Wightlink Isle of Wight Ferries

Wightlink Isle of Wight Ferries

Wightlink Isle of Wight Ferries
4
About
Wightlink is the leading cross-Solent ferry operator carrying almost five million holidaymakers and Islanders to the Isle of Wight every year. We provide a vehicle and foot passenger ferry service from Lymington, a charming market town in the New Forest, to Yarmouth, a gorgeous historic town in the west of the Isle of Wight. Lymington to Yarmouth is our quickest and most scenic route for car passengers, with a crossing time of only 40 minutes. Facilities in both ports include a Costa Coffee serving drinks, rapid charging points (50kwh) for electric vehicles, ticket office, toilets and baby-changing facilities. Car parking and bicycle racks is also available. Three of our Wight Class ships serve this route. Whether travelling by foot or car, Wightlink’s modern, comfortable fleet provide spacious passenger lounges, sun decks to see the sights of the Solent, excellent food and drink options and easy to access facilities. Wightlink offers frequent sailings all year round.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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  • Nikita W
    11 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing staff, easy travel and pleasent experience.
    Our ferry across in both directions was an absolute breeze thanks to the friendly, helpful staff and the easy comfortable travel. Want to say a special thanks to "Joe" who helped my friend and I get a space on a ferry from Lymington to Yarmouth as the date on our booking was set for a different day due to an error. We were very concerned we wouldn't across on the busy day with our children to the IOW but the staff ensured we were only delayed by an hour which was very kind and helpful of them - it made our adventure stress free and enjoyable. The surroundings are calm, accomadating, clean and easy to navigate.
    Hello 454nikitaw Thank you for your review and exceedingly kind feedback for Joe, I will make sure he sees your message. We are glad your trip went well and hope to see you on board again soon. All the best The Wightlink Team
    Written 15 October 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 12 October 2023
  • JoeC
    Hampshire, United Kingdom143 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Excellent service
    Have used Wightlink four times in last year. Everytime have really enjoyed the crossing. The staff in the kiosk when you arrive and the staff on board really friendly. Booking online is very easy and we changed our departure time a couple of times online which was really handy to do.
    Hello JoeC8000 Thank you for your review. We are glad all of your journeys have gone smoothly, I'll make sure this is shared with my colleagues. Thanks again and we hope to see you on board again soon.
    Written 19 October 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 16 October 2023
  • Nick W
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Splendid day out
    Did a day trip with car from Lymington to Yarmouth, £72 for car and two adults with discount code from hotel. (Definitely search for discount codes) Went out on 10 am boat and returned on 16.30 boat. Went to Osbourne House (English Heritage) . This was the main purpose of our trip. Fabulous history of Queen Victorias bolt hole. We took advantage of an offer to join English heritage which then gave us free admission as well as access to other sites througout the UK. so seemed a no brainer. Great day out and would have stayed longer if we had the time.
    Hello F5663UUnickw Thank you for your review. We are glad you enjoyed your trip and you were able to take advantage of one of our discounts. We definitely agree Osborne house is a great visit! Thanks again and we hope to see you on board again soon.
    Written 19 October 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 18 October 2023
  • Meander38861108903
    2 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Overpriced old fashioned means of transport.
    If your driving to or from the Isle of Wight ,there are only 2 methods . Wightlink or red funnel, both or which are expensive . Regular travellers have the opinion of a book of tickets that saves ££££ If you're traveling once a year, hard cheese , you need to pay the full price ! Obviously weather conditions can mean delays , you can't blame wightlink for fog . But if there are cancellations due to staf shortages or mechanical problems , how much profit would they loose if they offered a free coffee as a gesture of good will ? It is what it is , a very old fashioned way of crossing a few miles of water, but as a tunnel will never be built , no point if moaning.
    Hello Meander38861108903 Thank you for your review, I am sorry to hear it was not a positive experience for you. Running a ferry service is very expensive and our prices reflect that. There are many ways to save on our own offers pages as well as various affiliated memberships discount schemes. We do offer compensation if we cancel or delay customers by more than 60 mins. You can find the compensation page on our website where you can also claim if you have been disrupted. Thanks again for taking the time to post your review and we hope to see you on board again soon.
    Written 8 December 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited August 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 5 December 2023
  • R Traveller
    Wimborne Minster, United Kingdom18 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wonderful Staff
    I took a trip from Lymington to Yarmouth and back yesterday. i would like to compliment everyone in lthe team who made this so enjoyable. The ticket man in the office, both lovely ladies in the cafe, the man on onshore boarding and the crew member boarding us both ways. All had such a fantastic attitude towards customers. I was amazed that every person I interacted with was friendly, happy and welcoming - this is so rare and a credit to your company - thank you for a very pleasant trip.
    Hello Rob68W Thank you for taking the time to post your review. We are glad to hear all our colleagues were welcoming and showed a great attitude, we'll make sure this is shared with our teams. Thanks again and we hops to see you on board again soon.
    Written 18 January 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 22 December 2023
  • Elizabeth H
    10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Efficient and friendly service
    We are regular users of Wightlink, usually on the Yarmouth to Lymington service. The ferries are punctual, run with efficiency, very clean, and the booking app is easy to use. The smaller Yarmouth ferry is enhanced by the friendliness of the port staff, giving it a real sense of a ‘local’ service. It’s a pleasure to travel with Wightlink.
    Hello elizabethhP6616CI Thank you for taking the time to post your kind review. We are glad to hear you love the local vibe! Thanks again and we look forward to seeing you on board again soon!
    Written 25 January 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited January 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 24 January 2024
  • Di S
    2 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lymington terminal
    Arrived in plenty of time to catch our pre booked ferry. Main toilets out of order, 2 portaloos which were absolutely disgusting and totally unsuitable for disabled person so long wait to till I could use on board disabled toilet. Coffee in a disposable cup £4. Smooth crossing. 1
    Hello dis816, I am sorry that you found some facilities to be lacking on your recent travel with us. Our toilets at Lymington are now reopen due to undergoing a refurbishment. Your feedback is appreciated as we are always looking at ways to improve our service.
    Written 1 May 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 22 March 2024
  • golf89
    London, United Kingdom67 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wightlink - Briliant!
    As a regular traveller from the Island to the mainland, I frequently use Wightlink and have consistently found the service to be excellent, aside from the cost (I get discount - which helps... abit). I can't fault this service I'm afraid. I have travelled heavy and light and when I have travelled heavy and struggled with bags, the staff have always stepped up and helped me. If I have raced to the finish line to get the ferry, staff have always been so courteous and kind. I have travelled with Red Funnel, and Wightlink are by far brilliant in comparison. Staff onboard are great, friendly and swift with serving passengers from the short journey to and from Yarmouth. My only gripe and this is not the fault of WL, at busier peak times, dogs have taken up seats that a paying passenger could be using. (I am a massive dog lover btw). Can this be monitored without causing an argument with lack of common sense dog loving owner, no idea but worth a moan. Only seems to happen during holiday season. Brilliant service from my point of view.
    Hello golf89, Thank you for your review. I am very pleased to hear that you enjoy your experience when travelling with Wightlink and I am glad to see that you find the staff to be so helpful on all occasions. With regards to dogs on seats, we do ask that all customers refrain from allowing this. Please do bring it to the attention of a staff member who will be more than happy to help and advise the person allowing this. Once again, thank you for your kind words and hope to see you soon.
    Written 1 May 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 12 April 2024
  • Simon H
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Excellent staff service fixed my booking mistake.
    So I messed up the booking. We arrived for the 7am sailing from Yarmouth only to find I had booked the return ticket the wrong way around. We were booked on the 6:55am from Lymington!! Not good as we had an appointment that we would miss if we had to get a later ferry. The lovely woman on duty came to the car explained my mistake and then went away to sort it out. She got us on the 7am ferry and rebooked our return for later that day. There was no fuss no extra charges just smiling excellent service. Thank you to that helpful member of staff 7am sailing Monday 15th April 2024
    Hello simonhK8477WX, Thank you for taking the time to share this with us. I do hope you were able to get to your appointment in time. Your kind words have been passed on to the individual who helped you as well as to our Management team. Thank you again and hope to see you soon.
    Written 1 May 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 16 April 2024
  • Rich
    Farnborough, United Kingdom15 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wash your ands and a retrain required!
    While waiting for a ferry across to the IOW we had 45 minutes to kill. We spent the time watching the two staff members behind the counter. Firstly the lady blew her nose on a tissue and then served customers without washing her hands. Then the guy ate his snack, again wiping his mouth and beard after eating. He too didn’t wash his hands. Appalling for food staff.
    Hello Cruiser29193108148, Thank you for taking the time to share your concerns with us. I am very sorry that you had to experience this. Please could you send us an email to feedback@wightlink.co.uk with the port you travelled from and the time so we can send this to our Retail Manager for investigation. Thank you.
    Written 1 May 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 22 April 2024
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4.0
4.0 of 5 bubbles669 reviews
Excellent
365
Very good
158
Average
47
Poor
24
Terrible
75

Doctor_MoJo
Devon32 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020 • Family
We used Wightlink ferries yesterday to visit the Isle of Wight from Lymington to Yarmouth. The ferry was fully booked, with both car decks full and approximately 30 foot passengers also being allowed on.

There was a complete lack of social distancing on board due to the sheer number of passengers. Whilst I can appreciate Wightlink are trying to make up for lost revenue, their approach is totally irresponsible during the current coronavirus situation.

If there is a sure way to spread Coronavirus it’s cramming people from all parts of the UK into a small enclosed space. Yes they have some outside space on deck but naturally most people will want to stay inside, especially when the weather is poor weather as it was yesterday.

There were no pre-boarding checks or even quick questions to ask the simple coronavirus screening questions we use with patients.

Mask wearing seemed to be optional and whilst I appreciate it’s difficult to ‘make’ people wear masks there was no effort from staff to politely remind people. In a situation like this where people are crammed into a small space, mask wearing should be a compulsory part of their terms and conditions.
Written 22 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Doctor_MoJo Thank you for your review. I'm sorry you found the social-distancing on board to be so poor. We've reduced the numbers of people that can travel on our ships and we use signs and public announcements to advise customers of the importance in keeping their distance and wearing their face coverings (unless exempt). Our teams are not in a position to provide a medical screening service before travel but we will continue to monitor and update the way we operate based on the advice from Government and local authorities. However, I will share your review with our safety team. Thanks again.
Written 27 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Chloe Lomas
3 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2020
After lockdown number 1 my partner and I attempted to book a quick visit to his family on the island, I paid the extortionate fee. when lockdown 2 was announced I decided it was my moral obligation to cancel the trip, so I contacted Wightlink to ask for a refund as I considered this to be a special case. I was told my ticket type was non-refundable but they would place my ticket on hold for use at a later date.

when I attempted to re-book my ticket, to attend a funeral, I was told I would have to pay a bit extra as these were "peak times", as in the company wants to squeeze more money out of people, I seriously doubt there are peak times during a pandemic. not that Wightlink cares about the impact they are having on the spread of the virus. Unfortunately I ended up catching the virus the day before I was due to travel, so I delayed the travel again.

As lockdown 2 has ended I decided now is the time to go home, Wightlink has different ideas. I have been told I once more will be charged extra to see the people I love, apparently a longer stay on the island equates to a higher expense to the ferry company?

The ferries are absolutely killing the island, why would anyone pay £200 to book their car on a boat when they can just drive to Cornwall and have the same experience? even the festivals shrivel each year, Mod week has less and less scooters each time. The highstreets have become barren and the job market is wrecked. the ferries should be doing everything they can to boost the island, not crush it and trap the residents.
Written 17 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Keith P
1 contribution
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2021
Wightlink cancelled my outward ferry from Portsmouth and charged me a cancellation fee! They booked me on a later crossing from Lymington that would have added an extra hour and a half of driving and arrived too late for me to attend my business on the island. I had paid for the fully flexible ticket, but their website locked me out from amending the outward crossing (and this was still two days before the sailing time). Their phone line kept me on hold for half an hour then cut me off and did it again when I called the following morning. I used the link they sent me to cancel the ferry, but it didn't work and they just sent me an automated message that they would get back to me at some point. When I cancelled on line, they have charged me a fee for the privilege!
Written 16 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Len C
1 contribution
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2020 • Friends
I have tried to travel to the island this weekend and Friday there are no sailings. Wightlink are an absolute joke serving the island, they should have their licence taken away, we have had a property in Freshwater for over 30 years and have never known such a disgusting service the present owners need to take a good look at themselves and deal with it or pack it in. Normally you could travel with somebody else but travelling to the island we have no choice. The worst service ever hiding behind COVID 19 to
Justify their poor efforts.
Get rid of Wightlink
Written 17 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello 434lenc I'm very sorry we're unable to offer our full timetable during the pandemic. The numbers of travellers we can carry on each ship has also been reduced to aid with social-distancing. There's nothing we'd love more than to operate our full timetable. In fact, this summer we were going to introduce more sailings by adding a third-boat service onto this route - but sadly events got in the way of our plans. Sorry once again.
Written 27 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Olivia M
2 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2021 • Couples
From my understanding, staff should be polite at all times, as we (the customers) are actually keeping they job safe. Yhe ticket prices are crazy expensive and I think the customers should be cherishes a bit more.The member of the staff, checking the tickets of cyclist's on a ferry Lymington- Yarmouth at 8:45 a.m was passive- aggressive. He asked me for the ticket number, pointing his finger to my phone without saying any "hi" and "please", his voice tone was ordering, rather asking as well. I understand it's a busy time, but I felt as a criminal going to my cell in a minute. When I told him, he should be more polite, instead of apology, he repeated he needs a number... 😒 I am a returning customer and I know, that majority of the staff is nice, however few, usually the same people are rude or just unpleasant, because for example they don't say hi, when they meet you or switching off ferry lights in the evening, without warning, before a ferry reaches the shores! I have just one explanation to it, because of the monopoly of the Lymington ferry, I guess some of the staff members think, it's alright not to polite, as people still return, no matter what.🤔 Really shame.
Written 26 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

G P
1 contribution
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2022 • Solo
Disappointing that on a busy 2200 sailing from Yarmouth on Sunday 19 June, the cafe decided to stop serving hot drinks only fifteen minutes after sailing. Given how busy the service was compared to similar sailings at this time (festival weekend) it was extremely frustrating to find that having delayed purchasing my drink to let the queue reduce, it was decided to remove the hot drink facility so they could clean the machine, I assume so that staff could get off asap once the ship berthed. Yet another example of Wightlink not putting the customer first.
Written 19 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Good morning. Thank you for providing us with your feedback and my apologies you were not able to purchase your coffee while on board with us. I will be passing your comments on to the ship. I do appreciate you taking the time to let us know about this so we are able to feed this back to the team working that day and hopefully prevent this from happening again.
Written 23 June 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Marty M
Christchurch, UK9 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2021
Our family made two car bookings from Lymington to Yarmouth at 11am on 11 June two months in advance. Two days before the sailing day one party received a message to say their outward journey had been changed to a 3pm sailing from Portsmouth to Fishguard. They spoke to the Company and after some pushing they were booked on the 7.25am sailing from Lymington involving a very early start and a long tiring day. Later the same day a message was received by the other party saying that the return journey on 14 June had been changed from Yarmouth/Lymington to Fishguard/Portsmouth. After pressure by telephone with the Company this was reverted to the original route. No explanation was given for these last minute changes and in fact the ferries were not overbooked and both parties were put on earlier ferries as standbys on the return journey. This is no way to treat customers on what is a very expensive ferry crossing.
Written 29 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Disgusted of Totland
1 contribution
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2021
The ability of Wightlink to screw up is boundless.
Our booking for Friday from Portsmouth has been rescheduled to 3.30 on Saturday morning due to yet another engine failure. Replacement tickets on Red Funnel cost £100.
In the meantime the Lymington 'service' does not sail after eight o'clock in the evening, and one of the boats is never used.
The company strategy is to run the minimum possible capacity and then push up the fares when it is busy. Letting down the customers doe not matter, because they are a captive market.
Even Matt Hancock could not do worse.
Written 17 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Chloe T
1 contribution
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2023
Travelled this morning from Yarmouth on the 0620 ferry. Booked on the staff intranet at St Mary’s as the three of us are all NHS staff. When we got to the terminal they demanded we paid an extra £30 each car as we did not have nhs badges due to us leaving early in the morning for a family emergency. We did offer proof in the form of professional registration cards and IOW NHS email accounts (which obviously we would not have if we did not work there). We are absolutely disgusted in the service we received, a distinctive lack of compassion in an already tense situation.
Written 25 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Good Morning, I am sorry you feel this away about your crossing. We do ask that for any discount you bring along proof you are entitled to the discount. I do not think this us unfair for us to do as it prevents misuse of discounts. We are not in a position to take other forms of proof other than the stated ones. If you would like to send photo proof of your badges along with your booking references to feedback@wightlink.co.uk we would be more than happy to look into this for you. Kind Regards, The WIghtlink Team
Written 27 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

JW-R
Plymouth, UK212 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2022 • Family
This was our first time crossing with the company and we were very impressed with the level of customer service. The captain of the vessel (both ways) was very entertaining and the crossings were quick and smooth. The cafe area is expensive but it is only a quick journey so you could wait
Written 25 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Jamie I am glad to hear you enjoyed your first experience onboard with Wightlink. Our Lymington to Yarmouth route is often noted as the scenic route and takes approximately 40 minutes to cross. Just enough time to grab a cuppa and watch the world go by. We look forward to welcoming you onboard again soon.
Written 9 August 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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WIGHTLINK ISLE OF WIGHT FERRIES (2024) All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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