Wightlink runs a second, quieter car ferry route alongside its main Portsmouth–Fishbourne service: Lymington to Yarmouth, on the western side of the Solent. If you're travelling from the New Forest or the western side of the south coast, this is worth considering ahead of the busier Portsmouth crossing.
Why This Route Exists
Lymington sits within the New Forest, considerably west of Portsmouth and Southampton. For anyone starting their journey from that direction, driving east to Portsmouth or Southampton just to catch a ferry back west to the island adds unnecessary distance — the Lymington–Yarmouth crossing avoids that detour entirely.
Crossing Time and Frequency
The crossing takes around 40 minutes, broadly similar to Wightlink's Portsmouth–Fishbourne route, with sailings running at regular intervals throughout the day. Because Yarmouth is a smaller harbour than Fishbourne or East Cowes, sailings here can feel less rushed and less busy, particularly outside peak summer weekends — genuinely one of the calmer ferry experiences among the island's three main operators.
What It Costs
Wightlink doesn't publish a single fixed fare for this route any more than it does for Portsmouth–Fishbourne — car ferry pricing varies by date and time. The same booking principles apply: avoid Saturday changeover-day pricing where possible, and book outside peak midday hours if your schedule allows it.
Wightlink's current discounts apply across both its routes: 10% off ferry travel for bookings made and travelled before 27 March 2027 (excluding bank holidays and Isle of Wight Festival weekend), and up to 40% off motorhome crossings at off-peak times.
Yarmouth Itself
Yarmouth is a small harbour town on the island's western tip — quieter and smaller in scale than Ryde, Newport, or Cowes, with a genuine working harbour, a historic pier, and a compact high street rather than a large resort seafront. If your destination is the West Wight (Freshwater, Totland, Alum Bay, or The Needles), landing at Yarmouth cuts out a long cross-island drive that arriving via Fishbourne or East Cowes would otherwise require. The town itself is also a recognised starting point for the Round the Island cycle route, since the signposted route passes directly through it.
Getting Onward From Yarmouth
Yarmouth connects to Newport via the A3054, a straightforward drive of around 20–25 minutes. Southern Vectis route 7 also runs between Yarmouth and Newport for foot passengers, departing from a bus stop close to the harbour — see our full Yarmouth to Newport without a car guide for fares and timings.
Combining This Route With a West Wight Trip
If your plan includes Colwell Bay, Totland Bay, Freshwater Bay, or The Needles and Alum Bay, arriving via Yarmouth means you're often within a 15–20 minute drive of your destination straight off the ferry, rather than crossing most of the island first. See our guides to Colwell Bay, Totland Bay, and the Needles chairlift if that's part of your itinerary.
Which Route Should You Choose?
If your journey starts anywhere near the New Forest, Lymington–Yarmouth is usually the more sensible route than driving to Portsmouth or Southampton first. If your destination on the island is the West Wight specifically, this route also saves a long cross-island drive on arrival.
For the busier Portsmouth route, see our Wightlink vs Red Funnel comparison, or our full ferry comparison for all three operators.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lymington to Yarmouth cheaper than Portsmouth to Fishbourne?
Pricing follows the same principles on both Wightlink routes — it varies by date and time rather than one route being consistently cheaper. The choice usually comes down to which crossing point is more convenient for your starting location, not price.
Who should use the Lymington to Yarmouth ferry?
Anyone travelling from the New Forest or the western side of the south coast, since this route avoids driving east to Portsmouth first. It's also the more direct choice if your island destination is the West Wight (Freshwater, Totland, or The Needles).
How long does the Lymington to Yarmouth crossing take?
Around 40 minutes, broadly similar in length to Wightlink's Portsmouth–Fishbourne route.
How do I get from Yarmouth to Newport?
By car via the A3054, around 20–25 minutes, or by Southern Vectis route 7 for foot passengers, departing near the harbour.
Is Yarmouth a good base for a West Wight holiday?
Yes — it puts you close to Colwell Bay, Totland Bay, Freshwater Bay, and The Needles without a long cross-island drive, and it's directly on the Round the Island cycle route if you're travelling with bikes.
Related: Cheapest Isle of Wight ferry (all 3 operators) · Wightlink vs Red Funnel: which is cheapest? · Yarmouth to Newport without a car
