Buses
Local bus services in Isle of Wight provide services to local areas across the county, with a number of routes covering Newport, Ryde, Bernbridge, Shanklin, Ventnor, Cowes, East Cowes, Yarmouth, Freshwater Bay and Brighstone.
Details of local bus services and timetables can be found at Southern Wectis
Trains
Visitors can use the train network to get to a number of railway stations that link up with ferry ports providing access to the Isle of Wight. From London Victoria and London Waterloo stations there are services to Portsmouth Harbour station; journey times are between 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours. There are services from London Victoria and London Waterloo stations to Southampton Central station with journey times between 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes. Ferry services are available to the Isle of Wight.
Train services are provided several train operators including South West Trains; Cross Country and First Great Western
For more information please see National Rail Enquiries
Public Transport Safety Tips
Most journeys on public transport go ahead without incident, in order to minimise the chances of any incidents, passengers may wish to consider the following safety tips:
- Be aware of your belongings at all times.
- Do not leave your bags and belongings unattended at any time.
- Stay alert and aware of your environment and those around you.
- Do not show valuables including money and jewellery in public.
- If you are carrying a bag/handbag, ensure you use a bag that has a strong good quality strap and wear it across your shoulder (not on your shoulder), with the pockets closed facing towards your waist. Carrying the bag on your shoulder makes it much easier for criminals to snatch the bag or cut the strap.
- Be careful and cautious in crowds and beware of pickpockets, do not leave anything valuable showing in public including wallets in back trouser pockets.
- Sit in carriages with other passengers do not sit in carriages with no/fewer passengers.
- Try not to use smaller/isolated stations especially at night.
- When waiting for buses, trains, boats and taxis stand with other passengers in an area that is well lit, do not stand/wait in isolated areas.
Car
There are a number of car hire firms in Isle of Wight that offer car rental services for both short and longer term car hire offering a range of vehicles from small budget cars to family cars to larger mini-buses and luxury cars.
On the Isle of Wight the towns are mainly linked via the A roads whilst the villages are linked via the smaller roads. Major roads around the county include the A3020, A3021, A3054, A3056 and A3055. The island is compact in nature and travelling distances within the island are small, a trip from Ryde to Newport is 7 miles with a journey time of 15-20 minutes.
Parking in Newport includes on street parking and off street car parks. Major car parks in Newport include Little London, Coppings Bridge, Medina Avenue, Newport Harbour, New Street and Sea Street.
For more information please see: Isle of Wight Parking
Drivers should note there may be driving restrictions in and around the city and town centres. It is recommended visitors ensure they fully understand the local parking rules before parking and help avoid unnecessary fines and worry.
Bicycle
With a number of quiet countryside roads and lanes the Isle of Wight is well suited for cyclists; it provides a cost effective and healthy way of seeing the scenic island up close. Cyclists can see the scenic countryside and coastline whilst taking in the various tourist attractions across the island. For more information and details on a number of well established cycling routes please see: Isle of Wight Cycle Routes
Coach
The Isle of Wight is accessible by coach with regular coach services available to the Isle of Wight from London Victoria coach station; the journey time from London to Ryde is between 2 hours and 30 minutes and 3 hours 10 minutes depending on the service, time of day & traffic. Coach services are provided by National Express.
Ferry
There are a number of ferry operators that offer services to and from the Isle of Wight. There are services from Portsmouth to Fishbourne and Ryde Pier Head with Wightlink.
From Southampton there are regular services to West Cowes and East Cowes on the Isle of Wight, there is also a free bus service from Southampton Central railway station, services are provided by Red Funnel
Hovercraft
Hovercraft offers a fast, efficient by to get to the Isle of Wight; there are services between Ryde Esplande and Southsea in Hampshire with a journey time of approx 10 minutes. Services are provided by Hovertravel
For more information on public transport in Isle of Wight including information on public transport and timetables please see: Isle of Wight Transport
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
