**Coronavirus Latest**
Wearing face coverings will be compulsory on public transport in England from 15 June. Please note too, that during the current circumstances some services may be restricted. Always check routes & times before travelling.
Getting around the Island:
There are quite a few transport options available on the . This includes good road coverage, bus and train & ferry public transport services.
Buses:
Bus services on the Island are provided by Southern Vectis. Full information is available at . There are over 20 standards routes serving the majority of the island as well as having good connections to the main ferry terminals.
Railways:
Island Line Trains (part of the South West Trains group) operate a train service between Ryde Pier Head (connecting with the WightLink fastcat) and Shanklin. Full details can be found at www.southwesternrailway.com/destinations-and-offers/island-line
Floating Bridge:
The Cowes Floating Bridge is operated by the Council and saves a 11 mile round trip by road.
For more information please click here
Hovertravel:
Hovertravel run hovercraft services between Ryde Esplanade and Southsea in under 10 minutes. They have a frequent service running 7 days a week for foot passengers. Full information on getting to the Southsea Hoverport is available on their website.
Red Funnel Services:
runs services over 2 routes to and from the Island.
- Red Jet Hi-Speed: Southampton to West Cowes (passenger only). Runs every 30 minutes throughout the day, journey time approx. 23 minutes.
- Passenger/Vehicle Ferry: (Southampton to East Cowes). Operates 24 hours a day, journey time approx. one hour.
Both services connect to a free bus service from Southampton Central Rail Station. .
Wightlink Services:
Wightlink runs services over three routes to and from the Island.
- Portsmouth to Ryde Pier Head (Fast Cat Passenger Service). Journey time approx. 22 minutes.
- Portsmouth to Fishbourne (Car and Passenger Service). Journey time approx. 40 minutes.
- Lymington to Yarmouth (Car and Passenger Service). Journey time approx. 30 minutes.
Full details for getting to the ferry ports are available here.
The ‘New Islander Card’ Local Concessionary Travel Scheme
In addition to the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme the Council offers the New Islander Card local concession to residents who have a ‘severe and enduring’ mental health problem and residents who could not use bus services without the assistance of a travelling companion.
The Travelling Companion concession is solely available to island residents who have been issued an English National Concessionary Travel Scheme Concession Scheme bus pass on the grounds of disability, or a New Islander Card issued on the grounds of having a mental health problem.
For more information visit
Application process
To apply for this concession, please request an application form from the Transport Service or visit , , or your local library.
Updated 24/08/2021