Southsea - Ryde
Ferries to Isle of Wight
Southsea - Ryde
Ferries to Isle of Wight
On the Southsea Ryde route, fares generally fall between $34* and $249*. On average, a Southsea Ryde ferry ticket costs around $136*, with the lowest Southsea Ryde fares starting at $34*. Foot passengers pay an average of $136*.
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.
Southsea Ryde sailings usually begin with a departure from Southsea at approximately 06:50, with the final sailing of the day leaving around 20:30.
Absolutely, the short crossing time and frequent daily sailings make Southsea to Ryde 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.
No, none of the operators currently running this route accept vehicles on board sailings between Southsea and Ryde.
Yes, Hovertravel welcomes bicycles on the Southsea to Ryde 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, Hovertravel accepts foot passengers on sailings between Southsea and Ryde.
Pets currently aren't permitted on board ferries between Southsea and Ryde. Try our Deal Finder to search for alternative routes that do accommodate pets.
Even though pets aren't permitted on this route, guide dogs and assistance dogs are often subject to separate rules. Speak with our customer service team to check the specific policy for your sailing, or see our Special Assistance Help page for more information.
Overnight sailings on the Southsea to Ryde 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 Southsea to Ryde 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 Southsea to Ryde 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.
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| Southsea - Ryde Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $136 | |
| Southsea - Ryde Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | England |
| Destination | Isle of Wight |
| No. of Operators | 1 |
| Operators | Hovertravel |
| Average Price | $136 |
| Average Pet Price | $121 |
| Average Daily Sailings | 17 |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 114 |
| Average Sailing Duration | 10 m |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 10 m |
| First Ferry | 06:50 |
| Last Ferry | 20:30 |
| Distance | 5 Nautical Miles |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 August 2026.
The town and port of Southsea is located on the south coast of England in the county of Hampshire. The town lies on the English Channel coast at the southern end of Portsea Island and is only just over 1 km from the much larger city of Portsmouth. Despite its large neighbour, Southsea has its own commercial centre with bars, restaurants, cafes and shops. The four forts, just off the coast, that were built in the 1860's as part of the areas defences against foreign invaders, are a popular tourist attraction for the town. The forts were actually part of a wider set of defences which included forts on the mainland around the city although they were never used.
The gravelly beach at Southsea is popular, especially at low tide when the sand is exposed. Southsea is also home to two piers: the South Parade Pier and the Clarence Pier. A scenic walk was created to celebrate the millennium which starts at Southsea seafront and end at Gunwharf Quay in Portsmouth. The route is marked on the pavement and is lined by distinctive blue lanterns.
There is a regular hovercraft service to Ryde on the Isle of Wight which runs from Southsea seafront. The crossing time is about 10 minutes.
Ryde is the largest town on the Isle of Wight and is often referred to as the "Gateway to the island" due to its prominent position along the shores of the island and its hovercraft and passenger ferry links to the English mainland. Visitors to the town enjoy its lovely sandy beaches which stretch the length of the town, its boutique shops, museums and galleries. As the island's largest town it comes as no surprise to learn that it is also the venue for some of the island's largest annual events. For example, every August bank holiday thousands of scooter enthusiasts descend upon the town for the Isle of Wight Scooter Rally, and just a few weeks later the town's esplanade can be seen draped in classic cars for the International Classic Car Show. Ryde is also home to one of the United Kingdom's oldest carnivals which usually takes place at the end of the summer and forms the end of the Isle of Wight carnival season which travels all over the island. Ryde’s collection of late night bars and clubs also tend to make it one of the most popular spots for nightlife.
