Red Funnel have re-fitted one of their ferrys to give you a 21st century feel to the start of your stay on the island. Your crossing now has free wi-fi and two decks with newly fitted bars and restaurants. You'll have splendid views across the Solent from the open top deck.
Travelling to the Isle of Wight
Travelling to the island from the mainland is very easy. Red Funnel ferries operate an hourly service between Southampton and East Cowes throught the day. If travelling by car please phone us as we may be able to get a discount with car travel on Red Funnel. Note: ferry ticket discounts are only available if accomodation is booked directly with us and subject to availability.
Travel by car
Red Funnel car ferry operate between Southampton and East Cowes.
Facilities include:
Outdoor viewing deck
Free Wifi
Breakfast & meals served thoughout the day
Gift shop
Priority boarding
Adults only Signature lounge
Travel on foot
If travelling on foot you may use the car ferry or the fast catamaran services that cross in 25 minutes! Red Funnels fast cat service also departs from Southampton next to the main car ferry and arrives in Cowes.
Hovertravel provides the fastest Isle of Wight ferry service across the Solent and is the world's longest running and only commercial hovercraft operator in Europe. The passenger ferry service takes you directly to the shore at Southsea or Ryde in just 10 minutes. Easy onward travel connections are available via the bus station (50 meters away!) or near by train in shanklin.
Using the Hovercraft by rail
Alight at Portsmouth & Southsea Railway Station and follow the signs to the Hoverbus, bus stop C. You will cross the road by the zebra crossing leading you to the Hoverbus stop. The specially operated Hoverbus Service will take you directly to the Southsea Terminal for approx. £1.30 per person. The Hoverbus connects with the hovercraft and will make sure you are at the Hovercraft Terminal in time for your craft. It couldn’t be easier!
Travalling by bus
Southen Vectis operate routes all over the island. Click here for a map you may find usefull.
From Ryde Hover port.
The Ryde hover port is an easy walk to both rail & bus staions that run services into shanklin. For Shanklin catch the bus on route 2 or route 3 for a 40 minute ride.
From Red Funnel car ferry in East Cowes.
As you leave the ferry bare left and walk up Dover Street (pass the White Hart Inn) to Waitrose supermarket where you'll catch the number 5 bus to Newport then change for the number 2 bus for Ryde but get off at Shanklin.
From Red Funnel Red Jet cat in West Cowes.
Leave the cat terminal and look for the bus stop for bus number 1 to Newport. At Newport change for the number 2 bus for Ryde but get off at Shanklin.