There are plenty of options when it comes to catching a ferry the 4 miles to the Isle of Wight.
Wightlink Ferry
The Wightlink service operates between Lymington in Dorset and Yarmouth on the west of the island. This is one of the most convenient options as Yarmouth is within driving distance of many of the other resorts on the island. Wightlink run ferries almost around the clock, see below for the first and last services:
First ferry from Lymington to Yarmouth: 0345
Last ferry from Lymington to Yarmouth: 2359
First ferry from Yarmouth to Lymington: 0035
Last ferry from Yarmouth to Lymington: 2315
Wightlink also operate regular services between Portsmouth and Fishbourne, and there is a catamaran between Portsmouth and Ryde.
Dogs and bikes travel free on all Wightlink ferry services. It is possible to book your tickets on arrival at the port, although they will be more expensive than those booked in advance.
Red Funnel Ferry
The Red Funnel ferry runs between Southampton and East and West Cowes, and there is a Red Jet High Speed foot passenger-only service available that takes just 23 minutes. See below for the first and last ferry services from Monday to Friday. Times differ slightly on weekends and bank holidays.
First ferry from Southampton to West Cowes: 0545
Last ferry from Southampton to West Cowes: 2345
First ferry from West Cowes to Southampton: 0615
Last ferry from West Cowes to Southampton: 2315
There is a free CityLink shuttle bus available between Southampton train station and the Red Funnel ferry port. The service operates every 15 minutes and the journey takes just 10 minutes. This service stops at West Quay shopping centre en route.
Hovertravel Ferry
Hovertravel operates a foot passenger service between Southsea and Ryde that takes just 30 minutes. This is the fastest service to the Isle of Wight, and one of the best connected. There is a hoverbus to take passengers into Portsmouth upon arrival, and bus and train connections in Ryde. There are also large car parks at either terminal.
Trains
South West Trains offer combined rail and ferry tickets to the Isle of Wight, and the regular services to Southampton Central connect with the ferries.
Lymington Pier railway station is directly beside Lymington port and is served by South West Trains.
Once on the island, foot passengers who arrive at Ryde Pier can change to an Island Line train to Sandown and Shanklin.
Coach
National Express operates services to Southampton, and through-tickets are available to the Isle of Wight.