Traveling to the Isle of Wight by ferry

Travel to the island via one of our ferry providers. wightlink and red funnel offer multiple crosses from various ports to the island. if you're looking for something a bit different why not try the hovercraft.

travel by wightlink ferry

Wightlink vehicle and fast passenger services to the Isle of Wight run regularly from Portsmouth and Lymington in the New Forest. The high-speed catamaran service runs from Portsmouth Harbour directly to Ryde Pier Head and takes just 22 minutes. The car ferry service from Portsmouth leaves from Gunwharf and arrives at Fishbourne on the Isle of Wight, while the Lymington ferry travels to Yarmouth at the western end of the Isle of Wight.

For more information on Wightlink services to the Isle of Wight visit  wightlink.co.uk

Travel to the isle of wight by ferry - Red funnel Ferries

Offering both foot passenger and car ferry services from Southampton to Cowes on the Isle of Wight, Red Funnel is the quickest way to get to the northern half of the Island. 

The Red Jet is a fast catamaran service to Cowes, taking just 25 minutes, and there is a free connecting shuttle bus from Southampton central railway station and the main shopping areas to the Red Funnel terminal. 

The car service leaves from the same terminal in Southampton, but docks into East Cowes on the Isle of Wight and after an hour your tires will hit Isle of Wight land. 

For more information on Red Funnel services to the Isle of Wight visit  redfunnel.co.uk

travel by ferry to the isle of wight - Hover travel to the island

Hovertravel

Hovertravel operate the world’s longest established hovercraft and now only commercial service. Running from Southsea, near Portsmouth to Ryde seafront, it also has the distinction of being the fastest way of travelling to the Isle of Wight. The hovercraft has a pilot and ‘flies’ across the Solent in just 10 minutes.

For more information on Hovertravel services to the Isle of Wight visit  hovertravel.co.uk

Book your stay

Discover the island.

Get a glimpse in to Island life, it’s more than your average holiday destination.

Attractions

About the Island

News & Features

Beach Guide

Towns & Villages

Cycling Routes

Walking Routes

Dog Friendly

Self-Catering

Inns & Pubs

Holiday Parks

Bed & Breakfast

Caravan & Camping

By the water

Sports & Activities

Heritage & History

Health & Wellbeing

Culture & Arts

Free things to do

Restaurants

Pubs & Bars

Local Produce

Cafes & Tearooms

Family Friendly

Vegan Friendly

Getting to the Island

By car or coach

Island Transport

What’s on

BEACH GUIDE

Isle Of Wight Tourist Guide

  • Customer Login
  • » Accommodation
  • » Activities
  • » Apartments
  • » Attractions
  • » Boat Charters
  • » Camping & Campsites
  • » Caravan / Holiday Parks
  • » Cowes Week
  • » Cycle Hire
  • » Events / What´s On
  • » Golf Courses
  • » Guest Houses
  • » Isle of Wight Festival
  • » Isle of Wight Holidays
  • » Nightclubs
  • » Pubs & Bars
  • » Restaurants
  • » Self Catering
  • » The Isle of Wight
  • » Tourist Information
  • » Where To Stay

Gunwharf Road Portsmouth Hampshire PO1 2LA

Telephone: 0871 376 1000

Visit Website

Send an Email

Special Offers

Visit the website for special offers

  • Book Online
  • Caravan / Trailer Saver
  • Licensed Bar
  • Refreshments Available
  • Short Breaks
  • Special Off Peak Fares
  • Vehicle & Foot Passenger Crossings

Description

Wightlink Isle of Wight Ferries operates a round-the-clock service between the English mainland and the Isle of Wight. We run every day of the year on three routes across the Solent and sail up to 230 times a day. Wightlink is the principal provider of ferry services between the Isle of Wight and the English mainland. We are the largest single user of the port of Portsmouth with more than 47,000 vessel movements over the year compared to around 3,000 naval sailings annually. Adding together our vessel movements - those around Portsmouth and those starting or finishing at Lymington - Wightlink operate over 68,000 sailings a year! We also have the fastest and most comfortable fleet on these waters. Portsmouth to Fishbourne takes approximately 40 minutes; Lymington to Yarmouth 30 minutes (both car ferries), and Portsmouth to Ryde around 18 minutes (foot passenger FastCat catamaran).

Portsmouth to Fishbourne (car & foot passenger ferry) The 35 minute crossing between our Gunwharf terminal in Portsmouth and Fishbourne is served by five purpose built vessels: St Faith, St Cecilia, St Helen, St Catherine and our 2001 built flagship, St Clare. These ships provide the only 24 hour connection to the Island for cars, passengers, coaches and freight vehicles with sailings every 30 minutes at peak times. On board there are spacious lounges, observation decks, bar and café.

Lymington to Yarmouth (car & foot passenger ferry) The shortest and fastest vehicle route to the Island is between Lymington, in the New Forest, and Yarmouth in West Wight. This 30 minute route is served by three new ferries, Wight Light, Wight Sky and Wight Sun. You can sit back in the lounges, with bar and café facilities, or relax on the observation decks as you cruise the most picturesque route to the Island. On the mainland there is easy access to Lymington from London, Southampton, Bournemouth and the West Country by road, and by rail, with Lymington Pier station being within our terminal complex.

Portsmouth to Ryde (foot passenger only) Our fastest passenger connection is provided by our high speed catamarans which run the route between Portsmouth Harbour and Ryde Pier Head. The comfortable catamarns connect the railway stations at either end of the service in around 22 minutes. With direct mainline connections to London Waterloo, Brighton, Bristol and Southampton from Portsmouth and onward Island Line services to Brading, Sandown and Shanklin from Ryde Pier Head this is the best connected service to the Island. National Express coaches and local buses also serve our Portsmouth Harbour terminal.

» More Info

Waltzing Waters

Hambledon hotel, st maur hotel.

Golf Courses on the Isle of Wight Golf courses on the Isle of Wight provide the golf...

Isle of Wight Accommodation There is a wide range of accommodation on the Isle...

» View all articles

  • ACCOMMODATION
  • ATTRACTIONS
  • BOAT CHARTERS
  • CAMPING & CAMPSITES
  • CARAVAN / HOLIDAY PARKS
  • Events / What´s On
  • GOLF COURSES
  • GUEST HOUSES
  • ISLE OF WIGHT FESTIVAL
  • ISLE OF WIGHT HOLIDAYS
  • PUBS & BARS
  • RESTAURANTS
  • SELF CATERING
  • THE ISLE OF WIGHT
  • Tourist Information
  • Where To Stay
  • Advertise |
  • Customer Login |
  • Contact Us |

Copyright © 2006 – 2011. Isle Of Wight Tourist Guide. All Rights Reserved.  

Live service status

FastCat passenger ferry port

Ryde Pier Head

Ryde Pier Head FastCat passenger ferry port

Ryde is a beautiful seaside town on the north-east coast of the Isle of Wight. Our port sits at the end of the historic Ryde Pier, which is also home to an Island Line train station.

This route is our quickest crossing for foot passengers, with a journey time of just 22 minutes on our FastCats, Wight Ryder I and Wight Ryder II .

A new walkway has now opened along the pier, allowing pedestrians to walk up and down the structure separately from cars and bicycles using the vehicle lane. Parking is available at the end of the pier – see the prices below.

Fishing on Ryde Pier

Ryde Pier is a great place to spend a few hours fishing.

You can buy daily and annual fishing permits from the car park machines on the pier – just use the yellow button to find the option you want, then the green button to find out the price and make payment.

Wightlink staff and the parking patrol officers will ask to see your permit when they’re on their rounds.

Please fish responsibly and don’t leave any litter behind when you go home.

On this page:

Where is it, portsmouth harbour – ryde pier head.

If you’re travelling on foot, Portsmouth Harbour to Ryde Pier Head  is our quickest route, crossing the waters between the Isle of Wight and mainland in just 22 minutes.  

Our reliable, high-speed  FastCat  catamarans serve this route and come with spacious passenger  lounges , bicycle racks   and a sun deck, perfect for taking in the views during the  day .  

Check our TripAdvisor page to see what others have said about this route.

Feefo logo

Facilities at the port

catamaran ferry isle of wight

Seagull Café

Our Seagull Café outlet is ideal for a quick stop off before you board the FastCat, with a selection of locally-sourced hot and cold food and drink.

catamaran ferry isle of wight

EV charging point

Charge your electric vehicle with a 7.2kw charging unit.

catamaran ferry isle of wight

Self service ticket machines

Purchase tickets at the port with your contactless device or debit or credit card using the ticket vending machine.

catamaran ferry isle of wight

Customer Service Point

Purchase or amend tickets at our port at the Customer Service Point. Please note, you can’t purchase any of our frequent traveller passes at our ports and we no longer accept cash payments.

catamaran ferry isle of wight

Toilet and baby changing facilities

Toilets and baby-changing facilities are available at the port while you wait for your ferry crossing.

catamaran ferry isle of wight

Changing Places toilet

If you have limited mobility and you can’t use standard accessible toilets, we have a much larger and fully-equipped Changing Places toilet on site.

Public transport

South Western Railway’s Island Line  runs direct trains from Brading, Sandown, Shanklin and other stations to Ryde Pier Head.

Several  Southern Vectis bus routes  operate to Ryde Esplanade, from where you can walk to the Terminal or hop on the train.

catamaran ferry isle of wight

Checking in

Foot passengers need to check in at least 15 minutes before departure.

The check in experience

We offer frequent, round-the-clock sailings.

Nearby attractions

Our handy Wightlink Explorer tool will show everything that’s going on in the area.

Start exploring

Car parking at the port is available and if you intend to use the car park regularly you can purchase a 30-day Parking Permit for just £93 .

There is a weight restriction of three tonnes and a height restriction of 2.25 metres for all vehicles using the pier as well as a 10mph speed limit, which also applies to cyclists.

Drivers exceeding this limit will be issued a fixed penalty notice of £80 and/or face exclusion from Wightlink property and vessels.

Parking at Ryde Pier Head FastCat passenger ferry port

Free motorcycle parking within dedicated bays

Credit and debit cards accepted.

What3Words: ///tools.punks.doll

Purchase parking at Ryde Pier Head

We don’t advise pre-booking parking spaces as availability can’t be guaranteed

7.2kw charging point for electric vehicles

RingGo zone number 22285

What to expect at the port

Upon arrival, a seating area is available where you can wait until the FastCat is ready for boarding. Feel free to use our port facilities but try to be ready to board at least 15 minutes before your booked sailing time.

All our foot passenger tickets, except for Family tickets, can be purchased online or through the Wightlink app in advance. Foot passenger tickets can also be purchased at our self service ticket machines.

When the ferry is ready to board, please present your ticket (this can be a printed ticket or you can show the ticket on your phone) to the team and then proceed down the walkway to board the FastCat.

If you’re bringing along a bicycle, please leave this in the cycle racks at the rear of the FastCat.

Ferry

All our ports are easy to get to and come with excellent facilities, including food and drink outlets – find your closest location to travel from.

  • View our ports

Ferry

Our fleet of six vehicle ferries and two FastCat catamarans serve the Isle of Wight and mainland 364 days a year – find out everything there is to know about them.

  • View our fleet of ferries

Vehicles parked at Ferry port

There's parking on site or close by at each of our ports – find pricing information and details of where to find them.

  • Parking information

Wightlink Isle of Wight Ferries

catamaran ferry isle of wight

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

catamaran ferry isle of wight

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Dave C

Also popular with travelers

catamaran ferry isle of wight

Wightlink Isle of Wight Ferries - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

  • (0.17 mi) The Ship Leopard Boutique Hotel
  • (0.15 mi) Keppels Head Hotel
  • (0.25 mi) Premier Inn Portsmouth Dockyard hotel
  • (0.28 mi) The George Hotel
  • (0.21 mi) Holiday Inn Express Portsmouth - Gunwharf Quays, an IHG Hotel
  • (0.03 mi) Real Eating Company
  • (0.07 mi) Cosy Club
  • (0.10 mi) Bella Italia
  • (0.11 mi) Wagamama
  • (0.11 mi) Zizzi - Portsmouth

Portsmouth to Isle of Wight

www.welcometoportsmouth.co.uk

Portsmouth to Isle of Wight ferry routes

Listed below are the Portsmouth to Isle of Wight ferry and hovercraft services, these operate between Portsmouth, Ryde and Fishbourne on the Isle of Wight. There is a variety of ferry services operating between Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight, offering car ferry, passenger catamaran and hovercraft crossings. The fastest crossing to the Isle of Wight is by Hovercraft from Southsea to Ryde, the crossing only takes 10 minutes, this service is passenger only. Please note: This site has no association with any of the transport operators or organisations shown. Any information shown will require further confirmation before it is used for travel.

Portsmouth to Fishbourne Car Ferry

Portsmouth to Isle of Wight

The car ferry to the Isle of Wight is operated by Wightlink and operates from the ferry terminal at Gunwharf Road, close to Gunwharf Quays, to Fishbourne on the IOW. The crossing takes around 45 minutes, the ferry carries vehicles, foot passengers and cyclists. The ferry pictured is the Victoria of Wight which operates using a hybrid energy system, using battery stored electricity as required, similar to a hybrid energy car. This allows for a 17% reduction in the fuel used. Address: Car Ferry Terminal, Gunwharf Road, Portsmouth, PO1 2LA. Telephone: 0333 999 7333 Website: Wightlink Ferries.

Portsmouth to Ryde Ferry

Portsmouth to Isle of Wight ferry

The passenger catamaran ferry Portsmouth to Isle of Wight operated by Wightlink , runs from the railway jetty at The Hard Interchange, Portsmouth, to Ryde Pier, Isle of Wight. Cycles are also carried on this route. The crossing takes approximately 22 minutes. This crossing provides good connections to rail, coach and bus connections both in Ryde and Portsmouth. Address: Portsmouth Harbour Station, The Hard, Portsmouth, PO1 3PS. Telephone: 0333 999 7333 Website: Wightlink Ferries.

Portsmouth to Ryde Hovercraft

Isle of Wight Hovercraft, Hovertravel

The Hovertravel hovercraft to Isle of Wight service operating from Portsmouth (Southsea Seafront) to Ryde offers the fastest Solent crossing time, making the journey in approximately 10 minutes. Hovertravel also operates a connecting bus service, Hoverbus, running between the Southsea Hovercraft Terminal and Gunwharf Quays. Cycles can be carried on this service. The journey takes under ten minutes and runs every half an hour between 06:15 and 21:00, and also a 22:00 late crossing during summer months. Address: Hovertravel Ltd, Clarence Esplanade, Southsea, PO5 3AD. Telephone: 0345 222 0461 Website: Hovertravel.

Portsmouth - Isle of Wight ferry routes:

Please note: This site has no association with any of the transport operators or organisations shown. Any information shown will require further confirmation before it is used for travel.

Hovercraft to Isle of Wight

Copyright © 2006 - 2023 - All Rights Reserved - www.welcometoportsmouth.co.uk

Template by OS Templates

GB Quotes Insurance

Compare Isle of Wight Ferry Prices

There are a choice of routes and three ferry operators for crossing The Solent between the south coast of England and the Isle of Wight – Portsmouth to Fishbourne, Southampton to East Cowes and Lymington to Yarmouth.

If you are a foot passenger and time is at a premium, The Hovertravel hovercraft takes just 10 minutes between Southsea and Ryde. Red Funnel has a high-speed catamaran from Southampton T2 terminal to Cowes that takes 28 minutes or Wightlink’s FastCat catamaran between Portsmouth and Ryde takes just 22 minutes. Each is much faster than the average ferry crossing time of between 40 minutes and 1 hour.

Ferry operator: Wightlink  

  • Duration: 45 minutes
  • Over 51 crossings a day
  • Lymington to Yarmouth
  • Portsmouth to Fishbourne
  • Portsmouth to Ryde

Ferry operator: Red Funnel / RedJet  

  • Duration: 60 minutes for the ferry, 28 minutes for the catamaran
  • 12 crossings a day
  • Southampton T1 to East Cowes (ferry)
  • Southampton T2 to West Cowes (catamaran)

Operator: Hovertravel

  • Duration: 10 minutes
  • 28 crossings a day
  • Southsea to Ryde

* Crossing times correct at the time of writing.

Wightlink ferry leaving Portsmouth

Wightlink ferry leaving Portsmouth for the Isle of Wight.

Operator: Hover Travel

Wightlink ferry leaving Portsmouth

Isle of Wight Ferry FAQs

How do i find the ferry terminal, portsmouth car ferry terminal  .

Portsmouth Car Ferry Terminal is located just off the A3 from the M275 (Junction 12 to Portsmouth (W)/ Seaport in Portsmouth. Use postcode PO1 2LA for your sat nav. For foot passengers arriving by public transport, the Wightlink Gunwharf terminal is 0.9 miles or about 20 minutes by foot. There are various bus options from Station street to drop you at Gunwharf Quays for the ferry terminal. 

Portsmouth FastCat Foot Passenger terminals

The Wightlink FastCat Foot Passenger terminal is located at Portsmouth Harbour FastCat Passenger Terminal, Portsmouth, PO1 3PS. It is located next to Portsmouth and Southsea rail station and The Hard bus interchange. For dropping passengers at the Wightlink FastCat Foot Passenger terminal by car leave the M275 at junction 12 to Portsmouth (W)/ Seaport and follow the A3. Park Road takes you to the port, located by Gunwharf Quays Shopping Outlet.

Lymington Port Ferry Pier 

Lymington Port Ferry Pier is located in the town of Lymington. Use the postcode SO41 5SB in your satnav. Lymington Port Ferry Pier has a train station served by South Western Railways. 

Southampton Terminal 1  

By Car use, the postcode S014 2AL in your satnav the Red Funnel Ferries Terminal is located at Terminal 1, Dock Gate 7 (Royal Pier), Town Quay Road, Southampton SO14 2AL. Merge from the M3 onto the M27 at Junction 3 use the left lane to take the exit M271 S to Southampton/ Docks. At the roundabout take the first exit onto the M271 and then follow the A33 to the Red Funnel Terminal Dock Gate 7.

Southampton Terminal 2 

By Car use, the postcode SO14 2AQ in your sat nav the Red Tunnel Red Jet Terminal is located 100ms from terminal 1 on Town Quay. There is a QUAYCONNECT bus line which takes about 10 minutes from Southampton Central Station and is free for Red Funnel ticket holders with through rail (£2 flat fare to paying customers). 

Southsea Hoverport 

Use, the postcode PO5 3AD in your satnav for the Southsea Hoverport. The hoverport is located on Clarence Esplanade which is off Pier Road A288. If you’re arriving from Portsmouth and Southsea Railway station then Hovertravel offers a Hover Bus (I don’t think the bus is actually a hovercraft). 

Yarmouth Car Ferry Terminal 

By car use, the postcode PO41 0PB, the ferry terminal is located at Yarmouth Car Ferry Terminal, Quay Street, Yarmouth, Isle of Wight, PO41 0PB It’s well sign-posted and Yarmouth isn’t that big. 

Fishbourne Car And Passenger Terminal

Use the postcode PO33 4EU in your satnav for Fishbourne Car And Passenger Terminal. From the A3054 head to Fishbourne and it’s just off the B3731. 

Ryde Hover Terminal 

By car, use the postcode PO33 2HB  in your satnav for Ryde Hoverport, Ryde PO33 2HB and it’s located on Esplanade/A3055. 

East Cowes Terminal 

By car, use the postcode PO32 6RA in your satnav for the Red Funnel Ferries entrance at East Cowes. There is a chain link ferry that connects East Cowes to West Cowes, you will need to allow extra time if you need to use this route. 

West Cowes RedJet Terminal 

By car, use the postcode PO31 7AR to reach the RedJet Terminal, Cowes PO31 7AR. The terminal is located just off High Street near the Fountain Inn Hotel. There is a chain link ferry that connects East Cowes to West Cowes, you will need to allow extra time if you need to use this route. Make sure you arrive between 30 and 45 minutes before your scheduled departure on Friday, Saturday and Monday and 30 to 60 minutes before on all other days.

How soon do you have to check in for the ferry?

Whitelink  .

Foot passengers should check in 15 minutes before your scheduled sailing with a valid ticket. If you’re driving it’s 30 to 60 minutes before your sailing.

Red Funnel  

Make sure you arrive between 30 and 45 minutes before your scheduled departure on Friday, Saturday and Monday and 30 to 60 minutes before on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday. 

Check in time is 5 to 15 minutes.

Hovertravel 

Hovertravel advises its passengers to arrive at least 10 minutes before their intended crossings.

What are the facilities on board?

The car ferry, catamaran and hovercraft to the Isle of Wight offer a range of facilities to make the journey as comfortable and convenient as possible for passengers.

The car ferry can accommodate vehicles, including cars, vans, and motorcycles. There are designated areas on the ferry for vehicles, and passengers can choose to travel in their vehicles or in the passenger areas. There are multiple decks, providing ample space for passengers to walk around, relax, and enjoy the view. Upper decks offer panoramic views of the sea, perfect to admire the sea and the coast. Comfortable seating is provided in the passenger areas, as well as a café and snack bar that serves a variety of hot and cold beverages, as well as light meals, sandwiches, and snacks. There is also a gift shop on board, where passengers can purchase souvenirs and essentials.

The catamaran, on the other hand, is designed specifically for passengers, it can travel at a high speed, with a journey time of around 20-25 minutes, which makes it the fastest option to cross the Solent. There is an open deck at the front of the vessel, which is perfect for enjoying the views and fresh air. Inside, the catamaran has comfortable seating and a small café area serving drinks and snacks.

Finally, the hovercraft is the only commercial hovercraft operator in the UK, it operates a scheduled service between Southsea and Ryde, which is the quickest route taking just 10 minutes. The hovercraft offers an open-air seating area, which is perfect for enjoying the views and fresh air. Inside, the hovercraft has comfortable seating, and a small café area serving drinks and snacks.

Facilities for People With Disabilities

All of these options have accessible facilities for passengers with disabilities, including wheelchair ramps and designated seating areas. They are equipped with modern navigation and safety equipment, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey for all passengers. The staff are friendly and helpful and will assist passengers with any queries or concerns they may have.

CEE Digital Limited, trading as GB Quotes, is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Seopa Ltd (FRN: 313860) and Policy Link Limited (FRN: 916480). The information provided on this webpage is intended for editorial purposes only and not intended as a recommendation or financial advice.

This site uses cookies to improve your user experience.

Cookie and Privacy Settings

We may request cookies to be set on your device. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website.

Click on the different category headings to find out more. You can also change some of your preferences. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer.

These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features.

Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refusing them will have impact how our site functions. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site.

We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain.

We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. You can check these in your browser security settings.

These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience.

If you do not want that we track your visit to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here:

We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page.

Google Webfont Settings:

Google Map Settings:

Google reCaptcha Settings:

Vimeo and Youtube video embeds:

The following cookies are also needed - You can choose if you want to allow them:

You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page.

Blue and red Hovertravel Logo

Journey Planner

  • Events/Attractions

Latest offers and events

catamaran ferry isle of wight

Isle of Wight ferry times and prices - Always lowest fares online!

Patient fares, islander fares, flight timetable, standard fares, hovercare, helping those that need a little extra assistance on their journey, request assistance, hidden disabilities, accessible travel, hovercare fares.

catamaran ferry isle of wight

Fastest Isle of Wight Ferry

Your fastest route from portsmouth (southsea) to the isle of wight (ryde)..

Hovertravel provides the fastest Isle of Wight ferry  route across the Solent from Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight and is the world’s only year-round scheduled passenger hovercraft service. Our passenger hovercraft service takes you directly to the shore at Southsea or Ryde in just 10 minutes.

Easy onward travel connections are available with our Hoverbus to Portsmouth, bus and train connections at Ryde, plus large car parks at both terminals. 

Whether you are using Hovertravel for a day trip to the Isle of Wight , or a longer stay, Hovertravel is the fastest and most convenient Isle of Wight ferry service to get your adventure started. Take a look at our Explore page which is filled with activities and fun days out and our offers page has plenty of ticket combo deals available too.

Our Location

Travelling by train, hoverbus fares & timetable.

For those looking for a fast and efficient way to reach the Isle of Wight, the under 10-minute ferry crossing from Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight with Hovertravel offers a convenient and time-saving option.

You can get from Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight in under 10 minutes using our Isle of Wight ferry service. This short journey time makes this crossing an ideal choice for a day trip to the Isle of Wight . Once at Ryde, you can explore the local area or jump on the local transport to explore further inland. With regular crossings throughout the day, you can be back on the mainland in no time after your fun day out.

  • scavenger hunts

Home  > Categories  > Category  > Waymark

you are not logged in.   [log in]

Isle Of Wight Catamaran Service - Southampton, UK - Ferries and Ferry Landings on Waymarking.com

Waymark options, advertisement, quick searches.

  • My Waymarks
  • Featured Waymarks
  • Newest Waymarks
  • My Unfinished Waymarks
  • Waymarks I've Visited
  • Newest Uncategorized Waymarks
  • My Uncategorized Waymarks
  • My Assisted Waymarks
  • My Categories
  • Groups I Manage
  • Groups I Belong To
  • Newest Groups
  • Recruiting Groups
  • My Scavenger Hunts
  • Newest Public Hunts
  • My Active Hunts
  • My Completed Hunts
  • My Saved Searches
  • Full Category List

Copyright (c) 2024 Groundspeak, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

  • Contact 01772 282 592 Call Back
  • Opening Times Office open Office closed
  • Sign In or Register

Call now on:

01772 282 592, or request callback, 06:00 - 23:00, office closed.

United Kingdom

Privacy Policy

I've forgotten my password

Don't have an account?

Your basket is empty

Freightlink

The Freight Ferry People

Wightlink ferries, wightlink ferries ferry routes.

Freight ferries to the Isle of Wight with Wightlink.

Wightlink offer ferries for freight vehicles on the Portsmouth-Fishbourne and Yarmouth-Lymington ferry routes.

Wightlink are one of the largest domestic ferry operators in the UK with their routes dating back to 1796 when the first ferries began operating across the Solent to the Isle of Wight. Now, every year they carry over 5 million passengers, 1.2 million cars and 200,000 freight vehicles and a revenue of £51 million makes them one of the biggest domestic operators in the UK.

Wightlink operate a fleet of 7 vessels on their Lymington and Yarmouth and Fishbourne Portsmouth ferry routes. The latest of these ferries - The Wight Light, The Wight Sun and The Wight Sky all entered service in 2009. These ships improved reliability on Solent ferry services and offer modern onboard facilities.

There are also a 2 further catamaran fast ferries operating on the route from Portsmouth to Ryde for foot passengers. Across the three routes every year Wightlink sail around 255,000 miles between the Island and the Mainland and every year carry over 1000 toilets especially for the Isle of Wight Festival.

Map of Routes

  • Berth in cabin included
  • Fuel surcharges apply
  • Hazardous cargo accepted
  • Livestock accepted
  • Meals included
  • No show / late cancellation charges
  • Unaccompanied freight accepted
  • Check in time prior to departure: 1 hour
  • Max. no of drivers: 5 people
  • Drivers included in price: 2 drivers

Please note, may not apply to all sailings. See details when booking.

Wightlink Ferries Ports

  • What safety rules apply onboard?
  • How do I get confirmation of my booking?
  • What is my vehicle type?
  • What safety rules apply in a port?
  • How long does it take for a refund to be processed?
  • I am involved in the carriage of specialist cargos, does this make a difference?

View all FAQs

Like us on Facebook

Freightlink Knowledge Centre

View Latest Blog Articles

Click for customs

Tap for customs

catamaran ferry isle of wight

catamaran ferry isle of wight

Travel misery after more Red Funnel ferry cancellations announced

BAD news for commuters after Red Funnel cancelled two key cross-Solent car ferries timetabled for this afternoon (Thursday).  

The 5pm Red Falcon sailing from Southampton and the return 6.30pm service from East Cowes have been cancelled due to "an extension of essential maintenance" on the vessel, the ferry company has said.

Read more:   Isle of Wight weather and travel live blog

Read more:   Isle of Wight Hovertravel services cancelled in choppy seas

This is added to other Red Funnel car ferry sailings being cancelled on the route — the 2pm from Southampton and the 3.30pm from East Cowes — for the same reason.

The cancellations come as the Isle of Wight is set to welcome tourists for the Easter bank holiday weekend, starting tomorrow, Good Friday.

Red Funnel has apologised for any inconvenience caused to customers.

Red Funnel ferry Red Osprey in Southampton (Image: NQ)

IMAGES

  1. Portsmouth

    catamaran ferry isle of wight

  2. Portsmouth

    catamaran ferry isle of wight

  3. Catamaran Ferry, Isle of Wight. Editorial Stock Image

    catamaran ferry isle of wight

  4. Portsmouth

    catamaran ferry isle of wight

  5. VESSEL REVIEW

    catamaran ferry isle of wight

  6. Catamaran Passenger Ferry Film Location

    catamaran ferry isle of wight

COMMENTS

  1. Portsmouth

    If you're travelling on foot, Portsmouth Harbour to Ryde Pier Head is our quickest route, crossing the waters between the Isle of Wight and mainland in just 22 minutes. Our reliable, high-speed FastCat catamarans serve this route and come with spacious passenger lounges, bicycle racks and a sun deck, perfect for taking in the views during the ...

  2. Isle of Wight ferry tickets and prices

    Wightlink ferry tickets. Whether you're travelling on foot, by bike or in a vehicle, getting a ferry to or from the Isle of Wight is easy with Wightlink. Dogs and children under five (0-4 years old) travel free and when you book with us directly, you'll always get the best available price. Find out more about Isle of Wight ferry prices and ...

  3. Portsmouth Harbour FastCat passenger ferry port

    Portsmouth Harbour - Ryde Pier Head. 22 minutes Foot passenger ferry. If you're travelling on foot, Portsmouth Harbour to Ryde Pier Head is our quickest route, crossing the waters between the Isle of Wight and mainland in just 22 minutes. Our reliable, high-speed FastCat catamarans serve this route and come with spacious passenger lounges ...

  4. Wightlink

    Crossing the Solent is part of your getaway, so we make sure your ferry travel is as fun and as smooth as possible. Take in stunning Solent views from our sun decks. Let the kids loose in our on board play areas. Enjoy Isle of Wight-sourced food and drink from our cafés. Choose from three convenient routes, covering east to west Wight.

  5. Isle of Wight ferry timetables

    Special timetables operate during Isle of Wight Festival (20-24 June 2024) Sailing times, while correct at time of publication (October 2023), are subject to alteration. For operating reasons ships may sail a little before or after sailing times.

  6. Portsmouth

    Portsmouth to Fishbourne on the Isle of Wight is a popular and convenient ferry route, getting you across the Solent in just 45 minutes. A number of ferries serve this crossing, including our environmentally friendly flagship Victoria of Wight, each coming with spacious passenger loungers, sun decks and food and drink outlets to keep you refreshed.

  7. Travelling to the Isle of Wight by ferry

    Offering both foot passenger and car ferry services from Southampton to Cowes on the Isle of Wight, Red Funnel is the quickest way to get to the northern half of the Island.. The Red Jet is a fast catamaran service to Cowes, taking just 25 minutes, and there is a free connecting shuttle bus from Southampton central railway station and the main shopping areas to the Red Funnel terminal.

  8. Wightlink

    Description. Wightlink Isle of Wight Ferries operates a round-the-clock service between the English mainland and the Isle of Wight. We run every day of the year on three routes across the Solent and sail up to 230 times a day. Wightlink is the principal provider of ferry services between the Isle of Wight and the English mainland.

  9. Isle of Wight Ferry

    We're the original Isle of Wight Ferry! Red Funnel has over 162 years of experience sailing the Southampton to Isle of Wight. Award-winning customer service. Refundable Flexi Fares with free amendments. Saver Fares from just £29.50 each way.

  10. Red Funnel Fleet

    Our three high-speed catamaran pedestrian ferries travel between Southampton and West Cowes on the Isle of Wight in less than 30 minutes. ... Launched in 2019, the state-of-the-art Red Kestrel carries up to 12 freight passengers, crossing to and from the Isle of Wight in approximately 60 minutes. ...

  11. Getting to the Isle of Wight

    How long does it take to get to the Island? Not long. All the car ferry routes take less than an hour to cross the Solent. Lymington to Yarmouth with Wightlink - 40 minutes. Portsmouth to Fishbourne with Wightlink - 45 minutes. Southampton to East Cowes with Red Funnel - 55 minutes. You should arrive at the ferry terminal at least 30 ...

  12. Catamaran Wightlink Portsmouth to Ryde

    Wightlink Isle of Wight Ferries: Catamaran Wightlink Portsmouth to Ryde - See 92 traveler reviews, 39 candid photos, and great deals for Portsmouth, UK, at Tripadvisor.

  13. A Complete Guide To The Isle of Wight Ferry Crossing

    Thankfully, Isle of Wight ferries are much quicker than many assume, which is brilliant news for anyone who gets seasick. The quickest foot passengers ferry takes just 10 minutes and runs from Southsea in Portsmouth to Ryde. The quickest ferry for all other types of passengers takes around 40 minutes and runs from Lymington to Yarmouth.

  14. HSC Wight Ryder I

    4-5. HSC Wight Ryder I is one of two high-speed passenger catamarans operated by Wightlink on the Ryde to Portsmouth ferry route. Both vessels left their construction site in the Philippines in June 2009, and began service in September 2009. In preparation for their arrival, berth improvements at Portsmouth Harbour and Ryde Pier were carried out.

  15. Ryde Pier Head FastCat passenger ferry port

    22 minutes Foot passenger ferry. If you're travelling on foot, Portsmouth Harbour to Ryde Pier Head is our quickest route, crossing the waters between the Isle of Wight and mainland in just 22 minutes. Our reliable, high-speed FastCat catamarans serve this route and come with spacious passenger lounges, bicycle racks and a sun deck, perfect ...

  16. Wightlink Isle of Wight Ferries

    Portsmouth Harbour to Ryde Pier Head is our quickest route with a crossing time of 22 minutes, thanks to our high-speed catamarans, Wight Ryder I & II. Facilities in both ports include a Costa Coffee serving hot and cold food and drinks, ticket office, toilets and baby-changing facilities.

  17. Portsmouth to Isle of Wight Ferry and Hovercraft routes

    The passenger catamaran ferry Portsmouth to Isle of Wight operated by Wightlink, runs from the railway jetty at The Hard Interchange, Portsmouth, to Ryde Pier, Isle of Wight. Cycles are also carried on this route. The crossing takes approximately 22 minutes. This crossing provides good connections to rail, coach and bus connections both in Ryde ...

  18. Isle of Wight Ferries

    takes just 10 minutes between Southsea and Ryde. Red Funnel has a high-speed catamaran from Southampton T2 terminal to Cowes that takes 28 minutes or Wightlink's FastCat catamaran between Portsmouth and Ryde takes just 22 minutes. Each is much faster than the average ferry crossing time of between 40 minutes and 1 hour.

  19. Fastest Isle of Wight Ferry

    Hovertravel provides the fastest Isle of Wight ferry route across the Solent from Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight and is the world's only year-round scheduled passenger hovercraft service.Our passenger hovercraft service takes you directly to the shore at Southsea or Ryde in just 10 minutes. Easy onward travel connections are available with our Hoverbus to Portsmouth, bus and train ...

  20. Isle Of Wight Catamaran Service

    This ferry uses fast catamarans and provides a 28 minute service every 35 minutes. Used by both locals and tourists, this is one of the fastest ferries to cross from England to the Isle of Wight. The catamaran is known as the Red Jet Ferry whereas the nearby ferry that takes both foot passengers and vehicles is known as the Red Funnel Ferry.

  21. Isle of Wight Ferry

    The Isle of Wight is separated from Mainland England by a stretch of water called the Solent. Wightlink and Red Funnel offering vehicles ferries and high speed catamaran services. Below are articles relating to Isle of Wight ferries. 26, March 2024 · 2 min read.

  22. Wightlink Ferries

    Freight ferries to the Isle of Wight with Wightlink. Wightlink offer ferries for freight vehicles on the Portsmouth-Fishbourne and Yarmouth-Lymington ferry routes. ... There are also a 2 further catamaran fast ferries operating on the route from Portsmouth to Ryde for foot passengers. Across the three routes every year Wightlink sail around ...

  23. Red Jet Hi-Speed Ferries to Isle of Wight

    Our Red Jet Hi-Speed service is the fastest way for foot passengers to cross the Solent from Southampton to the Isle of Wight. This fast catamaran is ideal for business and leisure trips to Cowes and the Isle of Wight, with crossing times from just 28 minutes. Regular departures sail from our West Cowes, Isle of Wight and T2, Southampton ...

  24. Travel misery after more Red Funnel ferry cancellations announced

    Read more: Isle of Wight Hovertravel services cancelled in choppy seas This is added to other Red Funnel car ferry sailings being cancelled on the route — the 2pm from Southampton and the 3.30pm ...

  25. Isle of Wight ferry firm Wightlink boss refutes MP Bob Seely claims

    The boss of Wightlink insists the Isle of Wight ferry firm is 'one of the most reliable in the UK' as he brandished claims made by the Island's MP, 'highly inaccurate'. In a new report, MP Bob Seely was critical of the Island's two main ferry operators — Red Funnel and Wightlink — and said Islanders are fed up of repeated technical and ...

  26. Isle of Wight ferry Red Funnel issues prompt independent investigation

    Isle of Wight ferry report written by MP on Red Funnel and Wightlink; Isle of Wight ferry firm Wightlink boss refutes MP Bob Seely claims; He also said there had been 'limited' investment in the ferries and vessels were 'ageing'. Wightlink boss, Keith Greenfield, said the 'accusations' were 'highly inaccurate', insisting the firm is one of the ...

  27. Isle of Wight ferry users demand better service

    Isle of Wight ferry users demand better service. Bob Seely, Conservative MP for the Isle of Wight, says the current system of private ownership gives firms no legal obligation to meet minimum ...

  28. Isle of Wight MP calls for independent regulator for ferries

    An independent regulator for ferry services must be introduced, an MP has said. Bob Seely, Conservative MP for the Isle of Wight, said the current system of private ownership gave firms no legal ...