FerryConnect

United Kingdom (England)

Portsmouth Harbour → Ryde (Isle of Wight)

Wightlink’s FastCat catamaran from Portsmouth Harbour, beside the railway station, to Ryde Pier Head on the Isle of Wight in about 22 minutes. Island Line trains run directly into the pier head.

⏱ About 22m🚢 1 operator📅 Regular FastCat sailings through the day, 364 days a year🐕 Pet friendly
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Portsmouth Harbour to Ryde (Isle of Wight) ferry at a glance

The ferry from Portsmouth Harbour to Ryde (Isle of Wight) takes About 22m across the Solent, operated by Wightlink. It is a foot-passenger service; vehicles are not carried. Typical frequency: regular FastCat sailings through the day, 364 days a year.

Crossing times and frequencies are typical figures and vary by season. Confirm the current timetable with the operator or booking partner before you travel. Route facts last reviewed 2026-10-28.

Sources: wightlink.co.uk · wightlink.co.uk · wightlink.co.uk · How we verify

Return crossing: Ryde (Isle of Wight) to Portsmouth Harbour

Wightlink also sails Ryde (Isle of Wight) to Portsmouth Harbour, taking About 4m. FastCats sail back from Ryde Pier Head to Portsmouth Harbour in the same 22 minutes.

Portsmouth to Gosport ferry guide →

Portsmouth Harbour to Ryde (Isle of Wight) ferry timetable & sailing pattern

Regular FastCat sailings through the day, 364 days a year; Wightlink shows exact times through its live timetable search

Wightlink advises foot passengers to book in advance and arrive at least 15 minutes before sailing; allow 10 minutes to connect with trains.

Return: FastCats sail back from Ryde Pier Head to Portsmouth Harbour in the same 22 minutes.

Timetables change by season and date. Check exact departures for your travel date on the official timetable.

Official Wightlink timetable →Check prices & book on Ferryscanner →

Source: Wightlink Portsmouth – Ryde route page and timetables page. Verified 2026-10-28.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Portsmouth Harbour and Ryde (Isle of Wight)

📐 4 Nautical Miles
Portsmouth Harbour⇄Ryde (Isle of Wight)
⏱ About 22m · 📐 4 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
⚡ All operators, one booking

Ready to cross from Portsmouth Harbour to Ryde (Isle of Wight)?

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Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
WightlinkAbout 22mWight Ryder I, Wight Ryder II

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Foot passengers only

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

Pets allowed with valid documents

📐

Distance

4 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • Portsmouth Harbour railway station is next to the FastCat terminal
  • Island Line trains run directly into Ryde Pier Head; there is a bus station and taxi rank at the shore end of the pier

Related Ferry Crossings

Return crossingPortsmouth → GosportAbout 4mAlso sails from Portsmouth HarbourPortsmouth → Caen (Ouistreham)6h – 7h (day) / overnight · Brittany FerriesAlso sails from Portsmouth HarbourPortsmouth → St Malo9h – 11h (overnight) · Brittany FerriesAlso sails from Portsmouth HarbourPortsmouth → Fishbourne (Isle of Wight)45m · WightlinkAlso sails from Portsmouth HarbourPortsmouth → Jersey (St Helier)About 9h · DFDSAlso sails from Portsmouth HarbourPortsmouth → Ryde (Isle of Wight)10m (hovercraft) – 22m (FastCat) · Hovertravel, WightlinkAlso sails from Portsmouth HarbourPortsmouth → CherbourgAbout 5h by day; about 7h 45m overnight · Brittany Ferries
⛴ All ferries from Portsmouth🌊 English Channel ferries🗺 All ferries in United Kingdom🔎 Search all routes

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the FastCat from Portsmouth to Ryde?
About 22 minutes, according to Wightlink.
Can I use a train ticket on the FastCat?
Wightlink’s ticket gates at Portsmouth Harbour and Ryde Pier Head accept rail tickets with barcodes or QR codes (except Interrail), as well as Wightlink tickets.
Is this the same as the hovercraft?
No. The Hovertravel hovercraft runs from Southsea to Ryde Esplanade. The Wightlink FastCat sails from Portsmouth Harbour station to Ryde Pier Head.
How often does the Portsmouth Harbour to Ryde (Isle of Wight) ferry sail?
Regular FastCat sailings through the day, 364 days a year; Wightlink shows exact times through its live timetable search. Wightlink advises foot passengers to book in advance and arrive at least 15 minutes before sailing; allow 10 minutes to connect with trains. This is the pattern published in the Wightlink Portsmouth – Ryde route page and timetables page (checked 2026-10-28); confirm exact departure times on the official timetable before you travel.
Which ferry companies sail from Portsmouth Harbour to Ryde (Isle of Wight)?
Wightlink operates this route. Compare sailing times and ticket types before booking, as they often differ between operators.
Can I take my car on the Portsmouth Harbour to Ryde (Isle of Wight) ferry?
No. This is a foot-passenger service and vehicles are not carried. Use parking near the departure pier or public transport to reach it.
Can I take the Portsmouth Harbour to Ryde (Isle of Wight) ferry as a foot passenger?
Yes. Foot passengers can travel on this route. Allow time to reach the passenger terminal and check the operator’s check-in closing time.
How far is Portsmouth Harbour from Ryde (Isle of Wight) by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 4 nautical miles (roughly 7 km).