Cross to the Isle of Wight from Portsmouth or Lymington by vehicle ferry, or take the 22-minute passenger FastCat between Portsmouth Harbour and Ryde Pier Head.
Choose Portsmouth or Lymington, your Isle of Wight port, travel date, passengers and vehicle to compare current Wightlink departures.
The Portsmouth Harbour–Ryde FastCat is foot-passenger only. Choose Portsmouth Gunwharf–Fishbourne or Lymington–Yarmouth when taking a car, motorcycle or motorhome.
Wightlink is one of the principal ferry operators serving the Isle of Wight. Its three routes connect six ports across the Solent and cover both vehicle travel and high-speed foot-passenger journeys.
Portsmouth Gunwharf–Fishbourne is the operator's busiest route and takes around 45 minutes. In March 2026, the crossing celebrated 100 years since the first vehicle ferry service moved to Fishbourne in 1926. Wightlink has operated the route since 1990.
The other vehicle route connects Lymington in the New Forest with Yarmouth in around 40 minutes. For passengers travelling without a vehicle, the FastCat links Portsmouth Harbour railway station directly with Ryde Pier Head in around 22 minutes.
2026 milestone: Portsmouth–Fishbourne marked its centenary in March 2026, while Victoria of Wight continues as Wightlink's hybrid-energy flagship on the route.
All three current routes operate across the Solent but serve different parts of the Isle of Wight and different travel needs.
Portsmouth–Fishbourne is Wightlink's busiest route and connects central Portsmouth with a convenient arrival point for Newport, Ryde, East Wight and the centre of the Island.
The FastCat is Wightlink's quickest route. Portsmouth Harbour station connects directly with the terminal, while Island Line trains run onto Ryde Pier Head for easy onward public transport.
Lymington–Yarmouth is Wightlink's quickest car-ferry route and is particularly convenient for West Wight, the Needles, Freshwater and road travellers approaching through the New Forest.
The FerryEU map shows Wightlink's three current routes only: Portsmouth Gunwharf–Fishbourne, Portsmouth Harbour–Ryde Pier Head and Lymington–Yarmouth.
Use the map to choose the most convenient Island arrival point, then check the live timetable because sailing frequency changes by season, weekday and special-event periods.
After choosing the most practical route, compare the live Wightlink sailing for departure time, calling pattern, passenger requirements and the facilities or accommodation shown for that service. The complete itinerary and arrival location can matter more than a small difference in the headline fare.
Wightlink does not operate the Southampton–Cowes routes or the Southsea–Ryde hovercraft. Those are operated by other Isle of Wight ferry companies.
Wightlink's terminals connect urban rail links, the New Forest and three different parts of the Isle of Wight.
Portsmouth has two different Wightlink terminals: Gunwharf for Fishbourne vehicle ferries and Portsmouth Harbour for the passenger FastCat to Ryde.
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Ryde Pier Head is ideal without a car. Island Line trains connect directly at the pier, with buses and taxis available on the Esplanade for onward travel.
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Lymington is the mainland gateway for Yarmouth and West Wight, and can avoid Portsmouth traffic for travellers approaching from the New Forest, Bournemouth and western routes.
Explore southern England ferry gatewaysFishbourne suits central and east Wight, Ryde is best integrated with public transport, and Yarmouth is the natural gateway for West Wight and the Needles.
Wightlink does not need overnight cabin accommodation. Comfort comes from passenger lounges, panoramic views, FastCat seating, sun decks and route-specific quiet or pet-friendly areas.
All Wightlink passenger services provide indoor seating, with larger vehicle ferries offering multiple lounge areas.
Best considered forEveryday crossings in all weatherVictoria of Wight includes a panoramic viewing lounge at the front of the ferry, while other vessels offer large windows over the Solent.
Best considered forPassengers wanting the best sea viewsThe passenger-only FastCats provide spacious lounges for the short Portsmouth Harbour–Ryde journey.
Best considered forFast foot-passenger journeysVehicle ferries and FastCats provide outside deck space where passengers can enjoy views across the Solent when conditions allow.
Best considered forFine-weather crossingsVehicle ferries provide clearly marked areas for passengers travelling with pets and emotional support dogs.
Best considered forPassengers travelling with animalsCar ferries have lifts to passenger lounges and accessible toilets, while FastCat staff can provide assisted travel support.
Best considered forPassengers with reduced mobilityBecause all three crossings are short, route convenience normally matters more than premium seating. Choose the terminal that best matches your onward road, rail or bus journey.
Facility levels depend on the ship. Victoria of Wight offers the broadest passenger experience, while smaller ferries and FastCats keep the short journey simpler.
Vehicle ferries offer hot and cold food and drinks through Wight Taste and related café outlets, with local Isle of Wight products featuring in the range.
Spacious indoor lounges provide seating and shelter on every route, with panoramic viewing areas on Victoria of Wight.
Outside decks make the crossing part of the Island experience, particularly around Portsmouth Harbour, the Solent forts and the western approach to Yarmouth.
Victoria of Wight includes a soft-play area and movie room, while St Clare also provides family-oriented facilities.
Vehicle ferries have designated pet areas. Assistance dogs are welcome throughout passenger areas, while ordinary pets must remain in permitted spaces.
Wightlink currently states that its ferries and FastCats do not have onboard internet. Customer Wi-Fi is available at selected Portsmouth and Ryde terminals.
The photographs in this section are Wightlink route and vessel imagery. Exact facilities vary by the ferry assigned to your sailing.
Two of Wightlink's three routes are designed around vehicle traffic, while the FastCat provides a rail-friendly option for foot passengers and cyclists.
Cars and motorcycles can travel on Portsmouth–Fishbourne and Lymington–Yarmouth. The FastCat does not carry motor vehicles.
Motorhomes and suitable touring vehicles use the car-ferry routes. Bicycles travel free with foot passengers when declared in advance.
Dogs, cats and other small animals travel free on all Wightlink vessels. Pets must be restrained or kept in a suitable carrier.
Wightlink provides assisted travel across its terminals and ferries. Advance notice helps the operator reserve the correct boarding and onboard arrangements.
Wightlink's arrival guidance depends mainly on whether you are driving, travelling on foot or using assisted travel.
Advance bookings can be accessed on a smartphone or through the Wightlink app, while FastCat gates accept eligible barcode and QR-code tickets.
Drivers should arrive between 30 and 60 minutes before the scheduled sailing, even when Wightlink is experiencing delays.
Passengers travelling on a Disabled or Accessible Travel foot ticket should arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.
Ordinary foot passengers should arrive at least 15 minutes before the booked sailing with a valid ticket.
Unless specifically authorised for accessibility reasons, passengers leave the vehicle deck during the crossing.
Portsmouth–Fishbourne is the most flexible choice for many car journeys because Fishbourne sits close to the Island's central road network. It is convenient for Newport, Ryde, East Cowes and much of east and central Wight.
Portsmouth Harbour–Ryde is ideal for car-free travel. Rail passengers can walk directly from Portsmouth Harbour station to the FastCat and connect with Island Line trains at the far end of Ryde Pier.
Lymington–Yarmouth can be the best route for West Wight and travellers approaching from the New Forest, Bournemouth and western southern England. The shorter vehicle crossing also avoids driving through Portsmouth.
Wightlink operates three Isle of Wight routes: Portsmouth Gunwharf–Fishbourne for vehicles and foot passengers, Portsmouth Harbour–Ryde Pier Head by passenger-only FastCat, and Lymington–Yarmouth for vehicles and foot passengers.
The Portsmouth Gunwharf–Fishbourne car ferry crossing takes around 45 minutes and carries vehicles as well as foot passengers.
Wightlink's passenger-only FastCat crosses between Portsmouth Harbour and Ryde Pier Head in around 22 minutes.
The Lymington–Yarmouth car ferry crossing takes around 40 minutes and is Wightlink's quickest route for taking a vehicle across the Solent.
Foot passengers should arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled sailing. Passengers with a Disabled or Accessible Travel foot ticket should arrive 30 minutes before. Drivers should arrive between 30 and 60 minutes before departure.
Yes on the Portsmouth–Fishbourne and Lymington–Yarmouth routes. Cars, motorcycles, motorhomes and other suitable vehicles can travel subject to the booked dimensions and vehicle-deck availability. The Portsmouth Harbour–Ryde FastCat is foot-passenger only.
Yes. Bicycles can be carried free when travelling as a foot passenger, but Wightlink asks passengers to declare bicycles in advance because space is limited. FastCats have bicycle racks.
Yes. Dogs, cats and other small pets travel free on all Wightlink vessels. Vehicle ferries have Pet Friendly Areas, while assistance dogs are welcome in all passenger areas.
No. Wightlink currently states that its vehicle ferries and FastCats do not have onboard internet access. Customer Wi-Fi is available at Portsmouth Harbour, Ryde Pier Head and Portsmouth Car Ferry Terminal.
Yes. Wightlink asks passengers who need assistance to contact the operator as soon as possible and at least 48 hours before travel. Car ferries have lifts to passenger lounges and accessible toilets, while FastCats have assisted-travel equipment and staff support.
Check current Portsmouth–Fishbourne, Portsmouth Harbour–Ryde and Lymington–Yarmouth departures for passengers and vehicles.
Three Solent routes
Vehicle & foot travel
Crossings from 22 minutes
