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Fastest Isle of Wight Ferry

Your fastest route from portsmouth (southsea) to the isle of wight (ryde)..

Hovertravel provides the fastest Isle of Wight ferry  route across the Solent from Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight and is the world’s only year-round scheduled passenger hovercraft service. Our passenger ferry service takes you directly to the shore at Southsea or Ryde in just 10 minutes.

Easy onward travel connections are available with our Hoverbus to Portsmouth, bus and train connections at Ryde, plus large car parks at both terminals. 

Whether you are using Hovertravel for a day trip to the Isle of Wight , or a longer stay, Hovertravel is the fastest and most convenient Isle of Wight ferry service to get your adventure started. Take a look at our Explore page which is filled with activities and fun days out and our offers page has plenty of ticket combo deals available too.

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Travelling by train, hoverbus fares & timetable.

For those looking for a fast and efficient way to reach the Isle of Wight, the under 10-minute ferry crossing from Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight with Hovertravel offers a convenient and time-saving option.

You can get from Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight in under 10 minutes using our Isle of Wight ferry service. This short journey time makes this crossing an ideal choice for a day trip to the Isle of Wight . Once at Ryde, you can explore the local area or jump on the local transport to explore further inland. With regular crossings throughout the day, you can be back on the mainland in no time after your fun day out.

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Wightlink Ferries

Search travel, getting to the isle of wight.

Just two hours from London, the Isle of Wight is perfectly positioned for a short break. So near, yet once you arrive you feel a million miles away. 

Getting here is easy, read on for our top tips and travel advice, as well as our answers to your frequently asked questions about getting to the Isle of Wight.

There are several routes to choose from, depending on which route you take on the mainline, you can choose from vehicle ferries from Lymington to Yarmouth, Portsmouth to Fishbourne and Southampton to East Cowes. Dedicated foot passenger services run from Portsmouth to Ryde Pier Head, Southsea to Ryde and Southampton to Cowes.

With over 200 crossings a day, you are bound to find the best route and time for your holiday on the Isle of Wight.

More information on Isle of Wight ferry services

There are excellent rail connections to all the major ferry ports, providing fast access to the Isle of Wight from across the UK. Travel time is less than two hours from London Waterloo. You can save money by purchasing a ‘through’ ticket covering both the train and ferry cost.

More information on trains to the Isle of Wight

There are bus stations both at Portsmouth and Southampton which are just a short distance from the passenger ferries, allowing easy coach travel from any connecting destinations.

‘All in One’ tickets are available, which include coach travel to the port, ferry travel and also connecting bus service once you arrive on the Island.

More information on coach travel to the Isle of Wight

If you are travelling from further afield, you can reach the Isle of Wight via flights into either of the major London airports at Heathrow and Gatwick and then via train, coach or car.

Regional flights are available to Bournemouth and Southampton which will give shorter connection times to the Island. There is a small airport on the Island in Bembridge for private planes, please enquire direct.

More information on flights to the Isle of Wight

Frequently asked questions

The short answer is no! We are part of the mainland UK therefore you do not need to show a passport to visit the Isle of Wight.

Prices vary depending on the route you are taking and when you are travelling. You can often get a discount for the ferry when you book your accommodation - enquire with your accommodation provider. Check out our money saving tips here .

You can get a train from London Waterloo and a connecting ferry and be on the Island in just two hours!

Read more of our frequently asked questions here

The Isle of Wight is a hub of activity all year round. Subscribe to our newsletter here to receive our latest stories, holiday or short break ideas, competitions and interesting events.

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Isle of Wight Pearl

From challenging coastal walks to beautiful short walking routes the Isle of Wight is perfect for relaxing walking holidays!

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Accommodation Where to sleep in Portsmouth

• From £35 ibis Portsmouth Good 7.6 430 m - Winston Churchill Avenue, Portsmouth PO1 2LX Book details 
• From £45 Portsmouth Budget Hotels - All rooms are EN-SUITE Good 7.5 831 m - 20 b Landport Terrace, Portsmouth PO1 2RG Book details 
• From £115 No 14 Suberb 9.3 838 m - 14 Three Tun Close, Portsmouth PO1 3PJ Book details 

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• Around £40 The Fleet 257 m - 1 King Henry I Street, Portsmouth PO1 2PT Book details 
• Around £30 The Dockyard 297 m - 13-19 Guildhall Walk, Portsmouth PO1 2RY Book details 
• Around £30 The Liquorist 1.12 km - Minerva Crescent, Portsmouth PO1 3TD Book details 

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• Charles Dickens Birthplace The Green Guide 962 m - 393 Old Commercial Road, Portsmouth PO1 4QL activities details 
• Mary Rose Museum The Green Guide 1.25 km - Main, Portsmouth PO1 3PX activities details 
• « HMS Warrior » 1860 The Green Guide 1.28 km - Victory Gate, Queen Street / The Hard, Portsmouth PO1 3QX activities details 

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Driving directions

The route deemed to be the safest and simplest with minimal scope for error along the way. The default recommended route from Michelin.

The route offering the shortest distance to a destination via the most accessible roads. Journey times for this option will tend to be longer.

The most fuel-efficient route that also avoids toll roads.

My cost options

• B7 (Diesel)
• E5 (Unleaded)
• E85 (superethanol)
• CNG (Biomethane)
• H2 (Hydrogen)

My route options

• E5 (Unleaded) €1.700
• Route : Fast
• Distance in : Kilometres
• No restrictions

Services at Isle of Wight

Accommodation.

• 67c The Mews
• Ponders End
• Waverley Inn

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• The Hambrough
• The Red Lion

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• Brading Roman Villa
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Arrive at isle of wight organise your trip, other services, restaurants at isle of wight.

• See restaurants from the Michelin selection

Tourist Attractions at Isle of Wight

• View the must-see tourist sites

Accommodation Where to sleep in Newport

• From £69 Charter House Good 7.4 32 m - 14A Saint Thomas' Square, Newport PO30 1SL Book details 
• From £80 One Holyrood Hotel & Cafe Fabulous 8.9 246 m - 1-2 One Holyrood street, Isle of Wight, Newport PO30 5AU Book details 
• From £80 Old Church House Fabulous 8.8 376 m - 46 Crocker Street, Newport PO30 5DB Book details 

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Restaurants Where to eat Newport

• ££ Smoking Lobster at Foresters Hall MICHELIN 2024 7.07 Km - 30 Sun Hill, Cowes PO31 7HY details 
• Around £33 Grand View Restaurant in Luccombe Hall Hotel 11.8 Km - 8 Luccombe Road, Shanklin PO37 6RL Book details 
• ££ Aquitania MICHELIN 2024 13.1 Km - High Street, Seaview PO34 5EX details 

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Tourist Attractions Things to see and do Newport

• Carisbrooke Castle The Green Guide 2.1 Km - Castle Hill, Newport, Carisbrooke PO30 1XY activities details 
• Osborne House The Green Guide 5.8 Km - York Avenue, East Cowes PO32 6JX activities details 
• Isle of Wight The Green Guide 6.98 Km - Isle of Wight activities details 

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• Isle of Wight

Whether you want relaxation, exploration or adventure, the Isle of Wight has it all.

The scenic Isle of Wight sits just off the south coast of England and attracts millions of visitors each year. Just a short train and hovercraft journey away from London and Brighton, it is a serene escape away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Renowned for its award-winning beaches, dinosaur heritage and stunning countryside, there is no shortage of things to do in the Isle of Wight.

Those wishing to relax and admire mother nature will be in their element along the 60 miles of serene coastline. Take in panoramic views of the waters from the meandering footpaths and bridleways before taking a dip in the sea. Or get your blood pumping by hopping on a surfboard to ride the waves. If you’re longing to enjoy some fantastic Isle of Wight days out, read our tips below on what to do and how to get there.

Buy your ticket now

Getting to the Isle of Wight

We understand you’ll want to relax and enjoy your trip from the moment you step out the front door to the minute you get home again. That’s why we strive to make getting to the Isle of Wight as easy as possible.

The simplest way to reach the island from the mainland is via Portsmouth. We operate direct trains from London Victoria to Portsmouth that will have you breathing in fresh sea air in around two hours. Those coming from Brighton can take the Coastway West line direct and be in Portsmouth in around an hour and 20 minutes.

Once you arrive in Portsmouth, hop on Hovertravel’s Hoverbus connection straight from the train station to the Southsea Hoverport. Here, the hovercraft will whizz you across the water to the Isle of Wight in just 10 minutes. With us, getting to the Isle of Wight couldn’t be easier! No need to buy separate tickets for journey, as you can buy your train, Hoverbus and Hovertravel tickets directly from our journey planner . Simply enter your destination as Ryde Hoverport to enjoy easy through ticketing and great savings!

We have various ways to save money on the cost of your rail ticket, too. Those in the 16 to 25, 26 to 30, or 60+ age brackets among others can take advantage of a 1/3 off fares with a Railcard . Travelling in a group of 3-9 adults? Then you may be able to get a huge 34% off the price of your tickets using GroupSave . Or, simply travel in Off-Peak or Super Off-Peak times to enjoy reduced fares, and up to four kids can travel with you for just £2 each !

Things to do in the Isle of Wight

There are many fantastic Isle of Wight days out to enjoy all year-round. No matter what the British weather has in store, you’re sure to appreciate mother nature in all its glory during your stay. One of the most popular things to do in the Isle of Wight is hit the beach for the ultimate surf, sea and sand experience. There are 14 beaches on the island and plenty of rugged cliffs, cosy coves, rock pools and golden sandy stretches to explore.

Those in search of the best surf should head to Compton Bay , which boasts some of the best surfing conditions on the island. Waves can reach anything from between two and five feet, thanks to the area’s exposure to south westerly winds. There are sections to suit all abilities here, from beginners to intermediates. Those seeking a relaxing seaside experience should aim for the north of the island, where you can take a leisurely stroll on the beach, build sandcastles, sit back with an ice cream or sip a cup of tea in a beachfront café.

For active adventurers, there are no shortage of things to do in the Isle of Wight. Take off on two wheels and explore the countryside, walk along the rugged coastline or take in the sights on horseback. Those wishing to hit the water can have a go at paragliding, sailing or kayaking!

Isle of Wight days out can also transport you to the Mesozoic era, ideal for dinosaur and fossil enthusiasts. It has already gained a nickname of ‘Dinosaur Island’ thanks to the number of fossils that can be discovered here. Head out on a guided fossil walk or let your imagination run wild in Restricted Area 5 of Blackgang Chine – full of life-size moving dinosaurs!

Foodies will be happy to hear there is lots of fantastic local produce to sample during your stay. Take your pick from a huge variety of independent restaurants, farm shops and markets. There are also plenty of opportunities for retail therapy, with a whole host of fantastic shops selling handmade jewellery, pottery, glass and more.

Why not start planning your Isle of Wight adventure today by booking your travel through our website?

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Isle of Wight travel guide: Where to eat, drink, walk and stay on England’s biggest island

I f you set sail from England ’s southern shore to the quietly cool Isle of Wight for a staycation, you’ll find a destination that values the simple pleasures: food , fresh air and good old-fashioned fun. The Hampshire isle, once the home of dinosaurs and now a haven for the illusive red squirrel, marches to a gentler beat than the mainland, with over half of its countryside now recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Beyond pocket-sized villages like Godshill that epitomise “chocolate-box”, a population of almost 142,000 call The Needles’ famed land of military forts and royal residences home. Classic beach days full of salt and sand meet the reinvented style of seafront restaurants and luxe hotels on the island that’s going from musty to modern.

Here’s what you need to know if you’re planning an Isle of Wight holiday .

Best time to travel for price, weather and crowds

While weather-dependent ferry crossings may not make it the easiest locale to access on a drab winter day, the Isle of Wight is rich with seasonal delights from March to November .

Notable as the southern shore that basks in some of the UK ’s sunniest days, springs are green and autumns orange before big-name headline acts descend to serenade the island and kickstart the al fresco activities at the Isle of Wight Festival in June.

With August comes Cowes Week, the sailing regatta that draws a nautical-loving crowd of over 100,000 in the height of the summer holidays. Accommodation prices, slow traffic and a dearth of car parking spots tend to peak – it’s always best to book ferries in advance for the lowest price.

Read more on England travel :

• Best hotels with cookery schools in the UK
• How to spend a day in King’s Cross, north London’s most exciting neighbourhood
• The ultimate Lake District guide

Where to stay

With parapets and battlements from Henry VIII’s lifetime,  Ryde Castle’s  grand four-poster beds and ambient dark wood accents are an affordable option situated among a hotchpotch of traditional shop fronts, decorative stucco and Georgian townhouses.

Warm and welcoming, The Seaview Hotel , in the upmarket coastal village of Seaview, has comfortable, naval-themed rooms, a dining room strewn with warships and a swish restaurant, The Aquitania, for inventive meals created from local produce by head chef Mark Wyatt.

One of the island’s oldest, The Royal Hotel is perched on the cliffside of Victorian resort Ventnor and has sprawling sea views, contemporary modern rooms and a choice of tiered afternoon teas and seafood risottos in The Royal Kitchen.

For glamping at its best,  Tom’s Eco Lodges  at Tapnell Farm promotes hassle-free luxury in its safari tents, wood cabins, modulogs, eco pods and geo domes – plus wood-fired hot tubs, pizza ovens and sunset views.

Eco pods for two adults from £138 per night.

• Read more of our reviews of the best hotels in the Isle of Wight

Visit Osborne House

Queen Victoria’s seaside retreat in East Cowes, the grand Osborne House , fuses Victorian opulence with Italianate gardens for a visually and culturally enriching afternoon spent glimpsing royal life – with pinkies raised while sipping tea in the terraced cafe.

Travel on the Steam Railway

It’s all aboard the Isle of Wight Steam Railway for a charming journey back in time as you puff through the countryside, rolling from Havenstreet to Smallbrook Junction and on to Wootton in ornate Victorian and Edwardian carriages, with or without the kids.

Dine at The Garlic Farm

Garlic chutney, garlic olives and garlic vodka strongly season Arreton Valley’s  Garlic Farm  with its pungent namesake and tractor-trailer tours, with a side of garlicky taste tests in the restaurant. Well worth the necessary breath mint post-visit.

Surf at Compton Bay

Surf’s up at Compton Bay on the Isle of Wight’s west coast, an exposed beach with reliable breaks that peak in the winter. The popular spot gets winds from the southeast and northwest, and surf schools including Eddie’s Surf Academy are on-hand to teach beginners how to stand up on the board.

Try the UK’s oldest rides

At Ventnor’s  Blackgang Chine , the UK’s oldest family theme park, you can ride, scream and dance your way through 180 years of thrills and games, with summer firework extravaganzas and Halloween spookfests a family-friendly highlight of the island calendar.

Walk with an alpaca

It’ll be hard not to fall for the residents of  West Wight Alpacas  on a trek of the farm’s 23 acres of countryside with a woolly Suri alpaca as a companion. Whether walking with Larry, Oreo or even Amadeus, you’ll learn all about the South American animals on a scenic stroll with your unique new pal.

Cruise the Needles

A trip to Alum Bay not only offers an action-packed high-speed ride with  The Needles Pleasure Cruises  – for a whistle-stop tour of the water’s iconic chalk stacks – but also a steep trip down the colourful cliffs on the famed chairlift, giving you the chance to see the three landmarks up close for yourself. 

Where to eat

If you’re getting off the ferry in Yarmouth, an  Off the Rails  brunch featuring the fish finger sandwich to end all sandwiches in the town’s old railway station sets the tone for a foodie island affair. Just down the road, pick-me-up coffees in  Chessell Pottery Cafe’s  homemade ceramics are sure to warm the cockles on a rainy day.

Putting on a seasonal showstopper,  The Crab Shed’s  famed crab and mackerel pasties are well worth the downhill climb to Steephill Cove for a seafood lunch, or if its pan-Asian dishes that make your mouth water, the  Smoking Lobster  on Ventnor’s nearby esplanade (along with boozy sister bar, the  Drunken Lobster ) never misses a chance for a flavour explosion.

The Duck  in Ryde serves an elevated taste of seasonal British plates, including slow-cooked beef stews and roast pork – complete with crackling, of course – taking local classics to contemporary new levels.

As Totland braces for the glam new arrival of The Pier in 2024, The Hut  in Colwell Bay still reigns as the seafood spot in West Wight for stylish surf ‘n’ turfs and unrivalled sunset views.

Vegetarians are looked after on the island with  PEACH Vegan Kitchen & Zero Waste Store  in Newport stacking meat-free “Tricken” burgers high with vegan “cheeze” and slaws.

What’s a trip to the British seaside without a fish and chips feast?  The Blue Crab’s  beer-battered cod and generous chip portions are ideal for a beachfront picnic in Yarmouth. For a pizza fix,  Gusto2Go’s  sourdoughs bring a wood-fired pizzazz to Freshwater Bay in summer.

Where to drink

Holding the title of the UK’s oldest commercial vineyard,  Adgestone Vineyard’s  tantalising wine tastings swirl through full-bodied reds, crisp glasses of blush and a sparkling blue for just £20pp, including a self-guided tour of the cellars and vines, and live music performances.

Wood beams, a crackling fire and a hearty roast dinner menu – the traditional pub essentials – make  The Red Lion  in Freshwater an ideal watering hole for a post- ale trail  pint or a warming glass of rouge.

Fancy an al fresco cocktail? The George  in Yarmouth has a waterfront beach bar to rival the Mediterranean (on balmy summer nights, at least), complemented by a masterful menu of classic drinks.

You’ll find it hard to miss the local Mermaid Gin on your Isle of Wight holiday, and  The Mermaid Bar Distillery  in Ryde is the spot to sample a fine G&T or a Mermaid Margarita while learning all about the distillery process.

Where to walk and cycle

Not one but two annual  walking festivals  take place on the island, in October and May, to encourage outdoors enthusiasts to tread the more than 500 miles of footpaths that the Isle of Wight has to offer.

Keen walkers can get their steps in on the  Tennyson Trail , an invigorating 14-mile hike from Carisbrooke to Alum Bay – best planned with a well-deserved refuel at  Dimbola Tea Rooms  – or embrace nature on the gentle 3.6-mile Newtown  Estuary Walk,  bound to feature sightings of visiting birds and rare butterflies. For a more relaxed island rendezvous, a scenic stroll around  Shanklin Chine’s  historic gorge comes alive at night as the narrow paths, streams and waterfalls are illuminated at dusk from April to November.

The  Red Squirrel  cycle trail weaves through 32 miles of largely traffic-free countryside if you’re looking for a family-friendly pedal. Alternatively, cyclists ready to give it a  lot  of leg can take to the winding Military Road on two wheels for a 65-mile  round lap  of the island in either direction.

Where to shop

High Street hits, eco-conscious outlets and indie boutiques – specialists in all things nautical – dot Newport, Cowes, and Ryde, but it’s the tucked-away traders that will lighten your wallet.

Quirky home furnishings and one-of-a-kind gifts litter  Oasis  in Brading, and if you’re still on the hunt for a keepsake, you’ll find a trail of artisan shops covering everything from glass sculptures to bespoke leather belts and ceramic ghosts at  Arreton Barns , the island’s largest craft centre.

Peruse the fine jewellery collection of the  Isle of Wight Pearl  on Military Road for timeless and statement pieces with a side of sprawling views of the southwest coast or venture east to  Cowes Arcade  for a bric-a-brac fusion of chutney, socks and mystical memorabilia.

Getting there

City dwellers after a country escape can take a  South Western Railway  train to reach Southampton or Lymington Pier from London Waterloo in less than two hours before setting sail across the Solent.

With  Wightlink , that’s a 45-minute journey from Lymington to Yarmouth or Portsmouth to Fishbourne from £44.50 per vehicle and a £27.20 return ticket for adult foot passengers. Red Funnel  ferries sail from Southampton to East Cowes in under an hour from £28.00 each way or 30 minutes for foot passengers travelling on a Red Jet from £12.30. Portsmouth’s passenger hovercraft arrives in Ryde in just 10 minutes; £31.50 for an adult return ticket.

How to get around

A car provides the most flexibility for reaching remote beaches and the inland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with Red Funnel’s  heritage driving trail  a great way to see all of the island’s historic sites.

Thankfully, ferry foot passengers need not worry.  Southern Vectis  buses connect the main towns of Newport, Cowes, Ryde and Yarmouth, even offering Breezer  open-top bus tours  to top attractions and a  Christmas Lights  journey around the island’s best festive displays.

Read more on the best Isle of Wight hotels

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Isle of Wight Museum adds a new historic ham to the collection

SMITHFIELD, Va. — For almost a year now, I have visited various museums and landmarks to shine a spotlight on pieces of local history. My Hometown History journey started here, at the Isle of Wight County Museum: home of the world’s oldest edible ham. The museum just added a new historic ham to the collection.

On April 19, the Isle of Wight County Museum hosted a “hamwarming" (think housewarming party but for a ham). Smithfield Foods has donated the last “Genuine Smithfield Ham” to the museum. It will be on display alongside the World’s Oldest Ham, the World’s Largest Ham, and a 1930s-branded ham.

Smithfield Foods has stopped producing the brand-name Genuine Smithfield Hams that have become synonymous with the town of Smithfield.

The event had speakers from the museum, Smithfield Foods, and the mayor. The Gentlemen of the College, an a cappella group from William & Mary, even sang “Save the Last Ham for Me."

Click here for more information and to check out the Ham Cam!

More Hometown History stories

Hometown History: The early days of the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry

Myles Henderson

8:35 AM, Apr 18, 2024

Hometown History: Fort Norfolk & the Battle of Craney Island

7:45 AM, Apr 11, 2024

Mom's story of five-time World Series champion Jim 'Catfish' Hunter

6:13 AM, Apr 04, 2024

Hometown History: A segregation-era library museum in Portsmouth

5:33 AM, Mar 21, 2024

Hometown History: The 1750 Isle of Wight County Courthouse

7:46 AM, Mar 14, 2024

Hometown History: Exploring the boat building history of Poquoson

5:54 AM, Mar 07, 2024

A piece of local election history used into the 1950s is on display in Surry Co.

5:29 AM, Mar 07, 2024

Take a look inside the oldest church building in Virginia

5:56 AM, Feb 29, 2024

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Live service status

Getting the best price

Car ferry ticket types, priority boarding.

Isle of Wight ferry

vehicle tickets

Vehicle tickets

Save on your Isle of Wight vehicle ferry crossing

Sailings now available to book until 5 January 2025

When you book your vehicle onto a Wightlink ferry, the price you pay will depend on the day and time you’d like to travel, the available space left on your selected car ferry crossing and the size of the vehicle you want to bring along.

You don’t pay per passenger, so your price will stay the same with up to seven people in your vehicle.

Trailers or caravans can be booked, too, but it’s important to know the height and length of anything you bring along on the back of your vehicle – this includes bike racks, roof racks and top boxes.

See what it’s like to take your car on a Wightlink ferry .

Though there are lots of different factors that affect the price of taking your vehicle across the Solent, there are still some steps you can take to bring down the cost of your ferry travel:

Be flexible. If you can, consider travelling outside of peak times between 10:00 and 16:00. Early morning and evening sailings usually cost less.

Plan ahead. Book your travel as soon as you know your required dates and you'll generally pay a cheaper price. Last-minute bookings often end up costing more.

Be savvy. Check out our discounts page to see if there are any savings to be had. Some offers are seasonal and some savings run all-year-round, such as our Blue Badge discount.

On this page

You can choose from two ticket types when booking your car, small van or motorhome on one of our ferries – Standard or Economy.

Standard tickets are more flexible, with refunds available up until 24 hours before your sailing and free amendments online, over the phone and at our ports.

Economy tickets are non-refundable and if you’d like to make changes to your booking, you’ll be charged a £15 amendment fee online and a £25 fee when making changes over the phone or at our port.

Most flexible

No online amendment fee

No phone amendment fee

No Customer Service Point amendment fee

You can refund your Standard ticket with just a £5 fee as long as you cancel more than 24 hours in advance of your outward sailing.

When amending, you’ll only have to pay the difference in the cost of your ticket.

Read the full Standard Ticket Product Rules.

Lowest price

Non-refundable

£15 online amendment fee

£25 phone amendment fee

£25 Customer Service Point amendment fee

You can’t cancel your sailing and claim a refund with an Economy ticket.

When amending, you’ll have to pay the difference in the cost of your ticket as well as any fees.

Read the full Economy Ticket Product Rules .

Vehicle ferry routes

We have two car ferry routes linking Hampshire with the Isle of Wight.

Our Lymington – Yarmouth route is the fastest and most scenic , linking the new Forest with West Wight. Journeys on this connection take just 40 minutes.

Portsmouth – Fishbourne is our most popular route and is great for visiting central and East Wight , where you’ll find many of the Island’s most popular holiday destinations.

Use the route map below to help plan your cross-Solent ferry journey.

Portsmouth – Fishbourne

Lymington – Yarmouth

If you’re in a hurry, got places to be or simply like beating the queues, add Wightlink Priority Boarding to your next booking.

For just £12.50 per crossing, grab one of the first vehicle spots on the ferry – meaning you’ll board and disembark earlier. Simply add it as an ‘Extra’ on Step 3 of our online checkout.

Checking in

You’ll need to turn up at your chosen port ready to check in between 30 minutes and one hour before your scheduled departure time.

If you’re running up to two hours late, we’ll still try our best to accommodate you on the next available crossing. If you know you’ll be running late in advance, then you can amend your ticket online .

Have accessible travel needs? Your check-in experience may be different – get in touch with us at least 48 hours before your sailing so we can help .

NHS appointment discounts

If you need to travel from the Isle of Wight to the mainland for an NHS-funded hospital appointment, you can get 50% off your ferry crossing with Wightlink.

You will pay a maximum of £35 per single crossing in a vehicle making sure you pay a low price, even at peak times of travel.

Motorcycle tickets

Take your motorbike across the Solent on either of our two vehicle ferry routes. Motorcycle ticket prices vary across the year and include up to two people – the rider and a pillion passenger.

Blue Badge discounts

If you’re a Blue Badge holder or have an ENCTS or Disabled Persons Railcard, you can get up to 20% off vehicle crossings and 25% off foot passenger travel.