FerryConnect

England → Isle of Wight

Portsmouth → Ryde (Isle of Wight)

Two ways to cross from Portsmouth to Ryde on foot: Hovertravel’s hovercraft from Southsea seafront, the last scheduled passenger hovercraft service in the world, in under 10 minutes, or Wightlink’s FastCat from Portsmouth Harbour station to Ryde Pier Head in 22 minutes.

⏱ 10m (hovercraft) – 22m (FastCat)🚢 2 operators📅 Two foot-passenger services: the hovercraft from Southsea every 30–60 minutes through the day, and the Wightlink FastCat from Portsmouth Harbour hourly from early morning, with extra sailings at busy times🐕 Pet friendly
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Portsmouth to Ryde (Isle of Wight) ferry at a glance

The ferry from Portsmouth to Ryde (Isle of Wight) takes 10m (hovercraft) – 22m (FastCat) across the Solent, operated by Hovertravel and Wightlink. It is a foot-passenger service; vehicles are not carried. Typical frequency: two foot-passenger services: the hovercraft from Southsea every 30–60 minutes through the day, and the Wightlink FastCat from Portsmouth Harbour hourly from early morning, with extra sailings at busy times.

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 2026-11-04.

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

Return crossing: Ryde (Isle of Wight) to Portsmouth

Hovertravel and Wightlink also sail Ryde (Isle of Wight) to Portsmouth, taking 10m (hovercraft) – 22m (FastCat).

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

Hovercraft every 30–60 minutes through the day: on 4 November 2026 Hovertravel’s timetable showed 17 crossings from Southsea between 06:50 and 18:45 and from Ryde from 06:30. Weekday FastCats leave Portsmouth Harbour hourly 05:15–18:15, then 19:20, 20:20, 21:45 and 22:45 (Wightlink 2026 timetable).

Hovertravel’s summer timetable runs 6 April – 1 November 2026 and it adds extra flights at peak times; Wightlink adds half-hourly FastCats on selected holiday and summer dates.

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

Official Hovertravel timetable →Check prices & book on Direct Ferries →

Source: Hovertravel live timetable and Wightlink 2026 Portsmouth Harbour–Ryde timetable. Verified 2026-11-04.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

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

📐 4 Nautical Miles
Portsmouth⇄Ryde (Isle of Wight)
⏱ 10m (hovercraft) – 22m (FastCat) · 📐 4 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
⚡ All operators, one booking

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Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
HovertravelUnder 10mIsland Flyer, Solent Flyer
Wightlink22mWight 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

  • The FastCat terminal is inside Portsmouth Harbour railway station; at Ryde Pier Head, Island Line trains run to Brading, Sandown, Lake and Shanklin
  • Hovertravel’s H1 HoverBus runs from outside Southsea Hoverport to Portsmouth’s rail and coach stations and the town centre
  • Ryde Hoverport is a few minutes’ walk from Ryde’s shops and beaches, with rail, bus, hire car and taxi links

Related Ferry Crossings

Also sails from PortsmouthPortsmouth → Caen (Ouistreham)6h – 7h (day) / overnight · Brittany FerriesAlso sails from PortsmouthPortsmouth → St Malo9h – 11h (overnight) · Brittany FerriesAlso sails from PortsmouthPortsmouth → Fishbourne (Isle of Wight)45m · WightlinkAlso sails from PortsmouthPortsmouth → Jersey (St Helier)About 9h · DFDSAlso sails from PortsmouthPortsmouth → CherbourgAbout 5h by day; about 7h 45m overnight · Brittany FerriesAlso sails from PortsmouthPortsmouth → SantanderAbout 33h (two nights at sea) · Brittany Ferries
📘 Isle of Wight Ferries: Routes, Times & Operators⛴ All ferries from Portsmouth🌊 English Channel ferries🗺 All ferries in United Kingdom🔎 Search all routes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fastest way from Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight?
Hovertravel’s hovercraft from Southsea to Ryde, which takes under 10 minutes. Wightlink’s FastCat from Portsmouth Harbour to Ryde Pier Head takes 22 minutes. Both carry foot passengers only; with a car, use Wightlink’s Portsmouth–Fishbourne ferry.
Hovercraft or FastCat: which should I take?
Arriving by train? The FastCat leaves from inside Portsmouth Harbour station and arrives at Ryde Pier Head, where Island Line trains continue to Sandown and Shanklin. The hovercraft is quicker (under 10 minutes) and leaves from Southsea seafront, linked to Portsmouth’s stations by the H1 HoverBus.
How often does the FastCat run from Portsmouth to Ryde?
In Wightlink’s 2026 timetable, weekday FastCats leave Portsmouth Harbour hourly from 05:15 to 18:15, then at 19:20, 20:20, 21:45 and 22:45, with extra half-hourly sailings on selected holiday and summer dates.
Can I take my dog?
Yes on the FastCat: Wightlink carries pets free and allows them anywhere on board Wight Ryder I and II, on a lead or in a suitable container.
How long is the ferry from Portsmouth to Ryde (Isle of Wight)?
The crossing typically takes 10m (hovercraft) – 22m (FastCat). By operator: Hovertravel about Under 10m; Wightlink about 22m. Actual times vary by vessel, season and sea conditions, so check the timetable for your sailing.
Which ferry companies sail from Portsmouth to Ryde (Isle of Wight)?
Hovertravel, Wightlink operate 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 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 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 from Ryde (Isle of Wight) by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 4 nautical miles (roughly 7 km).