Ferries to Ryde

The ferry port of Ryde lies on the north-east coast of the Isle of Wight and is the shortest link between the island and the mainland. From here you can reach Portsmouth Harbour and Southsea. Together the services add up to as many as 120 departures a day, and the crossing takes around 15 minutes. The port is served by Hovertravel and Wightlink. Both carry passengers only and take no vehicles.

Getting there and the terminal

The two operators depart from different places. Wightlink sails from Ryde Pier Head on the Esplanade at the very end of the pier, postcode PO33 2HF. South Western Railway's Island Line runs right out to it and also serves Brading, Sandown, Lake and Shanklin. There are parking spaces on the pier, though with a weight limit of three tonnes and a height limit of 2.25 metres; the first 30 minutes are free, and motorcycles park free of charge in their own bays.

Hovertravel starts on the landward side at the Ryde Transport Interchange, right next to Ryde Esplanade station and the bus station, from which the Southern Vectis routes run across the island. Next to the hoverport there is a council car park with CCTV. If you come by bus you get off at the Esplanade and walk from there either to the hoverport or take the Island Line to Pier Head.

Check-in

Both services get by with short deadlines. With Wightlink you have to check in at Ryde Pier Head at the latest 15 minutes before departure. Hovertravel asks you to be at the terminal at least 10 minutes before the crossing you want and at the gate five minutes beforehand; if you are only buying your ticket on the spot, allow 15 minutes.