
Travelling to Tresco FAQs
Here, we've answered some of the most frequently asked questions on getting to Tresco, but if you have any other questions just give our friendly Island Office team a call on 01720 422849.
The fastest way to the island is to fly direct to Tresco with Penzance Helicopters. The stunning flight takes just 15 minutes and you'll land moments from your accommodation here on Tresco.
You can also reach Tresco by Skybus fixed-wing planes, flying from Land’s End, Newquay or Exeter, or by Scillonian III passenger ferry from Penzance to St Mary’s from March to October. From St Mary's, there's a short boat transfer to Tresco.
However you travel, please advise us of your travel plans using our Pre-Arrival Form or by calling +44 (0)1720 422849.
If you fly direct to Tresco with Penzance Helicopters, we will meet you at Tresco Heliport for the short complimentary transfer to your accommodation in our electric shuttle.
If you arrive at St Mary's on Penzance Helicopters, Skybus or the Scillonian ferry, there's just a short transfer to Tresco.
- Arriving by Air: Provided you advise us of your travel plans in advance, you will be met on arrival at St Mary's Airport and our friendly team will deliver you and your luggage to St Mary's Quay for the next available boat to Tresco. All services are payable locally and we accept contactless payments. Our standard transfer service may involve a short wait on St Mary's. A 'special' boat is available for a supplement of £60 - for details, please contact Tresco Boat Services on 01720 423373).
- Arriving by Scillonian: Tresco Boat Services meet the Scillonian on arrival at St Mary's each day. Provided your luggage is labelled with a blue Tresco label (available at Penzance Quay), your luggage will be transferred across to our boat automatically. You will need to travel on this boat to Tresco. Times are advertised on the Tresco Boat Services page one day in advance and also announced on the Scillonian prior to arrival at St Mary's.
However, you are travelling, please be sure to let us know your travel plans using our Pre-Arrival form. We don't receive your journey details from your travel provider, so without this, we may not be there to meet you on arrival.
Tresco is a car free island, so your car will need to stay on the mainland.
If you are travelling by Penzance Helicopters there is on-site parking at Penzance Heliport, payable on exit. There is no need to book in advance.
If you are travelling from Land's End Airport the airport parking is provided by Isles of Scilly Travel or Westwinds Car Park. If you are travelling from Cornwall Airport Newquay or Exeter please visit the Newquay or Exeter Airport websites for parking information.
If you are travelling by sea from Penzance you can leave your car in the secure car park with Scilly Parking who will drop you, your passengers and your luggage to the quay.
Please contact the Island Office the day before departure to check the time of your transport from your accommodation to Tresco Heliport, or your boat for onward travel from St Mary's.
Except on our winter Dog-Friendly breaks, dogs are not permitted in any Tresco accommodation but are most welcome on day trips. Please keep your dog on the lead and note they are only permitted inside in the bar area of The New Inn.
Dogs are most welcome to stay at our dog-friendly Hell Bay Hotel on the neighbouring island of Bryher.