Every major city needs a getaway – a beautiful place, somewhere to relax and unwind – and London is no different. That’s why the capital is blessed to have the Isle of Wight on its doorstep.
It can take under two hours to reach the Island and yet it feels a world away, with gorgeous sandy beaches, stunning panoramic views and a whole host of family activities to keep you entertained.
If you’re wondering how to get there from London, read on.
Wightlink offer a convenient and reliable ferry service between Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Our vehicle ferry from Portsmouth to Fishbourne will have you on the island in under 45 minutes, while the fastest route for foot passengers is our FastCat service, which travels from Portsmouth Harbour (located in the train station) to Ryde Pier Head in just 22 minutes.
Should you wish to enjoy one of the Isle of Wight’s many fantastic cycling routes, bicycles can travel for free with foot passengers on all Wightlink ferry services.
In order to get to the Isle of Wight from London by train, you should catch one of the regular services to Portsmouth Harbour station.
South Western Railway run the most direct service between London Waterloo and Portsmouth, with most journeys only an hour and 40 minutes long. You will be dropped right outside our FastCat port, situated inside the train station, from where we can get you to Ryde on the Isle of Wight in as little as 22 minutes.
You’ll also only be a short walk from our Portsmouth Gunwharf port, where you can catch one of our vehicle and foot passenger ferries to Fishbourne on the Island, with crossing times of 45 minutes.
Small e-vehicles, such as e-scooters and hoverboards, are banned from our ferries and customer buildings. Find out more.
Catching the coach to the Isle of Wight is one of the most economical ways of getting here. National Express run a regular shuttle from London Victoria coach station to Portsmouth, which will drop you only moments from our two Portsmouth ports.
The entire journey from London to the Isle of Wight takes less than three hours. Many coach companies offer London to the Isle of Wight tour packages at varying points during the year, so it’s worth checking your options before you book.
There are many driving routes which will get you to the Isle of Wight from London. The best route varies depending on where you start from, and which Wightlink ferry you intend to catch, but it’s possible to get to our Portsmouth car ferry terminal in around an hour and a half.
If you’re travelling from North and West London, you’d be best to turn off the M25 and onto the M3 at Junction 12. From here, follow signposts to either Lymington Pier or Portsmouth Gunwharf, depending on which Wightlink ferry you are aiming for.
If you’re travelling from South and East London, you’ll find it easier to reach us via the A3. This is usually the fastest and least congested route. Turn off the M25 at Junction 10 and follow signs for Lymington Pier or Portsmouth Gunwharf.
If you’re using a satnav, use the postcodes for our vehicle ports below.
There is no commercial airport on the Isle of Wight, but if you’re coming from a long way away you can still easily access the Island via London’s airports. Flights into any of London’s major airports will leave you within a few hours’ easy journey of the Island, using any of the methods mentioned above.
The train is one of the most convenient ways of getting to the Isle of Wight, with each of our mainland ports only moments from key railway stations.
If you’re travelling by ferry for the first time and not sure what to expect, use one of our handy ferry travel guides.
From a former Royal hideaway to one of the world’s most famous sailing regattas, there’s a lot going on across the Isle of Wight. Use Explorer to find your ideal event, attraction or place to stay.