Isle of Wight
Ferry Information


Advice on routes and timetables
General information
Crossing by car
Crossing on foot

Crossing by foot...


There are three main options for those wishing to cross the Solent by foot. It's always cheaper to cross without a car, so it's seriously worth considering this option if you don't need your car. Always check the times before you sail, especially you want to travelling in the evening, night, or early in the morning. With both Wightlink and Red Funnel, if you get stuck late at night, or in rare cases the Solent is too rough for the passenger boats, the more expensive passenger tickets can usually be used on the car ferries. It's worth noting that passenger fares on the FastCat or Hovercraft can often be bought as part of a train ticket, so railcard discounts can apply.

Wightlink – Portsmouth Harbour to Ryde Pier Head

Crossing takes approximately 15 minutes. Wightlink run a number of FastCat catamarans or 'cats', as they are often called, from Portsmouth Harbour to Ryde Pier Head. Travel links are good on either side, with taxis, buses and trains all within easy walking distance. On both sides, waiting facilities are pleasant, but cafe facilities do close in the evening. If you find yourself with time to kill on the Portsmouth side, the nearby Gun Wharf shopping village has a large range of designer shops, restaurants and pubs. The crossing is generally smooth, and you're almost guaranteed to get on the boat (provided you get there in time!). Both the older and newer boats are comfortable enough – but with the quick crossing, even the most seasick of people wouldn't be uncomfortable for long. As with the car ferries, crossings are cheaper from the Isle of Wight. Starting in Portsmouth, expect to pay £12.40 for a day return, £10 for a half day return (travelling after midday), and £16.40 for a period return. Generally boats leave at quarter past and quarter to the hour.

Red Funnel – Southampton to West Cowes

Crossing takes just over 20 minutes. The Red Funnel Hi-Speed Red Jet runs from Southampton to West Cowes. The Southampton terminal is in West Quay Shopping village, and transport between terminal and the city centre is pretty good via bus or taxi, but the station is a little while away. There is a small waiting room, and during the day, a number of outlets in West Quay which you can pick up something to eat or drink. Although the Cowes terminal is in the centre of town, it's waiting facility is fairly limited. Still, if you're that early, there are plenty of pubs nearby in which to get a drink. Crossing is generally quick and smooth, and the boats are comfortable. You can usually get on the boat, although they get particularly crowed during Cowes week, so get there early. A day return will cost you £14.30, an evening return (after 6pm) will cost you £10, and a period return, £16.50. There are also options to travel half the route on the passenger boat and half the route on the car ferry. Boats generally leave on the hour and half hour, stopping around midnight, and starting again at 6am.

Hovertravel – Southsea to Ryde Esplanade

Crossing takes approximately 10 minutes. The fastest way to cross the Solent, the Hovercraft is an experience in itself. Rising up on a cushion of air, it floats down from it's concrete landing bay off over the water. If you don't mind a little walk, you can usually find some free parking in Southsea, although Hovertravel do sell tickets for the nearby car park. The terminals on either side are comfortable; there is a bus service into Portsmouth on the Southsea side, and the Ryde terminal is conveniently located near the taxis, buses and trains on Ryde Esplanade. Make sure you book and arrive early – the 'hovers' can fill up. From Southsea a day return will cost you £10.70 and a standard return will cost you £13.20. Hovercrafts generally leave on the hour and half hour from Ryde, and quarter past and quarter to the hour from Southsea. The Hovercraft starts at around 7am, and stops at around 8pm, so if you're intending to travel late, this may not be the best option.


The information on this site about Isle of Wight ferry crossings is provided as-is.
Information is based on personal experiences and opinion at time of print in October 2006.
Any problems should be sent to help - at - iowferries - dot - co - dot - uk.

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