Travelling to the Isle of Wight

Just two hours from London, the Isle of Wight is the perfect holiday destination, offering a mix of stunning coastal beauty, picturesque countryside and charming seaside towns. Whether you’re planning a short break or a longer getaway, the Isle of Wight provides the ideal place to relax, recharge and explore. Known as the UK's sunshine island, the Isle of Wight feels a million miles away on the South coast, yet it’s closer than you think, making it the ultimate holiday spot for a family getaway, romantic break and solo travellers alike. With easy access via regular ferry services, getting here is a breeze and is the perfect way to kick off your holiday adventure. Discover the best ways to reach the Isle of Wight while saving money along the way.

Travelling by ferry to the Isle of Wight

With more than 150 ferry crossings daily, getting to the Isle of Wight is as easy as it is affordable. Depending on your route, you can choose from vehicle ferries that sail from Lymington to Yarmouth, Portsmouth to Fishbourne, and Southampton to East Cowes. Prefer to travel on foot? Dedicated foot passenger services run from Portsmouth to Ryde Pier Head, Southsea to Ryde, and Southampton to Cowes.

Money saving tip: Book your ferry tickets in advance and keep an eye out for special offers. Many hotels and B&Bs offer discounts on ferry travel when you book directly with them (please confirm with your accommodation provider whether their discount applies to car ferries, foot passengers, or both). There are lots of other ways to save on your ferry travel, such as traveling during off-peak times, using loyalty programs, or taking advantage of family and group discounts.

Trains to the Isle of Wight

Excellent train connections make it easy to reach our island's ferry ports from anywhere in the UK. In less than two hours, you can travel by train from London Waterloo to the South coast, where your Isle of Wight adventure awaits. Check train times and tickets using our SWR widget here.

Money saving tip: To save even more, purchase a ‘through’ ticket that covers both your train and ferry travel. This all-in-one option not only makes your journey seamless but also keeps costs down.

Coach trips to the Isle of Wight

If you're looking for a budget-friendly way to travel, consider taking a coach. Both Portsmouth and Southampton have coach stations conveniently located near the ferry terminals, making the transition from coach to ferry smooth and simple.

Money saving tip: Look for ‘All in One’ tickets that include coach travel to the port, ferry crossings, and even connecting bus services on our island. These comprehensive tickets offer great value for money and take the hassle out of planning.

Flights to the Isle of Wight

Traveling from further afield? The Isle of Wight is easily accessible via flights into London Heathrow or Gatwick, followed by a quick train, coach, or car journey to the ferry ports. For shorter connections, consider flying into Bournemouth or Southampton, which are just a stone’s throw away from our island. And if you’re arriving by private plane, the Isle of Wight has two small airports in Bembridge and Sandown ready to welcome you.

Frequently asked questions

1. Will I need a passport to visit the Isle of Wight

   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.

2. What is the average cost of a ferry to the Isle of Wight?

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

3. How long does it take to travel to the Isle of Wight from London? 

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