Ferry Services from Hayling Island

The Hayling Ferry and harbour crossings

The Hayling Ferry is a small passenger ferry that operates between the southern tip of Hayling Island and Eastney in Portsmouth. The ferry provides a direct link across the harbour mouth, avoiding the long road journey via the A3023 bridge, Havant and the A27.

The ferry crossing takes approximately ten minutes and runs during the warmer months, typically from spring to autumn. The service carries passengers, cyclists and dogs but not motor vehicles. The ferry departs from the ferry pontoon on the Hayling side and lands at the ferry point in Eastney on the Portsmouth side.

For cyclists, the ferry provides a valuable connection between the Hayling Billy Trail on the island and the seafront cycle path in Southsea. A ride from North Hayling along the Billy Trail to the ferry pontoon, across the harbour by boat and then along the Southsea seafront is one of the best cycling routes in the area, combining off-road trails, a harbour crossing and a traffic-free seafront path.

For walkers, the ferry opens up longer routes that combine island walking with the Southsea seafront, the Langstone Harbour path and the routes along the harbour edge through Eastney and Milton. The crossing itself is an experience, with views across the harbour mouth, passing sailing boats and the chance to see harbour wildlife from the water.

The ferry is a seasonal service, and its operating schedule depends on the weather, the tides and the time of year. In summer, the ferry runs regularly throughout the day, but in spring and autumn the service may be reduced. The ferry does not operate during the winter months or in severe weather conditions.

Fares are modest, and the ferry accepts cash payment. Concessions may be available for children, seniors and regular users. The ferry is privately operated and is not subsidised by public funds, so its continued operation depends on passenger numbers and revenue.

The Hayling Ferry has operated in various forms for centuries. A ferry crossing at this point was recorded in historical documents, and the link between Hayling and Eastney predates the road bridge by hundreds of years. The current service carries on a tradition that connects the island to the mainland in a way that the road bridge, for all its practicality, cannot match.

For visitors arriving at the ferry from the Hayling side, the approach along the coastal path offers views across the harbour, and the anticipation of the crossing adds to the experience. The ferry is part of the island's character, a small, independent service that reflects the maritime traditions of the area.