Accessibility information

Airlines & Airports

Under European legislation no-one should be refused travel on a commercial flight to or from the Isle of Man on the basis of their disability of reduced mobility, subject to legitimate air safety considerations.

The person with the disability or someone acting on their behalf must give as much information to the Airline as possible, at the time of booking the air ticket, to facilitate a smooth transition through the Airport and onto the aircraft.

This usually means telling them about your particular needs when you are making your booking. Legislation on air travel has meant that the managing bodies of airports have to provide services that enable disabled passengers to board, disembark and transit between flights.

Airlines are responsible for assistance on board the aircraft. The Isle of Man Airport is the main passenger airport on the island. Please use this link for information on Passengers with Reduced Mobility (PRM).

The main operators which fly to and from the Island are:

• Aer Lingus Regional
• British Airways
• easyJet
• Flybe

Staying in the Isle of Man

The Isle of Man is situated between England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, and is in easy reach of the rest of the British Isles.

Blessed with an extensive coastline, stunning natural landscapes and unspoilt beaches, the Isle of Man is a perfect holiday destination. Whether you're looking for an action packed break, relaxing holiday or the perfect family holiday destination, you'll find it here.

With a wealth of things to see and do, places to visit and a packed entertainment program - whether you're passionate about history and culture, wildlife, sport or heritage transport - you'll never be short of something to do.

Each hotel, hostel, guest house, and homestay accommodation is different and accessibility varys from property to property.

For further information, go to: visitisleofman.com.

Speed Limits

Speed limits in the Isle of Man are in miles per hour. In general, the speed limits are 30 mph in towns, 40 mph, 50 mph, and unrestricted on out of town roads. All roads will have the speed limits sign posted.

The Blue Badge Scheme

If you have a Blue Badge, you can use it here. You will need to display a time disc with your Blue Badge when parking, but you can park in disabled and non-disabled spaces at anytime. But remember, a Blue Badge is not a licence to park anywhere. You still have to obey the rules of the road and should not park where it would endanger, inconvenience or obstruct pedestrians or other road users.

The parking concessions apply to parking on all parking in main parking areas, for example anywhere on the promenade. It also includes free parking in disc parking zones. You are entitled to park double the length of the specified time and you must also display a parking time disc.

You may park free of charge in Chester Street car park and you may also park free of charge in Drumgold Street but for a maximum of 3 hours. If disabled parking spaces are not available in the Chester Street or Drumgold Street car parks you may still park free of charge in any vacant space. You can also park free of charge in Shaws Brow, The Bottle Neck and Lord Street Bus Station, but in Disabled Spaces only.

To find out more information on the Blue Badge Scheme, please visit the web page.

Isle of Man Transport Contact Details

If your query has not been answered, please use one of the following contact numbers to find out further information.

You could also contact us via our email: publictransport@gov.im

Ferries & Ferry Ports

Isle of Man Steam Packet Company is the main ferry company that carries passengers between the Isle of Man, England and Ireland.

Both the Mannan and the Ben-My-Chree are accessible to people with disabilities, including those who use wheelchairs.

If you need assistance with boarding and disembarking you should inform the Steam Packet Company at the time of booking that you require it so that they can make arrangements.

The following link is to FAQ's on the Steam Packet Company's website: Isle of Man Steam Packet Company

Ferry Ports

There are 6 ports where the Steam Packet board and disembark passengers. They are:

• Belfast
• Birkenhead
• Douglas
• Dublin
• Heysham
• Liverpool

I'm in a wheelchair. Can I get on the bus with out assistance?

Yes, every bus we operate is low-floor, and are fitted with a ramp, meaning you can get on and off easily. There is also a space on the bus which is labled for disabled passengers.

I have a guide dog. Does the dog have to pay? 

No, Manx registerd guide dogs are free on all forms of transport on the Island.

Carriage of Assistance Dogs - Assistance Dogs can be carried free of charge on Buses, Steam Railway, Manx Electric Railway, and on Snaefell Mountain Railway.

If you are visiting the Island, and you are registered blind or deaf, and need to bring your guide dog, please contact us and we can make arrangements for you to travel.

When can my disabled bus pass be used? 

The terms of travel with a disabled pass are as follows:

• Free Travel on scheduled bus services (except the Manx Express) of I.o.M. Transport after 09:00 Mondays to Fridays and all day on Saturdays, Sundays, and Public/Bank Holidays
• Half Fare travel on bus services up to 09:00 Mondays to Fridays
• Full adult fare, rather than double fare, on Night Owl services
• Free Travel on scheduled services of the I.o.M. Steam Railway
• Free Travel on scheduled services of the Manx Electric Railway
• Free Travel on scheduled services on the Snaefell Mountain Railway

Manx Blind Welfare Pass
Issued by Manx Blind Welfare Society, Corrin Court, Heywood Avenue, Onchan, IM3 3AP. Telephone +44 1624 674727. The pass entitles the holder to travel free at all times with the exception of the Manx Express. Guide dogs travel free.

Do you provide the timetable in an audio format? 

Please contact the IOM Welcome Centre, Sea Terminal, Douglas, Tel. +44 1624 663366 for a timetable in an audio format.

Other Information on Accessbility

Transport operators are committed to making continual improvements to services to meet the needs of people with disabilities.

If you require any further information about accessibility on the transport available on Island, please get in contact with the Welcome Centre, which is situated in the Sea Terminal, Douglas. Their contact number is +44 1624 662525.

You could also contact us by email: publictransport@gov.im, or contact us direct on:

Transport Headquarters
Banks Circus
Douglas
Isle of Man
IM1 5PT
Tel: +44 1624 697400

Travelling by Rail

Steam Railway

Dating from 1874, the Isle of Man Steam Railway is the oldest Victorian rail system in Britain. The narrow gauge railway still runs with its original locomotives and carriages.

Station facilities:

Manx Electric Railway

The Manx Electric Railway has been in operation since 1893, and 2 of our cars (Trams 1 and 2) hold a place in the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest operating electric cars.

Station facilities:

Snaefell Mountain Railway

Dating from 1895, Laxey is the starting point for the Snaefell Mountain Railway, a unique Victorian enterprise which winds its way up 2,000 feet to the top of Snaefell, the Island's only mountain.

Disabled access

Unfortunately there is no wheelchair acess available on the Mountain Railway which is due to the design of the trams. Please note that access to the Mountain Railway trams is via steep and narrow steps and there are no toilet facilities for wheelchair users at the summit.

Station facilities:

Travelling by taxi/private hire car

A taxi may ply for hire in a public place for a journey beginning there and then. Some taxis can be pre booked for a certain time and place.

Private Hire Car

Private Hire Cars and Minibuses cannot be hailed in the street or stand at a taxi rank. They must be pre-booked. They must also display a yellow disc in the left hand corner of the front windscreen. This disc indicates the Operator's license number; the number of passengers that the vehicle is licensed to carry; the license expiry date; the vehicle registration number; and the make and model of the vehicle.

Further information on Taxi and Private Hire vehicles as well as a full list of providers can be obtained on the Road Transport Licensing Committee (RTLC) website.

Our commitment to you

Isle of Man Transport is committed to helping less able customers travel more easily on our transport system.

We recognise that our customers may have different requirements when they travel with us and we are committed to making your journey as easy as possible.

This applies not only to wheelchair users, but also:

• customers with auditory and visual impairments or learning disabilities
• customers whose mobility is impaired through temporary or long term conditions
• elderly customers
• customers accompanying disabled children in pushchairs

General information

Disabled people have rights of access in relation to motoring, transport and travel infrastructure, such as bus and railway stations, ferry terminals and airports, under the Disability Discrimination Act 2006 (DDA). The Act also means that disabled people have a right to information about transport – timetables, for example – in a format that is accessible to them where it is reasonable for the transport provider to provide it in that format.

Further information on your rights under the DDA is available on the www.gov.im website. Isle of Man Transport provides information on accessible travel to make it easier for people with mobility difficulties to travel within the Isle of Man. The sections below contain information about accessibility and what transport services are provided on the Island and links to other websites which provide more information.

Travelling by Bus

Accessibility

Most of the Isle of Man’s buses are fitted with manual ramps, meaning you can get on and off easily. On board a dedicated wheelchair area with floor gripping, safety bars and seated push buttons with braille touch reading are also provided across many of the buses.

We welcome passengers in standard sized wheelchairs, provided these can be safely used and secured on the bus being boarded.

We are unable to carry mobility scooters because of their inconsistent manoeuvrability, irregular sizes, appropriate restraints and the problem of severe boarding and alighting gradients on a number of our routes. 

When the bus arrives at the bus stop you can ask the driver to lower the ramp to allow you to comfortably board. Please ask the driver if you require assistance.

Please reverse your wheelchair into the allocated area so that you are safely facing the back of the bus and apply the brakes.

Wheelchair users have priority use of the designated wheelchair space, since this is the only place in which they can travel safely. Non-wheelchair users, unlike wheelchair users, will normally have a choice about which part of the bus to sit or stand in. In addition the aisles must be kept clear at all times. Please Note: The driver has no power to force passengers to move and is reliant upon people’s goodwill.

Guide Dogs

All registered guide dogs are free on all forms of transport on the Island. Hearing dogs for the deaf, disabled support dogs and Canine partners for independence can be carried free of charge on Buses, Steam Railway, Manx Electric Railway, and on Snaefell Mountain Railway.

Travelling on Heritage Railway

Accessibility

Built in less inclusive times and therefore not designed with disabilities in mind.

We are sorry that it may not be possible for some people with some mobility issues to use our services. We are unable to accept electric scooters/wheelchairs due to size and weight.

If you let us know what day you will be travelling we can arrange for our staff to assist you if possible. 

Manx Electric Railway

Wheelchair access is available on our specially modified trailer. It is essential to book the dedicated trailer with at least 48 hours advance notice to ensure availability by calling 01624 861226. Depending on accompanying carers the trailer can take at least five wheelchairs.

Snaefell Mountain Railway

No wheelchair access is available on the Snaefell mountain trams; additionally the Summit facilities do not provide full access for people with a disability. The steps on the carriages are quite steep and some abled bodied people will also have difficulty boarding these trams.

Trams – Douglas Bay Horse Trams

At present there is no wheelchair access available on our Douglas Bay Horse Trams due to the nature of their build. If customers can board the horse tram, phone and ask for assistance at least 48 hours before. Wheelchairs can be left in the depot.

Steam Railway

Most of our carriages can accommodate people with disabilities but our heritage carriages have narrow aisles so wheelchair access is not possible with a conventional wheelchair. Disabled bus passes use.

However, conventional wheelchairs users can be accommodated in the guards van. At least 48 hours advance notice is required to ensure availability by calling 01624 697623.

Please note, disabled access is not available for passengers wishing to board or alight at Ronaldsway Halt, Santon Station, Ballabeg and Colby Level stops.   

Concessionary fares

Eligible resident senior citizens can apply for a concessionary travel pass, which allows the holder free or half fare travel on all bus services except the Manx Express services. 

Please note: off-Island bus passes are not valid on the Isle of Man.

Full details of the concessions and how to apply for a senior citizen's concessionary pass can be found on Concessions. 

Important Information

Personal portable oxygen units can be carried on board our buses and trains. All manufacturers’ instructions must be followed; the unit must be carried in an approved case or backpack. The unit must be inspected for any leaks before you travel. Timetables in an audio format, please contact Manx Welcome Centre for a timetable.

Our commitment to you

Isle of Man Transport is committed to helping less able customers travel more easily on our transport system.

We recognise that our customers may have different requirements when they travel with us and we are committed to making your journey as easy as possible.

This applies not only to wheelchair users, but also:

• customers with auditory and visual impairments or learning disabilities
• customers whose mobility is impaired through temporary or long term conditions
• elderly customers
• customers accompanying disabled children in pushchairs