Ferries to Wight
Select ‘Isle of Wight' to compare the ferries to Wight
⛴️ Ferries to the Isle of Wight: Your Complete Guide
The Isle of Wight lies just off the southern coast of England, separated from the mainland by The Solent, a narrow body of water only 6 miles wide. Whether you're planning a day trip, a weekend getaway, or commuting for work, there are multiple reliable ferry options to get you across – fast and smooth.
This page will walk you through the best options for reaching the island from Portsmouth, Southampton, Lymington, and Southsea — with ferries and hovercraft running year-round.
Let's look at the map to get an idea of what we're talking about.
🧭 Map: ferry crossings to the Isle of Wight
About the crossings to Wight
🚢 Ferries to the Isle of Wight from the UK
Travelling to the Isle of Wight is quick and easy, with several frequent ferry routes from the south coast of England. The main departure ports are Portsmouth, Southampton, Lymington, and Southsea, offering crossings to key island destinations like Ryde, Fishbourne, East Cowes, and Yarmouth. Whether you’re travelling on foot, by car, or even by hovercraft, there’s a route to suit every type of traveller.
- ⏱️ Most crossings take between 10 and 60 minutes, making day trips or weekend getaways especially convenient.
- 🚗 Vehicle ferries run from Portsmouth, Lymington, and Southampton.
- 👣 Foot passengers can hop on fast catamarans or the famous Southsea-Ryde hovercraft.
With comfort, efficient services, and multiple daily sailings, ferry travel to the Isle of Wight remains one of the most enjoyable and practical ways to visit “The Island.”
Overview: your ferry options at a glance
| Route | Operator | Duration | Foot Passengers | Vehicles | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portsmouth ⇄ Fishbourne | Wightlink | ~45 mins | ✅ | ✅ | Frequent |
| Lymington ⇄ Yarmouth | Wightlink | ~40 mins | ✅ | ✅ | Frequent |
| Portsmouth Harbour ⇄ Ryde | Wightlink | ~22 mins | ✅ Catamaran | ❌ | Frequent |
| Southsea ⇄ Ryde (Hovercraft) | Hovertravel | ~10 mins | ✅ Only | ❌ | Very frequent |
| Southampton ⇄ East Cowes | Red Funnel | ~1 hour | ✅ | ✅ | Frequent |
| Southampton ⇄ West Cowes | Red Funnel Jet | ~25 mins | ✅ High-speed | ❌ | Frequent |
The ferries to the Isle of Wight summarised:
Portsmouth ⇄ Fishbourne (Wightlink)
This is one of the most popular routes to the Isle of Wight for travellers bringing their car. The crossing takes around 45 minutes and sails frequently throughout the day. It is ideal for those heading to the island's northeastern side, and it provides easy access to Ryde, Newport and beyond. The ferries are large, comfortable, and well-equipped for passengers and vehicles.
🚤 Portsmouth Harbour ⇄ Ryde Pier Head (Wightlink Catamaran)
If you're travelling on foot and want a fast and easy crossing, this high-speed catamaran is your best bet. It sails from Portsmouth Harbour Station directly to Ryde Pier, taking just 22 minutes. It's ideal for commuters and day-trippers without a car.
Lymington ⇄ Yarmouth (Wightlink)
This scenic 40-minute route connects the New Forest area with the western side of the Isle of Wight. It is an excellent choice for travellers from Bournemouth or Southampton, and it allows onboard car and foot passengers. Yarmouth is a charming entry point, especially if you plan to explore the quieter western side of the island.
🚗 Southampton ⇄ East Cowes (Red Funnel)
A vehicle ferry connecting the mainland city of Southampton with East Cowes. This one-hour crossing is especially useful for those heading to Newport or the eastern and central parts of the island. Red Funnel offers comfortable onboard facilities and is often chosen by families and holidaymakers.
⛴️ Southampton ⇄ West Cowes (Red Jet – foot passengers only)
Red Funnel’s high-speed Red Jet catamaran zips across the Solent in 25 minutes, connecting central Southampton with West Cowes. It's a fast and reliable option for foot passengers, beneficial for commuters or short stays.
🛸 Southsea (Portsmouth) ⇄ Ryde (Hovertravel)
This is the world’s only year-round hovercraft passenger service, and it’s a favourite for its sheer novelty. The crossing takes just 10 minutes, making it the fastest route to the island. However, it's foot passengers only – no cars allowed.
Choosing the right ferry: tips based on your mode of transport
🚗 Travelling with a Car?
- Wightlink’s Portsmouth ⇄ Fishbourne and Lymington ⇄ Yarmouth routes are perfect for trips to the central or western Isle of Wight.
- Red Funnel’s Southampton ⇄ East Cowes offers a scenic 1-hour trip and is ideal for those in Hampshire.
👣 Foot Passengers
- Hovertravel’s Southsea ⇄ Ryde hovercraft is the fastest way to the island in 10 minutes!
- The Wightlink Catamaran from Portsmouth Harbour to Ryde is another excellent choice ~22 mins.
🧭 Departing from:
- Portsmouth: Great for both cars and foot passengers. Central access to the island.
- Southampton: Ideal for East Cowes and West Cowes, especially if you’re heading toward Newport.
- Lymington: Convenient if you’re coming from the New Forest or Dorset.
- Southsea: Best for ultra-fast crossings via hovercraft.
📌 Key Ports on the Isle of Wight
| Mainland Port | Island Arrival Port |
|---|---|
| Portsmouth | Fishbourne, Ryde |
| Southampton | East Cowes, West Cowes |
| Lymington | Yarmouth |
| Southsea | Ryde (Hovertravel) |
Choose the best route and port for you
Ferries depart from Portsmouth, Southampton, Lymington, and Southsea, offering options for travellers with vehicles or on foot. These services are ideal for both tourists and commuters, making travel to the Isle of Wight simple and convenient.
Ferry Operators to Wight
The leading ferry companies serving these routes are:
- Wightlink
- Hovertravel
- Red Funnel
Whether travelling as a foot passenger or with a car, these ferry services provide reliable and frequent crossings, making visiting the Isle of Wight easy.
On board & ferry maps for Wight
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- Hovertravel Hovercraft landing in Ryde – Isle of Wight
Prices and availability for this crossing.
What is the sailing schedule and the best alternative?
To check the sailing schedule and timetable for this crossing, and to find the best alternatives, simply fill in the booking module for ferries to the Isle of Wight. This tool will provide up-to-date options, times, and routes to suit your travel needs.
Why Visit the Isle of Wight?
Known locally as “The Island,” the Isle of Wight is beloved for its:
- 🏖️ Beautiful beaches and seaside villages
- 🏰 Historic sites like Osborne House
- 🌞 One of the mildest climates in the UK
- 🚶♀️ Fantastic walking and cycling trails
And while the island is a popular destination for holidays and day trips, the ferries are also a lifeline for locals, connecting commuters and goods with the mainland daily.
💡 Local Tip
Book early during summer or festival season (like the Isle of Wight Festival), ferries and hovercrafts can fill up fast!
Additional Information
The Isle of Wight is famous for its mild climate, beautiful coastal scenery, and popularity as a destination for tourists. However, the ferries are not only vital for tourism but also serve as an essential link for commuters travelling between the island and the mainland for work.
With its unique blend of natural beauty and practical connectivity, the Isle of Wight remains a favourite for visitors and locals alike.
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