Crossing the Solent

Wightlink

Wightlink offer both vehicle and fast passenger services to the Isle of Wight from Portsmouth and Lymington in the New Forest. The high-speed catamaran service runs from Portsmouth Harbour directly to Ryde Pier and takes just 20 minutes. The car ferry service from Portsmouth leaves from Gunwharf and arrives at Fishbourne on the Isle of Wight, whilst the Lymington ferry goes to Yarmouth at the western end of the Isle of Wight.

Wightlink timetables in use 3rd January 2019 – 15th December 2019:

Lymington  – Yarmouth Vehicle Service

Red Funnel

Cowes is at the northern tip of the Isle of Wight opposite the port of Southampton from which Red Funnel offers both vehicle and passenger services. The Red Jet is a fast catamaran to Cowes and there is a free connecting shuttle bus from Southampton central railway station and the main shopping areas to the Red Funnel terminal. The car service leaves from the same terminal in Southampton, but docks into East Cowes on the Isle of Wight. The Red Jet takes just 25 minutes whilst the car service is approximately 1 hour.

Red Funnel timetables 30th October 2018 – 28th March 2019
Southampton – West Cowes Passenger service
Southampton – East Cowes Vehicle service

For more information on Red Funnel services to the Isle of Wight.

Hovertravel

Hovertravel operate the world’s longest established hovercraft service from Southsea, near Portsmouth to Ryde seafront, it also has the distinction of being the fastest way of travelling to the Isle of Wight. The hovercraft has a pilot and in fact flies across the Solent in just 10 minutes and is a favourite with commuters and visitors alike.

Hovertravel timetable until 31st March 2019:
Southsea – Ryde Passenger service

For more information on Hovertravel services to the Isle of Wight.