Home · Routes · Portsmouth–Fishbourne (Isle of Wight)
England → England 🇬🇧

Portsmouth to Fishbourne (Isle of Wight) Ferry

Wightlink's flagship car ferry linking Portsmouth with Fishbourne on the Isle of Wight, with frequent daily sailings across the eastern Solent.

45 min crossing 15 / day
Crossing time
45 min
Operators
Wightlink
Sailings
15 / day
Route type
Short crossing
Book this crossing

Search live Portsmouth to Fishbourne (Isle of Wight) ferry prices

The search below is already set to this route — just hit search for live fares and times from every operator. Change the ports to compare another crossing.

We earn a commission when you book through this search; it doesn’t change the price you pay. A booking fee may be added.
The crossing

The Portsmouth to Fishbourne (Isle of Wight) ferry

The Portsmouth to Fishbourne route is Wightlink's busiest car ferry crossing, carrying vehicles and foot passengers across the eastern Solent to the Isle of Wight. Departing from Portsmouth's Gunwharf terminal, the ferry takes around three quarters of an hour to reach Fishbourne, a quiet wooded inlet close to Ryde and Newport. Sailings run throughout the day and well into the evening, making it the natural choice for drivers heading to the island with a car, caravan or motorhome. On board you will find comfortable lounges, outdoor decks for soaking up Solent views, and a cafe serving hot drinks and snacks. The generous frequency means there is usually flexibility if your plans change, and the route connects easily to the island's main road network for onward travel.

  • Frequent daily car ferry sailings across the eastern Solent
  • Departs from the central Gunwharf terminal in Portsmouth
  • Comfortable lounges, sun decks and an on-board cafe
  • Convenient for Ryde, Newport and the wider island
Fares

Portsmouth to Fishbourne (Isle of Wight) ferry fares we have seen

Fare basketFare seenSeen onSource
Adult foot passenger, single£21.9018 October 2026 (for travel 1 Oct-31 Dec 2026 off-peak)Wightlink foot passenger tickets page (1 Oct-31 Dec 2026, off-peak); price block matched to Portsmouth-Fishbourne by tab order
Adult foot passenger, day return£28.2018 October 2026 (for travel 1 Oct-31 Dec 2026 off-peak)Wightlink foot passenger tickets page (1 Oct-31 Dec 2026, off-peak)
Adult foot passenger, return (valid 364 nights)£39.4018 October 2026 (for travel 1 Oct-31 Dec 2026 off-peak)Wightlink foot passenger tickets page (1 Oct-31 Dec 2026, off-peak)
Car or van day return, 'from around', per leg£40.5018 October 2026Wightlink tickets page: 'from around' price, varies by time, day and vehicle size

Fares change with date, demand and vehicle; these are figures we saw on the dates shown, not quotes. A booking fee may be added. Check live prices in the search above.

Before you sail

What to know about the Portsmouth to Fishbourne (Isle of Wight) crossing

Check-in

Wightlink port pages: vehicles check in 30 minutes before departure; foot passengers 15 minutes before. The timetable page states vehicles check in 30-60 minutes before sailing and foot passengers at least 15 minutes before. (wightlink.co.uk)

Pets

Wightlink says pets travel for free. On car ferries pets stay in the Pet Friendly Areas or in the vehicle with a window open, on a lead or in a suitable container and off the seats; Wightlink may charge a cleaning fee if a mess is not cleaned up. (wightlink.co.uk)

Bicycles

Bicycles travel free with foot passengers, but Wightlink asks you to tell it in advance because space is limited; select the number of bicycles when booking online. On vehicle ferries bikes stay on the car deck; on the FastCat they go in racks at the rear. (wightlink.co.uk)

Accessibility

Wightlink asks passengers needing assistance to call at least 48 hours before travel (line 0800 093 8236, per the accessible travel page). Staff help to and from the passenger lounges only. FastCat gangways take mobility scooters, but not when the berth is moved; powered wheelchairs on FastCats can only be used with a Wightlink team member. (wightlink.co.uk)

Luggage

Wightlink states there is no limit on luggage on board, but foot passengers must be able to carry it themselves because staff cannot assist. Drivers can leave luggage in the vehicle, but passengers cannot return to the car deck while the vessel is sailing. (wightlink.co.uk)

Foot passengers

Foot passengers are accepted on this route. E-scooters and hoverboards are not allowed on board or in the ports. (wightlink.co.uk)

Vehicles

The route takes vehicles from motorcycles to lorries. Vehicle tickets are on the vehicle tickets page; the tickets page prints a car or van day return 'from around' price per leg that varies by time, day and vehicle size. (wightlink.co.uk)

Ports

Where the ferry leaves from and arrives

Map of the Portsmouth to Fishbourne ferry route
Straight-line distance between the ports; the ship's track is longer. Coastline: Natural Earth.

Portsmouth Car Ferry Terminal (Gunwharf Road)

Address
Gunwharf Road, Portsmouth, PO1 2LA
Getting there
About a 10-minute walk from Portsmouth Harbour railway station and from the bus interchange at The Hard.
Parking
Over 200 car spaces opposite the port entrance on Gunwharf Road, free motorcycle bays, Blue Badge spaces. Tariff bands from up to 3 hours to over 24 hours plus an evening rate (16:00-05:00) are on the port page. Pay by JustPark app or card; Wightlink does not advise pre-booking.
Facilities
Camber Cafe, self-service ticket machine, Customer Service Point (no cash), toilets, baby changing, Changing Places toilet, two 50kW EV rapid chargers.
Onward travel
Gunwharf Quays shopping outlet a few minutes' walk away.

Source: wightlink.co.uk, checked 2026-10-18.

Fishbourne Car Ferry Port

Address
Fishbourne Lane, Fishbourne, Isle of Wight, PO33 4EU
Getting there
Nearest bus stop is Kite Hill, about 15 minutes' walk, served by Southern Vectis Route 9 (Newport-Ryde). No direct rail link; Wightlink suggests Portsmouth Harbour-Ryde Pier Head for foot passengers wanting train and bus connections.
Parking
20 car spaces. Free for up to 20 minutes pick-up/drop-off (stay in vehicle); longer stays are charged by band, with an evening rate (16:00-05:00); 30-day permit available. Tariff on the port page.
Facilities
Creek Cafe, self-service ticket machine, Customer Service Point (no cash), toilets, baby changing, one 50kW EV rapid charger.
Onward travel
Southern Vectis Route 9 from Kite Hill to Newport and Ryde.

Source: wightlink.co.uk, checked 2026-10-18.

At the other end

Staying in or around Fishbourne

Southern Vectis Route 9 from Kite Hill to Newport and Ryde.

What it connects

Ports & operators on this route

Good to know

Portsmouth to Fishbourne (Isle of Wight) ferry — common questions

How long does the Portsmouth to Fishbourne ferry take?

The crossing typically takes around 45 minutes from cast-off to arrival, though boarding and disembarking add a little extra to your overall journey time.

Can I take my car on the Portsmouth to Fishbourne ferry?

Yes. This is a dedicated vehicle ferry operated by Wightlink, carrying cars, motorhomes, motorcycles and bicycles as well as foot passengers.

How often do ferries sail from Portsmouth to Fishbourne?

Sailings are very frequent throughout the day and into the evening, with reduced services overnight. It is one of the most regular Solent crossings.

How long is the Portsmouth to Fishbourne ferry?

Wightlink gives the crossing as around 45 minutes on board.

Which ships run Portsmouth to Fishbourne?

Wightlink names Victoria of Wight, St Clare and St Faith on this route.

What are the adult foot passenger fares from Portsmouth to Fishbourne?

Wightlink's foot passenger table for 1 Oct-31 Dec 2026 (off-peak) prints adult single, day return and return prices, listed in the fares for this route. The page does not label the price blocks by route, so they were matched by tab order.

When should I check in for the Portsmouth to Fishbourne ferry?

Wightlink says vehicles check in 30 minutes before departure and foot passengers 15 minutes before.

Can I take a dog on the Portsmouth to Fishbourne ferry?

Wightlink says pets travel free. On car ferries they stay in a Pet Friendly Area or in the vehicle with a window open.

Sources

Where these facts come from

Checked by the CheapFerries editorial team on 18 October 2026. Operators change timetables, fares and rules, so confirm details for your sailing when you book.