Isle of Wight buses

There’s no better way to explore the stunning sights of the Isle of Wight than from the top deck of a Southern Vectis bus. With panoramic views of our countryside, coastline, and charming towns, it's the perfect way to soak in the beauty of the Island, hassle-free.

Since 1929, Southern Vectis has been the heart of Island travel, connecting both residents and visitors with their next adventure. From bustling towns to peaceful villages, sandy beaches to iconic landmarks, Southern Vectis offers a comprehensive bus network that ensures you’re never far from where you want to be.

Your link to the Island – All day, every day: Timetables for these services are comprehensive, with most buses operating frequently from early morning until late at night, seven days a week. Whether you're commuting, sightseeing, or simply taking in the views, you’ll find services that are frequent, reliable, and incredibly easy to use.

And don’t worry about getting here – bus stops are just a short walk from five out of the six Island ferry terminals, so whether you’re arriving at Ryde, Cowes, Yarmouth, East Cowes, or Fishbourne, you’re only a hop away from the nearest Southern Vectis service.

Freedom to explore – At great value: Travelling by bus on the Isle of Wight gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, all while enjoying great value. Forget about parking stress, fuel costs, and traffic – simply relax, sit back, and let Southern Vectis take care of the journey. Whether you're heading to a sandy beach, checking out the local wildlife, or simply moving between towns, these buses provide the ideal way to see the Island.

Whether it’s summer sunshine or winter wonder, Southern Vectis will take you there – so hop aboard and let the adventure begin!

Ready to explore? Click here to view the full Island bus network map in a new window, or scroll below to explore it right here.

Take the scenic route

As well as the network of green buses, Southern Vectis run exciting summer services and one at Christmas. If you’re not sure where to start, check out these 7 must-do bus rides on the Isle of Wight. From scenic coastal routes to countryside escapes, these rides will give you a fresh perspective on Island life and show you some of the best views the Isle of Wight has to offer!

Southern Vectis operate a service on Christmas Day, you can view the timetable here.

Christmas Lights Tour (DAILY: 6th - 23rd December 2024)

Dig out your winter woollies and experience the magic of Christmas aboard an open top bus.

The annual Southern Vectis Christmas Lights Tour offers spectacular views of the Isle of Wight at night and visits some of the Island's best Christmas light displays.

The bus itself is a part of the magic, decked out in tinsel, lights, and Christmas decorations. With Christmas tunes playing overhead, and even Santa himself behind the wheel, this isn’t just a bus ride – it’s a festive experience for all ages. Families, friends, couples, and kids alike will love this unique way to celebrate the season.

Running daily from the 6th to the 23rd of December 2024, the Southern Vectis Christmas Lights Tour is a festive tradition you won’t want to miss. Spaces fill up fast, so make sure to book your tickets early and join us for a magical night beneath the stars!

Needles Breezer (March - November)

The Needles Breezer is one of the most spectacular bus rides in all of England, an open-top ride with views that will simply take your breath away, with buses running up to every 30 minutes.

Enjoy a cliff-hugging, dizzy climb from Alum Bay right up to the Needles Battery, high up where the vistas out to sea are intoxicating. The route also links Yarmouth to Freshwater Bay, Dimbola Museum and Galleries, Farringford Estate, Fort Victoria Country Park, as well as historic places of interest and areas of outstanding beauty.

The children will love the Needles Landmark Attraction at Alum Bay, with its fairground rides and chairlift down to the beach.

Downs Breezer (May - September)

The Downs Breezer follows a circular route through pretty countryside, across the tops of the Downs with views out into the English Channel, across the Island and further on towards mainland England.

The bus links the Esplanade with Ryde town, Wootton Station, Sandown Seafront, Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, Dinosaur Isle, Browns Golf Course and Bembridge.

The open-top double deck buses with friendly local drivers run every hour from Ryde. Hop on and off anywhere along the route using your rover+breezer ticket which also gives you unlimited travel on all our buses across the Island.

*Does not operate during the Isle of Wight Festival. 

Island Coaster (March - September)

The Island Coaster – the ever-popular summer service linking Ryde, Sandown and Shanklin with the West Wight area via Ventnor, Blackgang and Alum Bay, is the longest bus route on the Island.

Due to the landslide in Ventnor it has been re-routed but will now serve the popular Donkey Sanctuary. Then travelling to Ventnor, Whitwell and Chale before heading towards Freshwater and the iconic Needles Landmark attraction at Alum Bay.

The Island Coaster is perfect for those who wish to visit The Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, Sandown Beach, Shanklin Esplanade, Donkey Sanctuary, Blackgang Chine, Isle of Wight Pearl, Military Road, Freshwater Bay and so much more. Along the Military Road the journey gives panoramic views of the ‘Back of the Wight’ coastline between Blackgang and Freshwater Bay. The views of the coast from the upper deck are not to be missed – don’t forget your camera! The Island Coaster is operated by a closed top bus.

Tickets & fares

A wide range of tickets for individuals, groups, children and youths are available. 

Rover tickets 

For weekend visitors, the 24 and 48 hour rover ticket are great value for money. Available as adult, young person, child and group fares, the rover ticket offer unlimited bus travel on all routes for 24 or 48 hours.

Rover+Breezer tickets

Get unlimited travel for 24 or 48 hours. This ticket is a must if you want to enjoy our seasonal Breezer services. Available to buy from your driver or travel shops in Ryde, Yarmouth and Newport or mobile app. Rover+breezer tickets are valid for use on any bus up until the date and time printed on it - perfect for days out and weekends away. 

Freedom tickets

Visiting for a week without your car? We recommend the 7 day freedom ticket. This fare is available as an adult, young person, child or group fare and offers unlimited travel across all bus networks for seven days.

Multi-Day ticket bundles

Wanting to swap between the bus, walking, cycling and car? A multi-day ticket bundle offers great value for money. Buy 5 days of travel to use as and when you wish across all Island bus routes, each day valid for 24 hours from first use. 

Your bus journey made easier

Download the Southern Vectis app when you visit to receive the latest service updates, plan your journey, purchase tickets, track buses and personalise your journey by adding your favourite bus stops. 

If you’re unsure of where you need to go or get off, simply ask your driver, pop into one of the Southern Vectis Travel Shops at Ryde, Newport and Yarmouth or click here to visit their website and make use of the ‘Journey Planner’ and ‘Live Departures’ functions.