Isle of Wight Trains Stop Today as Buses Take Over
Trains on the Isle of Wight's Island Line stop running today, 31 October, as South Western Railway closes the entire route between Ryde Pier Head and Shanklin for track and signalling repairs. Buses replace all trains until 15 November, affecting journeys across Ryde, Sandown and Shanklin, including connections with the Portsmouth Harbour ferry. Further closures are scheduled for the rest of November.
How to Travel While Trains Are Suspended
- 31 October–15 November: All trains cancelled; buses link Ryde Pier Head, Esplanade and Shanklin.
- Stops south of Ryde: St John's Road, Brading, Sandown and Lake.
- 16–28 November: Buses cover Ryde Pier Head–St John's Road; trains continue south.
- 29 November: Full closure and replacement buses return.
- Before leaving: Check SWR's updated journey planner.
- Ferry connection: Board the Pier Head shuttle outside Wightlink's ticket office.
The first stage covers track repairs and alignment work intended to prevent faults that cause delays. From 16 November, engineers will renew 700 metres of track between Ryde Pier Head and Ryde St John's Road, while trains resume towards Shanklin. Ryde St John's Road station and its car park will be closed during the initial fortnight, so drivers cannot leave vehicles there for onward journeys.
At Ryde Esplanade, buses for Shanklin leave from Stand D at the bus station, while the Pier Head shuttle uses the short-stay bay near the pier entrance. Wightlink's FastCat ferry connects Ryde Pier Head with Portsmouth Harbour in around 22 minutes. Ferry passengers should check their sailing time separately and remember that the road replacement involves an extra change at Ryde Esplanade.
The replacement buses will not carry bicycles, bulky luggage or unfolded pushchairs, according to South Western Railway's general guidance. Wheelchair-accessible vehicles may also be limited, so passengers needing assistance should arrange this with the operator before travelling. Those heading for a booked ferry should use the revised bus journey time rather than the old train timetable; the connection at Ryde Esplanade is the critical part.
