How to Find Cheap Ferry Tickets to the Isle of Wight
Are you looking for a cheap and easy way to get to the Isle of Wight? A ferry ticket may be the perfect solution for your travel needs. However, with some suggestions that the Solent might be one of the most expensive stretches of water in the world, you are going to need all the information you can get to find the best deals on affordable ferry tickets to the Isle of Wight. We'll cover everything from the best times to book tickets, to the best websites to use for finding bargains. Read on to learn more about how to find cheap ferry tickets to the Isle of Wight.
How can I get to the Isle of Wight?
If you are planning a visit to the Isle of Wight, then it is important to note that there aren’t any commercial flights to the island, so you will need to look at getting a ferry instead!
You can travel to the Isle of Wight from a number of different places on the South Coast on England - Lymington, Southampton and Portsmouth. It is also worth noting, that you can sail to the Isle of Wight from one port and back into another. Where the ferry goes to will depend on which ferry company you use and where you leave from:
Leaving from Lymington – Wightlink has a ferry from Lymington to Yarmouth.
Leaving from Southampton – Red Funnel has a ferry from Southampton to East Cowes, West Cowes and Cowes.
Leaving from Portsmouth – Wightlink has ferries from Portsmouth to Fishbourne and Ryde.
Wight Link and Red Funnel are the main providers if you want to be able to travel with your campervan/motorhome/caravan and pet dogs. Ferries generally take between 40 and 45 minutes to cross.
How can I get cheap ferry tickets to the Isle of Wight?
⛴ Avoid travelling at peak times. Many islanders use the ferry to commute to the mainland and Saturday is the main change over day for holiday accommodation, so avoid these peak times if possible. Instead, consider sailing early in the morning or late in the evening or even mid week for the best price. Travelling outside the main holiday season will also have a big impact on your fare price.
⛴ Compare the cost of your crossing with different ferry companies. Wight Link and Red Funnel will often have differing prices for similar times and days.
⛴ Ask your holiday accommodation (including campsites) if they can give you a quote too. Very often these businesses can provide you with a discounted rate.
⛴ Consider saving your Tesco Clubcard points! You can exchange your Tesco clubcard points to pay for all or part of your ferry journey with Wight Link.
⛴ Look out for discount codes. Unfortunately there is no way of guessing when companies will release these, but signing up to the ferry company newsletters will mean that you hear about these deals first. It is also worth searching online for discount codes and vouchers related to ferry travel. These codes can provide extra savings when applied at checkout.
⛴ One of the simplest and most effective ways to secure cheap ferry tickets is to plan ahead. Most ferry operators offer discounts for early bookings, so start looking for tickets well in advance of your travel date. Booking several weeks, or months ahead can result in significant savings.
Isle of Wight Top Picks
By implementing these strategies and conducting thorough research, you can significantly reduce the cost of ferry tickets to the Isle of Wight, making your island getaway more budget-friendly. With the money saved on travel, you can fully enjoy the natural beauty and attractions that await you on this charming British island. Happy sailing!
