Can I go to Isle of Wight on my car?

Vehicle ferry routes We have two car ferry routes linking Hampshire with the Isle of Wight. Our Lymington – Yarmouth route is the fastest and most scenic, linking the new Forest with West Wight. Journeys on this connection take just 40 minutes.



Yes, taking your car to the Isle of Wight is the most popular way to visit the island and is very straightforward. There are three main car ferry routes: Southampton to East Cowes (operated by Red Funnel), Portsmouth to Fishbourne (operated by Wightlink), and Lymington to Yarmouth (also Wightlink). The crossing times range from 35 minutes to 1 hour. In 2026, car ferry prices vary significantly by season and time of day; a return trip for a standard car and up to 7 passengers can cost as little as £50 in winter or over £150 during peak summer weekends or festival periods. You drive your car directly onto the ferry, and you can stay in your vehicle or go to the passenger lounges for the duration of the crossing. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially if you are traveling during the Isle of Wight Festival or school holidays, as the ferries frequently sell out.

People Also Ask

You don't need a passport to travel here – and you don't need a visa, either. That's what makes a holiday to the Island so easy! Just remember that if you're an international traveller, you'll need a passport to enter the UK first.

MORE DETAILS

If you're travelling in your car, choose from one of our two vehicle routes ? Portsmouth to Fishbourne or Lymington to Yarmouth. Your comfortable ferry crossing will take just 40-45 minutes.

MORE DETAILS

No, customers are not allowed to remain on the car decks during the crossing.

MORE DETAILS

No, the Isle of Wight is inside the UK and not subject to any border control. ID is required if you are claiming a concession discount or if you want to purchase alcohol and look under 21.

MORE DETAILS

Crossing the Water There are lots of easy ways to get yourself onto the Island. If you're 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.

MORE DETAILS

Vehicle ferry routes We have two car ferry routes linking Hampshire with the Isle of Wight. Our Lymington – Yarmouth route is the fastest and most scenic, linking the new Forest with West Wight. Journeys on this connection take just 40 minutes.

MORE DETAILS

The short answer is no! We are part of the mainland UK therefore you do not need to show a passport to visit the Isle of Wight. What is the average cost of a ferry to the Isle of Wight? Prices vary depending on the route you are taking and when you are travelling.

MORE DETAILS

The cost of living on the Island is pretty much in line with anywhere else on the south coast. In some cases, it can be a little more expensive as everything has to be shipped across by ferry. This has led to a relatively high cost of groceries which is actually on a par with London.

MORE DETAILS

If you arrive up to 2 hours after your scheduled sailing we will do our best to get you on the next available sailing, but you may have to wait some time. If you arrive over 2 hours after your scheduled sailing you can make a revision to your booking, subject to availability and costs, up to 23.59 the same day.

MORE DETAILS

The car ferry from Southampton to the Isle of Wight is the gateway to the seaport town of Cowes, located north of the Island. Passengers have two options when travelling via Southampton. You can travel by vehicle or foot on the car ferry, or you can travel by foot on the hi-speed foot passenger only ferry.

MORE DETAILS