Heritage Railways
Our 2019 season is still in action! Please see below the dates of operation, and timetable attached.
2019 scheduled services end:
Steam Railway - Sunday 3 November 2019
Manx Electric Railway - Sunday 3 November 2019
Snaefell Mountain Railway - Sunday 3 November 2019
Douglas Bay Horse Trams have ceased operations for the remainder of 2019 to enable the continuing progress made of the reconstruction of the Douglas promenades. The team, along with volunteers, will continue to offer stable tours to all groups who were expecting horse tram rides.
2020 Season
Isle of Man Railway – Commences 6 March 2020 – Closes 5 November 2020
Manx Electric Railway - Commences 13 March 2020 – Closes 1 November 2020
Snaefell Mountain Railway - Commences 24 March 2020 – Closes 1 November 2020
Douglas Bay Horse Tramway – Discussions will take place between departments on next year's horse tram season, with the aim of providing a service that delivers a valued tourist attraction while ensuring the needs of businesses and residents are met during the Douglas Promenade Refurbishment Scheme.
Flexible arrangements may be considered with regard to the length of the season and track distance, and full details will be announced when options have been fully considered.
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.
