The Island Line is the Isle of Wight's only railway, running between Ryde Pier Head and Shanklin — a genuinely useful link for anyone arriving by ferry or hovercraft without a car.
The Route
Trains run from Ryde Pier Head via Ryde Esplanade, Ryde St Johns Road, Smallbrook Junction, Brading, Sandown and Lake, before terminating at Shanklin. Services run roughly every 30 minutes, starting around 05:23 and running until around 22:33 daily, operated by South Western Railway.
Fares
Standard single and return fares apply, with advance booking able to bring fares down to around £5.40 on some journeys. If you're a resident, the Island Line Residents Card gives 40% off Single and Day Return fares, valid after 08:45 Monday to Friday and all day at weekends and public holidays.
Connecting With the Ferry
Ryde Pier Head station sits directly at the end of Ryde Pier, meaning Wightlink car ferry and Hovertravel hovercraft passengers arriving at Ryde can walk straight onto a waiting train without needing a bus or taxi connection — one of the more genuinely convenient ferry-to-onward-transport links on the island.
Buying Tickets
Tickets can be bought at Ryde Esplanade or Shanklin station ticket offices, from self-service machines, online in advance, or on board the train itself.
Best For
Visitors travelling between Ryde and Shanklin, Sandown, or Brading without a car — particularly useful if you're staying in one of these towns and arrived via the Ryde ferry or hovercraft terminals.
For onward bus connections beyond the Island Line's route, see our Southern Vectis Rover ticket guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do Island Line trains run?
Roughly every 30 minutes, from around 05:23 to 22:33 daily.
How much does the Island Line cost?
Standard single and return fares apply, with advance booking bringing some fares down to around £5.40. Residents get 40% off with an Island Line Residents Card.
Does the Island Line connect to the ferry terminal?
Yes — Ryde Pier Head station sits directly at the end of Ryde Pier, so Wightlink and Hovertravel passengers can walk straight onto a train.
Related: Getting around without a car · Southern Vectis Rover tickets · Best ferry to Ryde
