Isles Of Scilly Travel ferry routes
Every route operated by Isles Of Scilly Travel at a glance, with current crossing times, timetables and ticket prices.
The Isles of Scilly Steamship Company (ISSC) runs the main shipping service from Penzance in Cornwall to the Isles of Scilly, 45 km to the southwest. The company's main vessel, Scillonian III, is one of only three ships in the world still holding Royal Mail Ship status.
RMV Scillonian III was purpose-built by Appledore Shipbuilders in Devon and named by Prince Charles on 17 May 1977. She is the third passenger vessel to bear the name Scillonian and entered service on 19 May 1977. The ferry runs six days a week from March to November (seven in high season), with extra Saturday double sailings at peak times.
Departure from Penzance Harbour is at 09:15, arriving on Scilly at 12:00; the return sailing leaves at 16:30 and arrives in Penzance at 19:10. The crossing takes around 2 hours 45 minutes. The ship carries up to 485 passengers and is fitted with a "Flume" anti-roll stabiliser system, as the waters off Land's End can be rough due to strong tidal currents.
During the crossing, passengers enjoy stunning views of the Cornish coast, the Minack open-air theatre and the Land's End peninsula. Dolphin pods, seabirds and occasionally basking sharks often accompany the ship. The company also operates Isles of Scilly Skybus, offering flights to the islands.
Route map
Every route operated by Isles Of Scilly Travel at a glance