About

Ferry travel from Portsmouth and Lymington to the Isle of Wight

Wightlink is the largest ferry operator to the Isle of Wight, operating a regular round-the-clock service with three routes across the Solent:

- Portsmouth - Fishbourne (car ferry – approx. 45 minute crossing)
- Portsmouth Harbour - Ryde Pier Head (passenger FastCat – approx. 22 minute crossing)
- Lymington - Yarmouth (car ferry – approx. 40 minute crossing)

All routes are easily accessible by car, rail or by foot.

FastCat update – Portsmouth Harbour boarding changes

Due to essential maintenance at Wightlink Ferries North End FastCat berth, boarding the FastCat will operate from the South End berth at Portsmouth Harbour until April 2026. The following adjustments will be in place:

Passengers with accessible travel needs

If travelling with a wheelchair or mobility scooter you have the option to travel on the Portsmouth to Fishbourne vehicle ferry route or you can travel with Hovertravel who are accepting all Wightlink tickets. Please call Wightlink’s Assisted Travel line on 0800 093 8236 for help. 

Pushchairs and prams

In some cases pushchairs and prams may need to be folded or carried onto the FastCat. The Wightlink team are always happy to assist please ask for help if you need it. 

Bikes

You will need to fold the bike and carry it onto the FastCat due to the narrow gangway and steep slope. If you have a bike that can’t be folded you have the option to travel on the Portsmouth to Fishbourne vehicle ferry route or you can travel with Hovertravel who are accepting all Wightlink tickets. 

There are no changes to embarking or disembarking at Ryde Pier Head. 

For more information please visit Wightlink's website. 

Ticket options with Wightlink

There are a variety of ticket options available with Wightlink depending on whether you’re travelling on foot or by vehicle. Dogs and children under five years old travel for free on Wightlink ferries. 

Ferry timetables 

Plan your ferry travel to the Isle of Wight by checking the online timetable that is in real-time and displays up-to-date travel information.

Offers and ways to save with Wightlink

There’s plenty of special offers and ways to save with Wightlink to help with your ferry travel to the Isle of Wight. 

Save money with voucher codes, seasonal offers and year-round deals. Discover offers from accommodation providers and restaurants too, so you can enjoy great savings not just on your ferry travel.

Find the best price for your ferry travel with Wightlink’s Best Fare Finder, a tool that shows you the most cost-effective days to travel. 

Plan ahead to secure the best price, early morning and evening sailings, outside of peak times, often costs less. 

Cross the Solent in comfort

Wightlink’s ferries each come with excellent facilities including relaxing lounges, pet-friendly areas and sun decks where you can enjoy the stunning sea views. 

Children’s play area
The Victoria of Wight and St Clare vehicle ferries have an onboard children’s play area, perfect to keep the children entertained during the crossing. 

Wight Taste cafes
Get a taste of the Isle of Wight on board Wightlink’s vehicle ferries, where the Wight Taste Cafes serve a delicious selection of locally sourced food and drinks.

Discover Wightlink’s ports

Board the vehicle ferry at Portsmouth Gunwharf port (PO1 2LA) for your journey to the port at Fishbourne (PO33 4EU). 

Another option is to board the vehicle ferry at the Lymington port (SO41 5SB) to sail across to the port at Yarmouth (PO41 0PB).

The foot passenger ferry, FastCat, port is located at Portsmouth Harbour (PO1 3PS). It’s located within Portsmouth Harbour railway station, making it the perfect way to travel if you’re arriving by train. The FastCat sails to Ryde Pier Head port (PO33 2HF).

All of the Wightlink ports have convenient parking, excellent transport connections and food and drink outlets. 

Assisted travel

Wightlink offers additional assistance on all ferries making the crossing accessible for everyone. Whether you have a disability, reduced mobility, a medical condition or you just need extra assistance, Wightlink are here to help. Contact Wightlink if you require additional assistance on their ferries. 

Start your journey to the Isle of Wight with Wightlink

Whether you’re travelling by foot or by vehicle, book with Wightlink for your next adventure to the Isle of Wight.