Choose Your Mainland Departure Point
Scilly crossings leave from four places: Penzance Harbour for the ferry, plus Land’s End, Newquay, and Exeter for flights. Pick the one that matches your UK start point, then decide flight versus ferry. A London traveller often finds rail to Penzance neat and direct, while a Cornwall road trip can make Land’s End the cleanest jump-off.
Build In A Realistic Buffer
Wind and sea conditions can shift plans. Give yourself slack on arrival day if you’re tying Scilly to a fixed-time plan like a ceremony, a booked tour, or a last-train connection. Avoid booking the last mainland link right after your crossing.
Flying To St Mary’s With Skybus
Flying is the quickest way to reach the islands and it can turn Scilly into a long day out if the schedule suits. Skybus services run into St Mary’s Airport from Land’s End year-round, with seasonal links from Newquay and Exeter depending on the timetable. Expect small aircraft, short boarding lines, and an arrival close to Hugh Town.
What To Expect At Small Airports
Think “arrive, check in, go” rather than big-terminal sprawl. That’s a plus if you like simple steps. It also means you should arrive ready: online check-in done if offered, pockets cleared, liquids packed, and bags within the weight rule printed on your booking.
Baggage Planning That Saves Money
Flight baggage limits are the main trip-wrecker. Weigh your bag at home. Swap hard cases for a soft duffel if you can. Wear your heaviest shoes and coat on travel day. If you’re carrying camera kit or hiking boots, pack with intention rather than “maybe I’ll need it.”
Transfers After Landing
St Mary’s Airport sits close to town. If you’re staying on St Mary’s, you can often get to your accommodation with a short taxi ride or a brisk walk if you’re travelling light. If you’re heading straight to another island, plan the airport-to-quay transfer so you’re not sprinting with bags to meet a boat list.
Sailing From Penzance On Scillonian III
The ferry is the classic sea route. It runs between Penzance and St Mary’s on many days in the main season, giving you a direct dock-to-quay arrival. Check-in is simple, the view is big, and the pace feels like a proper start to a holiday. For current sailing details and check-in notes, see the Scillonian III ferry information page.
Seasickness: Practical Moves That Help
If you get motion sick, pick a seat near the middle of the boat where the roll is milder. Stay hydrated and eat light before boarding. Fresh air on deck can help, yet avoid staring down at a phone for long stretches.
Luggage And Boarding
The ferry can suit heavier luggage because you’re not working within small-aircraft limits. Still, you’ll carry bags through terminals and along quays, so pack in manageable chunks. A suitcase plus a small day bag beats three loose totes. If you’re travelling as a group, label bags so it’s quick to spot them after disembarking.
Day Trips Versus Overnight Stays
A day trip can work if you want a taste of St Mary’s: a beach stroll, lunch in Hugh Town, and a short loop walk. It can also feel tight because sea time eats the edges of the day. If you want a slow dinner, a sunset, or an early start on another island, stay at least one night.
Arriving On St Mary’s And Reaching Other Islands
St Mary’s is your transfer hub. The most useful habit is handling your next leg before you start wandering.
Heading To St Mary’s Accommodation
Settle your bags first if you can. You’ll enjoy the island more without hauling weight. If you’ve arrived by ferry, you’ll already be near town. If you’ve arrived by air, arrange a taxi if your stay is uphill or you’ve packed more than you meant to.
Heading Straight To Tresco, St Martin’s, Bryher, Or St Agnes
Inter-island boats usually leave from St Mary’s Quay. Times can shift with tide and weather. Show up early, buy the right ticket for the day, and keep a dry layer handy even when the sun is out. If you miss the last boat, your plan changes fast, so treat boat times like a hard boundary.
Which Option Fits Your Trip?
Use these quick filters to pick your route without second-guessing.
If Time Is Tight
Fly, then keep your mainland leg clean: arrive near the departure airport the night before if you’re coming from far away. If you’re booking a short break, those saved hours often matter more than the fare difference.
If You’re Packing Heavy
Lean toward the ferry, or plan a fly-out and sail-back so you only deal with strict baggage rules once. If you must fly with more gear, price any extra baggage before you buy the ticket so you’re not surprised later.
If Comfort Is The Priority
Some people prefer a smooth flight. Others hate small planes and would rather sit with space, snacks, and deck air. Pick the version of comfort that matches you, not the one that sounds best on paper.
Common Mistakes That Turn Into Stress
These are the traps that catch first-timers. Clear them and the rest is easy.
- Booking the crossing before the mainland leg: confirm trains, drives, and hotel nights first, then choose the crossing slot that fits.
- Cutting the timing too fine: build slack for traffic, rail delays, and weather shifts.
- Ignoring baggage rules: weigh bags at home and pack fewer “just in case” items.
- Assuming boats run late: check the last inter-island sailing and treat it as a hard stop.
Costs, Time, And Comfort At A Glance
Fares change by date and demand, so use this as a planning snapshot, then confirm exact prices when you book.
| Factor | Flying | Ferry |
|---|---|---|
| Crossing time | Short, plus airport steps | Longer at sea |
| Baggage handling | Strict weight limits | Often simpler for heavier bags |
| Comfort style | Quick, seated cabin | Move around, deck air |
| Best for day trips | Yes, if times suit | Possible, yet time feels tight |
| Best for slow travel | Less time on the crossing | Crossing feels part of the break |
| Weather pinch point | Wind can affect flights | Sea state affects comfort |
Three Sample Itineraries
If you’d rather copy a plan, start here and tweak the mainland part for your city.
Plan A: Train To Penzance, Sail To St Mary’s
- Arrive in Penzance the day before if you’re travelling from far away.
- Walk to the harbour early, check in, and board with time to spare.
- On arrival, drop bags, then explore Hugh Town on foot.
Plan B: Drive To Land’s End, Fly To St Mary’s
- Park at Land’s End, keeping luggage within your booking limit.
- Fly in, then transfer to town or straight to the quay for onward boats.
- Use the first afternoon for an easy coastal walk while you get your bearings.
Plan C: Fly Out, Sail Back
- Fly in to save time on day one, then take inter-island boats on day two.
- Sail back on your last day, then stay in Penzance or book a later mainland connection.
Final Answer In Plain Words
If you’re still asking, “how do you get to the isles of scilly?”, pick Skybus to St Mary’s for speed or Scillonian III from Penzance for the sea route, then connect by local boat if you’re staying off St Mary’s.
And if you’re asking the same thing again—how do you get to the isles of scilly?—the deciding factor is simple: fly for time, sail for baggage and a slower start, then let St Mary’s handle the rest.