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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 β€” 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

Use our interactive map to explore all routes and booking options β€” from every major port on the south coast.
Popular
Wightlink

Portsmouth β‡’ Fishbourne

UK ⇔ Isle of Wight
45 mins
Up to 25 times per day
From: £17.00
Fast Ferry
Wightlink

Portsmouth β‡’ Ryde

UK ⇔ Isle of Wight
22 mins.
Up to 14 times per day
From: £20.00

Southampton β‡’ Cowes

UK ⇔ Isle of Wight
22 mins.
Up to 35 times per day
From: £20.00

Yarmouth β‡’ Lymington

UK ⇔ Isle of Wight
40 mins.
Up to 11 times per day
From: £17.00
Popular
Hover Travel

Southsea β‡’ Ryde

UK ⇔ Isle of Wight
10 mins.
Up to 20 times per day
From: £23.00

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.
  • πŸš— Vehicle ferries run from Portsmouth, Lymington, and Southampton.
  • πŸ‘£ 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 β€œThe Island.”

Overview: your ferry options at a glance

RouteOperatorDurationFoot PassengersVehiclesFrequency
Portsmouth ⇄ FishbourneWightlink~45 minsβœ…βœ…Frequent
Lymington ⇄ YarmouthWightlink~40 minsβœ…βœ…Frequent
Portsmouth Harbour ⇄ RydeWightlink~22 minsβœ… Catamaran❌Frequent
Southsea ⇄ Ryde (Hovercraft)Hovertravel~10 minsβœ… Only❌Very frequent
Southampton ⇄ East CowesRed Funnel~1 hourβœ…βœ…Frequent
Southampton ⇄ West CowesRed Funnel Jet~25 minsβœ… 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.Β It is ideal for those heading to theΒ 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.

Popular
45 mins
7 miles
Up to 25 times per day
From: £17.00

🚀 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.

Fast Ferry
22 mins.
7 miles
Up to 14 times per day
From: £20.00

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 allowsΒ onboard car and foot passengers. Yarmouth is a charming entry point, especially if you plan to explore the quieter western side of the island.

40 mins.
6 miles
Up to 11 times per day
From: £17.00

πŸš— 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.

22 mins.
7 miles
Up to 35 times per day
From: £20.00

πŸ›Έ 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.

Popular
10 mins.
7 miles
Up to 20 times per day
From: £23.00

Choosing the right ferry: tips based on your mode of transport

πŸš— 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.

πŸ‘£ 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.

πŸ“Œ Key Ports on the Isle of Wight

Mainland PortIsland Arrival Port
PortsmouthFishbourne, Ryde
SouthamptonEast Cowes, West Cowes
LymingtonYarmouth
SouthseaRyde (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

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 β€œThe Island,” the Isle of Wight is beloved for its:

  • πŸ–οΈ Beautiful beaches and seaside villages
  • 🏰 Historic sites like Osborne House
  • 🌞 One of the mildest climates in the UK
  • πŸšΆβ€β™€οΈ 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.

πŸ’‘ Local Tip

Book early during summer or festival season (like the Isle of Wight Festival), ferries and hovercrafts can fill up fast!

Cowes-Wight

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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