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.
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. 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.
Getting Onward From Yarmouth
Yarmouth connects to Newport via the A3054, a straightforward drive of around 20–25 minutes. Southern Vectis buses also run between Yarmouth and Newport for foot passengers.
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 do I get from Yarmouth to Newport?
By car via the A3054, around 20–25 minutes, or by Southern Vectis bus for foot passengers.
Related: Cheapest Isle of Wight ferry (all 3 operators) · Wightlink vs Red Funnel: which is cheapest? · Best ferry to Newport
