Ferry Routes & Ports

The Isle of Wight is a beautiful, peaceful retreat, nestled just off England’s south coast. The island is surprisingly easy to reach and only a couple of hours from London, with regular ferries running from Portsmouth, Southampton and Lymington. Take a look below for more information about how we can help with your travels.

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Wightlink Isle of Wight Map

We have three excellent routes to choose from and with up to 150 crossings a day, getting to the Isle of Wight couldn't be easier. You can travel by car on both our Portsmouth Gunwharf to Fishbourne and Lymington to Yarmouth routes and, if you're travelling by foot, you can also choose our FastCat, which sails from Portsmouth Harbour to Ryde Pier Head. We’ve got the Island covered from east to west, so wherever you’re planning to go, whenever you’re planning to travel, there’s a Wightlink ferry going your way. We have POLAR Network rapid charging points (50kwh) for electric vehicles at our Gunwharf, Fishbourne and Lymington ports. Our port on Ryde Pier Head also has a 7.2kwh charging point for those using the pier.

Portsmouth to Fishbourne

45 minutes - Vehicle and passenger ferry

Portsmouth to Fishbourne on the Isle of Wight is our most popular route, with a number of our ferries serving the crossing, including our flagship Victoria of Wight. You can relax and enjoy the spacious passenger lounges, an observation deck and pick up a drink or snacks from the café.

Check out the Wightlink TripAdvisor page to see what others have said about this route.

View route Contact us to discuss your ferry options

Lymington to Yarmouth

40 minutes - Vehicle and passenger ferry

Lymington to Yarmouth is our most scenic route, with breath-taking views across the Solent. Our purpose-built Wight Class vessels are used on this crossing, which is the shortest and quickest vehicle route across between the Isle of Wight and the mainland. You can relax and enjoy the spacious passenger lounges, an observation deck and pick up a drink or snacks from the café.

Check out the Wightlink TripAdvisor page to see what others have said about this route.

View route Contact us to discuss your ferry options

Portsmouth Harbour to Ryde Pier Head

22 minutes - Passenger only ferry

Portsmouth to Ryde is our quickest route for foot passengers – using our high speed FastCats, which were purpose-built for the route. You can nip across the Solent in just 22 minutes. Relax and enjoy the spacious passenger lounges and even head up to the sun deck to take in the views out at sea.

Check out the Wightlink TripAdvisor page to see what others have said about this route.

View route Contact us to discuss your ferry options
Red Funnel Logo

We are proud to operate the sheltered central routes to the Isle of Wight from Southampton. Our Red Jet Hi-Speed service for foot passengers is fast and efficient and is the quickest route between London and West Cowes by train. If travelling with a vehicle, we offer a mini-cruise experience to and from East Cowes, carrying anything that fits under a motorway bridge!

SOUTHAMPTON TO WEST COWES

Southampton to West Cowes

Non-bookable, just turn-up, buy a ticket and take off!

Crossing time 23-25 minutes (11.7 miles)

Departures every 30 minutes at peak times Mon-Sat

Departures every 60 minutes at other times

Operates year round excluding 25 December

Passengers only (& personal luggage)

Connecting bus, taxi & car hire services

The service is ideal for business or leisure trips to Cowes, the spiritual home of yacht racing, or the pretty town of Gurnard, East Cowes or Northwood and of course Newport, the Island's commercial heart.

Many of the Isle of Wight's major employers like Gurit, GKN Aerospace, BAE Systems, Vestas, NHS, HM Prisons etc are all located within easy reach of the Red Jet service.

More Hi-Speed Ferry details:

SOUTHAMPTON TO EAST COWES

Southampton to West Cowes

Pre-booking of vehicles is strongly recommended - book online, by phone or via your holiday accommodation provider.

Crossing time 55-60 minutes (11.7 miles)

Departures every 60 minutes March - October

Departures every 90 minutes November-February

Operates 365 days

Passengers and all types of vehicle

Connecting bus, taxi & car hire services

From East Cowes it is really easy to get anywhere on the Island by road or by public transport. Osborne House and the Isle of Wight Festival (held each June) are within just a few minutes drive.

More Hi-Speed Ferry details:

Which? Recommended Provider for UK Holiday Cottages May 2024

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