Plan & Travel

Welcome to the gateway of adventure! Nestled just off the South Coast of England, our enchanting Island is a haven for explorers, nature lovers, and seekers of tranquility alike. From the moment you set foot on our shores, you'll be captivated by the rich tapestry of landscapes, from rolling countryside to pristine beaches.

Travelling to the Isle of Wight is easy and very straightforward. And once you’re here, you have a whole host of options to get you from a to b. Whether you travel on the Island by car, bus, train (check train times and tickets using our SWR widget here), bike or foot, you’re guaranteed a warm welcome, breath taking scenery and a fabulous holiday.

So pack your sense of adventure, leave your worries behind, and let your Island escape begin! We cannot wait to welcome you.

Isle of Wight ferry deals

Our ferry partners offer a range of options to suit every traveler – from speedy catamarans for those eager to start their Island adventure pronto, to leisurely car ferries where you can kick back and soak in the views. Whether you're planning a day trip, a weekend getaway, or a longer stay, our offers make it easier to pack more into your Island escape. 

Browse our current ferry offers, grab your ticket, and get ready to make memories that'll last a lifetime on the Isle of Wight. Your adventure starts the moment you step aboard!

Make sure you check directly with your accommodation provider on ferry discounts that they have available, and head to our Ways to Save section for further money saving tips to the Isle of Wight.

Ways to save on your ferry crossing to the Island

To save money on your trip to the Isle of Wight, start by booking your ferry early and staying flexible with your travel times for the best rates. Traveling with a group can also lower costs since the more people you bring, the cheaper it becomes per person - and dogs can even travel for free! Look out for discounts like 25% off for electric vehicles or special offers when booking your ferry with attractions or accommodation. You can also save by using Tesco Clubcard points, Blue Badge discounts, and member benefits from organisations like English Heritage. Discover more ways to save here.

Getting to the South Coast and crossing the water

The journey across the water is as much a part of the fun as the destination itself, and there are lots of easy ways to get yourself onto the Island, and whether you decide to travel by road or rail there are simple and direct routes to Southampton, Portsmouth, Southsea and Lymington. Check train times and tickets using our SWR widget here.

South Western Railway has train services from London Waterloo to Southampton, Portsmouth and Southsea, perfect for picking up the foot passenger options - Red Funnel Red Jet, Wightlink FastCat or Hovertravel's hovercraft to the Island. You can plan ahead and buy combined train and ferry tickets online or at your local ticket office to save time and money.

If you’re travelling in your car then you have a choice of car ferries at Southampton, Portsmouth and Lymington which run frequently. You can also use these ferries as foot passengers or if you are bringing your bike with you. All passenger routes connect to public transport on the Isle of Wight to help you to easily get to your hotel or accommodation.

If you're planning a coach trip to the Isle of Wight, you're in for an easy and enjoyable journey. Many coach companies offer direct services to the South Coast's main ferry ports, including Southampton, Portsmouth, and Lymington, making it simple to connect to your ferry crossing. Many coaches even offer package deals that include your ferry ticket, helping to streamline the process and save money. 

Be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife as you sail towards our Island!

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Ferry discounts available with accommodation providers

Many of our accommodation providers offer fantastic ferry discounts to help you save even more on your trip to the Isle of Wight. While browsing our website, keep an eye out for the blue 'ferry in a suitcase' logo on accommodation pages. This logo indicates that the provider can assist with ferry costs, helping to reduce your overall travel expenses. By booking your stay with one of these partners, you’ll enjoy a seamless travel experience at a lower price, making your journey to the Isle of Wight even more affordable.

Getting around the Island

If you’re coming to the Island without a car (or you wish you leave the car at the accommodation!) there are lots of ways to get around. Catch the train up the esplanade at Ryde and on to Sandown and Shanklin or hop on a Southern Vectis bus from any ferry port to the hub of Newport and beyond. Rover tickets are available for multiple journeys.

UPDATE: Engineering works are currently taking place on Ryde Pier:

• Ryde Pier will close until May 2025 while life extension work continues. Rail replacement bus service will operate during this closure.
• One train every 30 minutes will operate between Ryde Esplanade and Shanklin until early May 2025.

We love the ‘drive less, see more’ ethos on the Isle of Wight and there are miles of cycle paths and walking routes to explore which cover the Island and give you a real flavour of coast and countryside. There is also the Isle of Wight Steam Railway which will take you on a nostalgic journey as you travel the full length of the railway. Buy an all-day rover ticket, enjoy the attractions along the route and pick up links to other public transport.

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Sunshine Island - what's the weather like?

The Isle of Wight weather is one of the main reasons people return year after year to the place dubbed the ‘Sunshine Island’ - and we don’t have that name for nothing, in fact, in the 1930s, the Isle of Wight was known as ‘England’s Garden Isle of Sunshine’ and people were encouraged to head south for winter sunshine and to help recoup from illnesses.

The sunniest staycation destination, the Island averages more hours of sunshine than the rest of the UK, typically enjoying 37 hours per week compared to the national average of 29. Plus, not only do we have more hours of sunshine, but we also regularly have higher temperatures than the rest of the country thanks to the natural buffer of being surrounded by the sea. 

Our higher temperatures allow us to grow produce more typically seen in the Mediterranean, such as apricots, cherries, garlic and vine-ripened tomatoes. You could be mistaken for thinking you’ve arrived on far-flung shores whilst out in Ventnor - home to the Island’s unique microclimate, which is 5°C higher here all year round, thanks to the tall cliffs to the North and the English Channel to the South. Combined, this provides a mild climate with only 28 inches of average rainfall and enables a wide variety of plants considered too tender for much of mainland Britain, to be grown outdoors. We really are a holiday ‘hotspot’!

Because of our proximity to the sea, the weather can change very quickly and it’s not that uncommon to encounter the ‘four seasons in one day’ at our shorelines, where you can also experience strong winds and sea swells, so it’s always advisable to pack a raincoat, whatever time of year you are visiting.