Island Line
Island Line runs Ryde Pier Head to Shanklin on the Isle of Wight, operated by South Western Railway.
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Official website
- Official website
- Train tickets
- Direct
Island Line is the passenger railway on the Isle of Wight. South Western Railway (SWR) runs it, and the line is physically separate from SWR's mainland network, but SWR tickets, Railcards and fares apply across both.
Where Island Line runs
Trains run between Ryde Pier Head and Shanklin, calling at Smallbrook Junction, Brading, Sandown and Lake. Ryde Pier Head connects directly with the Wightlink ferry from Portsmouth, and most visitors join the railway straight off that ferry rather than driving to a station first. The Isle of Wight is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, one of only six in the UK.
Smallbrook Junction doubles as the interchange for the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, a separate heritage line covering five miles of country views between Smallbrook and Havenstreet.
Buying tickets
Island Line tickets are sold at Ryde Esplanade and Shanklin ticket offices, online and through the SWR app, using the same fare types as the rest of the SWR network. A combined ferry and train ticket, covering the Portsmouth crossing and the onward Island Line journey, can work out cheaper than buying each leg separately. Railcards apply to most of these combined fares too.
Island residents can apply for an Island Line Residents Card at Ryde Esplanade or Shanklin. You need a completed form, a recent photograph and proof of Isle of Wight residence, such as a council tax notice or driving licence. The card costs £5.00 for an individual or £7.50 for a family. It then gives 40% off Single and Day Return fares after 08:45 on weekdays, and all day at weekends and public holidays.
For unlimited travel over a day, the Island Line Day Ranger and the Hover Rover Rail ticket both cover the full line.
Bikes and connections
Up to four bikes travel free in the Shanklin end of every train. Tandems and bikes with trailers or attachments are not accepted, and the guard can restrict bikes when a train is too busy or running late.
The Shanklin to Ventnor bus link, which used to extend journeys beyond the rail line, is currently suspended. Travellers heading to Ventnor need another connection from Shanklin.
Where to book
Train tickets
- Buy direct from Island Line
Island Line
Frequently asked questions
Where does Island Line run?
Island Line runs between Ryde Pier Head and Shanklin on the Isle of Wight, calling at Smallbrook Junction, Brading, Sandown and Lake.
Can I bring a bike on Island Line?
Yes. Up to four bikes can travel free in the Shanklin end of the train, but tandems and bikes with attachments are not carried, and the guard can restrict bikes when a train is busy.
Is there a discount card for island residents?
Yes. The Island Line Residents Card costs £5.00 for an individual or £7.50 for a family and gives 40% off Single and Day Return fares after 08:45 on weekdays and all day at weekends and public holidays.
Does Island Line connect with the ferry?
Yes. Ryde Pier Head station connects directly with the Wightlink ferry from Portsmouth, and combined ferry and train tickets can be cheaper than buying each leg separately.
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