Travel Tips & Deals

Posted on September 22, 2024

*Updated 02/04/25

All routes to the Island include a ferry cross with Red Funnel, Wightlink & Hovertravel. 

COACH DIRECT TO THE FESTIVAL

It's often cheaper, easier and more environmentally friendly to come by coach direct from a town near you. Check out Big Green Coach. All their services are carbon neutral and they offer great flexible payment plans where for just £1 (coach seat only) or £10 (coach & Festival ticket) today you can secure your travel splitting the rest of the cost monthly.

BRING YOUR CAR ON THE FERRY

There are 3 routes available if you come by car (make sure to also buy a parking permit along with your Festival ticket) - Portsmouth to Fishbourne & Lymington run by Wightlink, and Southampton to East Cowes operated by Red Funnel.

The best prices can be found by choosing your dates and times carefully, maybe consider coming over a day early and booking a B&B for the night? Check out accommodation on the Island on the Visit Isle of Wight website.

The current best offers with Wightlink can be achieved by booking to travel before & after the festival dates. Bookings must be made by 31st October 2024. The is also the way to get the best price with Red Funnel, availability at the offer prices is limited so book now to avoid disappointment. 

All pricing and T&Cs are on the ferry operators websites.

LEAVE YOUR CAR AT HOME AND TRAVEL BY TRAIN, BOAT & BUS

If you leave your car at home and come on foot you can book on any of the three car routes above and enjoy a leisurely crossing with the added benefits of an on-board bar & coffee shop, or try one of three hi-speed services including a 10 minute "flight" by hovercraft!

The Red Funnel Red Jet service runs from Southampton to Cowes. If you come by train you can get on the free Quay Connect bus down to the ferry terminal.  

Wightlink FastCat starts right where the trains drop you off at Portsmouth Harbour and drops you at the wet end of the iconic Ryde Pier.

Hovertravel operates the fastest passenger ferry route across the Solent from Southsea to Ryde, the unique hovercraft crossing takes just 10 minutes and the Hoverbus connects from all Portsmouth stations with every Hovercraft service. Book your train journey to Ryde Hoverport which include you train, hoverbus and hovercraft ticket and railcard discounts are available too. If you have a rail through ticket to Ryde Hoverport reserve your chosen flight by completing the online reservation form.

Once on the Island the Southern Vectis shuttle bus service will be available to take you from the port direct to the Festival campsites.