Night Buses on the Isle of Man: Routes N1, N3, N5 & More
By Itamar Bareket·
When the regular Bus Vannin timetable finishes for the evening, the island does not shut down entirely. The Hullad Oie (Manx Gaelic for "night owl") services run late at night, connecting Douglas with the main towns across the island. If you are heading home from a night out in Douglas, these buses are a reliable and affordable alternative to a taxi.
Key Takeaway
Night buses depart from Douglas Lord Street. Check the Kivoon app for exact operating nights and departure times, as schedules can vary through the year and during TT week and other events.
Service Name
Hullad Oie (Night Owl)
Routes
N1, N3, N5, N5a, NBH
Departure Point
Douglas Lord Street
Fare
Standard Bus Vannin fares
Night Routes
N1
Douglas - Castletown - Colby - Port Erin - Port St. Mary
Douglas Lord Street → Port St. Mary
7 trips
N3
Douglas - Laxey - Ramsey
Douglas Lord Street → Ramsey
4 trips
N5
Douglas - St Johns - Peel
Douglas Lord Street → Peel
2 trips
Route Details
The N1 follows the same corridor as daytime Routes 1 and 2, heading south from Douglas through Castletown and Colby, then continuing to Port Erin and Port St. Mary. With 7 trips, it is the most frequent of the night routes. Key stops include Castletown, Colby, Port Erin, and Port St. Mary. If you live in the south of the island and work in Douglas hospitality or entertainment, the N1 is your lifeline home. Check the Kivoon app for exact departure times.
The N3 heads north along the coast road, following the daytime Route 3 corridor through Laxey and up to Ramsey. It runs 4 trips. This is the longest of the night routes. Check the Kivoon app for exact departure times and stops served.
The N5 runs west from Douglas via St Johns to Peel (2 trips). The N5a runs the reverse direction, from Peel via St Johns to Douglas (2 trips). Check the Kivoon app for exact departure times.
The NBH (Night Bus Holiday) runs from Douglas through Castletown and Colby to Port Erin, operating during holiday periods and special events. Check the Kivoon app for NBH availability during bank holidays and event weeks such as TT.
Night bus schedules vary by route. The N1 has the most trips (7), followed by the N3 (4 trips), the N5 and N5a (2 trips each), and the NBH holiday service. Check the Kivoon app for exact operating nights and departure times - they can change during event periods like TT fortnight.
Where to Catch Them
All night buses depart from Lord Street in Douglas, the same interchange used by daytime services. Lord Street is a short walk from the main Douglas pubs and clubs on Strand Street, the promenade, and the Villa Marina. The stop locations are the same as during the day - look for the Bus Vannin stop with the route number displayed.
Fares and Payment
Night bus fares follow the standard Bus Vannin fare structure. Cash is accepted, and discounted fares are available with Go Places multi-journey cards. This makes the night bus significantly cheaper than a taxi for journeys to Castletown, Peel, or Ramsey.
Practical Tips
Arrive at Lord Street at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure. Night buses tend to leave on time and will not wait for latecomers.
Check the Kivoon app for the exact departure time on the night you are travelling. Timetables can change through the year.
If you miss the last night bus, taxis are available from the rank on Lord Street, but expect longer waits and higher fares on busy Friday and Saturday nights.
The buses are well-lit and driven by regular Bus Vannin drivers. They are a safe and comfortable way to get home.
If you are visiting for TT, check for NBH services - there are often additional late departures to handle the crowds.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Hullad Oie (Night Owl) services include N1 (Douglas to Port St Mary via Castletown, 7 trips), N3 (Douglas to Ramsey via Laxey, 4 trips), N5 (Douglas to Peel, 2 trips), N5a (Peel to Douglas, 2 trips), and NBH (Night Bus Holiday, runs during holiday periods and events). All depart from Douglas Lord Street. Check the Kivoon app for exact operating nights and departure times.
All night buses depart from Lord Street in Douglas, the same interchange used by daytime services. Lord Street is a short walk from the main pubs and clubs on Strand Street, the promenade, and the Villa Marina. Use the Kivoon app to check exact departure times.
Night bus fares follow the standard Bus Vannin fare structure. For example, Douglas to Port Erin is £3.30 adult (child £1.70), Douglas to Ramsey is £3.30, and Douglas to Peel is £2.80. Discounted fares are available with Go Places pre-paid journey cards. Check the Kivoon app for details.