Isle of Wight Ferries

The Isle of Wight’s ferry services are more than just a way to cross the water; they are a gateway to adventure, a bridge between the everyday and the extraordinary. With Hovertravel, Red Funnel and Wightlink as your trusted providers, these journeys from the south coast of England to the Island’s northern shores are not just about getting from A to B - they are the start of your Island experience. Our ferries are the keepers of a tradition that has connected the Island with the mainland for centuries, with the first recorded ferry service dating all the way back to 1420.

With no fixed link to the Isle of Wight, the ferry or hovercraft is your most regular mode of transport. Whether you’re sailing into the heart of Ryde or gliding into the bustling port of Cowes, each trip is an opportunity to soak in the stunning views and feel the anticipation build as the Island’s iconic cliffs and lush landscapes come into view.

And if you're looking to make your travel to the Island more affordable, we've got you covered with some savvy money-saving tips. Start your adventure today, and let the journey across the Solent be as much a part of your experience as the Isle of Wight itself!

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.

Wightlink car ferry:

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.

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.

Book your Wightlink car ferry travel and claim 10% off

Click on the image below or click this link, to book your ferry travel to the Isle of Wight with Wightlink ferries, your 10% discount will be automatically applied for you. Please note the discount code is only valid for travel and bookings until 31 March 2025 and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Full terms and conditions can be found here.

Red Funnel car ferry:

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.

Book your Red Funnel car ferry and claim 10% off

Claim 10% off vehicle ferry travel or foot passenger travel using the widget below. Valid for vehicle ferry crossings of any duration for a car and up to 7 passengers, or travel on foot via the Hi-Speed Red Jet service. Also available for a small van up to 5.5m length/2m height. Subject to availability, not for use alongside any other Red Funnel offer or concession.

Isle of Wight ferry - foot 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.

Hovertravel foot passenger travel:

Southsea (Portsmouth) to Ryde

The Isle of Wight boasts the world's only year-round scheduled (timetabled) passenger hovercraft service, 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.

Book your Hovertravel journey and claim 10% off

Use the widget below and receive 10% off standard adult and child day and period return tickets from Southsea to Ryde only. Please note that the Visit Isle of Wight 10% discount must be booked online only via: www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/travel/isle-of-wight-ferry and is not available on Senior or Student fares. The discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers, discounts or combos. Standard Hovertravel Booking Terms & Conditions apply.

Red Funnel foot passenger travel:

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 28 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.

Book your Red Funnel foot passenger ferry travel and claim 10% off:

Wightlink foot passenger travel:

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.

Book your Wightlink foot passenger ferry travel

Click on the image below to book your ferry travel to the Isle of Wight with Wightlink ferries.

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.
Red Funnel have joined forces with four award-winning campsites on the Island to offer 3, 5, and 10-night touring and camping breaks. Starting at just £124 for three nights, packages include return ferry from Southampton, a grass pitch for a tent, motorhome, caravan or trailer tent, and electric hookup. 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.
25% off ferry travel when you book with accommodation. More information here.
Super Off Peak rate - £12.90 day return, when 2 people travel together on foot after 10:55am. More information here.
You can save 15% on vehicle ferry travel if you’re an English Heritage member. More information here.
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 £12.90 anytime day return or 15 to 20% off vehicle ferry travel for Red Funnel supported events.
Check out Red Funnel's Special Offers page for great discounts not only with Red Funnel, but with partners.
Be sure to check the “lowest fare finder” direct on the Red Funnel website - this highlights the cheapest crossings on each day.
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.
For more informaton on ways to save with Red Funnel, please head to this link.

Ways to save with Wightlink ferries

Many accommodation providers have an account with Wightlink, so you can book a discounted ferry through them. If you’re staying over, make sure to 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 save up to 25% off your cross-Solent travel with Wightlink.
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.
Heading to the Isle of Wight just for the day? You can save over 15% with Wightlink’s Afternoon Flyer foot passenger deal by travelling out after midday.
The Isle of Wight isn't just great in the summer (or other school holidays), 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.
And of course, if you have friends and family on the Island, ask nicely for Wightlink's booklet of discount codes.

Ways to save with Hovertravel

Discounted travel by coach and Hovertravel with a National Express through ticket via Ryde Hoverport, includes Hoverbus to our Southsea terminal.
Discounted travel by train and Hovertravel with a National Rail through ticket via Ryde Hoverport, includes Hoverbus to our Southsea terminal.
Save 20% on standard adult & child day, period return & single tickets, sign up to HoverSavers Discount for Police, Ambulance, Fire Service and NHS personnel.
Save 20% standard adult & child day, period return & single tickets, sign up to Hover Forces Discount for all active Armed Forces and Veterans.
20% off standard Day Returns, Period Returns, Single tickets for Blue Light Card members for the emergency services, NHS, social care sector and armed force.
Concessionary discounted Fares for disabled persons or those with reduced mobility, subject to the production of proof of eligibility.
20% off standard Day Returns, Period Returns, Single tickets for English Heritage Members.
20% off standard Day Returns, Period Returns, Single tickets for National Trust Members.
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.
Some accommodation providers on the Island have an account with Hovertravel, so you can book a discounted journey through them. If you’re staying over, make sure to check with them before booking your ticket.
Hover Safari Family Deal - Wildheart Animal Sanctuary has teamed up with Hovertravel and Southern Vectis to provide a fantastic family day out on the Isle of Wight for two adults and up to three children all for just £75 (saving of around £86!).
Check out Hovertravel's Special Offers page for great discounts not only with Hovertravel, but with partners.