Isle of Man Steam Railway
Isle of Man Steam Railway
4.5
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- Kenneth HMadeira, Portugal61 contributionsNewmarket isle of man tourWe travelled to the isle of man with Newmarket holidays it was a very well organised holiday with lots to see and do the hotel Rutland was of a very good standard big and comfortable rooms & very clean, the food was excellent with a good choice. Our guide was excellent extremely knowledgeable and interesting. The isle of man is a lot bigger than I thought with lots going on like food festivals and American car festival and a lot more. The transport services are excellent the electric train and steam train/ horse driven tramway are very enjoyable all the staff are paid by the isle of man government not volunteers. We have travelled all over the world and the isle of man is one of the best place to visit.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 24 September 2023
- MikeGlossop, United Kingdom1,328 contributionsNarrow gauge delightLovely railway with period carriages and locos that are kept in excellent condition despite the daily use. Great views and interesting stations along the way. Well done for maintaining such a great transport system!Visited September 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 25 September 2023
- thewigancasinoLeyland, United Kingdom57 contributionsTook me back in timeTravelled a couple of time on the Steam Railway. It is a really good way way to get around parts of the island especially if your not in a rush. The smell of the steam locomotive took me back to my childhood. Loved it and would recommend it to anyone visiting the island.Visited September 2023Written 3 October 2023
- toomanybeds349 contributionsLovely heritage railwayCharming and very well run heritage railway with the infrastructure particularly well kept, not a common trait. Staff cheerful and helpful and carriages beautifully upholstered and fitted out. Scenery lovely from train and several places to break a journey.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 15 October 2023
- Rolyat46Penrith, United Kingdom153 contributionsSteam trainThe steam train was a fabulous experience. The carriages are lovely and the views from the windows were amazing. We were lucky enough to be sat with a local couple who told us lots of very interesting facts and pointed out places of interest. I loved waving at people as we went passed and really enjoyed the whole experience. Would definitely recommend.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 5 November 2023
- James Davis10 contributionsPie & Mash train reviewWent to one of the Pie & Mash quiz nights over the festive period. Great fun for all ages and so well organised. The lady who organised it, Lottie (head of events), was terrific and brought so much energy to make the event a success. Will definitely book again for this or one of the other steam dining events. Bravo!Visited December 2023Travelled with familyWritten 15 January 2024
- PrestonGuildUnited Kingdom56,030 contributionsIsle of Man Steam RailwayWen went to Port Erin from Douglas by bus. Then did the return journey by steam train. A scenic route, not many opportunities to fo by steam these days in Britain. We had a carriage to ourselves. Later a large family stepped in and there was just about enough space for all of use to fit in. That included two prams. Worth doing if you are visiting the island.Visited August 2023Travelled with familyWritten 29 January 2024
- mystic100259 contributionsA IOM must see/do for anyone visiting the islandGreat day out taking the hour long journey from Douglas to Port Erin. On the way back we broke up the journey with a stop at Castletown - all included in the day return ticket. Very friendly and helpful staff only added to the days enjoymentVisited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 15 April 2024
- Paul ONewcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom155 contributionsA Definite on The Isle of ManRecently visited here, absolutely brilliant. Everything is well restored in excellent condition. The steam trains operate about every 2 hours and allows time in Port Erin or Douglas to explore. The scenery on the line is stunning at the Douglas end of the line with views over the Irish Sea. Facilities are available at Douglas and Port Erin stations. Purchase a Go Explore ticket which is very good value. Also for use on other modes of transport.Visited April 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 24 April 2024
- Wendz11Birmingham, United Kingdom142 contributionsWell worth a trip at a time when Port Erin is open!Lovely ride on the steam train from Douglas to Port Erin. As everywhere was closed we sat in Port Erin station tearoom until our coach collected us. They have a lovely souvenir shop with nice staffVisited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 24 April 2024
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4.5
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Grengee
Liverpool211 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
This is a difficult experience to review. Although we know the problems were out of the control of the railway how it was dealt with was not ideal. We went on a trip from Port Erin to Douglas on Tuesday 9th August. It is a trip we have done before but it was my husband's birthday and his choice of outing. At Castletown the train became delayed because of a fire further down the track. We were told this after a little while and told we were delayed. Fine no problem time went on and people started getting off in the end I had to ask a passing guard what was going on. Apparently a bus was being sent to take us to Douglas we were told we could get on it or go back to port Erin. We were told it would be up to the staff there if we got a refund. I had to ask how we would get back from Douglas if there were no further trains that day and I was told oh just get on the bus with no idea of where to get on a bus or the numbers back to port Erin. In the end after a discussion we decided it was probably best to go on to Douglas as we had limited time on the island and couldn't waste another day trying again the next day.With no help from the staff we managed to find our own way to the bus stop and a bus arrived. It drove us very quickly to Douglas. By now quite an expensive bus ride to Douglas and an hour journey had become well over two hour journey. Coming back later in the day we thought we would try for the 4pm train and accept it would probably be out of schedule. We were told it would leave between 4.15/30. Ok we waited. Not sure how you don't know where or when a train will appear as all the staff carried mobiles but it actually left at 5.15pm. A disappointing day for my husband's birthday which made us late for the dinner table we had booked but at least they accommodated us a bit later.
Written 11 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Malcolm John C
St Peter Port, UK147 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
Step back in time to experience Victorian railway comfort. Great day out. An hour’s ride from Douglas gets you to Port Erin after passing through some lovely countryside, stopping at quaint stations and getting enticing views of the sea
Love the sound of the engine chugging along, the piercing whistle and the smell of coal smoke
Well worth a visit. And bring a piicnic for the journey
Love the sound of the engine chugging along, the piercing whistle and the smell of coal smoke
Well worth a visit. And bring a piicnic for the journey
Written 12 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
N H
Newton Le Willows, UK4,516 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
A great way to get to the south of the island. The seats are comfortable, the scenery along the coast is beautiful and all the guards and drivers are friendly.
There are a few stops along the line with lots of interesting places to visit, abbey’s, castles and at the end of the line in Port Erin is a great, soft sand beach.
I would recommend getting a go pass as it can save you a lot of money over a few days.
There are a few stops along the line with lots of interesting places to visit, abbey’s, castles and at the end of the line in Port Erin is a great, soft sand beach.
I would recommend getting a go pass as it can save you a lot of money over a few days.
Written 23 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Billhyland911
County Galway, Ireland59 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
We embarked on the longest trip on this railway and enjoyed every minute of it. From the authentic and spotless carriages to the beautiful steam engines, it was a thrill from start to finish. The originality of the stations and the standard of the cleanliness and upkeep was a wonder to behold. It was inexpensive and a great way to see one half of the island and was not dependent on the weather. The staff were amazing and could not do more to ensure safety and comfort of the passengers. A thoroughly amazing experience which I would recommend to all travelers.
Written 21 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew
25 contributions
Mar 2023
Nice well maintained trains, with beautifully furnished carriages, but if you are after beautiful scenery, forget it. The track runs through industrial parts of Douglas before going through rather plain eneventful countryside, interspersed with building sites for new housing estates. You can visit such towns as Castletown, Port Erin and Port Erin, but none of those are worth the effort.
Written 11 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
shaneD151
East Grinstead, UK369 contributions
Aug 2023 • Solo
I've just returned from 5 day visit to the isle of man on my first night. I went on the dining train pie and mash special it was a brilliant experience with plenty of choice that you pick on booking for £39 for a two course meal and retun trip I think that is very fairly priced in the current climate the staff where brilliant there is also a paid bar service that was quite well priced.
I also used the railway for visiting Castletown and port erin but I would recommend checking the timetable before you travel. I purchased a go explore card from the airport for £47 for my 5 day stay it covered me on all public transport on the island
I also used the railway for visiting Castletown and port erin but I would recommend checking the timetable before you travel. I purchased a go explore card from the airport for £47 for my 5 day stay it covered me on all public transport on the island
Written 7 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jaqueline P
Bournemouth, UK208 contributions
Sept 2022
This steam train travels faster than the electric railway. It runs through pretty countryside to the south part of the island. It stops at several places on route to Port Erin. There are several steam engines with individual names all beautifully polished with gleaming brass. The carriages do not have corridors or toilets. They have compartments seating 4 either side or some are open with rows of seats. There are windows which can be lowered and held in place with a leather strap. A very worthwhile experience.
Written 8 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
philguk
Ramsey, UK289 contributions
Jul 2021 • Friends
Excellent experience last night on the steam railway dining train. A three and a half hour tour from Douglas to Port Erin (& back) with full dining
The service was top notch, our carriage was arranged for couples across a wide aisle, so no Covid concerns
The food was also brilliant. A good choice of pies and varied drinks were also available for purchase
There was time allowed for a leg stretch in Port Erin - enough time to watch the sunset in fact
The journey home was accompanied by desert (coffee would also have been nice, but that’s just nit picking)
Congrats to the steam railway folks for coming up with this idea. There are many varied dining events throughout the year, so something to suit all tastes. Boob ahead though. They are popular
Thanks also to the hard working team on the night
The service was top notch, our carriage was arranged for couples across a wide aisle, so no Covid concerns
The food was also brilliant. A good choice of pies and varied drinks were also available for purchase
There was time allowed for a leg stretch in Port Erin - enough time to watch the sunset in fact
The journey home was accompanied by desert (coffee would also have been nice, but that’s just nit picking)
Congrats to the steam railway folks for coming up with this idea. There are many varied dining events throughout the year, so something to suit all tastes. Boob ahead though. They are popular
Thanks also to the hard working team on the night
Written 13 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alex Le Grice
6 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
Fantastic opportunity to experience this nostalgic steam railway. Iconic scenery, a genuine lovely time you will have. Setting of from Douglas, on your way to places like Port Erin and Laxey.
If you get the opportunity to visit the Isle of Man, highly recommend you go on this Steam railway.
A must visit.
A must "do" on your holiday.
If you get the opportunity to visit the Isle of Man, highly recommend you go on this Steam railway.
A must visit.
A must "do" on your holiday.
Written 20 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Iain A
Kirkcaldy, UK675 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
We took a trip on this railway from Douglas to Port Erin and thoroughly enjoyed our wee jaunt. The train leaves every two hours or so from Douglas Station, near the Sea Terminal and bus station, to Port Erin via Castletown and Port St. Mary. The whole journey in old wooden carriages pulled by a steam engine takes about an hour each way and is well worth the effort. Each carriage seats about six people comfortably and it is like being taken back in time. Loved it
Written 8 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How far is the airport from the steam train station to travel to Douglas. Can I walk or is it a bus journey from Ronaldsway airport to the train station ?
Written 1 July 2019
The bus is a much better option. You get on immediately in front of the terminal, it costs about £3 and takes 20 minutes to reach Douglas.
Written 1 July 2019
Do you have to reside in the UK in order to purchase online? I tried to purchase a go card online but it would not accept my zip code!
Written 24 June 2019
It's easy to buy a Go Card at the Sea Terminal in Douglas, there are other Bus concessions available depending on how long you are staying. I think a Go Card lasts for 3 days from the start of your first journey.
Written 25 June 2019
We are planning a visit to IOM for Feb half term as our son is steam train crazy. Will the trains be running this time of year?
Thank you for any advice before I book flights.
Written 4 January 2019
I don't think they start running again till the Easter holiday break! Double check with website though.
Written 12 January 2019
We will be visiting Isle of Man at the Port of Douglas this July. Will there be crowds? Difficult to get a day train ticket? If so, about how long should we plan que? Also, how long is the train one way to the castle? Thanks so much!
Written 12 May 2018
Don't know about the crowds in July as we went last month but you can buy a "Go Card" online from the Isle of Man government website in advance and travel on most transport options all day or for ever how many days you pay for.
We used it on the mountain railway to Snafell from Laxey, the steam train from Douglas, the Douglas Promenade horse trams, and the tram from Douglas to Laxey. Yes you can get on and off where you like. Also you don't have to worry about drinking and driving so you can sample the real ales as well. I can thoroughly recommend the Manx Pale Ale (brewed on the island) served by the pub at the Laxey tram interchange. Their bar look like a tram inside!!
Hope this of help.
Written 13 May 2018
Can you get off and on several times on the steam Train if you want to visit different towns on the same day on the Go explorer card
Thanks
Written 12 May 2017
how much is the bus fare in Douglas.
Written 26 April 2017
The bus fares in Dougkas,the price varies depends where you want to go on the island.
Super Saver best option.
The bus driver will tell you which is the best ticket option on the day of purchase.
Written 26 April 2017
Does this sell out during The TT? Can tickets be purchased in advance? What is the best option to purchase, and how much?
Written 16 April 2017
There are many trains per day so it shouldn't be a problem. You can't reserve seats so just get there in plenty of time. The views from the Manx Electric. Railway that goes to Snaefell mountain has more spectacular views.
Written 17 April 2017
Is there a preferable side of the carriages to sit for the best views/
Written 24 March 2017
Hi
both ides offer great views of the island
as already said try one side going and the other on the return
however sitting on the seaward side does offer a different perspective on the return trip
honestly though there are no bad views when taking in scenery and gaining a snapshot into island life
just sit back and enjoy
Graham
Written 26 March 2017
Can I purchase a GoExplorer card on line before we go to the Isle of Man and does this railway run year round?
Written 6 June 2016
Yes you can purchase hit explorer cards online. Also the railway runs most of the year but not all so it's best to check their website at. Iombusandrail.
Written 7 June 2016
How do I obtain a ticket if I want to get on at an unmanned station?
Written 9 April 2016
Buy a Go Explorer card on line - just google for the link to how to purchase them (TripAdvisor won't let me post the link). The tickets are valid for all trains and buses on the Isle of Man, including the steam train.
Written 10 April 2016
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