It’s easy to turn your trip to the Isle of Wight into an eco-friendly adventure. Opting for a car-free break will open up hidden footpaths, better views and a more memorable experience of local life. Use these travel planners to help you get to your chosen destination without a car.
Getting to the Island
Arriving as a foot passenger
You can easily and quickly travel across to the Island at a time that suits you, with frequent crossings with Hovertravel, Red Funnel, and Wightlink.
You’ll be the first off when the ferry docks and with no customs passport checks, as you don’t need a passport to travel to the Island, you can easily hop on a bus to get to your destination. The Island is only 23 miles long, so you’re never far from where you need to be!
Another benefit of being a foot passenger is that if you’re early or late for your sailing, you’ll be able to use your ticket on another crossing if it’s on the same route and same day (subject to availability).
Hovertravel provides the fastest ferry route across the Solent and is the world’s only year-round passenger hovercraft service. Their passenger ferry service takes you directly to the shore at Southsea or Ryde in just 10 minutes.
Bringing your bike to the Island
You can bring your bike for free when travelling as a foot passenger on Hovertravel, Red Funnel Red Jet, and Wightlink FastCat.
Once you arrive on the Island, your holiday begins and you can start to explore over 200 miles of cycle routes!
Travelling in an electric car
Bringing your electric car over to the Island has never been easier. You’ll receive 25% discount on your ferry crossing if travelling in an electric car on Red Funnel.
With a range of charging points across the Island, you will be able to find somewhere for your charging needs, whether that’s a quick charge for a day visit, or a longer charge when you stay at your accommodation.
Hop on the Hybrid Wightlink
The most sustainable way to cross the Solent (apart from swimming across!) is on board Wightlink’s environmentally friendly flagship Victoria of Wight. It’s the first hybrid energy ferry in England, combining battery power with conventional engines to sail between Portsmouth and Fishbourne, using 17% less fuel than the next largest ship on the route.
Not only that but the lift on board generates electricity through kinetic energy, warmth generated by the engine heats water, and motion sensors are used to control LED lights in lesser-used areas.
Travelling around the Island
Exploring the Island by bike
The Isle of Wight will take you on a journey of discovery across some of the UK’s best scenery, from rolling hills, quaint little villages and stunning sea views, you’ll be amazed on what the Island has to offer.
The Island has an extensive network of cycling paths, allowing you to effortlessly navigate its scenic landscapes while minimizing your carbon footprint.
Whether you’re a beginner or a regular cyclist, there are around 200 miles of cycle tracks, byways and bridleways for you to explore.
Why not try the full Round the Island cycle route which covers 65 miles and can be shortened or split over a few days if you prefer.
If you’re looking for a challenge off the beaten track, then the Chalk Ridge Extreme is one for you. Test those leg muscles by tackling some of the steepest hills on the Island.
Or if you’re looking for a gentle ride on the Island exploring woodland, farmland, estuaries and a stretch of the Island's fantastic coastline, then the Red Squirrel Trail is perfect for all the family to enjoy.
Exploring the Island by foot
You may have visited the Isle of Wight many times before, but have you ever truly stepped off the beaten track and explored on foot…
With over 500 miles of footpaths, cutting through beautiful countryside or along a breath-taking coastline, the Isle of Wight is the ideal place to start your rambling adventure.
Helping visitors explore that bit further, every year Visit Isle of Wight hosts their Walking Festival, as a celebration of walking and nature.
The Isle of Wight Walking Festival is an event for keen hikers, relaxed wanderers, and curious explorers alike. There are two events this year, a spring festival in May and an autumn one in October, each spanning nine days with over 60 bookable treks.
Exploring the Island by bus
The Isle of Wight has a well-connected bus route that will take you right across the Island. Hop on a Southern Vectis bus from any ferry port to the hub of Newport and beyond. Rover tickets are available for multiple journeys.
If you’re looking for something special? The views from The Needles Breezer and Downs Breezer buses will not disappoint.
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. 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 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.
Exploring the Island by rail
With good access by train to each mainland ferry port, why not leave the car at home and take the train?
The South Western Railway (SWR) on the Isle of Wight is more than just a train line. It's a gateway to adventure, a connection to history, and a chance to experience the natural beauty of this stunning Island. The train line operates between Ryde Pier Head and Shanklin, serving Smallbrook Junction, Brading, Sandown and Lake stations along the way.
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.
Or why not step back in time, where the sights, sounds, and smells of the golden age of steam transport come to life and hop onboard the Isle of Wight Steam Railway. The beautifully restored steam engines, the carriages and wagons, and the stations and platforms all transport you to a bygone era when steam engines were the height of transport technology.
So, next time you're looking for a train adventure, hop on board the South Western Railway or the Isle of Wight Steam Railway and let the journey begin!
Exploring the Island on an e-bike or Scooter
If you don’t fancy walking or want to see the beauty of the Island up close, you can travel around by e-bike or scooter.
Available to hire in Cowes, Newport, Ryde, Shanklin and Sandown, you can cover six miles in only 30 minutes – approximately the distance between Newport to Cowes. Download the Voi. app and follow the instructions to hire one out.
Download the Breeze Travel app to plan and pay for your journey.
Slow Wight Travel Guide
Enjoy exploring the Island at a relaxed pace with a bit of help from the Slow Wight Travel Guide. There are eight routes to choose from: each one gently guiding you through a stress-free, car-free day out.
You’ll enjoy locally grown foods, and you’ll explore some of the Islands hidden places. From fossil hunting and quirky cafes and nature reserves and artisan food producers, you’re bound to find something new on the Isle of Wight when you choose a Slow Guide route.
to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
.png "Isle of Wight")
like, follow, share....join in!
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
YouTube
TikTok
Threads