A getaway to the Isle of Wight is magical at any time of year and catching the ferry over the Solent is where your Island adventure really begins.
A holiday with Classic Cottages on the Island entitles you to exclusive savings of 25% with Wightlink and 20% with Red Funnel. Once your booking is confirmed you will be able to access a link from your ‘My Classic’ account and make your booking direct. It really is as simple as that!
Find out more
Car ferries
Foot passenger ferries
Other considerations
About the ferry crossing
Whether you take a short passenger crossing on the hovercraft or choose a longer sailing on Wightlink, a journey across the Solent is quite special. Sit back and relax onboard, watch cruise ships and sailing dinghies ply the waters, or indulge in refreshments as you begin your Isle of Wight holiday. From booking your ticket to arriving at your destination, travelling to the Island is plain sailing!
Car ferries to the Isle of Wight and which one to take
There are two car ferry companies that sail to the Isle of Wight, Wightlink and Red Funnel. Your chosen route comes down to personal preference and depends on which ferry terminal is more convenient to where you live and also where you are staying on the Island. There are three choices of route:
Wightlink – Lymington to Yarmouth (40 - minute crossing)
Wightlink – Portsmouth to Fishbourne (45 - minute crossing)
Red Funnel – Southampton to Cowes (60 - minute crossing)
Wightlink crossing from Lymington (to Yarmouth Isle of Wight)
The most westerly, this route is the quickest car ferry route, taking just 40 minutes from port to port. The terminal at Lymington is a short distance from the town centre and has good facilities including a lounge area and the Curlew Café.
Café – yes
Car charging – yes
Vehicle ferry – yes
Foot passenger ferry – yes
Discount for Classic guests – 25%
Pay and display parking on site – yes
Customer service point for ticket purchases and amendments – yes
Top tip: The outside seating area at the café has lovely views over the Solent so enjoy a pre-crossing beverage here
Wightlink crossing from Yarmouth Isle of Wight (to Lymington)
Yarmouth is a charming town on the west of the Island with a great selection of eateries and boutique shops. The ferry terminal is a stroll away from the town centre so ideally placed for exploring.
Café – no
Car charging – no
Vehicle ferry – yes
Foot passenger ferry – yes
Discount for Classic guests – 25%
Pay and display parking – close by
Customer service point for ticket purchases and amendments – yes
Top tip: There is no café at the terminal, but the town centre is a mere hop, skip, and jump away. Head for PO41 for excellent takeaway coffee and cakes
Wightlink crossing from Portsmouth Gunwharf (to Fishbourne Isle of Wight)
Portsmouth is a vibrant port and one of the busiest crossings to the Island. Just a 45-minute crossing will take you to Fishbourne on the north easterly side of the Island with easy access to the popular areas of Ryde and Seaview.
Café – yes
Car charging – yes
Vehicle ferry – yes
Foot passenger ferry – yes
Discount for Classic guests – 25%
Pay and display parking on site – yes
Customer service point for ticket purchases and amendments – yes
Top tip: Spend the day exploring Portsmouth and catch a ferry later in the day when crossings are cheaper
Wightlink crossing from Fishbourne Isle of Wight (to Portsmouth)
Fishbourne is a residential village and a key entry/exit point to the Island between Ryde and Wootton. The location of this terminal makes it easy to access.
Café – yes
Car charging – yes
Vehicle ferry – yes
Passenger ferry – yes
Discount for Classic Guests – 25%
Pay and display parking on site – limited
Customer service point for ticket purchases and amendments – yes
Top tip: Quarr Abbey, home to Benedictine monks, is close by so head here for peaceful surroundings and pretty gardens
Red Funnel crossing from Southampton (to East Cowes Isle of Wight)
Well signposted from the motorway, access is relatively straightforward through Southampton. The Red Funnel terminal has a limited car waiting area so check in 30 – 45 minutes before your departure time. If you arrive early, they may be able to accommodate you on an earlier ferry, but this is not guaranteed, and you may be turned away and asked to return at your allotted time.
Café – yes
Car charging – no
Vehicle ferry – yes
Passenger ferry – yes
Discount for Classic Guests – 20%
Pay and display parking – nearby
Customer service point for tickets and amendments – yes
Top tip: Ikea is a two-minute drive away from the terminal, so if you are lover of all things Scandi, allow a bit of extra time to indulge in a visit!
Red Funnel crossing from East Cowes Isle of Wight (to Southampton)
East Cowes is easily accessible and ideal for stays on the east of the Island. Waitrose supermarket is a short walk away if you are looking to stock up on goodies for your journey.
Café – yes
Car charging – no
Vehicle ferry – yes
Passenger ferry – yes
Discount for Classic Guests – 20%
Pay and display parking – no
Customer service point for tickets and amendments - yes
Top tip – If you’d like a treat onboard, buy a ticket to the Signature Lounge. Just £10 entry includes hot drinks and snacks in a peaceful environment. Please note this area is just for grownups!
Foot passenger only ferry services
If you are looking for a car-free holiday, the Isle of Wight is a great choice. The Island is blessed with a great network of trains and buses, perfect for a stress-free holiday. Foot passengers can purchase tickets for all the main vehicle routes and there are several other quicker options for guests without cars:
Hover Travel – Southsea to Ryde Isle of Wight (10-minute crossing)
Wightlink – Portsmouth Harbour Fastcat to Ryde Pier Isle of Wight (22-minute crossing)
Red Funnel – Southampton Red Jet to West Cowes Isle of Wight (30-minute crossing)
Wightlink foot passenger FastCat ferry from Portsmouth Harbour (to Ryde Pier Isle of Wight)
Situated close to Portsmouth Harbour railway station, this ferry is ideal for foot passengers looking for speedy links to the Island. Indeed, some Islanders use this service for work on the mainland!
Café – yes
Vehicle ferry – no
Passenger ferry – yes
Discount for Classic guests – 25%
Car charging – no
Pay and display parking – nearby
Customer service point for ticket purchases and amendments – yes
Wightlink foot passenger FastCat ferry from Ryde Pier Head, Isle of Wight (to Portsmouth Harbour)
Ryde Pier is quite special and the oldest seaside pleasure pier in the world. The ferry arrives and leaves from the end of the pier and this is also home to the train station. What a great way to start your holiday!
Café – yes
Vehicle ferry – no
Passenger ferry – yes
Discount for Classic guests – 25%
Charging point - (7.2kw) yes
Pay and display parking – yes
Customer service point for ticket purchases and amendments – yes
Top tip – Ryde is a great town so plan some extra time in the area to explore further
Red Jet passenger ferry crossing from Southampton (to West Cowes Isle of Wight)
Take the catamaran across the Solent and you’ll be in West Cowes in around 28 minutes! The Red Jet leaves from Terminal 2, next door to the main departure point for Red Funnel’s vehicle ferry. Check in up to 15 minutes prior to boarding.
Café – yes
Vehicle ferry – no
Passenger ferry – yes
Discount for Classic guests – 20%
Car charging – no
Pay and display parking – nearby
Customer service point for ticket purchase and amendments – yes
Top tip: You only need to check in 5 minutes before your scheduled crossing, leaving you with ample time to sightsee
Red Funnel Red Jet crossing from West Cowes Isle of Wight (to Southampton)
The Red Jet terminal is in central Cowes at a different location to the main vehicle ferry terminal (east Cowes) so do make sure you head for the correct place.
Café – yes
Vehicle ferry – no
Passenger ferry – yes
Discount for Classic guests – 20%
Car charging - no
Pay and display parking – nearby
Customer service pint for ticket purchase and amendments – yes
Top tip – the ticket office here can help with through-tickets for rail and coach travel
Hover Travel from Southsea Hoverport (to Ryde Isle of Wight)
The fastest service to and from the Island, Hover Travel is a novel way to reach your holiday destination. Whilst there is parking nearby, you can also pick up a Hoverbus outside the terminal for easy access to Portsmouth railway and coach stations and the town centre.
Café – drink/snack machine only
Car charging – no
Vehicle ferry – no
Passenger ferry – yes
Discount for Classic guests – 20%
Pay and display parking – nearby
Top tip – This is the world’s only year-round passenger hovercraft service, definitely one for the bucket list whether you travel for an Island getaway or just a day trip
To receive your discount book your ticket via Hover Travel's website and use the code CCOTTAGE20 to receive the discount
Hover Travel from Ryde Hoverport, Isle of Wight (to Southsea)
Situated close to Ryde pier, the terminal is ideally situated for onward travel with easy access to buses and the Island railway.
Café – drink/snack machines only
Car charging – no
Vehicle ferry – no
Passenger ferry – yes
Discount for Classic guests – 20%
Pay and display parking nearby – nearby
Top Tip – The Chocolate Apothecary is just across the road from the terminal – just saying!
To receive your discount book your ticket via Hover Travel's website and use the code CCOTTAGE20 to receive the discount.
Other information when travelling to the Isle of Wight
Pets and sailing
Dogs are allowed to stay in your vehicle if you prefer, with the window open. If you choose to keep your pet with you, all vehicle ferries have designated lounges on board.
Check in
Your check in time depends on which provider you are using so please check your ferry company to ensure you arrive at the correct time. As with all travel, at times there may be delays or you may arrive early or late for a crossing. Please keep in touch with your ferry company and they will endeavour to assist wherever possible to accommodate an earlier crossing or later departure by moving your booking to an alternative crossing. Please be aware that this is dependent on availability.
Other services
All ferry services can assist with other requirements such as disabled access from cars and bringing your bike as a foot passenger. Please contact your ferry provider and discuss your requirements before travel.
Things to remember
If you are travelling with a trailer, bikes or a roof rack, you will need to include any additional height or length when you book your vehicle.
Passengers must leave their vehicles on the car deck during the crossing and stay in public areas onboard. Remember to take anything you may need with you as you are not allowed to return to your vehicle until instructed.
Our collection of self-catering holiday cottages on the Isle of Wight are just waiting for your arrival and taking advantage of our exclusive discounts could not be easier. Once your booking is confirmed, just log into your holiday details and a link will access the ferry discounts.
If we can help further please email the sales team hello@classic.co.uk or ring 01326 555555 we would be delighted to help.
