Plan & Travel

The Isle of Wight is one of the jewels in England’s crown. With fabulous coastal views, sand and surf beaches, Downs and woodland, there really is something for everyone on the Island. And it couldn’t be easier to get here either. So, let us help you to plan your Isle of Wight holiday.

Getting to the South Coast

Whether you decide to travel by road or rail there are simple and direct routes to Southampton, Portsmouth and Lymington. If you’re travelling by road in your own car you can travel on many of the larger motorways to get to the ferry ports easily. South Western Railway has train services from London Waterloo to Southampton, Portsmouth and Southsea, perfect for picking up the Red Jet, Wightlink catamaran or Hovertravel hovercraft to the Island. You can plan ahead and buy combined train and ferry tickets online or at your local ticket office to save time and money.

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Crossing the Water

There are lots of easy ways to get yourself onto the Island. If you’re in your car then you have a choice of car ferries at Southampton, Portsmouth and Lymington which run frequently. You can also use these ferries as foot passengers or if you are bringing your bike with you. If you want to to zip onto the Island more quickly then there’s the Red Jet from Southampton into Cowes, the Wightlink catamaran from Portsmouth to Ryde or the Hovertravel hovercraft from Southsea also to Ryde. All passenger routes connect to public transport on the Isle of Wight to help you to easily get to your hotel or accommodation.

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Getting Around the Island

If you’re coming to the Island without a car there are lots of ways to get around. Catch the train up the esplanade at Ryde and on to Sandown and Shanklin or hop on a Southern Vectis bus from any ferry port to the hub of Newport and beyond. Rover tickets are available for multiple journeys.

We love the ‘drive less, see more’ ethos on the Isle of Wight and there are miles of cycle paths and walking routes to explore which cover the Island and give you a real flavour of coast and countryside. There is also the Isle of Wight Steam Railway which will take you on a nostalgic journey as you travel the full length of the railway. Buy an all-day rover ticket, enjoy the attractions along the route and pick up links to other public transport.

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How ever you decide to travel to the Island, it’s easy and very straightforward. And once you’re here, you have a whole host of options to get you from a to b. Whether you travel on the Island by car, bus, train, bike or foot, you’re guaranteed a warm welcome, breath taking scenery and a fabulous holiday.