Local Transport on the Isle of Wight

If you are popping over to the Isle of Wight as a foot passenger, there's plenty of local transport to get you around the island. 

The Southern Vectis Bus Company provides regular services on a set timetable, with bus routes linking the main towns and villages. If you plan to use the bus throughout your stay , it may be better value to buy a Rover ticket for 24-48hours use, or a Freedom ticket for 7days+. There is also unlimited travel after 7pm (to 7am) on a NightRider ticket, for anyone going out for the night! NightRider tickets and one-way tickets can be bought from the driver. Rover and Freedom tickets can be bought from the driver, in advance from the Southern Vestis Online Ticket Shop, or from over 60 PayPoint shops across the island. (You may also see 'Wightbus' buses around. These are council run buses and are often school buses or used for other council services. However, there are some public routes with Wightbus... here is the Wightbus timetable and route info.)

Trains run between Ryde Pier and Shanklin, via Ryde Esplande, Brading, Sandown and Lake. 'Island Line' is the only stretch of public transport railway on the Isle of Wight. However, the Isle of Wight Steam Railway also connects with Island Line at Smallbrook Station. Southern Vectis bus 'Rover' tickets can be used on the Island Line too. You can buy single or return fares, or 7 day Season Tickets. Fares and timetables can be found on the Island Line website.

Taxis may be the best way to get about if you are travelling to the more rural areas on the island, or if you don't fancy getting the bus. There are a few Taxi ranks around, but the best way to get a taxi is to give them a call. See our Travel page for details of Taxi companies.

Want to see the sights? If you would rather have a guided tour, you might prefer one of the open-top sightseeing buses. See our Things to Do page for more info.