Wightlink Ferries
Check prices & times »Wightlink is the largest of the Isle of Wight ferry operators, carrying millions of passengers across the Solent every year. It runs two car ferry routes and a fast foot-passenger catamaran, all connecting the mainland with the island.
Between its Portsmouth and Lymington crossings, Wightlink covers both the east and west of the island, making it the natural choice for many travellers. This guide covers its routes, ships and how to book.
Wightlink routes
| Route | Type | Duration | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portsmouth–Fishbourne | car ferry | ~45 min | Check Prices » |
| Lymington–Yarmouth | car ferry | ~30–40 min | Check Prices » |
| Portsmouth Harbour–Ryde Pier | foot (FastCat) | ~22 min | Check Prices » |
Wightlink runs two car ferries and the fast FastCat, all arriving on the Isle of Wight. See our routes guide for detail.
The routes in detail
Wightlink's three crossings each suit a different traveller:
- Portsmouth–Fishbourne: the central car ferry, around 45 minutes, on the flagship Victoria of Wight — handy for Ryde and the east of the island
- Lymington–Yarmouth: the quickest car crossing at around 30 to 40 minutes, for West Wight, reached through the New Forest
- Portsmouth–Ryde Pier: the fast FastCat catamaran for foot passengers, with railway stations at both ends
The ships
Wightlink's car ferries include the Victoria of Wight, an environmentally friendly flagship on the Portsmouth route, with spacious lounges, sun decks and food and drink outlets.
The Portsmouth to Ryde service uses high-speed FastCat catamarans, designed for quick crossings with passenger lounges, bike racks and a sun deck. Note that on all crossings you travel in the lounges or on deck, not in your vehicle.
Booking and travel tips
A few practical things worth knowing:
- Book cars ahead: vehicle space fills up in summer and around island events
- Foot passengers: booking in advance is advised, and essential on some restricted sailings
- Check-in: arrive at least 30 minutes before a vehicle sailing, 15 minutes as a foot passenger
- Bikes: travel free for foot passengers on the car ferries
- Pets: carried, with dogs usually staying in the car or a designated area on the FastCat
Wightlink or Red Funnel?
On the Isle of Wight, Wightlink's main alternative is Red Funnel, which sails from Southampton. Your choice usually comes down to your nearest mainland port: Wightlink from Portsmouth or Lymington, Red Funnel from Southampton. For foot passengers wanting the very fastest crossing, Hovertravel's hovercraft from Southsea is another option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What routes does Wightlink run?
Two car ferries — Portsmouth to Fishbourne and Lymington to Yarmouth — plus the Portsmouth to Ryde FastCat for foot passengers.
What is Wightlink's fastest crossing?
The Portsmouth to Ryde FastCat at around 22 minutes for foot passengers; for cars, Lymington to Yarmouth at around 30 to 40 minutes.
What is Wightlink's flagship ship?
The Victoria of Wight, an environmentally friendly ferry on the Portsmouth to Fishbourne route.
Can I take my car with Wightlink?
Yes — on the Portsmouth to Fishbourne and Lymington to Yarmouth routes. The FastCat is foot passengers only.
Is Wightlink or Red Funnel better?
It depends on your nearest port — Wightlink from Portsmouth or Lymington, Red Funnel from Southampton. Both are experienced operators with similar pricing.