Wightlink passenger and vehicle ferry serving the Isle of Wight
England → Isle of Wight

Portsmouth to Fishbourne Ferry

Compare Portsmouth to Fishbourne ferry tickets with Wightlink for a convenient 45-minute vehicle and foot-passenger crossing to the east of the Isle of Wight.

About 45 minutes Wightlink Vehicles accepted Foot passengers
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Select the departure and destination ports for Portsmouth to Fishbourne in the live search below, then compare current sailings, fares, passenger and vehicle options. Booking results open in a new tab so this FerryEU route guide stays available.

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Central Portsmouth to east Wight

A practical car-ferry route for Ryde, Newport and east Wight

Portsmouth to Fishbourne is Wightlink’s main vehicle-ferry route from central Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight. The crossing takes around 45 minutes and carries cars, motorcycles, motorhomes, caravans, commercial vehicles and foot passengers.

Fishbourne lies between Ryde and Newport, making it especially convenient for travellers heading to the island’s east and centre. Portsmouth Gunwharf is close to the M275 road approach and Portsmouth Harbour railway connections.

Wightlink uses large vehicle ferries on the route, including Victoria of Wight and other ships with passenger lounges, open decks and food or drink facilities. The assigned vessel can change, so compare the live sailing rather than relying on one ship.

Vehicle space is finite at busy holiday periods. Enter the correct vehicle length and height, including trailers, roof boxes or bike racks, and compare flexible fares if your arrival time at Portsmouth could change.

If your destination is west Wight, Lymington–Yarmouth may reduce island driving. Foot passengers heading directly to Ryde can also compare Portsmouth Harbour–Ryde FastCat or Southsea–Ryde hovercraft.

One direct operator

Ferry operator from Portsmouth to Fishbourne

Wightlink currently operates this direct passenger ferry route. Check the live sailing because passenger categories, ship assignment and facilities can vary by date.

Departure and arrival ports

Portsmouth Gunwharf and Fishbourne ferry ports

Use the operator confirmation for the correct check-in area, terminal instructions and arrival deadline. Port procedures can vary by passenger type and sailing.

Aerial view of Portsmouth ferry port and harbour
England

Portsmouth Gunwharf Ferry Port

Wightlink’s Portsmouth Gunwharf car-ferry terminal is close to Gunwharf Quays and the M275 approach into Portsmouth. Follow the operator signs because Portsmouth also has separate passenger-ferry terminals.

  • M275 gives direct road access from the motorway network
  • Separate from Portsmouth Harbour FastCat terminal
  • Check-in times differ for vehicles and foot passengers
Wightlink vehicle ferry serving Fishbourne on the Isle of Wight
Isle of Wight

Fishbourne Ferry Port

Fishbourne car-ferry port sits on the north-east side of the Isle of Wight between Ryde and Newport. Local roads connect quickly to the A3054 and the island’s central road network.

  • Convenient for Ryde, Newport and east Wight
  • Vehicle and foot-passenger terminal
  • Allow for island traffic during summer events
Travel within the United Kingdom

Identification, passenger rules and check-in

Portsmouth–Fishbourne is a domestic UK ferry journey rather than an international border crossing. Even so, the operator can require identification and has its own passenger, bicycle, vehicle, baggage and pet rules.

Passenger identification

A passport is not normally required for a domestic UK ferry crossing, but carry the identification requested by the operator and check conditions for children or concessionary tickets.

Book the correct travel type

Vehicle ferries, passenger catamarans and hovercraft have different capacity and baggage rules. Make sure the booking matches how you are actually travelling.

Check-in still matters

Arrival deadlines vary by operator and passenger type. Follow the confirmation for your exact sailing and allow extra time during holiday periods and island events.

Ryde seafront and coastline on the Isle of Wight
After arriving in the Isle of Wight

Reach Ryde, Newport and the rest of the island easily from Fishbourne

Fishbourne is particularly well placed for east and central Wight. Ryde is a short drive away, while Newport provides onward road links towards Cowes, Sandown, Shanklin and the west of the island.

RydeNewportSandownShanklinEast Wight

For west Wight, compare Lymington–Yarmouth. Travellers without a vehicle who want central Ryde can compare the FastCat from Portsmouth Harbour or Hovertravel from Southsea.

Compare Ferry Routes
Compare before you book

Alternative ferry routes

The shortest sea crossing is not always the best overall journey. Compare departure port, sailing length, operator and onward travel after arrival.

Common planning questions

Portsmouth to Fishbourne ferry FAQs

How long is the Portsmouth to Fishbourne ferry?

Wightlink quotes a crossing time of around 45 minutes.

Which ferry company operates Portsmouth to Fishbourne?

Wightlink currently operates the direct Portsmouth–Fishbourne passenger and vehicle ferry.

Can I take a car or motorhome?

Yes. The route carries cars, motorcycles, motorhomes, caravans and other vehicles subject to deck availability.

Can I travel as a foot passenger?

Yes. Foot passengers can use Portsmouth–Fishbourne, although Portsmouth Harbour–Ryde may be quicker for a journey specifically to Ryde.

Can I take a bicycle?

Yes, bicycles can be carried. Check the live booking and any bicycle-specific instructions before travel.

Do I need a passport?

This is a domestic UK ferry journey, so a passport is not normally required, but carry any identification requested by Wightlink.

Which Isle of Wight ferry is best for west Wight?

Lymington–Yarmouth is usually more convenient for Yarmouth, Freshwater and the west of the island.

How early should I arrive?

Follow the check-in time on your Wightlink booking. Vehicle passengers are generally asked to arrive earlier than foot passengers.

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