How to Book Your Isle of Man TT Experience
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Planning your first trip to the Isle of Man TT can feel overwhelming, but the Duke Bookings team is here to make it easy. With over 30 years of experience as an official TT travel partner, we’ve helped countless enthusiasts, like you, have the trip of a lifetime.
Our comprehensive guide simplifies your planning process, covering everything from ferry bookings to non-race day activities. We offer a variety of accommodation options right in the heat of all the TT action.
Top Tip:
Book your travel to the island first, as it’s the hardest part to secure. Our Glamping and Camping Accommodation options are available to match your travel dates once you’ve sorted your travel.
Isle of Man TT: When to Visit?
The TT Races take place over two weeks, with the first Sunday in June—once known as ‘Mad Sunday’—marking the midpoint. The first week is dedicated to TT qualifying, while the second week features six race days.
Qualifying sessions typically happen in the evenings, except for the first Monday (all day) and Friday (afternoon session). Qualifying week is less crowded than race week, offering better deals on ferries, flights, and accommodations. With every bike class on track daily, there’s more on-track action during qualifying than on race days. The atmosphere is more relaxed, with easier access to popular viewing spots, bars, and restaurants.
During the day, you can explore the island before selecting your ideal spot to watch the evening’s on-track action. We believe qualifying week is the TT’s best-kept secret.
Race Week features ten races over six days: Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Races occur during the day, and the TT course is closed all day for these events.
Race Week draws the largest crowds, so travel and accommodation options sell out quickly, especially on peak days. Prices are higher, roads are busier, and popular viewing spots fill up hours before the roads close for racing. Bars and restaurants also reach capacity quickly in the evenings.
A common question we get is, “Which is the main race?” There isn’t a single main race; all riders and teams participate in each race day. While the bikes may differ, every race is equally thrilling.
Why is there no racing on Monday and Thursday? These are rest days for riders, teams, and marshals, who make the races possible. They also serve as contingency days in case of bad weather. On rest days, you can explore other parts of the island away from the racing.
Top Tip:
The TT Races’ dates change each year, so double-check when booking travel and accommodation to avoid any surprises.
Travel: How to Get to the Isle of Man
Travel by Sea
The Isle of Man Steam Packet is the sole ferry operator, offering sailings from English ports Liverpool and Heysham (Northwest England) and from Belfast and Dublin in Ireland. Sailings take 2 to 4 hours on the fast craft Manannan or the slower conventional ferry Ben My Chree. Traveling by sea is a gentle way to reach the island and the only option if you want to bring a vehicle. All ferries dock in Douglas, making the island easily accessible.
Sailings during the TT and Manx Grand Prix are increased to meet demand but sell out quickly, especially for vehicles.
To and From Liverpool and Heysham: Daily
To and From Dublin: Once per week
To and From Belfast: Two to three sailings per week
Travel by Air
If you prefer to fly, there are plenty of options from major UK and Irish airports, including London Heathrow. Flights take just 20 minutes from Belfast or about 1 hour from London. It’s a quick and easy way to get to the Isle of Man.
The island’s airport is located in the south, around 20 minutes from Douglas by taxi or a bit longer via public transport.
EasyJet: Belfast International, Bristol, Liverpool, London Gatwick, Manchester
Loganair: Birmingham, Edinburgh, Liverpool, London City, London Heathrow, Manchester
Aer Lingus: Dublin & Belfast City
Getting Around the Isle of Man Without a Vehicle
A key question is whether you need a vehicle on the island. This will influence your decision to fly or sail. Public transport on the Isle of Man is reliable, and the TT course is accessible by bus, except for the mountain section between Douglas and Ramsey. You can take the Electric Railway from Laxey to access the mountain, except during practice sessions or racing.
Top Tip:
Increase your travel options by using public transport while you’re on the island, whether you arrive by ferry as a foot passenger or by air.
Accommodation: Where to Stay with Duke Bookings
The Isle of Man offers a wide range of accommodations to suit various budgets, from four-star hotels to camping, glamping, and Duke’s pop-up hotel next to the TT Paddocks. Here’s a handy guide to help you decide.
Camping with Your Own Tent: A budget-friendly option with many TT campsites offering basic facilities, including toilets, showers, and on-site catering.
Pre-built Tents: Arrive to find your tent already set up, complete with a bed, pillows, light, table, and chairs. These tents can sleep up to 6 people, with the only thing you need to bring being a sleeping bag.
Glamping: A step up from traditional camping, glamping offers boutique-style accommodation in large canvas tents with real beds, carpeted floors, and duvets. Tents can accommodate 1 to 4 people in single or double beds.
Duke TT Village: Enjoy hotel-style accommodation right at the TT Grandstand in lockable, twin-bedded en-suite cabins with continental breakfast each morning. The Village is located next to the TT paddocks, the hub of the TT.
Top Tip:
Book your travel to the island first, as it’s the hardest part to secure. Accommodation options are plentiful once you’ve sorted your travel.
On-Track Action: How to Watch
Now that you’ve planned your travel and accommodation, how do you watch the racing? The TT course is 38 miles long, and you can find a spot almost anywhere along the course to watch for free! However, remember that there are no facilities in these areas, so no toilets or places to eat and drink.
For a more comfortable experience, consider one of the many grandstands and hospitality options around the course. These offer toilets, food, drinks, parking, Wi-Fi, and more.
Booking online could not be easier, please simply select your desired check in and check out date and a list of the available accommodation for your dates will be listed. Please select the accommodation and follow our easy booking instructions.
