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Wightlink Ferries

Tel: 0333 9997 333

Visit Website

View Wightlink's website for more information and travel updates.

Wightlink is the largest ferry operator to the Isle of Wight, operating a regular round-the-clock service - three routes across the Solent: - Portsmouth - Fishbourne (car ferry – approx. 45 minute crossing) - Portsmouth Harbour - Ryde Pier Head (passenger FastCats – approx. 22 minute crossing) - Lymington - Yarmouth (car ferry – approx. 40 minute crossing)

All routes are easily accessible by car, rail or by foot - more information can be found here .

10 great reasons to book with Wightlink: 1) Reliable and punctual service - 98.2% of departures across all three of their routes leave within 5 minutes of schedule.  2) Customer satisfaction - Wightlink score 4.5 stars on TripAdvisor and have been awarded Certificate of Excellence. They were also voted Family Traveller Best Family Ferry Operator for 2017. 3) Great value - there are no online booking fees and discounted rates are available when you book your tickets early.  4) Fast and frequent - the FastCats take 22 minutes and the car ferries take no more than 45 minutes to cross the Solent. A regular service is provided throughout the day.  5) Ferries for everyone - Wightlink offer additional assistance on all ferries to their customers making the crossing accessible for everyone.  6) Crossing in comfort - all ferries have relaxing lounges plus much more.  7) Easy access with great links - there are three routes from three different terminals. 8) History of exceptional service - Wightlink provided the first regular ferry service between Portsmouth and Ryde in 1796.   9) The future's green - invested in £45 million in the Portsmouth to Fishbourne route including a brand new ship which is powered by hybrid energy.  10) Part of Island life - Wightlink are passionate about supporting the local community. 

For more information on these top 10 please click here . 

For more information on Wightlink Ferries visit www.wightlink.co.uk

Book Tickets

• Disabled Parking
• Wheelchair user accessible
• Refreshments Available
• Vegetarians catered for
• Vending Facilities

Children & Infants

• Baby changing

Establishment Features

• Dogs admitted on a lead
• Groups welcome
• Open all year round
• Open on bank holidays
• Toilets on Site

Parking & Transport

• Electric Vehicle Charging Point - Fishbourne & Lymington ferry terminals
• Own car park (Fee Applies)

Payment Methods

• American Express
• Diners card

Provider Preferences

• Some no smoking areas

Specialist Features

• Educational Groups

Map & Directions

Click here to view map

KIDS GO FREE

Take the kids to the Isle of Wight for free during the school holidays. Under 5s always travel free with Wightlink but when the schools break up, you can also take up to two children aged 5-15 for free with every adult or senior foot passenger day return ticket.

Make the most of this deal throughout 2024, covering:

• February half-term: 10th February - 18th February.
• Easter holidays: 27th March - 15th April.
• May half term: 25th May - 9th June.
• Summer holidays: 5th July to 9th September.
• October half term: 19th October to 3rd November.
• Christmas holidays: 13th December 2024 - 5th January 2025.

To book and for further information, please visit:  https://www.wightlink.co.uk/special-offers/kids-go-free

Ferry & Travel - redeem this special offer between 10/05/2021 and 05/01/2025

Offer link: Ferry & Travel

Wightlink Special Offers

Wightlink is the leading provider of ferry transport to and from the Isle of Wight. Whether you're after a day-trip or a family holiday - there really is something for everyone on this fantastic Island.

Wightlink offers – special offers, bargains & promotions - www.wightlink.co.uk/offers

Accommodation offers – from camping & ‘glamping’, to luxury hotel breaks - www.wightlink.co.uk/isle-of-wight-accommodation

Travel offers - up to 40% discount on caravan fares - www.wightlink.co.uk/offer/save-40-caravan-fares/

Ferry & Travel - redeem this special offer between 01/01/2018 and 31/12/2024

Isle of Wight Spring Walking Festival Offer - Save 20%

Save 20% on foot, car and motorcycle ferry fares to the Island for the Isle of Wight Spring Walking Festival, between 10 May and 20 May 2024.

Click here to book .

Walking Festival Offers - redeem this special offer between 28/03/2024 and 19/05/2024

Ferry & Travel - redeem this special offer between 28/03/2024 and 20/05/2024

Offer link: Walking Festival Offers , Ferry & Travel

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Wightlink Isle of Wight Ferry

About this app

Data safety.

What's new

App support.

Live service status

Information about your crossing.

• View, download and print our PDF route timetables
• Plan your journey

Live timetables

The best way to look at our scheduled sailings is to search for a crossing using our real-time Isle of Wight ferry timetable. Live timetables take into account up-to-date changes and so offer the best reflection of our service.

Restricted foot passenger sailings

On certain sailings, we have to restrict the number of customers who are able to travel. All foot passengers must book in advance on these sailings – please check these sailings before turning up at the port without a booking, as we may not be able to accommodate you .

Booking availability

Just so you know, on our live timetable, sailings within an hour will be displayed but can’t be booked online.

On this page

Related pages, choose a timetable, timetable changes: portsmouth harbour - ryde pier head, portsmouth harbour to ryde pier head.

Tuesday, 2 January to Sunday, 22 December 2024

Foot passengers must book in advance and arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled sailing time. Please allow at least 10 minutes for connections between trains and FastCats.

a Excluding 29 March, 1 April, 6 & 27 May and 26 August.

b 1 April, 6 & 27 May and 26 August only.

c 30 March, 6 & 13 April, 25 May, 1 June and every Saturday and Sunday from 20 July-1 September only.

From Tuesday 20, February to Friday, 5 April  2024 – To allow essential maintenance of the gangway at our Portsmouth Harbour FastCat port, boarding and discharging the vessels will change from during this period. All customers will board from the Portsmouth Harbour South End berth which includes a steep slope and a small number of steps. There will be no changes at Ryde Pier Head. Customers with wheelchairs, mobility scooters, prams and heavy luggage are advised to use our Car Ferry service from Portsmouth-Fishbourne or travel with HoverTravel during this time. Wightlink tickets, including Multilink and Season ticket passes, will be accepted on all HoverTravel services including the Hover Bus from Southsea to Portsmouth Hard.

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.

Portsmouth Harbour

Ryde pier head, timetable changes: lymington - yarmouth, lymington to yarmouth.

Monday, 25 March to Sunday, 3 November 2024

If you are travelling by vehicle please check in at least 30 minutes but no more than one hour before the scheduled sailing time and foot passengers at least 15 minutes before the scheduled sailing time. Foot passengers must book in advance.

* Restricted passenger numbers. It is essential foot passengers book in advance.

a Thursday’s only.

Friday, 28 June and Monday 15 July – seperate timetable

Sailing times, while correct at time of publication (January 2024), are subject to alteration.

For operating reasons ships may sail a little before or after advertised sailing times.

Friday, 28 June and Monday, 15 July 2024 Only

Monday, 4 November to Sunday, 22 December 2024

Timetable changes: Portsmouth - Fishbourne

Portsmouth to fishbourne.

If you are travelling by vehicle please check in at least 30 minutes but no more than one hour before the scheduled sailing time and foot passengers at least 15 minutes before the scheduled sailing time.

*Restricted passenger numbers. Booking essential.

a 1 April, 6 & 27 May and 26 August only.

b Thursday’s only.

c Wednesday’s and Thursday’s between 3-11 May and 29 May-29 August only.

d Excludes Tuesday’s.

For operating reasons ships may sail a little before or after the advertised times.

Monday, 4 November to Sunday, 15 December 2024

*Restricted passenger numbers Monday to Friday only.

a Excluding Tuesday’s

Travel Updates

Portsmouth - fishbourne | restricted passenger numbers.

Booking essential on 03:00 and 05:00 sailings

Our Monday to Friday 03:00 and 05:00 sailings from Portsmouth to Fishbourne have restricted passenger numbers.

Booking is essential for customers wishing to travel on these sailings, including Multilink Pass and Season Ticket holders.

Lymington - Yarmouth | Restricted passenger numbers

Booking essential on 06:05 sailings

Our 06:05 sailings from Lymington to Yarmouth  have restricted passenger numbers.

Yarmouth - Lymington | Restricted passenger numbers

Booking essential on 11:05 sailings

Our 11:05 sailings from Yarmouth to Lymington have restricted passenger numbers.

Checking in

If you’re bringing a vehicle, you’ll need to check in between 30 minutes and one hour before your crossing. Coming on foot? You’ll need to be checked in at least 15 minutes before your scheduled sailing.

Sailing times

Sometimes, our ferries may leave slightly before or after the advertised times due to operational reasons.

Download the Wightlink app now for easy access to your bookings, travel passes and real-time travel information.

Get the latest travel notifications

Check live timetables

Digital tickets and passes

Manage your account

Find out whether your Isle of Wight ferry is running on time and check the live status of our service using our ferry locations map.  

Travel on any of our three routes, each with excellent transport links and facilities.

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

Recap of Wightlink Portsmouth to Fishbourne ferry delays due to 'customer incident'

Services were disrupted throughout the day

• Updated 18:14, 3 JUN 2021

A "customer incident" disrupted a ferry service between the Hampshire mainland and the Isle of Wight.

At 5am on Thursday (June 3) Wightlink warned of up to two-hour delays on its Portsmouth / Fishbourne route which it initially suspended.

A Wightlink spokesperson later clarified that the service was "experiencing delays" with all passengers booked on the route on Thursday expected to be affected.

Hampshire Constabulary assisted and its roads unit wrote on Twitter shortly before 5am: "Please avoid Portsmouth Wightlink terminal at this time due to an ongoing incident. Travel to the Island will be disrupted this morning."

Police later confirmed that a man had been arrested after boarding a ferry and "refusing to leave".

A recap of live updates can be read below.

• FULL STORY | Reason behind disruption 11:12
• 'Intoxicated male' in custody 08:31
• 'Check in as normal' 07:54
• Sailings delayed 07:26
• Widespread disruption 07:04

FULL STORY | Reason behind disruption

Police have provided some further information on today's disruption to ferry services.

The full story can be read below.

Still delays to ferry services

Wightlink is saying that there are still delays of up to an hour on its Portsmouth to Fishbourne service.

'Intoxicated male' in custody

According to police, a "drunk male" is responsible for the lengthy delays on the ferry service today.

In a Facebook post, Isle of Wight Police said the "intoxicated male" was detained and put in police custody.

Part of the post reads:

If you are due to travel on Wightlink Car Ferry today I expect there will be significant delays. An incident occurred on the Portsmouth side involving an intoxicated male who is now in police custody. Unfortunately due to his behaviour and safety the boat couldn’t go anywhere until he was detained.

Hampshire Police has been contacted for further information.

'Check in as normal'

A Wightlink spokesperson has said all customers should check in as normal, but warned of further delays throughout the day.

The spokesperson told HampshireLive:

Wightlink’s Portsmouth-Fishbourne service is experiencing delays of approximately one hour, because of an earlier customer incident which has now been resolved. We are asking all customers to check in as normal.

Incident over but long delays remain

Wightlink is now referring to the emergency as an "earlier customer incident" - indicating it has been resolved.

However, long delays remain this morning.

While Wightlink says on Twitter delays of up to an hour are expected, the live departures board (in the post below) shows two hour delays will be experienced. These departure times may be updated so it is best to keep checking the Wightlink website here.

Sorry, Wightlink’s Portsmouth-Fishbourne service is experiencing delays of up to 1 hour because of an earlier customer incident. All customers booked on this route today are likely to be affected and will be contacted. Thank you. — Wightlink Travel (@WightlinkTravel) June 3, 2021

Sailings delayed

The majority of this morning's sailings are delayed on the Portsmouth / Fishbourne route. Here's a look at the live departures board.

Customers are advised to check the board regularly in case of further updates. You can do so via the Wightlink website here.

Route affected

It is the 45-minute Portsmouth / Fishbourne route that has been disrupted in both directions.

A quick look at the timetable shows most sailings this morning between the two destinations are delayed.

Earlier, people were told 'avoid terminal'

Hampshire Roads Policing Unit initially warned members of the public to avoid the Portsmouth terminal due to the customer incident.

They later tweeted the issue at the terminal had been resolved, however, HampshireLive has had confirmation from Wightlink that the incident remains ongoing.

Here's what the police wrote on Twitter earlier this morning.

Please avoid Portsmouth Wightlink terminal at this time due to an ongoing incident. Travel to the Island will be disrupted this morning. #27080 — Hampshire Roads Policing Unit (@HantsPolRoads) June 3, 2021

Widespread disruption

A Wightlink spokesperson has told HampshireLive the incident will affect all customers booked on the Portsmouth / Fishbourne route today.

Their latest statement in full reads:

Wightlink’s Portsmouth-Fishbourne service is experiencing delays because of an ongoing customer incident. All customers booked on this route today are likely to be affected. We will keep them informed through email this morning.

Good morning

Welcome to our live updates on the Wightlink ferry delays this morning.

The Portsmouth to Fishbourne service has been disrupted due to an "ongoing customer incident".

The service was suspended earlier this morning at around 5am but a Wightlink spokesperson has since clarified the route is now "experiencing delays" rather than halted altogether.

It's bad news for customers with all those booked on the route today likely to be affected.

More information to follow.

• Isle of Wight
• Most Recent

Wightlink Travel Updates

Wightlink travel to the UK’s sunniest island and enjoys its very own Mediterranean microclimate. Sail to the Isle of Wight on a high-speed ferry in just 22 minutes from Portsmouth Harbour or Lymington.

Due to a damaged propeller, Wightlink has suspended FastCats and Hover travel for the morning school and work commute. Replacement buses, taxis, and cars are taking stranded passengers to Fishbourne.

1. Portsmouth Harbour to Ryde Pier Head FastCat

The Isle of Wight is a beautiful, peaceful retreat just off England’s south coast and it’s surprisingly easy to get here. Whether you’re travelling by car, bike or foot, there’s a Wightlink travel ferry to suit your needs. Our high-speed FastCat passenger catamarans offer a quick, reliable service from Portsmouth Harbour to Ryde Pier Head and the journey takes just 22 minutes. We also have regular car and coach ferries from Portsmouth and Lymington to Ryde and the island’s mainland stations.

Wightlink’s high-speed FastCat Catamarans are one of the most innovative services in Europe and they have become renowned for their reliability and speed. The company operates more than 4.5 million crossings each year and is one of the UK’s largest domestic ferry operators. It’s easy to book your ferry tickets online with Ferryonline, just choose your destination and departure date, select the number of people in your party and then choose your preferred payment method. You can also save on your ferry fares by booking your ticket in advance or by joining our membership scheme to receive exclusive benefits.

FastCat service between Portsmouth Harbour and Ryde Pier Head

During the winter, reduced accessibility at the Portsmouth Harbour FastCat terminal will be in place due to building work. This means customers with reduced mobility will have to use the hovercraft from Portsmouth & Southsea or Ryde Esplanade, connecting with the Island Line at Ryde station instead. This is until early spring 2022, when access to the terminal will return to normal for everyone.

During this phase of the project, a member of the Wightlink staff will lead customers with limited mobility from platform 5 at the Portsmouth Harbour railway station to the alternate outdoor route into the boarding jetty. This route is unsuitable for prams, wheelchairs, or mobility scooters, and there are stairs to negotiate.

Wightlink is asking the public for their views on introducing later evening sailings on the FastCat in both directions. The petition is requesting three additional sailings per day, including one after 10 pm, to align with the arrival of trains at Portsmouth Harbour station. It would also provide flexibility for those who are working late on the Isle of Wight.

2. Wightlink Travel Portsmouth Harbour to Fishbourne FastCat

The FastCat is the quickest ferry route for foot passengers between Portsmouth Harbour and Ryde. The journey takes just 22 minutes so you can enjoy the stunning views across the Solent and arrive at the end of Ryde Pier, on the doorstep of East and Central Wight. This route is only available to foot passengers so it’s the best way for you to get to the Isle of Wight without a vehicle.

The service operates between Portsmouth Harbour Ferry Terminal and Ryde Esplanade, with the ferry docking directly outside Portsmouth Harbour railway station. From here, a taxi rank and bus station are located within a short walking distance for those wishing to travel further into the town. For customers with reduced mobility, Hovertravel’s ‘Hoverbus’ can also take you free of charge from the Portsmouth Harbour transport interchange to the Ryde Esplanade ferry terminal for onward rail and bus connections.

From Monday, March 27, 2023, there will be additional evening FastCat sailings between Portsmouth Harbour and Ryde. These will supplement the existing Lymington-Yarmouth timetable and improve connectivity with South Western Railway trains.

A fleet of high-speed catamarans run Wightlink’s FastCat passenger services. Designed and built by FBMA Marine, the vessels are the fastest ferry routes for foot passengers in Europe.

On board the FastCats, you’ll find a relaxing airline-style lounge with 21 screens. There’s plenty of seating to relax and read a book or catch up with friends over coffee. You’ll also find plenty of plug sockets to recharge your devices.

Three different fleets are operating on the Wightlink ferries:

The FastCats feature an innovative drive system that reduces noise and vibrations, making them a comfortable and smooth ride. The company also constructs the hulls of its high-speed catamarans using a lightweight composite material, providing them with exceptional stability during adverse weather conditions. This means you can sit back, relax in comfort, and enjoy the beautiful scenery on the crossing to the Isle of Wight. Wightlink carries millions of people on its car ferries and FastCats every year. The Isle of Wight is a beautiful and peaceful retreat nestled just off England’s southern coast. It’s a very accessible destination, with regular ferries operating across it. The Solent, from Lymington to Yarmouth and Portsmouth to Fishbourne, as well as the popular FastCat service between Portsmouth Harbour and Ryde Pier Head.

3. Wightlink Travel Ryde Pier to Southsea FastCat

The Ryde Pier to Southsea FastCat is a ferry service connecting Ryde and Portsmouth Harbour. The trip takes 22 minutes and offers good rail, coach, and bus connections in both locations. The service is operated by Wightlink and tickets can be bought from the station or online from Trainline. Prices vary but are often very reasonable.

The ferry operates from the railway jetty at The Hard Interchange, close to Gunwharf Quays, and is suitable for cars, coaches, and cycles. It operates every half hour between 06:15 and 21:00, with additional late services during the summer. The Hovertravel Isle of Wight hovercraft also operates from Portsmouth (Southsea seafront) to Ryde, with the crossing taking under ten minutes. The hover bus is the connecting bus service that can be accessed from the Southsea hovercraft terminal.

Ryde is a popular tourist destination on the Isle of Wight. The town has many hotels and restaurants, and its beach is popular with swimmers. The town also boasts an operational pier, built in 1814, and recognized for allowing cars to drive onto it, with various amenities including shops and cafes.

FastCat service between Ryde Pier and Southsea

The ferries serve as the main gateway to the Isle of Wight for mainland travellers, and they offer a convenient way to get to the island from England’s southern coast. Several different companies run the ferries, including Red Funnel and Wightlink, and they frequently travel to and from the Isle of Wight. The Isle of Wight is an ideal place for a family holiday or a romantic getaway. And the ferries are an excellent way to explore this beautiful island.

The FastCat is a high-speed catamaran that provides passengers and vehicles with a direct link between Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight. The ferry has a capacity of up to 1,000 people, and it is equipped with modern facilities, including free Wi-Fi and TVs. It is also wheelchair-friendly and has a dedicated car park for those travelling with a vehicle.

4. Fishbourne to Ryde Pier Head FastCat

The Fishbourne to Ryde Pier Head FastCat is Wightlink’s fastest ferry crossing. It’s also the shortest car ferry route between the mainland and the Isle of Wight and it offers stunning views across both the Hampshire and Isle of Wight coastlines. This ferry terminal is just a short walk from Portsmouth Harbour railway station and bus interchange.

The FastCat is a high-speed passenger catamaran that leaves Portsmouth Harbour and docks right at the end of Ryde Pier. You can get to Ryde Pier Head on foot by catching the Island Line. Train down the pier from Portsmouth Harbour Station or catch the free ’Hoverbus’ from Portsmouth and Southsea, which is timed to connect with the hovercraft departures. If you’re travelling by car, there’s plenty of parking at The Esplanade Car Park or the long-stay car park which can be pre-booked using JustPark.

If you’re using Wightlink Travel Ling by public transport, board the Southern Vectis number 4 or 9 bus from Portsmouth Harbour Bus Station towards Newport and get off at the Quarr Abbey stop. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes and it’s a very scenic way to arrive on the Isle of Wight.

Wightlink Travel Fishbourne-Ryde FastCat

When it comes to ferry prices there are a lot of different things to take into account depending on where you’re staying and what time of year you’re visiting. The general rule of thumb is that the earlier you book, the better. You can usually find great deals if you book your Isle of Wight ferry Wightlink travel before the busy season starts and the longer you book in advance, the cheaper your tickets will be.

The Wightlink website has a handy ‘Ferry Explorer’ tool which lets you check out the latest price discounts for cars , motorbikes and passengers. It’s simple to use and can help you find your best ferry price. You can also use the tool to check out live sailing times and track your ferry so you know exactly when you’re due to depart.

Another good tip is to book online for a discount. Ticket, which is often available for the same price as an on-board seat (depending on the type of ferry you’re taking). You can also sometimes save money by booking as a foot passenger rather than driving a car. This is particularly true for groups of 3 or more people. Both Wightlink and Red Funnel offer this, and some large hotels and holiday parks like Parkdean Resorts will get special rates for this too.