The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company
Check prices & times »The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company is the island's only ferry operator, and one of the most historic shipping companies anywhere. Founded in 1830, it's the oldest continuously operating passenger shipping company in the world.
Every ferry to and from the Isle of Man is run by the Steam Packet, all sailing to and from Douglas. This guide covers its routes, its ships, and what to know before you book.
Steam Packet routes
| Route | Duration | Seasonality | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heysham–Douglas (England) | ~3h 45m | year-round | Check Prices » |
| Liverpool–Douglas (England) | ~2h 45m | seasonal (fast ferry) | Check Prices » |
| Larne–Douglas (N. Ireland) | ~2h 45m–4h 30m | year-round | Check Prices » |
| Dublin–Douglas (Ireland) | ~2h 55m | seasonal | Check Prices » |
All routes arrive at Douglas. The Larne route replaced the former Belfast service in 2026.
The fleet
The Steam Packet runs three main ships, each with a role:
- Manxman: the modern flagship, introduced in 2023, running the year-round Heysham route — a conventional ferry with a relaxed, spacious crossing
- Manannan: the fast ferry, used on seasonal Liverpool sailings and some Irish crossings, with quicker journey times
- Ben-my-Chree: the former flagship, now serving the Irish routes to Larne and Dublin
Onboard and comfort
The ships offer lounges, seating, food and drink and shops, with the conventional Manxman giving a more spacious, leisurely crossing than the faster Manannan.
Cabins are available on the longer sailings, worth considering for early departures or if you want somewhere private to rest. One thing to note: unlike most ferry operators, the Steam Packet does not currently carry pets on board.
Booking and travel tips
A few practical things worth knowing:
- Book early for events: sailings fill up fast around the TT races and other motorcycle events
- Vehicles: car space is limited, especially year-round on Heysham — book ahead
- Seasons: Heysham and Larne run year-round; Liverpool and Dublin are largely seasonal
- Cabins: available on longer crossings
- Pets: not carried — plan accordingly if travelling with an animal
Which route is right for you?
Because there's only one operator, choosing your routes is really about choosing your ports. Heysham is the reliable year-round route from England and the best bet for drivers, with good M6 links. Liverpool is often more convenient for foot passengers and city trips, but is largely seasonal. From Northern Ireland, Larne runs year-round; from the Republic, Dublin sails seasonally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who runs the ferries to the Isle of Man?
The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company — the island's only ferry operator, and the world's oldest continuously operating passenger shipping line, founded in 1830.
What ships does the Steam Packet use?
Mainly three — the flagship Manxman on Heysham, the fast ferry Manannan on Liverpool and some Irish sailings, and the Ben-my-Chree on the Irish routes.
Does the Steam Packet carry pets?
No — the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company does not currently carry pets on its ships.
Which Steam Packet routes run year-round?
Heysham to Douglas and Larne to Douglas run year-round; Liverpool and Dublin are largely seasonal.
Is there still a Belfast ferry to the Isle of Man?
No — the Belfast route was discontinued at the end of 2025 and replaced by a year-round Larne to Douglas service from April 2026.