Ryde - Portsmouth Harbour
Ferries to England
Ryde - Portsmouth Harbour
Ferries to England


On the Ryde Portsmouth Harbour route, fares generally fall between $23* and $210*. On average, a Ryde Portsmouth Harbour ferry ticket costs around $87*, with the lowest Ryde Portsmouth Harbour fares starting at $23*. Foot passengers pay an average of $87*.
Actual fares depend on passenger numbers, vehicle type, chosen route and sailing time. Figures are based on fares searched over the past 30 days, exclude service fees, and were last refreshed August 26.
Compare fares, operators and sailing times from across the globe in one place, then book with confidence. Booking ahead is the easiest way to lock in a better price and a wider choice of departures.
Yes. Direct Ferries runs a number of discounts throughout the year. If a senior discount applies to your route, it's applied automatically once you select the right age range in the passenger options during your search.
Students and recent graduates can save 5% on their booking. Simply register with our partner Student Beans to verify your status, and you'll be issued a discount code to apply at checkout.
On several Spanish and Italian routes, residents can also access a discounted fare — look out for the "Residents" option during your search, which applies the reduced price automatically. Keep in mind you'll be asked to show proof of residency, such as a registration certificate or an ID card showing your address, at check-in.
Ryde Portsmouth Harbour sailings usually begin with a departure from Ryde at approximately 05:40, with the final sailing of the day leaving around 23:45.
Absolutely, the short crossing time and frequent daily sailings make Ryde to Portsmouth Harbour a popular choice for a day trip. If you can, bringing a vehicle lets you venture further afield once you arrive, on your own schedule.
Yes, Wightlink operates car-friendly sailings between Ryde and Portsmouth Harbour. Use our Deal Finder to check live pricing for taking a vehicle on this route.
Whether a campervan or caravan is permitted on the Ryde to Portsmouth Harbour crossing depends on the ship and operator running your preferred sailing. Enter your travel details into our Deal Finder, and we'll compare the operators on this route to confirm your options.
Yes, Wightlink & Hovertravel welcomes bicycles on the Ryde to Portsmouth Harbour crossing. Bikes are accepted by most ferry operators, though it's worth confirming the specific policy in advance so there are no surprises at the terminal.
Yes, Wightlink & Hovertravel accepts foot passengers on sailings between Ryde and Portsmouth Harbour.
Good news for pet owners — Wightlink allows pets on board sailings between Ryde and Portsmouth Harbour. Traveling with a pet on this route costs an average of $63.
Figures reflect fares searched over the last 30 days, exclude service fees, and were last updated August 26.
When you bring a pet on board, you'll typically need to have the following ready:
This varies by operator — on some ferries, pets must stay in your vehicle for the whole crossing, while others provide dedicated pet zones, pet-friendly cabins, or lounge areas. Check our Deal Finder to compare the pet arrangements on offer and choose the crossing that suits you and your pet best.
A few things are worth knowing before you travel with a guide or assistance dog. We'd suggest letting our customer service team know, or flagging it with the ferry operator when you book, that you'll be travelling with an assistance animal.
Bring along any relevant certification and paperwork too, since you may need to show it at boarding or at some point during the crossing.
Even on sailings where pets generally aren't permitted, different rules often apply to guide dogs and assistance dogs. Get in touch with our customer service team to confirm the specific policy for your sailing, or visit our Special Assistance Help page for general guidance.
Overnight sailings on the Ryde to Portsmouth Harbour route aren't guaranteed and depend on a range of factors. Run a search with your travel details and our results will show whether an overnight option is available, along with current timetables, crossing times, and day-sailing alternatives.
Bear in mind that overnight crossings can run a little longer than their daytime equivalents.
Document requirements aren't the same on every route, so it's worth confirming what you'll need before you travel. A valid passport is generally required for the Ryde to Portsmouth Harbour crossing, alongside any visas or national ID your nationality calls for. Exact requirements depend on your citizenship and the rules of your destination country, so for the latest guidance and to avoid delays at check-in, take a look at our Check-in, Travel Documents & Tickets guide.
Booking is straightforward: enter your departure and arrival ports along with your travel date to pull up every available sailing and fare. You can also browse alternative routes and departure times to find the option that works best for you.
Keep an eye out for early-booking savings and flexible ticket types, including upgrades or flexi-fares that let you amend or cancel later on. For a hassle-free booking, double-check the details you enter, such as passenger numbers and any vehicle specifications.
As soon as your booking is confirmed, you'll get a confirmation email. Exactly how your boarding pass is issued after that depends on which operator you've booked with.
Some operators send your boarding pass out the moment you book, while others require check-in at the port itself. Where it's offered, online check-in is also available through the Direct Ferries app, saving you a step at the terminal.
You'll typically find the ticket desk close to the ferry terminal itself. It's a good idea to arrive a little early so you have plenty of time to collect your tickets and get checked in without rushing.
At check-in, have your confirmation email ready along with valid photo ID, such as a passport or identity card. If you're travelling with a pet, bring along their vaccination and insurance paperwork, and if you booked using a resident discount, be prepared to show proof of address too.
A few things can explain a lack of sailings on your chosen date: a temporary schedule change, limited space, or a seasonal shift in the timetable are the most common. It's worth trying a nearby date or exploring alternative routes using our Route & Port finder.
As a rule, the earlier you book your Ryde to Portsmouth Harbour ferry, the better. Booking ahead tends to secure lower fares along with a wider pick of departure times and cabin or seating options.
Aim to book at least a few weeks ahead to make the most of the best available offers, keeping in mind that fares can shift depending on the season and how much space is left.
More routes than anyone else.
Compare fares, times & routes in one place.
Change plans easily with flexi tickets.
Book e-tickets & manage trips in-app.
Live ship tracking & real-time updates.
Top-rated customer support when you need it.
| Ryde - Portsmouth Harbour Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $87 | |
| Ryde - Portsmouth Harbour Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Isle of Wight |
| Destination | England |
| No. of Operators | 2 |
| Operators | Wightlink & Hovertravel |
| Average Price | $87 |
| Average Pet Price | $63 |
| Average Daily Sailings | 34 |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 232 |
| Average Sailing Duration | 22 m |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 17 m |
| First Ferry | 05:40 |
| Last Ferry | 23:45 |
| Distance | 5 Nautical Miles |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 August 2026.
The town of Ryde is located on the north east coast of the Isle of Wight, which is an island located off the south coast of the English mainland. The towns of Upper Ryde and Lower Ryde grew during the 19th century but then merged. Ryde is known for its sandy beaches which are revealed at low tide, which make the town's pier necessary in order to accommodate the ferry service operating from the town. It is the fourth longest pier in the United Kingdom and is a listed structure. Clearly visible from the see are the two church spires of All Saints' and Holy Trinity churches. The spire of All Saints Church stands at 177 feet and the church was built in 1872 by George Gilbert Scott. Holy Trinity Church was completed in 1845 and was designed by Thomas Hellyer. There are only a few large open spaces in Ryde beyond the esplanade, but includes Appley Park, Puckpool Park, Vernon Square, Simon Street Recreation Ground, St. John's Park, Salter Road Recreation Ground and Oakfield Football Club.
From Ryde harbour their is a hovercraft service to Southsea and a catamaran service to Portsmouth Harbour which then connects with both Island Line trains and mainland trains to London Waterloo.
The city of Portsmouth is located on the south coast of England in the county of Hampshire. The city, which lies on the English Channel coast, has a long and illustrious maritime history and has connections with the Royal Navy that goes back centuries. The city was also one of the world's greatest shipbuilding centres and constructed the world's first ever dry dock in the 15th century, which is still in use today. The city is still an important base for the Royal Navy and is home to a number of important historical ships including the crowning glory of Admiral Lord Nelson's flagship, HMS Victory.
Portsmouth was significantly bombed during the Second World War because of its strategic importance, and as a result the city is a mix of old and new buildings with some of the most historic areas being the Hard and the Point. The nearby suburb of Southsea is a popular destination for families and has a lovely stretch of beach, two piers and a good selection of bars, cafes, restaurants and a theme park at Clarence Pier.
Ferry services from the city's port depart to Le Havre, Bilbao, Cherbourg, Caen, St Malo, St Helier, St Peter Port and Ryde.