How to Book the Isle of Man TT

A simple guide with tips to consider when planning a TT race trip. This guide is aimed at those who do not know where to start.

If you’ve seen the clips of bikes flying past stone walls at 200mph and thought, “I have to see that in person,” but then realized you have no idea how to get to a tiny island during its busiest week of the year—don’t worry, you are not alone!

The Isle of Man TT has grown in popularity, with over 47,000 fans travelling to the island last year in 2025. This world-famous motorcycle race attracts adrenaline seekers and motorsport enthusiasts from around the globe.

However, booking a trip to the Isle of Man TT can feel overwhelming. The easiest way to skip the ‘planning panic’ is to work with the experts. Duke Travel is an official Isle of Man TT Travel Partner appointed by the race organisers and fans have been using us for years. Instead of you juggling five different booking tabs, we bundle everything into a straightforward package tailored to your needs.

To help you understand more about booking your visit to the Isle of Man TT however, here’s a comprehensive guide covering all of the essentials.

Top Tip

If you’re considering booking everything independently, don’t waste time scouring major travel websites like Expedia or booking.com. Many accommodations are not listed there; they prefer direct bookings.

The History of the Isle of Man TT

First held in 1907, the Isle of Man TT (Tourist Trophy) is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious motorcycle races. It takes place on the island’s unique 37.73-mile Mountain Course, which uses closed public roads specifically for racing.

The TT fortnight typically runs during the last week of May and the first week of June, starting with Qualifying Week on the last Monday of May, followed by Race Week which starts on the first Saturday in June. There are 3 scheduled ‘rest days’ where no racing takes place, throughout the fortnight.

Top Tip

The TT Races’ dates change each year, so please be aware when booking your travel and accommodation, as this often catches people out.

When to Visit the Isle of Man TT

Qualifying Week
The opening week of the TT features daily practice and qualifying sessions from Monday to Friday. Whilst the overall atmosphere is more relaxed than Race Week, what you see from the trackside is largely the same, which makes it a popular choice for fans seeking better travel and accommodation availability at lower prices!

Race Week
Race Week kicks off on the first Saturday of June and concludes the following Saturday with the Senior TT race. This is the busiest and most vibrant time to visit the island, with the buzz of excitement everywhere. Bars, restaurants, and attractions are in full swing, and the iconic TT Fan Park is alive with energy.

Top Tip

Increase your options of getting here by travelling on the ferry as a foot passenger or flying, and taking advantage of the island’s excellent public transport system!

How to Get to the Isle of Man

The Isle of Man, nestled in the Irish Sea between England and Ireland, can be reached by air or sea.

By Air

Flights to the Isle of Man are available from multiple UK and Irish airports. Popular hubs include:

UK: London Gatwick, London Heathrow, London Luton, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Bristol.

Ireland: Dublin, with some availability from Belfast.

International travellers can route through major hubs like Manchester, London, or Dublin, which offer excellent connections to the Isle of Man. Flight demand is extremely high during the TT, so we recommend booking as early as possible.

The island’s airport is in the south, about a 20-minute drive from Douglas, the capital, which can be reached by a regular bus service.

By Sea

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company operates ferry services from the UK and Ireland, including:

UK Ports: Liverpool and Heysham (Daily).

Ireland Ports: Dublin (1 sailing per week) and Larne (5 sailings per week)

Additional services are added during the TT period to accommodate the increased demand. The ferries handle various vehicles, including motorcycles, cars, and campervans. However, spaces are limited, particularly for vehicles, so booking early is essential.

Because of the limited sailings from Dublin and Larne, we recommend instead flying directly to the Isle of Man for those travelling from Ireland:

Ferry bookings generally open a year in advance. A deposit secures your place, with the full balance typically due by February of the following year. Final costs are confirmed around November/December. Any unpaid bookings are released back into the system in March.

Top Tip

Secure your travel to the Island first. This is the hardest part to sort as plenty of accommodation is up for grabs.

Isle of Man TT Accommodation

Accommodation options for the TT include hotels, glamping, the Duke TT Village, and traditional camping.

Douglas – The Heart of TT Action

Douglas is the capital and home to the TT Grandstand and start/finish line. Most hotels are located here, but they book up quickly. Duke Travel offers convenient hotel packages, ideal for those seeking comfort and proximity to the action.

The Duke TT Village

Exclusive to Duke Travel, the Duke TT Village on Victoria Road offers comfortable twin-bedded cabins with en-suite facilities just minutes from the Grandstand. Guests enjoy a daily continental breakfast in the on-site marquee, where race highlights and live coverage are also shown.

Glamping Accommodation

Glamping is a popular choice for a more adventurous stay. Pre-erected bell tents are equipped with real beds, duvets, and pillows, combining comfort with the outdoors. The largest glamping site is Braddan TT Village, located near the course at Braddan Bridge.

Peel TT Tent Village

Pre-erected tents are a TT fan’s dream; simply check in to find your tent erected and the perfect spot that has been selected for you. Tents sleep in 1 to 6-people areas, which are available at Peel Football Club. All tents have inflatable beds, pillows and cases, tent chairs and tables.

Hotels

Hotel availability is limited, and many hotels do not list rooms on booking platforms like Booking.com, preferring direct bookings or partnerships with official TT Travel Providers, such as Duke Travel. We sell hotels as part of inclusive packages, on fixed dates built around the race schedule, rather than as accommodation only.

Top Tip

Keep an open mind about accommodation – if you’ve missed out on hotel accommodation, some of our best reviews come from customers who have experienced glamping. All the atmosphere of camping but with the comforts of home!.

Getting Around the Isle of Man

The Isle of Man’s compact size makes getting around simple:

Public Transport: The island offers reliable buses, electric trams, horse trams, and steam trains. We include Explorer Tickets in our packages, for unlimited access to these services during your stay.

Motorcycles: If you’re bringing your bike, riding the Mountain Course (outside of road closures) is a thrilling experience. Note that the Mountain section operates as a one-way road during TT, and while some roads have no speed limit, riders are expected to drive responsibly.

Transfer Services: Duke Travel packages often include return transfers to popular viewing locations. These are typically minibuses or coaches depending on visitor numbers

Top Tip

Leave your car behind in favour of Manx public transport! Not only are car spaces on the ferries very limited over TT, roads can become very congested and parking challenging. An unlimited transport pass is your best friend!

Duke Travel: Your Official TT Travel Partner

As an official Isle of Man TT travel partner, Duke Travel offers unbeatable convenience for first-time visitors and seasoned fans alike. Our packages include:

Accommodation options available for all budgets, including exclusive access to the Duke TT Village.
The best TT viewing spots, with return transfers for most locations.