Ferries Isle of Wight

When planning your ferry trip to the Isle of Wight, you can take advantage of the fixed discounts available to specific passenger categories. Typically, children under 15 are entitled to lower ferry ticket prices, while infants and toddlers up to 4 years old travel for free.

Wightlink also offers discounts for large groups of passengers, frequent travellers, and Isle of Wight residents.

There is currently 1 available ferry route from mainland England to the Isle of Wight:

Portsmouth - Fishbourne

You can travel by ferry to the Isle of Wight on the year-round Portsmouth - Fishbourne route, with up to 27 daily crossings. The journey takes about 45 min, and ticket prices start from about £16 (€19).

Wightlink operates the Portsmouth - Fishbourne route with conventional vessels.

How much luggage can you take on the ferry to the Isle of Wight?

On Wightlink ferries, there is no official limit to the luggage you can carry. During your ferry trip from Portsmouth to Fishbourne, you can keep your luggage next to you or in your vehicle.

Good to know: bear in mind that there is no check-in procedure for luggage items.

The ferry trip from Portsmouth to Fishbourne on the Isle of Wight takes around 45 min.

Which is the fastest route to the Isle of Wight?

The fastest way to reach the Isle of Wight by ferry is from Portsmouth, a coastal town in Essex, England. The journey from Portsmouth to the port of Fishbourne takes about 45 min.

What is the cheapest ferry route to the Isle of Wight?

Tickets on the route connecting Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight currently start at £16 (€19).

Keep in mind that the final ticket cost depends on vehicle selection, discounts, offers, and seat type.

Which port of departure should I choose?

Currently, the Isle of Wight is serviced only by conventional ferries departing from Portsmouth in England and arriving at the port of Fishbourne. With year-round itineraries, multiple daily crossings, and very short travel time, the Portsmouth - Fishbourne route is a fast and convenient way to reach the Isle of Wight.

What other factors should I consider?

When planning a trip and booking a ferry to the Isle of Wight, keep these factors in mind:

• Seasonality: ferry services to the Isle of Wight from Portsmouth operate year-round. However, if you plan to travel during the summer, on weekends and bank holidays, or with a vehicle, it is best to book your tickets as early as possible to secure availability and lower prices.
• Departure times: the earliest ferry crossing to Fishbourne from Portsmouth is typically scheduled for 05:00, arriving at 05:45. As for the last scheduled departure, the ferry leaves Portsmouth at 03:00 and arrives at the northeast coast of the Isle of Wight at 03:45.

Can I travel on the ferry to the Isle of Wight with a car?

Yes, ferries travelling from Portsmouth to Fishbourne (Isle of Wight) have car decks, so you can embark your vehicle.

Always check the availability and keep in mind that car deck spots may be more limited during peak months. Also, make sure you bring along your driver’s licence, vehicle registration and insurance documents.

How much does it cost to bring my car to the Isle of Wight?

Prices usually start at around £45 (€53) for a car, including a single passenger ticket.

Can I take my camper van or motorhome on the ferry to the Isle of Wight?

Yes, you can take your van, motorhome or caravan on Wightlink routes from Portsmouth to Fishbourne on the Isle of Wight.

Wightlink's Portsmouth – Fishbourne ferries are designed for short, comfortable crossings. Although the journey is brief, these conventional vessels offer a good range of passenger amenities.

On board, you will usually find:

• Comfy air-conditioned lounges and spacious outer decks
• Cafés serving snacks and beverages
• Children's play areas on selected ferries
• Free Wi-Fi on selected ferries

Cabins & accommodation

Are there cabins on the ferries?

Due to the short duration of the journey, there are no available cabins on the Portsmouth - Fishbourne ferries. Alternatively, onboard seating is included in the ticket price.

What type of seats can you book?

On crossings from Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight, you can book a deck/lounge seat, with prices starting from around £16 (€19).

Can I travel first class?

No. Wightlink does not offer first-class or premium seating areas on its Portsmouth–Fishbourne vehicle ferries.

Are the ferries accessible?

Wightlink ferries operating on the Portsmouth - Fishbourne route are designed to accommodate passengers with reduced mobility and include:

• Lifts between vehicle and passenger decks
• Accessible toilets
• Baby-changing facilities
• Wheelchair-accessible public areas

Boarding assistance is typically available upon request and with prior notification to the ferry company before your journey.

Important: accessibility features vary by vessel, so it is recommended to contact the ferry company at the time of booking for further details.

Can you take pets on the ferry to the Isle of Wight?

Pets are welcome and travel for free with Wightlink ferries. They are only allowed to travel in pet-friendly areas and should be on a muzzle or leash. Make sure to carry along all the necessary pet documents and supplies for a smooth trip.

Is there Wi-Fi on the ferries?

Yes, there is free Wi-Fi on selected Wightlink ferries travelling from Portsmouth to Fishbourne.

Is there entertainment on the ferries?

Due to the crossing’s short duration, ferries connecting Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight do not offer entertainment amenities, except for children's play areas on selected ferries.

What travel documents do I need to go by ferry to the Isle of Wight?

The Portsmouth - Fishbourne (Isle of Wight) ferry is a domestic route within the UK, so passport and immigration checks are not required.

Before travelling, make sure you have:

• A valid photo ID, as it may be required when collecting your booking or during check-in.
• Your booking confirmation.
• If you're travelling with a vehicle, bring your driver’s licence, vehicle registration and insurance documents.

How to book ferry tickets

You can easily book ferry tickets to the Isle of Wight on Ferryhopper in just a few clicks:

1. Select the Isle of Wight as your destination, along with your port of departure and travel dates.
2. Add passengers, pets, and vehicles.
3. Compare ferry operators, travel times, and ticket prices.
4. Complete your booking securely online.

Once your booking is confirmed, you’ll receive your ferry tickets by email. Ferryhopper lets you manage your booking, check for updates, and access customer support all in one place.

Check-in and boarding procedures

We recommend arriving at the port early to ensure a smooth boarding process. More specifically:

• Foot passengers: arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.
• Passengers travelling with a vehicle: arrive 30 to 45 minutes before departure.
• Follow the signs to the appropriate check-in area and have your booking confirmation ready.

During busy periods, such as summer months, weekends and public holidays, allowing extra time is recommended.

Can I board with an electronic ticket?

Wightlink, the company that is currently exclusively operating the Portsmouth - Fishbourne route, accepts electronic tickets.

We recommend that you always review your confirmation email carefully for operator-specific instructions and arrive at the port on time, with your booking reference and identification documents readily available.

Just off the coast of Hampshire lies the Isle of Wight, a gem of the English Channel full of imposing cliffs, scenic beaches and picturesque villages. Fishbourne, a small village on the Isle of Wight's north-eastern coast, welcomes visitors with its peaceful waterfront setting and easy access to the island's natural beauty. As one of the Isle of Wight's main ferry gateways, it offers a relaxed atmosphere surrounded by woodlands and coastal paths. From exploring the nearby beaches and countryside to setting off for popular destinations such as Ryde, Osborne and Newport, Fishbourne is the perfect starting point for discovering the Isle of Wight's many treasures.

For more information and tips for how to explore this beautiful English Channel island, head to our Isle of Wight and Fishbourne travel guide.

Here are some handy tips to keep in mind when travelling by ferry to the Isle of Wight:

• The Solent, the major tidal strait separating the Isle of Wight from mainland England, is generally sheltered, providing a smooth crossing. However, if you're prone to seasickness, you may still wish to bring medication, particularly during windy weather.
• If you're travelling with a vehicle during the summer or on public holidays, reserve your space as early as possible, as vehicle capacity can fill up quickly.
• Take advantage of the frequent daily departures, which make it easy to plan both day trips and longer stays on the Isle of Wight.

Best time to book

However, if you're travelling during weekends, bank holidays or summer months, it's best to book your tickets 1 to 2 months in advance, particularly if you're travelling with a vehicle.

Outside the peak season, you'll usually find greater availability and more flexibility when choosing your departure time. However, booking early is recommended as it can also help you secure the lowest fares.

Ferries departing from Portsmouth arrive at the Fishbourne Ferry Terminal, located on the north-east coast of the Isle of Wight, just a few minutes from Ryde and around 15 minutes by car from Newport.

Are there traveller amenities at the Isle of Wight port?

The Fishbourne Ferry Terminal offers a range of convenient passenger facilities, including:

• Waiting area
• Café serving refreshments
• Toilets
• Car parking
• Taxi rank
• Bus stops with connections to Ryde, Newport and other parts of the island

The terminal is well connected to the Isle of Wight's road network, making it an ideal arrival point whether you're travelling by car or public transport.

How to get to the Isle of Wight port

The port of Fishbourne, which connects the Isle of Wight to Portsmouth on mainland England, is easy to reach by bus, taxi or car, while foot passengers can also walk from nearby villages.

Ferry route map

Below, you can see all active ferry connections to Isle of Wight, as well as starting prices for each route. Use our interactive Map of ferries to visualize your trip and easily plan an island-hopping adventure.