Diversions to Portsmouth International Port

As part of our continuing facilities renewal and maintenance programme at our Portsmouth car ferry port, we will be operating a revised timetable from Monday, 27 January to Sunday, 2 February 2025.

The car ferries between Portsmouth and Fishbourne will use Portsmouth International Port (PO2 8SP) instead of the port in Gunwharf Road during this time.

To allow for a longer crossing time, sailing times have changed so make sure you check before you book. If you have already made a booking to travel during this period, we’ll be in touch with you directly.

Find out more information about travelling during this period below.

Key takeaways

Where is Portsmouth International Port?

Portsmouth International Port is found on the entrance to the city, right on the M275 motorway that links Portsmouth with the M27. If you’re travelling south into Portsmouth, take junction 2 on the M275, signposted ‘Cruise and Cross Channel Ferries’, and then take the fourth exit on the roundabout.

If you’re travelling north from the city, stay in the left lane of the M275, following the road signs for ‘Cross Channel Ferries’, and then take the first left at the roundabout.

Use the postcode PO2 8SP for your phone or sat nav.

Explore Portsmouth International Port

Important information

Boarding and disembarking

Boarding and disembarking the ferry at Portsmouth International Port will be slightly different than at our Portsmouth Gunwharf port. When entering the port, your vehicle may be subject to a security check.

There is no upper boarding ramp at PIP, so you will enter the ferry on the lower deck and your vehicle will remain there for the crossing.

Please arrive and check in between 60 minutes and 30 minutes before your scheduled sailing. Priority Boarding will not be available.

Woman checking in ticket at Wightlink ferry

Foot passengers

You won’t be able to book onto the Portsmouth – Fishbourne route as a foot passenger during this period.

We recommend travelling on our Portsmouth Harbour – Ryde Pier Head route instead, which has a shorter crossing time of 22 minutes. During this period, we will be extending our FastCat timetable to run through the night.

See the full Portsmouth – Ryde timetable on our Timetables page.

See the latest timetable information

Wightlink's Victoria of Wight ferry in the middle of the Solent

Tickets and timetable changes

A temporary timetable will be in place from Monday, 27 January to Sunday, 2 February as journeys across the Solent will be slightly longer than usual, taking around an hour.

You won’t be able to purchase any tickets at Portsmouth International Port so all bookings will need to made in advance.

You’ll need to arrive for check-in no earlier than one hour before and no less than 30 minutes before the scheduled sailing time as vehicle security checks may be required.

See the latest timetable information on our Timetables page.