The Route 4 service, operated by Southern Vectis, is one of the Isle of Wight’s most essential and historic journeys. Connecting the bustling seaside town of Ryde with the ferry port of East Cowes, this route is often dubbed the “Royal Route” because it serves the magnificent Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s beloved island residence.
Whether you are a local commuter, a day-tripper arriving by hovercraft, or a history enthusiast tracing the steps of monarchs, the Route 4 offers a reliable and scenic link across the north-east of the island.
A Royal Connection and Coastal Charm
There is a certain prestige to travelling on the Route 4. It acts as the primary artery between two of the island’s major gateways: the foot passenger ferry services in Ryde and the vehicle ferry in East Cowes. But beyond its logistical importance, it is a journey through the Isle of Wight’s Victorian heritage.
The route whisks passengers away from the lively esplanade of Ryde, through charming villages and lush woodland, before arriving at the gates of royal history. It’s perfect for those who want to leave the car behind, offering a stress-free way to hop between towns, enjoy a pub lunch by a creek, or spend a day marvelling at Italianate architecture.
The Journey: Stop by Stop
The Route 4 covers a diverse landscape in a relatively short time (around 30–40 minutes end-to-end), making it an ideal choice for visitors who want to see a lot without spending hours on a bus.
Ryde: The Gateway
The journey begins at Ryde, the island’s largest town. Most buses depart from the Transport Interchange, which is seamlessly connected to the Hovercraft (from Southsea) and the FastCat (from Portsmouth). Before you board, take a moment to admire Ryde’s golden sands or grab a coffee on Union Street. As the bus leaves town, you’ll head up the hill, leaving the Victorian seafront behind.
Binstead and Fishbourne
The first major community on the route is Binstead. This quiet village offers a glimpse of local island life and provides access to lovely walking trails. Further along, the bus passes the top of Fishbourne Lane. While the bus doesn’t go all the way down to the terminal, Fishbourne is the arrival point for the Wightlink car ferry. If you are arriving here as a foot passenger, it is a short walk up the lane to catch the Route 4 westbound.
Wootton: Creek and Countryside
Midway through the journey, you arrive in Wootton. This is a fantastic place to hop off. The village sits at the head of a creek, offering picturesque water views. It is also a convenient stop for the Isle of Wight Steam Railway at Havenstreet (a short walk or connecting bus away). The Sloop Inn near the bridge is a popular spot for a scenic lunch before rejoining the bus.
Whippingham: A Church Fit for a Queen
As the bus nears East Cowes, you pass through Whippingham. Keep an eye out for the distinctive spire of St Mildred’s Church. This was the place of worship for Queen Victoria and her family when they stayed at Osborne. The church’s architecture is unique, blending Gothic and romantic styles—a hidden gem that many drive past but few stop to explore.
Osborne House
The highlight for many is the stop at Osborne House. The bus stops right outside the entrance, making it the easiest way to visit English Heritage’s jewel in the crown. You can spend hours here exploring the opulent state rooms, the Swiss Cottage, and the private beach where the royal children learned to swim.
East Cowes: The Terminus
The route terminates in East Cowes. Here, you are dropped conveniently close to the Red Funnel vehicle ferry terminal (connecting to Southampton) and the Chain Ferry (floating bridge) which takes you across the river to West Cowes. East Cowes has a rich maritime history and is home to the Classic Boat Museum, well worth a visit before you head home.
Practical Information
The Route 4 is a high-frequency “trunk route,” meaning you rarely have to wait long for a ride.
- Frequency: During the day (Monday to Saturday), buses typically run every 10 to 15 minutes. On Sundays and evenings, the service usually shifts to every 30 minutes.
- Timetable: The route operates early in the morning until late at night, making it perfect for dinner in Ryde or Cowes.
- Tickets: Southern Vectis offers excellent value. You can pay via contactless on the bus (Tap On, Tap Off). For a day of exploring, a “Rover” ticket is often the best choice, allowing unlimited travel on all Southern Vectis buses for 24 hours.
Planning Your Day Out
To make the most of the Route 4, here is a suggested itinerary for a classic Isle of Wight day trip:
- Morning: Start in Ryde with a breakfast overlooking the Solent. Hop on the Route 4 heading west.
- Mid-Day: Alight at Osborne House. Spend the bulk of your day exploring the house and grounds. There are cafes on-site, or you can picnic on the beach.
- Afternoon: Re-board the bus to East Cowes. Visit the Classic Boat Museum or simply watch the ferries come and go. If you have time, take the floating bridge across to West Cowes for a quick wander (separate ticket required).
- Evening: Catch the Route 4 back towards Ryde, perhaps stopping at Wootton for a pub dinner by the creek as the sun sets.
Top Tips for the Journey
- Sit Upstairs: Most Route 4 buses are double-deckers. Grab the front seat on the top deck for the best views of the countryside and the glimpse of the Solent as you descend towards East Cowes.
- Check the App: The Southern Vectis mobile app is incredibly useful. It shows the live location of your bus so you know exactly when to leave the café.
- Combine with the Breeze: In the summer months, you can use your Rover ticket to connect with the “Downs Breezer” open-top bus at Ryde for a completely different view of the island.
Year-Round Appeal
Unlike some of the seasonal tourist routes, the Route 4 runs 365 days a year (schedules vary on Christmas Day). Osborne House is open year-round (though winter opening times vary), and the local pubs in Wootton and Binstead offer a cosy retreat in the colder months. Whether it’s the height of summer or a crisp winter morning, the Route 4 is your reliable carriage across the north of the Isle of Wight.
