FerryConnect

England → Isle of Wight

Portsmouth → Fishbourne (Isle of Wight)

Wightlink’s main car ferry across the Solent, from Portsmouth Gunwharf to Fishbourne near Ryde. It is the most direct vehicle route from London and the M27 to the east of the Isle of Wight.

Portsmouth to Fishbourne (Isle of Wight) ferry at a glance

The ferry from Portsmouth to Fishbourne (Isle of Wight) takes 45m across the Solent, operated by Wightlink. Both vehicles and foot passengers are carried. Typical frequency: roughly hourly for most of the day, with some overnight sailings.

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 2026-10-02.

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

Return crossing: Fishbourne (Isle of Wight) to Portsmouth

Wightlink also sails Fishbourne (Isle of Wight) to Portsmouth, taking 45m.

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

Roughly hourly from Portsmouth between 07:20 and 20:00, plus night sailings (01:00–06:00 on most days) and late-evening sailings up to 23:59 on some days (timetable 28 September – 1 November 2026).

Wightlink publishes separate timetables for 2 November – 17 December 2026 and for Christmas and New Year.

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

Official Wightlink timetable →Check prices & book on 12Go →

Source: Wightlink Portsmouth–Fishbourne timetable. Verified 2026-10-02.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Portsmouth and Fishbourne (Isle of Wight)

📐 7 Nautical Miles
Portsmouth⇄Fishbourne (Isle of Wight)
⏱ 45m · 📐 7 nm
⚡ Instant E-Ticket

Ready to cross from Portsmouth to Fishbourne (Isle of Wight)?

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Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
Wightlink45mVictoria of Wight, St Clare, St Faith

Route Features

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Vehicles

Cars, campervans, and motorbikes accepted

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Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

Pets allowed with valid documents

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Distance

7 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • Portsmouth Harbour station and Gunwharf Quays are a short walk from the Wightlink terminal
  • Fishbourne is a few minutes’ drive from Ryde and Wootton, with buses across the island
  • Wightlink’s FastCat foot-passenger service from Portsmouth Harbour to Ryde Pier takes about 22 minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Isle of Wight ferry is quickest?
For foot passengers, the hovercraft from Southsea to Ryde (about 10 minutes) and Wightlink’s FastCat to Ryde Pier (about 22 minutes) are the fastest. For cars, Portsmouth–Fishbourne takes about 45 minutes and Southampton–East Cowes about an hour.
Can foot passengers use the Portsmouth to Fishbourne ferry?
Yes. Wightlink’s Portsmouth–Fishbourne car ferry carries foot passengers as well as vehicles. Foot passengers check in at least 15 minutes before sailing, vehicles at least 30 minutes (but no more than an hour) before.
Can I take my dog on the Portsmouth to Fishbourne ferry?
Yes. Wightlink carries pets free of charge; tell them when booking online. On the car ferries pets must stay in the dedicated pet-friendly lounges, on a lead or in a suitable container.
How long is the ferry from Portsmouth to Fishbourne (Isle of Wight)?
The crossing typically takes 45m. Actual times vary by vessel, season and sea conditions, so check the timetable for your sailing.
How often does the Portsmouth to Fishbourne (Isle of Wight) ferry sail?
Roughly hourly from Portsmouth between 07:20 and 20:00, plus night sailings (01:00–06:00 on most days) and late-evening sailings up to 23:59 on some days (timetable 28 September – 1 November 2026). Wightlink publishes separate timetables for 2 November – 17 December 2026 and for Christmas and New Year. This is the pattern published in the Wightlink Portsmouth–Fishbourne timetable (checked 2026-10-02); confirm exact departure times on the official timetable before you travel.
Which ferry companies sail from Portsmouth to Fishbourne (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 to Fishbourne (Isle of Wight) ferry?
Yes. Vehicles are carried on this route. Book vehicle space in advance for peak dates, and check the operator’s height, length and trailer limits for campervans and larger vehicles.
How far is Portsmouth from Fishbourne (Isle of Wight) by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 7 nautical miles (roughly 13 km).