The cost of the ferry crossing can be eye wateringly expensive, but we can often book your ferry crossing to the Isle of Wight at a well discounted price (prices are per car regardless of the number of passengers).  There are a limited number of trade discounts per crossing, so it is worth booking this early for the busier times. A particular advantage is that these trade rates are flexible, so if you cancel or need to change your plans, you will get a refund.

On the bright side, the ferries all have good facilities and it can be a pleasant experience sitting with a coffee on the outdoor decks watching the activity on the solent.  Also, the ferry operators are pretty flexible in case you turn up late, so this shouldn't be a stressful part of your holiday.  Pretty much all of the ports are equidistant from Clarence House, so just pick the most convenient port on what is known locally ar "The North Island"

If you are interested, you can check the crossing times for the car routes and their direct booking prices here:

• Wightlink https://www.wightlink.co.uk/
  
  • Portsmouth to Fishbourne
    
  • Lymington to Yarmouth
    

• Red Funnel https://www.redfunnel.co.uk/en/
  
  • Southampton to East Cowes
    

If you would like me to send you a quotation, please fill in the form here

We can't help with any discounts on the hovercraft or passenger only services, but there are several options and all well connected with other public transport at both ends.  

If you arrive via the RedJet in Cowes from Southampton, you'll need to take 2 buses to Ventnor via Newport (#1 to newport and then either  #3 or, more slowly, #6 to Ventnor) - more details here.  

The better route is arriving in Ryde - either at the end of the pier travelling by the hydrofoil (a direct link from Portsmouth Harbour station) or using the fast hovercraft from Southsea.  From either one you can walk straight onto the Island Line train service which runs down the east side of the island to Shanklin (the line was actually opened to Ventnor in 1866, but sadly closed 100 years later).  From Shanklin station you can eiterh take the #3 bus or hop in a taxi to get to Ventnor.

Taxis?  Many local firms can offer you a lift but are often small operators, so worth calling with a bit of notice:

• Shanklin based.  
  • RS Taxis - 01983 777759 or 07784 281753
  • Lake Taxis - 01983 402641
• Ventnor based.
  • Charlies Taxi - 01983 853697 or 07515 853698
  • B&B Taxis - 01983 855181

On your bike?  You can bring bikes on all of these options and for the particularly dedicated cyclist, this is the route from Ryde Pier to Clarence House or from Redjet in Cowes.  And read much much more at our dedicated Cycling page here.

And finally, if you really like to avoid car travel altogether, this is a great guide to taking it slowly.