Getting to the Isle of Wight: The UK's sunshine island

Just two hours from London, the Isle of Wight is the perfect escape, offering a mix of coastal beauty, charming towns, and a sense of tranquility that makes you feel a million miles away. Known as the UK's sunshine Island, this gem on the South Coast is closer than you think - and getting here is a breeze thanks to our ferry services! Let’s explore the best ways to reach the Isle of Wight while saving money along the way.

Ferries: Over 150 crossings a day to choose from

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, especially if you bundle your ferry fare with accommodation. 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.

Find out more about our ferries here.

Trains: Fast connections

Excellent rail connections make it easy to reach the Island's ferry ports from anywhere in the UK. In less than two hours, you can travel 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.

Find out more about trains to the Isle of Wight here.

Coaches: Convenient and cost effective

If you're looking for a budget-friendly way to travel, consider taking a coach. Both Portsmouth and Southampton have bus 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 the Island. These comprehensive tickets offer great value for money and take the hassle out of planning.

Find out more about coach holidays to the Isle of Wight here.

Flights: Quick connections from across the UK

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 the 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.

More information on flights to the Isle of Wight

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 the Island in just two hours!

Read more of our frequently asked questions here.