Wightlink Travel Updates

Wightlink travel to the UK’s sunniest island and enjoys its very own Mediterranean microclimate. Sail to the Isle of Wight on a high-speed ferry in just 22 minutes from Portsmouth Harbour or Lymington.

Due to a damaged propeller, Wightlink has suspended FastCats and Hover travel for the morning school and work commute. Replacement buses, taxis, and cars are taking stranded passengers to Fishbourne.

1. Portsmouth Harbour to Ryde Pier Head FastCat

The Isle of Wight is a beautiful, peaceful retreat just off England’s south coast and it’s surprisingly easy to get here. Whether you’re travelling by car, bike or foot, there’s a Wightlink travel ferry to suit your needs. Our high-speed FastCat passenger catamarans offer a quick, reliable service from Portsmouth Harbour to Ryde Pier Head and the journey takes just 22 minutes. We also have regular car and coach ferries from Portsmouth and Lymington to Ryde and the island’s mainland stations.

Wightlink’s high-speed FastCat Catamarans are one of the most innovative services in Europe and they have become renowned for their reliability and speed. The company operates more than 4.5 million crossings each year and is one of the UK’s largest domestic ferry operators. It’s easy to book your ferry tickets online with Ferryonline, just choose your destination and departure date, select the number of people in your party and then choose your preferred payment method. You can also save on your ferry fares by booking your ticket in advance or by joining our membership scheme to receive exclusive benefits.

FastCat service between Portsmouth Harbour and Ryde Pier Head

During the winter, reduced accessibility at the Portsmouth Harbour FastCat terminal will be in place due to building work. This means customers with reduced mobility will have to use the hovercraft from Portsmouth & Southsea or Ryde Esplanade, connecting with the Island Line at Ryde station instead. This is until early spring 2022, when access to the terminal will return to normal for everyone.

During this phase of the project, a member of the Wightlink staff will lead customers with limited mobility from platform 5 at the Portsmouth Harbour railway station to the alternate outdoor route into the boarding jetty. This route is unsuitable for prams, wheelchairs, or mobility scooters, and there are stairs to negotiate.

Wightlink is asking the public for their views on introducing later evening sailings on the FastCat in both directions. The petition is requesting three additional sailings per day, including one after 10 pm, to align with the arrival of trains at Portsmouth Harbour station. It would also provide flexibility for those who are working late on the Isle of Wight.

2. Wightlink Travel Portsmouth Harbour to Fishbourne FastCat

The FastCat is the quickest ferry route for foot passengers between Portsmouth Harbour and Ryde. The journey takes just 22 minutes so you can enjoy the stunning views across the Solent and arrive at the end of Ryde Pier, on the doorstep of East and Central Wight. This route is only available to foot passengers so it’s the best way for you to get to the Isle of Wight without a vehicle.

The service operates between Portsmouth Harbour Ferry Terminal and Ryde Esplanade, with the ferry docking directly outside Portsmouth Harbour railway station. From here, a taxi rank and bus station are located within a short walking distance for those wishing to travel further into the town. For customers with reduced mobility, Hovertravel’s ‘Hoverbus’ can also take you free of charge from the Portsmouth Harbour transport interchange to the Ryde Esplanade ferry terminal for onward rail and bus connections.

From Monday, March 27, 2023, there will be additional evening FastCat sailings between Portsmouth Harbour and Ryde. These will supplement the existing Lymington-Yarmouth timetable and improve connectivity with South Western Railway trains.

A fleet of high-speed catamarans run Wightlink’s FastCat passenger services. Designed and built by FBMA Marine, the vessels are the fastest ferry routes for foot passengers in Europe.

On board the FastCats, you’ll find a relaxing airline-style lounge with 21 screens. There’s plenty of seating to relax and read a book or catch up with friends over coffee. You’ll also find plenty of plug sockets to recharge your devices.

Three different fleets are operating on the Wightlink ferries:

The FastCats feature an innovative drive system that reduces noise and vibrations, making them a comfortable and smooth ride. The company also constructs the hulls of its high-speed catamarans using a lightweight composite material, providing them with exceptional stability during adverse weather conditions. This means you can sit back, relax in comfort, and enjoy the beautiful scenery on the crossing to the Isle of Wight. Wightlink carries millions of people on its car ferries and FastCats every year. The Isle of Wight is a beautiful and peaceful retreat nestled just off England’s southern coast. It’s a very accessible destination, with regular ferries operating across it. The Solent, from Lymington to Yarmouth and Portsmouth to Fishbourne, as well as the popular FastCat service between Portsmouth Harbour and Ryde Pier Head.

3. Wightlink Travel Ryde Pier to Southsea FastCat

The Ryde Pier to Southsea FastCat is a ferry service connecting Ryde and Portsmouth Harbour. The trip takes 22 minutes and offers good rail, coach, and bus connections in both locations. The service is operated by Wightlink and tickets can be bought from the station or online from Trainline. Prices vary but are often very reasonable.

The ferry operates from the railway jetty at The Hard Interchange, close to Gunwharf Quays, and is suitable for cars, coaches, and cycles. It operates every half hour between 06:15 and 21:00, with additional late services during the summer. The Hovertravel Isle of Wight hovercraft also operates from Portsmouth (Southsea seafront) to Ryde, with the crossing taking under ten minutes. The hover bus is the connecting bus service that can be accessed from the Southsea hovercraft terminal.

Ryde is a popular tourist destination on the Isle of Wight. The town has many hotels and restaurants, and its beach is popular with swimmers. The town also boasts an operational pier, built in 1814, and recognized for allowing cars to drive onto it, with various amenities including shops and cafes.

FastCat service between Ryde Pier and Southsea

The ferries serve as the main gateway to the Isle of Wight for mainland travellers, and they offer a convenient way to get to the island from England’s southern coast. Several different companies run the ferries, including Red Funnel and Wightlink, and they frequently travel to and from the Isle of Wight. The Isle of Wight is an ideal place for a family holiday or a romantic getaway. And the ferries are an excellent way to explore this beautiful island.

The FastCat is a high-speed catamaran that provides passengers and vehicles with a direct link between Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight. The ferry has a capacity of up to 1,000 people, and it is equipped with modern facilities, including free Wi-Fi and TVs. It is also wheelchair-friendly and has a dedicated car park for those travelling with a vehicle.

4. Fishbourne to Ryde Pier Head FastCat

The Fishbourne to Ryde Pier Head FastCat is Wightlink’s fastest ferry crossing. It’s also the shortest car ferry route between the mainland and the Isle of Wight and it offers stunning views across both the Hampshire and Isle of Wight coastlines. This ferry terminal is just a short walk from Portsmouth Harbour railway station and bus interchange.

The FastCat is a high-speed passenger catamaran that leaves Portsmouth Harbour and docks right at the end of Ryde Pier. You can get to Ryde Pier Head on foot by catching the Island Line. Train down the pier from Portsmouth Harbour Station or catch the free ’Hoverbus’ from Portsmouth and Southsea, which is timed to connect with the hovercraft departures. If you’re travelling by car, there’s plenty of parking at The Esplanade Car Park or the long-stay car park which can be pre-booked using JustPark.

If you’re using Wightlink Travel Ling by public transport, board the Southern Vectis number 4 or 9 bus from Portsmouth Harbour Bus Station towards Newport and get off at the Quarr Abbey stop. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes and it’s a very scenic way to arrive on the Isle of Wight.

Wightlink Travel Fishbourne-Ryde FastCat

When it comes to ferry prices there are a lot of different things to take into account depending on where you’re staying and what time of year you’re visiting. The general rule of thumb is that the earlier you book, the better. You can usually find great deals if you book your Isle of Wight ferry Wightlink travel before the busy season starts and the longer you book in advance, the cheaper your tickets will be.

The Wightlink website has a handy ‘Ferry Explorer’ tool which lets you check out the latest price discounts for cars, motorbikes and passengers. It’s simple to use and can help you find your best ferry price. You can also use the tool to check out live sailing times and track your ferry so you know exactly when you’re due to depart.

Another good tip is to book online for a discount. Ticket, which is often available for the same price as an on-board seat (depending on the type of ferry you’re taking). You can also sometimes save money by booking as a foot passenger rather than driving a car. This is particularly true for groups of 3 or more people. Both Wightlink and Red Funnel offer this, and some large hotels and holiday parks like Parkdean Resorts will get special rates for this too.