What kind of vehicle do you need? A large SUV for a big family? An eco-friendly compact car to zip around the city? Whatever you’re looking for, Avis car hire in Isle of Man will have you covered. Our vehicles offer practicality, performance and comfort, so you can enjoy your trip as much as possible. Get in touch for more information about the exact models that are available.

The island measures 227 square miles, 33 miles north to south and 13 miles east to west, and forms a microcosm of the British coast and countryside in the Irish Sea.

Known for its famous tailless cat and sheep with up to six horns, the island has certainly made a name for itself with regards to wildlife! For those interested in marine creatures, this is a great place to see sharks, minke, killer and humpback whales and bottlenose dolphins. Grey seals form colonies on the rocks inshore, so get out those binoculars and have your camera at the ready.

For an invaluable insight into the island’s heritage and traditions, visit the Manx Museum and National Gallery in Douglas, open every day except Sundays and with free admission. Learn about the oldest continuous parliament in the world and pore over collections of Viking silver and gold.

The attractive village of Peel on the west coast is home to a heritage centre, the House of Manannan. Step inside the Celtic roundhouse or immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the 19th century quayside. Two additional historical highlights are the evocative castles at Peel and Castletown. Castle Rushen in Castletown is one of the most intact mediaeval fortresses in Europe.

Take a trip to the largest water wheel in the world at Laxey or the Grove Museum of Victorian Life near Ramsey. The latter features a Victorian country house, beautifully preserved for a step back in time.

For a truly rural retreat, head to the village of Cregneash on the south coast. Here, you’ll find a living museum comprised of thatched cottages and farm buildings, depicting the traditional way of life in the 19th century. You can watch farming demonstrations, take a look at the smithy or simply relax with some light refreshments in the tearooms.

Golf enthusiasts will be pleased to learn the island is home to nine courses. Enjoy a round or two at Castletown, Mount Murray or Ramsey – all easy to reach with your car rental.

A visit to the island is also a great opportunity to sample the local fare. Your mouth will water at the fresh seafood, succulent meat and specially brewed beers and spirits on offer. Why not also try traditional Manx kippers, herring fillets smoked over hot oak, or ‘Queenie’ scallops. Those with a sweet tooth won’t want to miss a chance to try Manx ice cream and traditional cakes including the Bonnag, a sweet loaf or bun.

Events on the Isle of Man

You definitely won’t be disappointed by the packed schedule of events organised on the island for year-round entertainment. These include a number of festivals such as the Isle of Man Food and Drink Festival, the Queenie Festival – to celebrate the marine heritage – plus Yn Chruinnaght, meaning ‘the gathering’, a Manx culture feast.

The Mannifest is a music festival held in August in beautiful countryside and showcasing the best musical talent on the island. You’ll enjoy three days of live music, DJs and other entertainment, as well as workshops, film and poetry plus activities for children.

The island is of course best known as a world-class motorsport venue, notably for the TT motorbike races in May and June. This ultra-famous event is organised on a 37 and three quarter mile mountain course and is one of the most thrilling road races in motorsport. Riders challenge each other for the prestigious Tourist Trophy, often racing at up to 200 mph.

For vintage car buffs there is the Manx Classic Rally with its sprints and hill climbs and also the VMCC Rally. The island is a true mecca for motorsports and for this reason we advise booking well in advance for the various events.

Which side of the road?
In the United Kingdom, please drive on the left side of the road.

Country driving laws

• Mobile phones may only be used with a headset or hands-free device
• There is a congestion charge payable when driving in London

• Use the outside lane to overtake on motorways and dual carriageways
• Zebra crossings (black and white stripes on the road) give pedestrians right of way to cross the road

Speed Limits

All speed signs will be in mph.

For a standard Avis rental vehicle with no trailers:

• Urban areas: 30 mph (48 km/h)
• Motorways: 70 mph (112 km/h)

• Rural areas: 60 mph (96 km/h)

Unless indicated by road signs.

Child safety / Seatbelt laws

• It is compulsory for the driver and all passengers to wear a seatbelt

• Children aged under 12 or less than 135cm tall must be seated in an appropriate child restraint for their size

Please note - It is the child’s parent / guardian or vehicle renter’s responsibility to fit the
child seat.

This road rules information is for provided for general guidance only. We endeavour to keep the information up to date and accurate, but any reliance you place on this information is at your own risk.

Avis Car hire in Isle of Man will help you really make the most of this unique spot. It may be a small island, but it has more than enough to offer for explorers on four wheels, whether you’re looking for fun, relaxation or breathtaking views.

Douglas

Around a 25-minute drive from Ronaldsway (via the A5) is the island’s capital, Douglas. This pretty seaside resort, on the east of the island, is also a busy working port and offers a host of attractions including the Manx Museum. The Great Union Camera Obscura, an unusual Victorian curiosity, is well worth checking out. It works using a series of lenses and mirrors located at roof-level to project moving colour pictures of the surroundings.

Isle of Man Glens and Cashtal yn Ard

Boasting 18 mountain and coastal National Glens, it’s not surprising that the Isle of Man is so popular with artists and photographers. From Ronaldsway you’re less than a one-hour drive from Ballaglass Glen in Maughold, which boasts a spectacular waterfall and unusual plant life. Another nearby attraction is Cashtal yn Ard (Castle of the Heights) – a fascinating chambered tomb dating back to around 2,000 BC. This is one of the island’s most famous attractions.

Mooragh Park

Perched on the north of the island, Mooragh Park is around a 50-minute drive from Ronaldsway, via the A5 and A18. Boasting a 12-acre boating lake, kayaking, sailing and canoeing are readily available. If you’d rather stay on dry land, check out the BMX track and crazy golf course. There’s also a playground and water-play area for younger children.

Is the Isle of Man part of the UK?

No. The Isle of Man is a self-governing state located between England and Northern Ireland, and although it’s a crown dependency of Great Britain, the island doesn’t belong to the United Kingdom.

Is there a speed limit on the Isle of Man?

No, the island has no official speed limit. Other than that, the road regulations are broadly the same as in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Take a look at our brief summary of them above.

Can you hire a car by the day in the Isle of Man?

You can enjoy affordable rates when you book one-day car rental with Avis. Submit your trip details into the online booking form so you can see the available vehicles and their one-day car rental cost.

What do you need to shift? Our van rental fleet spans small hire vans, perfect for that weekend DIY project; medium vans, well suited to hauling rolls of carpet, heavy floor tiles, or moving the kids to university; and large vans to accommodate some or all of your worldly goods.   
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