How to Travel to the Isle of Wight

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing retreat, outdoor adventures, or cultural exploration, getting to the Isle of Wight is easy and straightforward. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your journey.

Ferries

The Isle of Wight is accessible only by boat, and the most common way to get here is via ferry. Several ferry operators run regular services from the mainland to the Island, with routes connecting key ports on the mainland to popular destinations on the Isle of Wight.

From Portsmouth to Fishbourne

The ferry from Portsmouth to Fishbourne is one of the most popular routes. It’s quick and convenient, making it ideal for visitors arriving by car. You can also travel as a foot passenger or bring your bicycle. The ferry terminal in Fishbourne (on the Island) is slightly remote so if you are coming as a foot passenger we would recommend one of the other routes due to better access to public transport.

• Operator: Wightlink
• Type: Vehicle Ferry & Foot Passenger
• Duration: 40 minutes
• Frequency: Daily sailings that tend to run every hour during the day and less frequently during the evening. There are no sailings overnight.

For those travelling from Portsmouth, the Wightlink foot passenger FastCats also offer a convenient and popular option. It departs from Portsmouth with direct access from the Portsmouth & Southsea train station and arrives on the Island at the top of Ryde Pier which you can either walk down or take the Island Line train which is a pleasant trip down the pier which you can either depart at Ryde Seafront or continue your journey all the rest of the Island Line.

• Operator: Wightlink
• Type: Foot Passenger
• Duration: 25 minutes
• Frequency: Regular sailings throughout the day, typically every hour with fewer flights in the evening. There are no sailings overnight.

From Southsea (Portsmouth) to Ryde

The Hovercraft service from Southsea to Ryde is a unique and exciting way to travel to the Isle of Wight. With journeys being called flights not sailings. It is also the fastest way to reach the Isle of Wight, taking just 10 minutes to cross the Solent. The Ryde terminal is conveniently located, with easy access to buses and Island trains.

• Operator: Hovertravel
• Type: Foot Passenger
• Duration: 10 minutes
• Frequency: Frequent flights, typically every 30 minutes during the day, with fewer flights in the evening. There are no flights overnight.

From Southampton to East Cowes

The Red Funnel ferry service from Southampton is a great option for foot passengers or travellers with a vehicle. The crossing takes a bit longer than other routes, but it offers stunning views of the Solent.

• Operator: Red Funnel
• Type: Vehicle & Foot Passenger
• Duration: 1 hour
• Frequency: Daily sailings that tend to run every hour during the day and less frequently overnight.

From Southampton to West Cowes

The Red Jet service provides one of the fastest and most efficient foot passenger ferry options from Southampton to the Isle of Wight. This high-speed service is perfect for those wanting to get across to the island quickly and comfortably. Once you arrive at West Cowes, you’ll be in the heart of the island’s vibrant town, with easy access to public buses and taxis.

Operator: Red Funnel (Red Jet)
Type: Foot Passenger
Duration: 23 minutes
Frequency: Regular sailings, typically every 30 minutes during the day, with fewer sailings during the evening and no sailings overnight.

From Lymington to Yarmouth

This route is ideal for those staying on the western part of the Isle of Wight. The Lymington to Yarmouth crossing offers fantastic coastal views and is one of the most scenic ferry routes.

• Operator: Wightlink
• Type: Vehicle & Foot Passenger
• Duration: 40 minutes
• Frequency: Daily sailings that tend to run every hour during the peak season and every two hours during off peak times of the day and during the winter. This ferry does not operate overnight, the last ferry tends to be about 9pm.

Travel tip: The weather can affect ferry services, so it’s a good idea to check the forecast and confirm ferry schedules before you travel.

Travelling by Car

Driving to the Isle of Wight is straightforward if you have your own vehicle. You can drive to one of the ferry terminals (Portsmouth, Southampton, or Lymington), where you’ll board the ferry with your car. The ferries typically have a designated car deck, allowing you to transport your vehicle across the Solent.

Travel tip: Make sure to book your ferry ticket in advance, especially during the peak season and school holidays, to secure a spot for your car and get best possible price.

Travelling by Train

If you’re traveling by train, the Isle of Wight is easily accessible via the mainland, with several stations connected by direct rail links to the ferry ports.

From London to Portsmouth

You can take a direct train from London’s Waterloo station to Portsmouth Harbour station, where you can catch a ferry to the Isle of Wight. The journey takes around 1 hour 30 minutes.

From London to Southampton

Alternatively, you can take a direct train to Southampton Central station and then catch the ferry to East Cowes.

Travel by Bus

Once on the Isle of Wight, there are excellent bus services to take you around the island. Local buses run frequently, connecting major towns and attractions.

Travel by Air

Southampton Airport is the nearest airport with scheduled flights. There is a train station at the airport with connections to Portsmouth or Southampton where you can catch a ferry over to the Island.

For those of you with your own private plane! You can fly into the Isle of Wight’s Sandown Airport or Bembridge Airport but these are small regional airports so please contact them directly.