UK & Ireland
Ferries to Isle of Wight
Compare 12 ferry routes to Isle of Wight across 3 operators, from £6.00 one way.
- 12 routes
- 5 ports
- 3 operators
Most booked
Popular ferry routes to Isle of Wight
Isle of Wight ferry timetable and prices
Every published route serving Isle of Wight, with real crossing times, weekly frequency and starting fares.
| Route | Operators | Duration | Sailings / week | From | Average | Vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portsmouth – Fishbourne | Wightlink | 45m | 140 | £11.00 | £178.00 | Yes |
| Southampton – Cowes | Red Funnel | 1h | 114 | £6.00 | £154.00 | Yes |
| Portsmouth Harbour – Ryde | Hovertravel and Wightlink | 22m | 233 | £17.00 | £70.00 | Foot only |
| Lymington – Yarmouth | Wightlink | 40m | 101 | £11.00 | £176.00 | Yes |
| Fishbourne – Portsmouth | Wightlink | 45m | 140 | £11.00 | £178.00 | Yes |
| Cowes – Southampton | Red Funnel | 1h | 114 | £6.00 | £154.00 | Yes |
| Yarmouth – Lymington | Wightlink | 40m | 101 | £11.00 | £176.00 | Yes |
| Ryde – Portsmouth Harbour | Hovertravel and Wightlink | 22m | 233 | £17.00 | £70.00 | Foot only |
| West Cowes – Southampton | Red Funnel | 28m | 138 | £10.00 | £58.00 | Foot only |
| Southampton – West Cowes | Red Funnel | 28m | 138 | £10.00 | £58.00 | Foot only |
| Southsea – Ryde | Hovertravel | 10m | 114 | £18.00 | £72.00 | Foot only |
| Ryde – Southsea | Hovertravel | 10m | 114 | £18.00 | £72.00 | Foot only |
Sailing information for ferries to Isle of Wight
There are 12 ferry routes to and from Isle of Wight, connecting 5 ports and operated by Wightlink, Red Funnel and Hovertravel. Fares start from £6.00 on the Southampton to Cowes crossing.
The quickest way to reach Isle of Wight by sea is Southsea to Ryde, which takes just 10m. Longer overnight crossings usually work out cheaper per mile and save you a night's accommodation.
Compare every operator sailing to Isle of Wight in one search. We show the full price including your vehicle, so what you see is what you pay.
How long is the ferry to Isle of Wight?
Crossing times vary widely by route. The quickest is Southsea to Ryde at around 10m. Longer overnight sailings take considerably more time but include a cabin, which often works out cheaper than a crossing plus a hotel.
Isle of Wight ferry operators
Wightlink, Red Funnel and Hovertravel serve Isle of Wight. Each sets its own fares and timetable, so comparing them side by side is the single most reliable way to cut the cost of the crossing.
- Wightlink
- Red Funnel
- Hovertravel
Isle of Wight ferry ports
There are 5 ferry ports in Isle of Wight. The busiest are listed below, each with a full guide to check-in, parking and onward travel.
- Ferry to Ryde, 4 routes
- Ferry to Cowes, 2 routes
- Ferry to West Cowes, 2 routes
- Ferry to Fishbourne, 2 routes
- Ferry to Yarmouth, 2 routes
Can you take a car on the ferry to Isle of Wight?
Yes. 6 of the 12 routes serving Isle of Wight carry vehicles. Tick “taking a vehicle” when you search and every fare shown will already include your car, so the comparison is like for like.
When is the cheapest time to sail to Isle of Wight?
Fares track demand rather than a fixed price list. Midweek departures and the first sailing of the day are consistently cheaper, while July and August weekends carry the largest premium. Booking six or more weeks ahead typically saves 30–50% against the same sailing booked in the final week.
Ferries to Isle of Wight: common questions
How many ferry routes are there to Isle of Wight?
There are 12 ferry routes serving Isle of Wight across 3 operators.
What is the fastest ferry to Isle of Wight?
The fastest crossing is Southsea to Ryde at around 10m.
What is the cheapest ferry to Isle of Wight?
The lowest fares are usually on Southampton to Cowes, from £6.00 one way. Booking early and travelling midweek keeps prices down.
Which is the busiest route to Isle of Wight?
Portsmouth Harbour to Ryde is the most frequent, with about 233 sailings a week, roughly up to 33 times a day.
Can I take my car on a ferry to Isle of Wight?
Yes. 6 of the 12 routes to Isle of Wight carry vehicles. Add your car at the search stage and the prices shown will include it.
Do I need a passport to travel to Isle of Wight by ferry?
For international crossings, yes. Every passenger needs a valid passport, and you should check visa and biometric border requirements before travelling. Domestic routes normally require photo ID only.