Known globally as the ‘Road Race Capital of the World’ and a motorsport mecca, every May and June tens of thousands of motorcycling fans descend on the Island for the Isle of Man TT races.
Running over 2 weeks, with the last week in May for practice and the first week in June for racing, the Tourist Trophy Races form the major part of the Isle of Man TT Festival. Held on the Snaefell Mountain course, a closed road circuit, riders have competed to complete a number of the 37.73 mile laps since 1911 ranging from sea level to over 1300 feet.
The week includes 9 races covering vehicles from traditional race bikes through to sidecars and, since 2010, has included the "TT Zero" race which replaced the TTXGP race. These have the goal of racing without using carbon fuels and to have zero toxic/noxious emissions.
The highlight of the TT Races is the Senior TT which runs, weather permitting, on the Friday of race week for the Maruis de Mouzilly St.Mars trophy. Running for 6 laps the race record is a staggering 1 hour 45 minutes and 20.394 seconds for the 236.38 mile race distance.
With average lap speeds of just under 132 mph this is not a spectator sport for the faint of heart and, with huge numbers visiting for the TT Festival each year, booking well in advance is highly recommended.
Top 5 Tips for Booking a TT Break on the Isle of Man:
- Book your ferry early. Sign up for Visit IOM email notifications and you’ll get the heads up when the ferry tickets go on sale.
- Fly to the island – seats don’t sell out as quickly as the ferry. Read more below…
- Book your accommodation early –search for the latest Isle of Man hotel, camping and B&B availability on our site. Sometimes hoteliers release their cancellations back to us so you can grab a last minute room for TT.
- Find the best spots to watch the races for free, or treat yourself to a Grandstand ticket.
- Keep costs down, ditch the bike or car and travel around the island using a Go Explore card. Find out more below….
Book your ferry early! - TT 2024 packages now available to book!
The ferry to the Isle of Man can get booked up quickly and it’s recommended you start planning for your trip at least a year before you travel to the Isle of Man.
During the TT races and throughout the remainder of the year the ferry operator releases provisional sailing information for the next TT races. Deposits are taken to book your IOM ferry for the following year’s TT races, so you’re able to secure your place. The fares are normally released in January and after your deposit has been deducted, the remaining balance must be received by the end of February. Sign up for Visit IOM email notifications and you’ll get the heads up when the ferry tickets go on sale.
Ferries can be booked with us online. We keep our customers up to date on the release of the ferry schedules. Like our Facebook page to keep up to date with the latest information.
Fly to the Isle of Man
Most airlines operate daily flights to the Isle of Man from the UK and Ireland during the TT Festival. This can be seen as an attractive option in comparison to the ferry.
Flights don’t fill up as quickly as the ferries, but during the peak periods they begin to sell out quickly closer to the event. Flights can be expensive but offer a quick and convenient way to get to the Isle of Man during the TT period.
Flight times from the UK to the Isle of Man are approximately 30-80 minutes depending on your departure airport.
Choose your accommodation
The Isle of Man almost doubles in size during the TT Festival and finding the right accommodation can sometimes be a bigger challenge than getting to the Isle of Man!
There are many options available from camping and glamping to 4 star hotels. With limited accommodation available, it’s best to book as soon as you find the right accommodation.
Hotels
Hotels can be pricey, but also convenient should you wish to stay in the heart of the entertainment. Hotel prices can vary from £200 up to £400 per night. Most of the hotels don’t offer allocations on websites such as Booking.com during the TT Festival due to the demand. They tend to only deal direct or through local agents such as Visit IOM.
Guest Houses
Guest Houses are usually sold out years in advance and tend to give priority to their regulars. Most regulars book for the following year before they leave. We sometimes receive calls where regulars have cancelled and the availability is updated on our website. Always regularly check our website for availability using the search form on the left hand side of this page.
Glamping and Camping
Glamping and camping can be an alternative option to keep the costs down. Most local football teams open up their pitches during this period as it’s outside the football season. These can be booked via our website.
Glamping tents are increasing year on year and these can be an attractive option without the need of erecting a tent or sleeping in a sleeping bag on the floor.
Staying at a football club organised campsite provides campers with access to their club house facilities and additional services such as showers, toilet facilities, music acts, bar, and much more.
We have a selection of campsites available to book today. Please use the search form to search availability.
Where to watch the TT races
Most parts of the TT circuit allows spectators to watch the racing free of charge. You have the freedom to sit or stand (within the non-restricted zones) and watch as the bikes zoom past at over 180mph! On most race days, you will see the hedges and roads lined with spectators prior to the start of each race!
Why not treat yourself and book a Fan Zone or TT Grandstand seat where you will be able to watch the racing with a large crowd in the mix of the action! You can enhance your TT experience by purchasing a VIP TT race ticket. VIP tickets provide access to areas where the riders hang out and get you closer to the action at the start and finish line. A great way to celebrate a special occasion!
How to get around the Isle of Man without a car or bike
The Isle of Man has an extensive bus and rail service. They increase the number of services during the TT Festival period to accommodate the extra visitors. With a variety of services available you will be spoilt for choice.
The bus and railways enable visitors to get to all corners of the island without the need of a vehicle.