Isle of Wight Ferries

Hovertravel, Red Funnel and Wightlink are the Isle of Wight's Ferry Travel providers, running regular services from the south coast of England to ports on the north side of the Island.

The Isle of Wight Ferry is historically one of the Island’s most famous features with the first recorded service dating back to 1420. With no fixed link to the Isle of Wight, the most regular mode of transport to and from the Island is by ferry or hovercraft.

Isle of Wight Ferry - Vehicle Information

The Isle of Wight Car Ferry is the most popular way to travel to the Island and there are three different ports from which to travel from.

Portsmouth to Fishbourne

This service is operated by Wightlink and takes approximately 45 minutes. The ferry departs from Portsmouth Harbour and lands on the Isle of Wight in the village of Fishbourne on the North of the Isle of Wight, which provides easy access to the main towns of Ryde and Newport.

Find out more about Wightlink

Southampton to East Cowes

This service is run by Red Funnel and operates between Southampton and East Cowes. This crossing takes 1 hour and has the capacity to carry over 200 cars per sailing, departing from Southampton hourly during peak season. Once you arrive at East Cowes there are good transport connections to the rest of the Isle of Wight, or a floating bridge service which operates to the west side of Cowes Town.

The main route for traffic takes you past Osborne, the former residence of Queen Victoria, which is one of the most famous attractions in the UK.

Find out more about Red Funnel

Lymington to Yarmouth

The quickest vehicle ferry service runs from Lymington in the New Forest to Yarmouth in West Wight, which is operated by Wightlink. Taking only 30 minutes this crossing is popular with visitors and locals as it offers fantastic views of both coastlines, and out of season can often be less busy.

Arriving in the small town of Yarmouth, there are good transport connections available, with the town of Freshwater close-by and the capital town of Newport a short journey by either car or bus.

Find out more about Wightlink

Isle of Wight Ferry - Passenger Information

The Isle of Wight is closer than you might think, and can be reached in just over 10 minutes when using one of the three dedicated foot passenger ferry services. All the services connect with corresponding train and bus services, so travelling to and from the Isle of Wight passenger ferries couldn’t be simpler.

For the latest and most up to date Isle of Wight Ferry prices, we recommend you visit the individual travel operator websites, for the latest pricing information and special deals.

Southampton to Cowes

The “Red Jet” high speed foot passenger service is operated by Red Funnel and runs from Southampton Docks to the West side of Cowes. Taking just 25 minutes the boat departs Southampton and runs down the river, before reaching the Solent and finally arriving at West Cowes. The service operates every 30 minutes during peak times, and every hour off-peak. Once in West Cowes there is a bus service which picks up right outside the “Red Jet” terminal with connections to the rest of the Island.

Find out more about Red Funnel

Portsmouth to Ryde

The “FastCat” catamaran foot passenger service, which runs from Portsmouth Harbour to Ryde Pierhead, is operated by Wightlink. This crossing takes approximately 22 minutes and is directly linked at Portsmouth Harbour by both rail network services and National Express coaches.

Once the boat arrives at Ryde Pier Head there is a train station at the end of the pier which is serviced by regular Island Trains running as far as Shanklin to the South of the Isle of Wight, and at the top of the Ryde Pier there is a bus station providing transport links to the rest of the Island.

Find out more about Wightlink

Southsea (Portsmouth) to Ryde

The Isle of Wight boasts the only foot passenger hovercraft service in the UK, which runs from Southsea in Portsmouth to Ryde Esplanade and is operated by Hovertravel.

This crossing is also the fastest service to the Isle of Wight, taking just 10 minutes, and is linked at Southsea to both Portsmouth Harbour train station and “The Hard” bus station by the regular Hoverbus service. After arriving at Ryde the hovercraft terminal adjoins Ryde Esplanade train station and Ryde bus station, both with regular connections to the rest of the Isle of Wight.

Find out more about Hovertravel

Money saving tips for travelling to the Isle of Wight

Below are some top tips for saving money and making the most out of your ferry booking to the Isle of Wight.

Ways to save with Red Funnel Ferries

• Book vehicle ferry travel as far in advance as you can for the best rates, and stay flexible with timings avoiding peak time.
• Vehice ferry travel is for up to 7 people (if car permits), so the more people you bring, the cheaper it works out per head. Dogs travel free so no one has to stay behind!
• Save 25% on attraction tickets and 15% off Vehicle Ferry travel when purchased together. More information here.
• Save 25% on vehicle ferry travel if bringing an Electric Vehicle. More information here.
• Those with a Blue Badge or Disabled Person’s Railcard save 25% on Red Jet and vehicle ferry travel. More information here.
• Those with a rail card can save 1/3 when purchasing ferry and train together as a through ticket, from the Red Jet ticket office or train station.
• You can save 15% on vehicle ferry travel if you’re an English Heritage member.
• You can save 10% booking via Hampshire’s Top Attractions.
• If you’re coming for an event, check Red Funnel’s event section to see if there is a travel offer for those visiting – often a £12.30 anytime day return or 15 to 20% off vehicle ferry travel for Red Funnel supported events.
• And of course, if you have friends and family on the Island, ask nicely for a Big Book of Savings code to which are for sharing.

Ways to save with Wightlink Ferries

• Many accommodation providers have an account with Wightlink, so you can book a heavily discounted ferry through them. So, if you’re staying over, check with them before booking your ferry.
• Subscribe to Wightlink’s email newsletter for offers throughout the year, inspiration for your next trip and the latest ferry news.
• If you have a Blue Badge, ENCTS Card or Disabled Persons Railcard, you can benefit from money off your ferry crossing with Wightlink. More information here. 
• Check out Wightlink’s Special Offers page for great discounts not only with Wightlink, but with partners.
• You can use your Tesco Clubcard vouchers with Wightlink, exchanging your points for 2 times their value against sailings.
• Check your clubs! Are you a member of AA, Camping & Caravanning, Blue Light Card, Defence Discounts, English Heritage (and many more)? Wightlink works with them to offer member benefits – by way of a discount on their ferries.
• Be flexible with times – especially in school holidays. If your kids are up early in the morning anyway, why not book an early crossing to save money - and you'll get more time on the Island too! Pack up a second breakfast and enjoy it on the beach when you arrive.
• Travel on foot and Kids Go Free during the school holidays on all of Wightlink’s ferries - not only is this a more sustainable option, but you can save money too.
• The Isle of Wight isn't just great in the summer (or other school hols), off season weekends can be really cost effective. An autumn trip can have you kicking through the leaves in the forests, taking blustery walks on the beaches to find dinosaur fossils and enjoying smaller queues at the theme parks.

Ways to save with Hovertravel

• Family flyer day return - Plan the perfect day out for you and your family beginning with our Family Flyer Day Return. This deal allows up to a family of 5 to travel to or from the Isle of Wight from £6.00 per person, per journey. More information here.
• Family flyer period return - Our Family Flyer Period Return is valid for up to 90 days, allowing you to extend your break and make the most of your holiday. This deal allows up to a family of 5 to travel to or from the Isle of Wight from £8.50 per person, per journey. More information here.