There are multiple ways to get to the Isles of Scilly, the most popular being air travel. When travelling to the Scilly Isles via plane, you can fly from Exeter, Newquay or Lands End. The Skybus is a 16-seater plane with a dog box. They allow up to 15kg of luggage per person and a small cabin bag each.
In this article, we tell you how you can get to the Isles of Scilly by plane or helicopter and the pros and cons of each airport.
Lands End
Lands End Airport is a 20-minute drive from Penzance. This airport is the cheapest way to fly via air to the islands and is perfect for those getting the train to Penzance. The Isles of Scilly Travel company offer bus transfers from Penzance Train Station and car parking at Lands End Airport.
How long is the flight?
The flight is 15 minutes long, so ideal for making the most of your time on the islands.
When can you fly?
Flights are usually each hour Monday-Saturday.
What does it cost?
Flights are from £121.50 for a standard ticket, £91.25 for a child ticket, £27.25 for an infant ticket and £46.75 for a dog ticket. They also offer day trip returns discounted from the usual ticket prices.
Newquay
Newquay airport is 5 miles outside of Newquay central.
This is the perfect option if you're flying from the top of the country into Newquay and want to go straight to the islands. The Skybus flights line up with a lot of the UK domestic flights. Unfortunately, dogs are not permitted on flights from Newquay.
Car parking is available at Newquay airport; you can book this directly through the airport.
Please note there is airport security as usual at Newquay airport, so all liquids must be in a sealed clear bag.
How long is the flight?
The flight is 30 minutes long.
When can you fly?
Flights from Newquay are limited, with planes only flying Monday, Friday and Saturday. There are usually 1-2 flights on the days of flying.
What does it cost?
Flights range from £171.25 for a standard ticket to £128.50 for a child ticket and £44.00 for an infant ticket.
Exeter
Exeter Airport is located 6 miles outside of Exeter central.
This airport is perfect if you want to avoid travelling down to Cornwall. Most UK airports fly to Exeter, so it's a great option if you want to fly direct to the UK. Unfortunately, dogs are not permitted on flights from Exeter.
Car parking is available at Exeter airport, which you can book directly through the airport.
Please note there is airport security as usual at Exeter airport, so all liquid need to be in a sealed clear bag.
How long is the flight?
The flight is an hour long.
When can you fly?
Flights from Exeter are usually 2-3 times per day, Monday-Saturday.
What does it cost?
Flights range from £236.50 for a standard ticket to £117.50 for a child ticket and £69.25 for an infant ticket.
Penzance Helicopter
When travelling to the Isles of Scilly via helicopter, the heliport is located in Penzance.
This mode of travel is the most reliable if fog is around. Unfortunately, dogs are not permitted on the helicopter. The helicopter is a twin-engine AW139 helicopter that seats up to 12 people and travels directly to St Mary's and Tresco.
There is a car park at the heliport, or they offer a shuttle bus from Penzance train station.
How long is the flight?
The flight duration is 15 minutes long.
When can you fly?
Flights from Penzance heliport are usually every couple of hours, Monday-Saturday.
What does it cost?
Flights are from £149.50 for a standard ticket.
Pros and cons of each airport
Airport | Pros | Cons |
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Lands End |
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Newquay |
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Exeter |
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Penzance Heliport |
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With all the different modes of transport, there is something to suit everyone. The one thing they all have in common is the undisturbed views of the ocean and islands - you might even see some dolphins!
Once you've confirmed your flights, remember to check out the beautiful accommodation in the Isles of Scilly - there's sure to be something that suits your travel requirements.
We hope that we've provided all you need to know about getting to the Isles of Scilly by air, but if not, please feel free to get in touch with Scilly Escapes or leave your question in the comments section below.