Penzance Heliport (PZE/EGHK) – Your Essential, Fast Gateway to the Isles of Scilly
Penzance Heliport is the vital aviation link connecting mainland Cornwall with the stunning Isles of Scilly. Successfully revived in 2020, the facility quickly reinstated a crucial and reliable air transport route to the archipelago. Known by its IATA code PZE and ICAO code EGHK, the heliport offers the fastest and most weather-resilient travel option, making it the indispensable premium choice for tourists and residents seeking swift transit across the English Channel.
General Information: Location, Key Facts, and Strategic Importance
The heliport’s strategic location in West Cornwall makes it an easily accessible starting point for island adventures, minimizing transit time on the mainland.
- Prime Location: Located in Penzance, Cornwall, South West England. Its direct proximity to the A30 highway ensures effortless road access. The facility is situated just over 1 km (0.6 miles) from the bustling Penzance town centre and the mainline railway station.
- Coordinates: 50° 6′ 42” N, 5° 30′ 57” W (50.1304°N 5.5139°W).
- Strategic Significance: The heliport provides a highly reliable transport link, boasting a rapid flight time of only 15 minutes to the islands, drastically cutting down travel time compared to sea options.
- Passenger Growth: Since its re-opening, the service has seen consistent demand. The heliport served approximately 10,000 passengers in 2024, with continued growth projected for 2025, solidifying its role as the premium travel provider.
Airlines, Fleet, and Direct Destinations
The service from Penzance is dedicated to providing a high-quality, seamless, and comfortable travel experience above the Cornish coast.
- Exclusive Operator: Flights are marketed as Penzance Helicopters. The operations are expertly handled by Starspeed (since November 2022), a globally recognised operator known for its high safety standards and operational excellence.
- The Fleet: Services exclusively utilise twin-engine Sikorsky S76 helicopters (specifically the S76C++ model). These modern aircraft are chosen for their superior performance, safety track record, and comfortable cabins, featuring large windows that offer passengers spectacular, panoramic coastal views during the short journey.
- Direct Routes to the Isles of Scilly: Penzance Helicopters provides year-round, direct connections to the two key islands in the archipelago:
- St. Mary’s (The main entry point for the Isles of Scilly, connecting travelers to the other off-islands).
- Tresco (Crucially, this is the only operator offering direct, exclusive helicopter access to the stunning private island of Tresco).
Terminal Facilities and Enhanced Passenger Services
Penzance Heliport operates from a compact, modern, and purpose-built terminal designed for maximum efficiency and passenger comfort.
- Onsite Amenities: The terminal includes essential traveler comforts, notably an on-site cafe providing refreshments and light snacks before departure. (Please note: General public Wi-Fi access is currently not available).
- Generous Baggage Policy: Penzance Helicopters offers a substantial luggage allowance of 20kg per person, a significant benefit for travelers planning longer stays on the islands.
- Technology & Real-Time Updates (2025): Enhancing the customer journey, an integrated Online Flight Board system was introduced in early 2025. This system provides passengers with accurate, real-time flight status updates across Penzance, St Mary’s, and Tresco.
- Accessibility: The facility maintains limited disabled access facilities within its compact structure. Passengers requiring special assistance are highly encouraged to contact the operator in advance to arrange necessary support.
Ground Transportation & Parking Solutions
Reaching the heliport is straightforward, with excellent links to local transport networks, catering to both rail and road travelers.
- Integrated Rail Connection: The heliport is located just over a mile from the Penzance Railway Station, the terminus for the Great Western Main Line. A dedicated electric shuttle bus service runs regularly, providing a seamless, eco-friendly connection for train passengers directly to the heliport terminal.
- Bus and Taxi Services: Local bus services offer a cheap, short connection to Penzance town centre (approx. 5 minutes, around 2 GBP). A convenient taxi rank is situated outside the terminal, with the city centre journey estimated at 5–10 GBP.
- Car Access and Parking: Positioned near the A30, the heliport is ideal for drivers. A small, secure, and affordably priced car park is available directly at the site for both short and long-term vehicle storage.
Current Outlook, Fleet Expansion, and Contact Information
The future of the Penzance Heliport service is strong, driven by high demand and continuous investment in capacity.
- 2025 Fleet Expansion: To meet the consistently rising passenger numbers and to ensure service reliability, Penzance Helicopters announced significant plans in May 2025 to expand its operational fleet by adding a third twin-engine Sikorsky S76 helicopter.
- Gateway to Cornwall’s Highlights: The heliport serves as an excellent dual hub. Its location offers easy access to West Cornwall’s most famous landmarks, including the historic tidal island of St Michael’s Mount, the spectacular cliff-side Minack Theatre, and the iconic Land’s End.
- Contact Information:
- Address: Penzance, Cornwall, TR18 3AP, UNITED KINGDOM.
- Telephone: +44 1736 364296.
- Official Website: For bookings, real-time flight information, and further details, please visit PenzanceHeliport.co.uk. (Note: This is the current, official site for the Penzance Helicopters service).