When to Visit for the Isle of Man TT?
The TT Races span two weeks, with "Mad Sunday" falling on the first Sunday in June. The first week focuses on TT qualifying, and the second week features six race days.
Qualifying Week: Evening sessions (except Monday and Friday) offer a less crowded, relaxed experience, with plenty of on-track action and cheaper travel and accommodation options. This is TT’s best-kept secret!
Race Week: Ten races take place over six days, drawing the biggest crowds. Roads, restaurants, and vantage points fill up quickly, and prices tend to rise.
FAQs:
Which is the main race?
All races are important, with riders participating throughout the week. Each race day offers exciting action.
Why no racing on Monday and Thursday?
These are rest days for riders and teams, also used as contingency days in case of bad weather. But don't worry, there is plenty still going on around the Isle of Man, from beach racing & the Ramsey sprint to the fun fair & Bushy's TT Village, there's something for everyone!
Getting to the Isle of Man:
By Sea:
The Isle of Man Steam Packet offers ferry services from Liverpool, Heysham, Belfast, and Dublin. Sailing times vary from 2 to 4 hours. It's the only way to bring a vehicle, so booking a year in advance is recommended, especially for TT periods.
By Air:
Flying to the Isle of Man is quick and convenient, with regular flights from many UK and Irish airports. Here’s an overview of your flight options:
easyJet: From Belfast International, Bristol, Liverpool, London Gatwick, Manchester
Loganair: From Birmingham, Edinburgh, Liverpool, London City, London Heathrow, Manchester
Aer Lingus: From Dublin, Belfast City
Airport Info:
The Isle of Man Airport is located in the south of the island, around 20 minutes from Douglas by taxi, or slightly longer via public transport. Busses run from the Airport every 20/25 minutes into Douglas.
Flights to the Isle of Man are in high demand during TT, so it's best to book early. For the most flexibility, consider flying to nearby airports like Liverpool or Manchester as the flights are more frequent during the TT races.
Getting Around the Isle of Man:
Public transport is reliable, with buses, steam railway and the electric railway covering most of the island. If you're unfamiliar with the road closures, public transport may be the easiest option during the TT festival.
Accommodation:
The first and most important tip for securing accommodation during the TT is to book as early as possible. Many accommodations for the TT races sell out a year in advance, especially for Race Week. Whether you're opting for a hotel, a homestay, or camping, it’s essential to start planning your stay as soon as your trip is confirmed. Prices also tend to rise closer to the event, so locking in your accommodation early can save you money.
For a more personal and immersive experience, consider booking a homestay. Many locals open up their homes during the TT, offering rooms or entire properties for rent. This option is perfect for those wanting a more authentic stay, as you’ll often be staying with a local who can share insider tips about the races and the island.
Homestays also provide a variety of accommodation types, from cozy bedrooms to self-catering cottages, giving you flexibility depending on your group size and needs. Plus, you can often find more affordable options compared to hotels, especially if you book early.
Top Tip: When booking a homestay, make sure the property has a unique code for verification. You can check this with the homestay platform to ensure your booking is safe and secure.
