The Isle of Wight is a beautiful place to explore on foot and by bus. Here are some tips for getting around the island on foot.
The Isle of Wight has an extensive bus network that covers most of the island. The buses are operated by Southern Vectis, which is the main bus company on the Isle of Wight. They provide a handy route planner that will enable you to make the most of your time on the island.
The buses run throughout the year, with a reduced service on Sundays and public holidays. During the summer months, there are additional services to cater for the higher number of visitors to the island, in particular smaller beach routes (Shanklin).
Most of the buses run on a regular schedule, with frequent services on the main routes. The bus stops are clearly marked, and the timetable is displayed at each stop.
The bus fares are based on the distance travelled, and you can pay using cash or contactless payment methods on the bus. You can also buy a day ticket or a weekly ticket, which allows unlimited travel on the buses for a set price. The bus drivers are very helpful, if you are unsure of the name of the nearest bus stop, letting them know where you would like to alight, they can advise on nearest stop.
There are small localised routes which may run on differing days, from St Lawrence to Ventnor is a good example, so double check your routes if you are planning a walk with a bus return that may be off the main routes.
There is often space for 1-2 pushchairs so often folding up your buggy and carrying a baby may be a better option than trying to squeeze on a busy bus and risk not having space.
It is also worth checking for local independent buses that locals use, the FYT service Yarmouth, Freshwater and Totland is a small mini-bus that services local people – ask at the main tourism points for information on these buses, the are a really nice way to get involved with the local community services – always ensure locals are provided a space as a priority if you are travelling in a group, to avoid taking seats away from more isolated/elderly people who rely on these smaller routes to get out and about.
Timetables and maps –
use this handy online tool to plan your journey
Southern Vectis offers day roamer tickets that allow unlimited travel on all their buses for one day. These tickets are a popular choice for tourists and visitors to the island who want to explore the local area and visit multiple attractions.
If you are arriving directly into Ryde and wish to travel by train, there is also a small railway line that operates between Ryde Pier Head and Shanklin, serving Smallbrook Junction, Brading, Sandown and Lake stations along the way. This is known as “The Island Line” railway on the Isle of Wight.
We have experienced both travelling solo and with children and overall the buses and trains on the Isle of Wight are a convenient and affordable way to get around the island, and they provide an excellent way to explore the local area.New Paragraph
Isle of Wight
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