Plan the crossing from Portsmouth to Fishbourne, with departure-port details, Wightlink and onward travel after arrival.
Choose your route, travel dates, passengers and vehicle to compare current sailings and fares. Route selected: Portsmouth to Fishbourne. Search all ferry routes.
Check your ports, passengers, vehicle and dates before completing the reservation.
Portsmouth to Fishbourne is Wightlink’s main vehicle-ferry route from central Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight. The crossing takes around 45 minutes and carries cars, motorcycles, motorhomes, caravans, commercial vehicles and foot passengers.
Fishbourne lies between Ryde and Newport, making it especially convenient for travellers heading to the island’s east and centre. Portsmouth Gunwharf is close to the M275 road approach and Portsmouth Harbour railway connections.
Wightlink uses large vehicle ferries on the route, including Victoria of Wight and other ships with passenger lounges, open decks and food or drink facilities. The assigned vessel can change, so compare the live sailing rather than relying on one ship.
Vehicle space is finite at busy holiday periods. Enter the correct vehicle length and height, including trailers, roof boxes or bike racks, and compare flexible fares if your arrival time at Portsmouth could change.
If your destination is west Wight, Lymington–Yarmouth may reduce island driving. Foot passengers heading directly to Ryde can also compare Portsmouth Harbour–Ryde FastCat or Southsea–Ryde hovercraft.
Travelling the other way? Read the Fishbourne to Portsmouth Gunwharf ferry guide.
Wightlink currently operates this direct passenger ferry route. Check the live sailing because passenger categories, ship assignment and facilities can vary by date.
Wightlink
Crossing time: about 45 minutes
Wightlink operates Portsmouth–Fishbourne with passenger and vehicle ferries. The route is well suited to motorists but also accepts foot passengers, with facilities varying by assigned ship.
Use the operator confirmation for the correct check-in area, terminal instructions and arrival deadline. Port procedures can vary by passenger type and sailing.
Wightlink’s Portsmouth Gunwharf car-ferry terminal is close to Gunwharf Quays and the M275 approach into Portsmouth. Follow the operator signs because Portsmouth also has separate passenger-ferry terminals.
Fishbourne car-ferry port sits on the north-east side of the Isle of Wight between Ryde and Newport. Local roads connect quickly to the A3054 and the island’s central road network.
The crossing is brief, but ship facilities can still matter if you are travelling with children, bicycles, pets or mobility needs. The assigned ferry may vary.
Indoor lounges give shelter in poor weather, while selected vessels also have open-deck space.
Refreshment options vary by vessel and crossing length; check the assigned service if this matters.
Cycle carriage is available on many island services but booking or space rules differ by operator and route.
Operators provide assistance options; arrange help in advance where possible and check terminal access.
The assigned vessel can change. Treat the live booking result and operator information as definitive for facilities, accessibility, seating and pet accommodation.
Portsmouth–Fishbourne is a domestic UK ferry journey rather than an international border crossing. Even so, the operator can require identification and has its own passenger, bicycle, vehicle, baggage and pet rules.
A passport is not normally required for a domestic UK ferry crossing, but carry the identification requested by the operator and check conditions for children or concessionary tickets.
Vehicle ferries, passenger catamarans and hovercraft have different capacity and baggage rules. Make sure the booking matches how you are actually travelling.
Arrival deadlines vary by operator and passenger type. Follow the confirmation for your exact sailing and allow extra time during holiday periods and island events.
Fishbourne is particularly well placed for east and central Wight. Ryde is a short drive away, while Newport provides onward road links towards Cowes, Sandown, Shanklin and the west of the island.
For west Wight, compare Lymington–Yarmouth. Travellers without a vehicle who want central Ryde can compare the FastCat from Portsmouth Harbour or Hovertravel from Southsea.
Compare Ferry RoutesThe shortest sea crossing is not always the best overall journey. Compare departure port, sailing length, operator and onward travel after arrival.
Wightlink quotes a crossing time of around 45 minutes.
Wightlink currently operates the direct Portsmouth–Fishbourne passenger and vehicle ferry.
Yes. The route carries cars, motorcycles, motorhomes, caravans and other vehicles subject to deck availability.
Yes. Foot passengers can use Portsmouth–Fishbourne, although Portsmouth Harbour–Ryde may be quicker for a journey specifically to Ryde.
Yes, bicycles can be carried. Check the live booking and any bicycle-specific instructions before travel.
This is a domestic UK ferry journey, so a passport is not normally required, but carry any identification requested by Wightlink.
Lymington–Yarmouth is usually more convenient for Yarmouth, Freshwater and the west of the island.
Follow the check-in time on your Wightlink booking. Vehicle passengers are generally asked to arrive earlier than foot passengers.
Fishbourne to Portsmouth ferry guide covers the opposite departure port, arrival arrangements and onward connections.
Use the terminal or pier named on your Wightlink confirmation. The published departure is the sailing time; check-in and vehicle acceptance close earlier. If reaching Portsmouth by train or bus, allow for the transfer from the station to the harbour and for luggage handling.
Start your onward itinerary at the actual landing point in Fishbourne. Leave time to unload before a timed collection, train or island bus. If the ferry arrives late in the day, check the final public-transport departure or arrange a transfer in advance.
Domestic travel still has operator rules: names, any required identification, vehicle size and assistance arrangements must match the booking. If this sailing connects with a second ferry, check whether the tickets protect the connection. Allow a margin before an infrequent island bus or the last return boat.
Select the correct passenger category before comparing Portsmouth to Fishbourne fares. A passenger-only boat cannot take a car, and a vehicle ferry may still have limited bicycle or foot-passenger availability. The travel modes shown in the facts panel should be checked against the specific sailing.
For a vehicle booking, give the full height and length including a roof box, rear rack or trailer. Where accommodation is offered, check whether a cabin or seat is required and whether meals are included. Request mobility assistance and any pet space before completing the booking, because these can have separate capacity limits.
Prices depend on the date, passenger mix, vehicle and ticket conditions. Compare the complete return cost and the amendment or cancellation terms. No fixed fare on this guide should replace a dated quote.
Car and motorhome planning · Travelling without a car · Taking a pet
Compare current sailings, passenger fares, vehicle prices and accommodation, then choose the crossing that works best for your journey.
About 45 minutes
Wightlink
Vehicles accepted
Foot passengers
