FerryConnect

United Kingdom (England)

Penzance → St Mary’s (Isles of Scilly)

Scillonian III’s crossing from Penzance past Land’s End to Hugh Town on St Mary’s, the main island of Scilly and the hub for launches to Tresco, St Martin’s, St Agnes and Bryher.

⏱ About 2h 45m🚢 1 operator📅 Seasonal sailings March to November, timed to allow day trips🐕 Pet friendly

Penzance to St Mary’s (Isles of Scilly) ferry at a glance

The ferry from Penzance to St Mary’s (Isles of Scilly) takes About 2h 45m across the Celtic Sea, operated by Isles of Scilly Steamship Company. It is a foot-passenger service; vehicles are not carried. Typical frequency: seasonal sailings March to November, timed to allow day trips.

Crossing times and frequencies are typical figures and vary by season. Confirm the current timetable with the operator or booking partner before you travel. Route facts last reviewed 2026-09-29.

Sources: islesofscilly-travel.co.uk · islesofscilly-travel.co.uk · islesofscilly-travel.co.uk · How we verify

Return crossing: St Mary’s (Isles of Scilly) to Penzance

Isles of Scilly Steamship Company also sails St Mary’s (Isles of Scilly) to Penzance, taking About 2h 45m. Return sailings leave St Mary’s in the afternoon, so a same-day return gives a few hours ashore.

Penzance to St Mary’s (Isles of Scilly) ferry timetable & sailing pattern

Seasonal service March to November, generally outbound in the morning and back the same afternoon; selected dates have early departures or double sailings

No winter sailings; Skybus flights serve the islands year-round.

Return: Return sailings leave St Mary’s in the afternoon, so a same-day return gives a few hours ashore.

Timetables change by season and date. Check exact departures for your travel date on the official timetable.

Official Isles of Scilly Steamship Company timetable →

Source: Isles of Scilly Travel route and day-trip pages. Verified 2026-09-29.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Penzance and St Mary’s (Isles of Scilly)

📐 33 Nautical Miles
Penzance⇄St Mary’s (Isles of Scilly)
⏱ About 2h 45m · 📐 33 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
⚡ Compare All Operators

Ready to cross from Penzance to St Mary’s (Isles of Scilly)?

Check live availability, fares and sailing times with Direct Ferries.

Compare on Direct Ferries→
🏨Port Hotels (Penzance)
Rates →
🚆Port Trains & Buses
Schedules →
🚗Car Hire at Quay
Compare →
🎟Things to do in St Mary’s (Isles of Scilly)
Tours →

Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
Isles of Scilly Steamship Company2h 45mScillonian III

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Foot passengers only

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

Pets allowed with valid documents

📐

Distance

33 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • Scillonian III departs less than a 15-minute walk from Penzance railway station; GWR sells combined rail-and-sail tickets
  • Penzance bus station is a 15-minute walk from the departure point

Tips for the Penzance to St Mary’s (Isles of Scilly) Crossing

  • Dogs travel for a fee; day-trip fares with a dog are booked by phone
  • Scillonian IV is due to replace Scillonian III in March 2027

Related Ferry Crossings

More ferries in United KingdomDover → Calais1h 30m · P&O Ferries, DFDS, Irish FerriesMore ferries in United KingdomOban → Craignure46m · Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac)More ferries in United KingdomBowness → Far Sawrey10m · Westmorland & Furness CouncilMore ferries in United KingdomCalais → Dover1h 30m · P&O Ferries, DFDS, Irish FerriesMore ferries in United KingdomHolyhead → Dublin3h 15m · Irish Ferries, Stena LineMore ferries in United KingdomDover → Dunkirk2h · DFDS
⚓ Penzance Harbour (Scillonian III) guide🌊 Irish Sea ferries🗺 All ferries in United Kingdom🔎 Search all routes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I do a day trip to the Isles of Scilly by ferry?
Yes. Isles of Scilly Travel sells Scillonian III day-trip fares, and some dates with early departures or double sailings allow up to seven hours on the islands.
How long is the ferry from Penzance to St Mary’s (Isles of Scilly)?
The crossing typically takes About 2h 45m. Actual times vary by vessel, season and sea conditions, so check the timetable for your sailing.
How often does the Penzance to St Mary’s (Isles of Scilly) ferry sail?
Seasonal service March to November, generally outbound in the morning and back the same afternoon; selected dates have early departures or double sailings. No winter sailings; Skybus flights serve the islands year-round. This is the pattern published in the Isles of Scilly Travel route and day-trip pages (checked 2026-09-29); confirm exact departure times on the official timetable before you travel.
Which ferry companies sail from Penzance to St Mary’s (Isles of Scilly)?
Isles of Scilly Steamship Company operates this route. Compare sailing times and ticket types before booking, as they often differ between operators.
Can I take my car on the Penzance to St Mary’s (Isles of Scilly) ferry?
No. This is a foot-passenger service and vehicles are not carried. Use parking near the departure pier or public transport to reach it.
Can I take the Penzance to St Mary’s (Isles of Scilly) ferry as a foot passenger?
Yes. Foot passengers can travel on this route. Allow time to reach the passenger terminal and check the operator’s check-in closing time.
Are dogs and pets allowed on the Penzance to St Mary’s (Isles of Scilly) ferry?
Pets are accepted on this route, subject to the operator’s rules (for example staying in the vehicle, kennels or pet-friendly cabins). International crossings also require the correct pet travel documents.
How far is Penzance from St Mary’s (Isles of Scilly) by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 33 nautical miles (roughly 61 km).