Travel Planning

Transport

Getting to and around the Isle of Wight requires a little more planning than a mainland destination, but the logistics are straightforward once you understand the options. The island is served by three ferry routes and a hovercraft service, and the choice of crossing affects where you arrive and how much you pay.

The three vehicle ferry routes are: Red Funnel from Southampton to East Cowes (approximately 60 minutes), Wightlink from Portsmouth to Fishbourne (approximately 45 minutes), and Wightlink from Lymington to Yarmouth (approximately 40 minutes). The hovercraft runs from Southsea to Ryde (approximately 10 minutes) for foot passengers only. A high-speed catamaran also runs from Portsmouth Harbour to Ryde Pier (approximately 22 minutes) for foot passengers.

Ferry prices vary significantly depending on the time of day, the day of the week, and how far in advance you book. Off-peak midweek crossings are substantially cheaper than peak-time Friday afternoon departures. Booking online in advance is almost always cheaper than turning up at the terminal. During school holidays, particularly the summer peak, booking the vehicle ferry well ahead is essential, as crossings sell out. Foot passenger services rarely sell out.

Once on the island, a car provides the most flexibility, but it is possible to manage without one. The island has a bus network operated by Southern Vectis that connects the main towns and villages, and the Isle of Wight Steam Railway runs between Smallbrook Junction and Wootton. Cycling is increasingly popular, with the island's compact size meaning that most destinations are reachable by bike in under an hour. Several cycle hire companies operate on the island.

The island is roughly diamond-shaped, approximately 23 miles from east to west and 13 miles from north to south. No journey on the island takes more than about 45 minutes by car, though summer traffic in the main towns and on the approach roads to popular beaches can slow things down. The Military Road along the south-west coast is one of the most scenic drives in southern England and is worth building into any itinerary.

Accommodation ranges from luxury hotels and country house B&Bs to campsites, holiday parks, self-catering cottages, and glamping. The island has accommodation at every price point, though availability in peak summer requires early booking. The shoulder seasons of May, June, and September offer good weather with lower prices and fewer crowds.