crossSolent

crossSolent is the term used to describe the crossing of the Solent, the strait that separates the Isle of Wight from the English mainland. It denotes any journey across the Solent by ferry, fast craft, or other marine transport, and is a key component of regional connectivity and tourism.

Geography and significance: The Solent strait is a busy maritime area with regular shipping and changing tides, making crossings weather dependent. The crossSolent corridor supports residents, visitors, and freight, linking the Isle of Wight with ports on the mainland and contributing to the local economy and travel options.

Current services: The crossSolent crossings are predominantly operated by two major ferry operators, Red Funnel and Wightlink. Both provide vehicle and passenger ferries connecting the Isle of Wight with mainland ports, with crossing times typically ranging from roughly 40 to 60 minutes depending on route, vessel, and conditions. In addition to conventional ferries, a hovercraft service once operated across the Solent, but that service ended in the late 20th century. The crossSolent route remains an important part of the region’s transport network and tourism infrastructure.

Fixed-link proposals: Over the years there have been recurrent proposals for a fixed link, such as a bridge or tunnel, to span the Solent. While several feasibility studies and plans have been discussed, no fixed-link project has been constructed or entered routine service to date, and operations continue to rely on ferry and other marine transport.

See also: Solent, Isle of Wight, ferry services, Solent crossing.