Heritage Railways
Our 2019 season is now in full swing, please see below the dates of operation, and timetable attached.
2019 scheduled services
Steam Railway - Friday 8 March to Sunday 3 November 2019
Manx Electric Railway - Saturday 16 March to Sunday 3 November 2019
Snaefell Mountain Railway - Tuesday 26 March to Sunday 3 November 2019
Douglas Bay Horse Tram - The horse trams are expected to commence mid to late May. However Public Service will not commence until the Horse training is complete. The anticipate end of season date remains 3 November in line with our other Heritage Railways, but this date remains subject to the progress of the works on the promenade.
We will update you with the latest information as it progresses.
Railway Map
the red line on the map is the Steam Railway line- the green line is the Snaefell Mountain Railway
- the blue line is the Manx Electric Railway
Thomas the Tank Engine was inspired by the Island's railways and the feature film Thomas and the Magic Railroad was filmed on the Isle of Man.
It's possible to see the majority of the Island by travelling on the railway network and many of the Island's heritage attractions are also located near to the railway stops making it easy to get around.
A range of cost effective multi-journey Go cards can be purchased and the Go Explore card entitles the holder to unlimited travel on scheduled services of:
- Steam Railway,
- Manx Electric Railway,
- Snaefell Mountain Railway,
- Douglas Horse Trams and
- Buses (except the Manx Express routes; half fare applies on premium Hullad Oie Night Owl services)
The Island is one of the very few places in the world where you can travel between February and November on steam and electric railways, which are over a century old.
Special events
We also provide a range of special events e.g. Santa Trains, Valentines Train. You can also hire trains for special corporate or family events.
For an experience of a lifetime, a range of Ultimate Driving Experiences are available.
For more information on events please check our Events page.
Please view our full Conditions of Carriage and Passenger Regulations.
Passenger numbers
| Transport | 2017 passengers | 2018 passengers | Difference | % change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Douglas Bay Horse Tram Single Journeys | 73,954 | 80,606 | 6,652 | 9% |
| Steam Railway Singles Journeys | 121,422 | 113,197 | -8,225 | -7% |
| Snaefell Mountain Railway Return Journeys | 63,175 | 76,434 | 13,259 | 21% |
| Manx Electric Railway Single Journeys | 227,826 | 244,863 | 17,037 | 7% |
| Total | 486,377 | 515,100 | 28,723 | 5.5% |
Avoid delays or disappointment
Our railways are very popular and a favourite attraction. During special events, the peak holiday season and fine weather days we can be very busy.
To avoid any unnecessary travelling between stations and possible disappointment, during office hours call our MER control station at Laxey on +44 1624 861226 or Douglas Steam Station on +44 1624 673623 for travel updates and information on advance and group bookings.
