Situated in the centre of the British Isles and surrounded by the Irish Sea, the Isle of Man is a self-governing dependent territory of the British Crown. This beautiful place has over a hundred miles of striking coastline consisting of beaches and rugged cliffs - it's a stunning island with fascinating origins. Nowadays, its economy revolves around several sectors, including aviation, tourism, finance and e-gaming. With a mild climate, an abundance of interesting landmarks and a rich history, a car hire in the Isle of Man is the perfect way to explore the island. Why not contact Auto Europe and learn more about our offers?
Don't be fooled by the size of this island - there is a vast list of activities and things to do here. You can experience first-hand their traditions by embarking on a heritage railway journey, a fun and unique way to visit ancient monuments and historical sites. There are three different lines, and some of the attractions include the impressive Castle Rushen, the Railway Museum, the Rushen Abbey and even a panoramic view at Snaefell from where it is possible to catch a glimpse (on a clear day) of the neighbouring countries England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
After going back in time with this trip, take the family on a walking tour and let the natural beauty of the island surprise you. We also highly recommend tree climbing at South Barrule. At night, why not observe the stars and the vast firmament in the Dark Sky Sites? For those who love adventure or being surrounded by nature, the Isle of Man lends itself perfectly to a wide range of outdoor activities. Tourists can go cycling, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, hunting, golfing and much, much more.
Don't miss the island's most famous landmarks, such as the colourful villages, the Tynwald Hill and the Laxey Wheel, the largest working waterwheel in the world. And after a long day of sightseeing, recharge your batteries in one of the many restaurants and pubs dotted across the island. Allow yourself to uncover their culinary traditions - from the exquisite Queenies (queen scallops) to the tender Loaghtan lamb roast (native to the islands), in which most of the ingredients are locally sourced.
To help you make the most of your time on the Isle of Man, we've compiled all the relevant information about the island for a most enjoyable trip. Alternatively, you can check their official website listed on the bottom of this page. Book online now or contact our rental specialists on +44 123 3225 114 and they will be more than happy to find you the best deal. Please visit our Isle of Man car hire reviews page for a taste of what others thought of their recent Auto Europe car rental experience on the island.
For more information on renting a vehicle in Isle of Man, click on the car hire related topics listed below:
Suppliers | Car Hire FAQs | Travel Guide |
Auto Europe collaborates with all the world's top car hire suppliers, which means that travellers can book a vehicle in over 180 popular destinations and pick it up in more than 24,000 convenient locations, including the Isle of Man. Just make a quick search in our booking engine and the most suitable collection point for your visit will appear on an interactive map in a few seconds.
Often referred to as Ronaldsway Airport due to its location, Isle of Man Airport (IOM) is one of the two main gateways to the island in addition the busy Isle of Man sea terminal. Located a 20-minute motorway drive south-west of Douglas (the island's capital city), it is served by regular flights from numerous cities across the UK, most notably Manchester, Dublin, London, Liverpool, Newcastle, Birmingham and Bristol. You can pick up your car rental in the Isle of Man at the reception desks situated in the airport's Arrivals Hall, so make sure yo have all the necessary documents to hand when leaving the baggage-claim area.
Isle of Man Airport (IOM)
Website: airport.im
Address: Ballasalla, Isle of Man, IM9 2AS, UK
Telephone: +44 1624 821600
As a leading international car rental company, Auto Europe is proud to be able to offer the very best choice of pick-up and drop-off locations in the Isle of Man and all other key destinations across the United Kingdom. Thanks to our many years of experience dealing with all the global and local car rental companies since being founded in 1954, we are able to offer our many customers the highest standard of service and lowest prices on the market.
Should you require additional information about the car hire companies we work with or their policies, for example out of office pick up or questions regarding age restrictions, our car rental specialists are just a phone call or e-mail away and happy to assist you.
This section features the most frequent questions asked by people booking a car hire in Isle of Man. Scroll down for important tips relating to a wide range of essential car hire topics, such as credit cards, coverage, tolls, traffic and much more. If you need any more information, please call our reservations team on +44 123 3225 114 and they will be happy to help you with your reservation and assist you with your travel itinerary.
Yes. To rent a car in the Isle of Man, you will always need to present a valid credit card in the name of the primary driver at the time of collecting your vehicle. Please note that debit or pre-paid cards are not acceptable. The local car hire company will then use your credit card, be it Mastercard, Visa, Diners or American Express) to place a security deposit on the vehicle for the duration of your rental period, the amount of which is specified on your car rental voucher (the same info is available in the search engine results just by clicking on the blue and white 'i' icon). When you return the car at the end of your rental agreement, the deposit will be released back onto your card once the car has been inspected and confirmed as undamaged in any way.
For luxury car bookings, please be aware that some car rental suppliers in the Isle of Man will request a second credit card, also in the main driver’s name, due to the high value of such vehicles. In all cases, it's important to make sure that you always have enough credit on your card to cover the deposit or risk the inconvenience of not being able to collect your car when you arrive at your destination. For a list of the most common questions please visit our credit cards and deposits section.
Auto Europe's customers are always reassured to learn that all the basic car hire rates published on our website always include the minimum amount of legally-required Liability Insurance, Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection (TP), either with or without excess depending on the supplier. It is important to note that CDW does not cover any damage caused to all parts of the vehicle, so to cover themselves sufficiently during their trip we always recommend that drivers add our popular Full Damage & Theft Protection policy to their booking to be on the safe side, which covers any damage caused to the vehicle's glass, mirrors, roof, etc. The cost of this coverage varies according to the car category, location and supplier chosen.
Please be aware that during the pick-up check-in process, staff working for the local car hire company might try to sell you additional insurance, such as Personal Accident Insurance (PAI), Personal Effects Coverage (PEC), Super CDW, Seguro Relax Insurance and Roadside Assistance, amongst others. These are entirely optional and any insurance purchased directly with the local supplier cannot be refunded by Auto Europe. To check the terms of the car hire coverage included in the car hire rate, just click on the blue and white 'i' icon after making a quick search in our booking engine. The same details regarding CDW deductibles, Theft Insurance Deductibles and Liability Insurance are also included in the car rental voucher sent by e-mail once the booking has been confirmed.
The Isle of Man has over a thousand kilometres of roads, most of which remain uncongested throughout the year, except when the island's world-famous TT races are taking place (in May and June). Note that the road traffic rules and regulations are similar to the rest of the UK except that there is no overriding national speed limit, only local speed restrictions. From the airport, the A5 is the fastest way to get to the capital, Douglas, which is located just 20 minutes away outside the morning and evening rush-hour. If you wish to take your car rental in the Isle of Man from the airport to the other side of the island, just follow the A3 and you will reach Ramsey, one of the largest cities in the north.
Parking is currently operated under a policy of disc parking zones. Travellers are therefore obliged to display a parking disc in their vehicles, preferably above the dashboard so that the local traffic wardens can see them. Discs are available from the car rental firms operating on the island and other outlets such as the Sea Terminal office, police stations and post offices. Disc parking zones allow free of charge parking, however they are subject to time restrictions. Time restrictions are clearly displayed on signs in the local area. Make sure you ask your vehicle supplier for the disc before leaving the pick-up station.
No. Leaving the island with your car hire in the Isle of Man is not permitted under any circumstances.
Just 52 kilometres (32 miles) long and 22 kilometres (14 mile) wide, the Isle of Man is one of Europe's most unique tourist destinations and a wonderful place to take to the road and enjoy the best of the British countryside. The island's offers a great mix for visitors, with plenty of cultural appeal in the larger towns and cities with the added bonus of several fun-filled day-trip options to please both adults and children alike.
The island's wonderful network of roads are an open invitation to rent a car in the Isle of Man and tour this unique destination at your own pace and in the comfort of your own vehicle. You can cover the entire island without missing anything, including some of the most impressive natural attractions in the British Isle, most notably St Patrick's Isle. It's also possible to follow the route of the island's famous motorcycle road racing circuit which is always a major draw for motor racing fans everywhere.
For clients planning an extended road-trip on the Isle of Man, it is possible to pick up the vehicle in one place and return it to another with a one-way car hire to allow extra flexibility.
Castletown
Capital of the Isle of Man for many centuries, Castletown's key attraction is Castle Rushen, a former royal residence built on the site of a Viking stronghold. The town's other highlights include the clock in the south tower presented by Queen Elizabeth I in 1597, a unique sundial with thirteen dials and one of the island's greatest treasures, a Celtic crucifix unearthed during excavation works on the little offshore islet - the Calf of Man.
St Patrick's Isle
Linked to the mainland by a narrow causeway, St Patrick's Isle is the perfect day-trip option for people staying in the larger towns of Douglas or Castletown, for instance. It's main attraction is Peel Castle, an imposing 11th-century fortification perched on top of the island. Inside the castle walls lies the 9th-century Cathedral of St Germanus, notbale for its superb 13th-century choir and crypt.
Manx Electric Railway
Running since 1893, the Manx Electric Railway has maintained much of its original Victorian and Edwardian infrastructure on its unparalleled route along the eastern coast of the Isle of Man. This scenic narrow-gauge railway is a wonderful treat for young viitors and journeys some 17 miles across the island, with numerous scheduled stops en route.
Port Erin
Boasting some of the island's wildest and most beautiful scenery, the quaint seaside town of Port Erin lies at the head of a deep bay sheltered by Bradda Head. Besides several lovely parks and gardens, Port Erin is blessed with a sandy beach, numerous excellent restaurants, some wonderful art galleries and a statue in honour of one of the town's most famous sons, Fletcher Christian, the man who orchestrated the famous Mutiny on the Bounty.
Sitting in the Irish Sea between the islands of Great Britain and Ireland, the Isle of Man was part of the Norwegian Kingdom of the Hebrides until the 13th century when it was ceded to Scotland. Today it ranks as one of the most interesting places to visit in the United Kingdom, with a long history and a wealth of tourist appeal to suit all tastes.