Last updated: 4 November 2026

The Scilly ferry is the Scillonian III, which sails from Penzance to St Mary’s in about 2 hours 45 minutes, from mid-March to November. 2026 is her final season. A new ship, Scillonian IV, is due in March 2027. Outside the sailing season, most visitors fly with Skybus.

The Scillonian III: the only passenger ferry

The Isles of Scilly Steamship Group runs the Scillonian III between Penzance and Hugh Town on St Mary’s. The route crosses open Atlantic water. It takes around 2 hours 45 minutes, a little longer in poor weather.

She has served the islands since 1977. The 2026 season started on 16 March and runs until November. In February 2026 the operator put her up for sale, together with the old freight ship Gry Maritha. This is your last chance to sail on her.

Her replacement, Scillonian IV, is being built in Vietnam. She is due in service in March 2027. She will carry up to 600 passengers, about 24% more than today. She also has fin stabilisers and a hull vane, which should mean a smoother ride.

Fares and timings for 2026

Fares vary by date, ticket type and whether you take luggage or a dog. These are indicative 2026 prices from the operator. Always check before you book.

Open returns for staying visitors cost more than the day-trip fare. Price them on the operator’s site for your dates.

Watch: the Scillonian III crossing

Can you travel on the freight ship?

This is the question cargo-ship fans ask most. The honest answer: do not plan on it.

For decades the freight ship Gry Maritha carried cargo year-round. She had a handful of passenger places. Sources disagree on the number, giving six or 12. They were used mainly in winter when the Scillonian III was laid up. She was built in Norway in 1981, is 37.6 metres long, and sails at 8 to 9 knots.

In July 2026 the new freight ship Menawethan entered service and took over. She was built by Piriou in Vietnam, sailed 72 days to Penzance, and arrived on 18 June 2026. She is 45 metres long and carries 50 tonnes more cargo than Gry Maritha. She has a lounge for 12 passengers.

We could find no public passenger booking for Menawethan. If you want to try, contact the Steamship Group’s freight team directly. Do not build a holiday around it.

Shipping a car or goods to Scilly

Most visitors leave the car in Penzance. Roads on St Mary’s are short and the off-islands have almost no traffic. Residents and businesses ship vehicles, building supplies, perishables and parcels on the freight service. It runs all year. Book through the operator’s freight team.

Getting to Penzance by train

The Night Riviera sleeper leaves London Paddington at 23:45 and reaches Penzance at 07:50. Boarding opens at 22:30. It runs six nights a week, and Sunday timings differ. Penzance station is about a 10-minute walk from the harbour, so you can check in for a same-day sailing.

Daytime GWR trains also run from Paddington to Penzance. Allow a buffer, as a missed sailing usually means waiting until the next day.

Watch: on board the Scillonian III

Ferry or flight? Skybus compared

Skybus is the islands’ airline. It flies Twin Otters (17 seats) and Islanders (8 seats) from Land’s End Airport, plus a seasonal service from Exeter. Newquay flights were suspended in 2026. Flights are short, but baggage weight limits are tighter and fog can ground planes.

Getting around the off-islands

From St Mary’s Quay, the St Mary’s Boatmen’s Association runs boats to Tresco, Bryher, St Martin’s and St Agnes. Daily services run in the main season, May to September. Typical first departures are around 10:00 to 10:15, with returns from about 14:15 to 16:45. The day’s sailings go up on a chalkboard on the quay. Times change with the tide and weather.

Buy tickets on the quay, at the Tourist Information Centre at Porthcressa, or from many hotels and shops. Tresco Boats also runs its own services from Tresco.

Best time to go

Consejos

1. Book the Scillonian III early for 2026. It is her final season and summer sailings fill.
2. Pair the Night Riviera with a same-day sailing to save a hotel night in Penzance.
3. Take seasickness tablets before you board. The Scillonian III can roll in a swell.
4. Sit outside on the open deck if you feel queasy, and watch for dolphins and seabirds.
5. Check the quay chalkboard each morning for off-island boat times.
6. Leave your car in Penzance unless you live on the islands.

Preguntas frecuentes

Sources: Isles of Scilly Steamship Group (fares, freight, island boating pages), Baird Maritime, Ship Management International, Wikipedia (Gry Maritha, Menawethan, Isles of Scilly Skybus), Green Traveller. Prices are indicative. Checked November 2026.