The Isle of Man TT has grown in popularity, with over 47,000 fans travelling to the island last year alone. 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. Coordinating travel and accommodation, particularly during such a high-demand period, often presents challenges. You might secure travel but struggle to find accommodation—or vice versa.
This is where Duke Travel, an official Isle of Man TT Travel Partner appointed by the race organisers, can assist. We specialise in making your journey to the Isle of Man TT as straightforward and enjoyable as possible. Each year, we help thousands of fans attend this legendary event with various carefully designed packages and tours.
To help you get started, here’s a comprehensive guide to booking your Isle of Man TT experience.
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. Qualifying Week begins on the last Monday of May, followed by Race Week, which starts on the first Saturday in June. Race days are spread throughout the week, typically scheduled for Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.
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. Evening sessions dominate midweek, with afternoon sessions on Monday and Friday. The atmosphere is more relaxed than Race Week, making it a popular choice for fans seeking better travel and accommodation availability.
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 and travelling by sea as a foot passenger or flying using the island’s excellent public transport system while you are here.
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.
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 and Belfast (Less frequent)
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.
Ferries from Ireland
For fans travelling from Ireland:
Dublin: Only two sailings are available during the two-week TT period.
Belfast: At least five sailings are typically scheduled.
Because of this limited availability, we recommend:
Flying directly to the Isle of Man from Ireland.
Sailing from the UK (Liverpool or Heysham) by first travelling to England.
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
Book your travel over 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 prices during Race Week start from £300 per night. Hotels generally do not list rooms on booking platforms like Booking.com, preferring direct bookings or partnerships with official TT Travel Providers, such as Duke Travel.
Top Tip
Book your travel over to the Island first. This is the hardest part to sort as plenty of accommodation is up for grabs.
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. Purchase an Explorer Ticket 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.
Shuttle Services: Duke Travel packages often include return transfers to popular viewing locations.
Top Tip
Book your travel over to the Island first. This is the hardest part to sort as plenty of accommodation is up for grabs.
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 are available for all budgets, including exclusive access to the Duke TT Village.
The best TT viewing spots, with return transfers for most locations.
Additional experiences include laps of the TT course or evenings with legendary riders.
Start planning your Isle of Man TT adventure today with Duke Travel—your trusted partner, for an unforgettable experience.
