St. Mary's Airport
Airport guide 2026

St. Mary's Airport ISC

United Kingdom

St Mary's Airport is the main airport of the Scilly Isles.

Arrival point to the archipelago with turquoise beaches off the far western coast of England.

Content verified on 06/09/2026

How to get to St. Mary's Airport

Hugh Town, the main settlement on the island, is just a few minutes from the airport: the transfer takes approximately 10 minutes by taxi or local bus.

By Car

Private cars are not widely used on the island: most travel is by foot, bicycle, or with the few local taxis.

By Train

There is no railway station: the Isles of Scilly have no railway connections.

By Bus

A local bus service and taxi connect the airport to Hugh Town.
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Tips Skybus flights from Newquay are suspended from 1 September 2026 to 16 March 2027: verify which route (Land's End or Exeter) is active before booking, especially during this period.

Average travel time to ISC

TrainNot available (no rail connection to Scilly)
Shuttle busService available (local bus, taxi)
Taxi / Private hire10 minutes (£8-12)

Parking near St. Mary's Airport

Parking is limited due to very few private vehicles on the island.

How to get to Scilly Isles from ISC

By Train

There is no railway station: the Isles of Scilly have no rail connections.

By Bus

Local bus and taxi services connect the airport to Hugh Town in approximately 10 minutes.

By Taxi

A taxi costs approximately £8-12 for the short journey to Hugh Town.

Need an airport transfer?

Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com

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Car rental at St. Mary's Airport

Car rental is essentially absent on the island: most visitors move around on foot, by bicycle, or by taxi.

 

Hotels near St. Mary's Airport

St Mary's is the largest of the Isles of Scilly and the only one with an airport, about ten minutes from Hugh Town by the minibus that meets every flight. The island is small: whether you stay in town or on the Garrison, the fortified headland a few minutes' walk from the harbour, you still reach the terminal quickly. Here the choice isn't between airport and town as elsewhere, but between the centre of Hugh Town, facing the harbour and the beaches, and the quiet of the Garrison or the higher lanes of the village, away from the bustle of the quay.
City centre

Hugh Town, the harbour

Minibus meeting every flight in about 10 minutes; on foot it's fifteen minutes over hilly ground.

Best for: For those who want to get off the boat or the minibus and have the harbour, beaches and restaurants right at hand.

Pros
  • Harbour, beaches and restaurants just steps from the lodgings.
  • Direct arrival point of the minibus that meets the flights.
Cons
  • Small island, few alternatives if the rooms are full.
  • Some places close early outside the high season.
See more hotels in this area
Neighbourhood

The Garrison

Minibus from the airport to Hugh Town in about 10 minutes, then a 5-minute uphill walk to the Garrison.

Best for: For those seeking quiet and views over the neighbouring islands, a few minutes' walk from the harbour.

Pros
  • Gardens and the island fort's walls, away from the harbour traffic.
  • Views over the neighbouring islands from the fortified headland.
Cons
  • A short uphill walk is needed to reach the harbour.
  • Fewer evening venues than the centre of Hugh Town.
See more hotels in this area
Neighbourhood

Hugh Town, the upper lanes

Minibus from the airport to Hugh Town in about 10 minutes, then a short uphill walk.

Best for: For those who want a quiet place to stay a few minutes from the harbour, away from the bustle of the quay.

Pros
  • Quiet residential area with sea views.
  • A few minutes' walk from the harbour and the Garrison.
Cons
  • Bed & breakfast only, no in-house restaurant.
  • Limited rooms, worth booking well in advance.
See more hotels in this area
 

Airport services

The airport is the main hub for the Isles of Scilly, with Skybus Twin Otter aircraft (19-seat) services from Land's End (20 minutes), Newquay (30 minutes, currently suspended) and Exeter.

Shopping & Duty Free

A duty-free area is not available, consistent with the airport's small scale.

Lounges & relaxation

No dedicated lounges are available.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi reaches every corner of the terminal.

Families & Children

The terminal provides basic assistance for passengers traveling with children.

Terminal guide

The small terminal handles Skybus flights from Land's End, Newquay (suspended from September 1st, 2026 to March 16th, 2027) and Exeter.

To be safe, it's advisable to arrive 1 hour before the flight.

Map of St. Mary's Airport

Map of St. Mary's Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. How do you get to St Mary's Airport?

With Skybus flights from Land's End (20 minutes), Newquay (30 minutes) or Exeter, on 19-seat Twin Otter aircraft.

Q. Are flights from Newquay always operating?

No, they are suspended from 1 September 2026 to 16 March 2027: check which route is active before booking.

Q. Are there many cars on the Isles of Scilly?

No, most getting around is done on foot, by bicycle or by taxi; car rental is almost non-existent.

Q. Do the Isles of Scilly have Caribbean-style beaches?

Yes, they are famous for turquoise waters and white beaches, despite the British climate.

Flight board

Real-time status of arriving and departing flights

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