The bus is a much better option. You get on immediately in front of the terminal, it costs about £3 and takes 20 minutes to reach Douglas.

It's easy to buy a Go Card at the Sea Terminal in Douglas, there are other Bus concessions available depending on how long you are staying. I think a Go Card lasts for 3 days from the start of your first journey.

I don't think they start running again till the Easter holiday break! Double check with website though.

Don't know about the crowds in July as we went last month but you can buy a "Go Card" online from the Isle of Man government website in advance and travel on most transport options all day or for ever how many days you pay for. We used it on the mountain railway to Snafell from Laxey, the steam train from Douglas, the Douglas Promenade horse trams, and the tram from Douglas to Laxey. Yes you can get on and off where you like. Also you don't have to worry about drinking and driving so you can sample the real ales as well. I can thoroughly recommend the Manx Pale Ale (brewed on the island) served by the pub at the Laxey tram interchange. Their bar look like a tram inside!! Hope this of help.

Yes

The bus fares in Dougkas,the price varies depends where you want to go on the island. Super Saver best option. The bus driver will tell you which is the best ticket option on the day of purchase.

There are many trains per day so it shouldn't be a problem. You can't reserve seats so just get there in plenty of time. The views from the Manx Electric. Railway that goes to Snaefell mountain has more spectacular views.

Hi both ides offer great views of the island as already said try one side going and the other on the return however sitting on the seaward side does offer a different perspective on the return trip honestly though there are no bad views when taking in scenery and gaining a snapshot into island life just sit back and enjoy Graham

Yes you can purchase hit explorer cards online. Also the railway runs most of the year but not all so it's best to check their website at. Iombusandrail.

Buy a Go Explorer card on line - just google for the link to how to purchase them (TripAdvisor won't let me post the link). The tickets are valid for all trains and buses on the Isle of Man, including the steam train.