Hovertravel

Type:Boat

Ryde

Quay Road, Ryde, Isle Of Wight, PO33 2HB

Tel: 01983 717700

Hovertravel

About

Hovertravel is the fastest ferry service between Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight and is the world’s only commercial passenger hovercraft service.

The thrill of flying on a cushion of air just 1.5 metres above the waves at speeds of up to 45 knots is an exhilarating experience. When the hovercraft swings round to glide from the beach to the sea, the smooth transition is unlike any other boat or ship.

Once onboard the passenger cabin is bright and spacious and the large picture windows give great views of the Solent, including a huge variety of marine traffic to watch plus a couple of historic forts built in the late 1800s.

The speedy hovercraft takes just 10 minutes to cross between Ryde and Southsea (Portsmouth) and transports passengers from shore to shore with no need for piers or pontoons. It is literally a case of being on the vessel for a few minutes before you are on the island and are getting off again.

There are large car parks at both terminals, bus connections and a convenient Hoverbus service from Portsmouth train stations direct to Southsea Terminal. Ryde Terminal is next to Ryde’s Train and Bus station. Hovertravel is part of the national rail network which means you can buy a single, day return or period return fare from any train station, self-service ticket machine or rail appointed travel agent which includes your hovercraft travel between Portsmouth & Isle of Wight, and Hoverbus transfer, plus your onward travel on the Isle of Wight (just ensure your tickets state ‘Ryde Hoverport’ or route ‘via Hovertravel’).

Hovertravel is also travel partners with National Express and Southern Vectis which means you can buy an all-inclusive ticket from anywhere in the UK to any destination on the Isle of Wight including your Hovertravel service between Ryde.

Hovertravel operates every 30 mins between April & October, and hourly during the Winter months (November – March) carrying up to 78 passengers per crossing. All passengers will receive help with luggage from friendly staff. Passengers who require that extra bit of help can take advantage of the HoverCare Scheme. The hovercraft can carry one wheelchair per crossing and allows pets to travel with their owners. Up to four bikes are allowed, subject to other freight and luggage and are provided on a first come- first served basis.

Hovertravel also offer great value on all-inclusive travel & attractions tickets and offer discounts for groups of over 8 persons. For more information, please visit their website.

Whether you have already planned your visit and are looking for a unique transportation experience or want to travel to the Island on the fastest ferry service, a flight with Hovertravel will add a unique memory to your trip.
 

Book Tickets

Facilities

Accessibility

  • Text Message Facility
  • Wheelchair user accessible

Catering

  • Vending Facilities

Children & Infants

  • Baby changing

Establishment Features

  • Air conditioning throughout
  • Dogs admitted on a lead
  • Groups welcome - Please call 01983 717700 to book for a group of 15 persons or more, to book and gain group travel discounts.
  • Open all year round - Except Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
  • Prior Booking Recommended
  • Toilets on Site

Parking & Transport

  • Coach parking - Council operated Coach parking nearby.
  • Secure cycle parking

Payment Methods

  • Delta
  • Maestro
  • MasterCard
  • Solo
  • Visa

Specialist Features

  • Educational Groups
  • Information Point

TripAdvisor

Map & Directions

Road Directions

From M27 exit on to the M275, and follow the orange quarter for Southsea Seafront. After the Rdumore Roundabout, follow the orange triangles for the Hovercraft. The terminal and car park are next to Clarence Pier Fun Fair.

Awards

  • Regional and Miscellaneous -Beautiful South Awards Winners 2017/18 - Bronze Beautiful South Awards Winners 2017/18 - Bronze 2018
  • Regional and Miscellaneous -Beautiful South Awards Winners 2019/20- Commended Beautiful South Awards Winners 2019/20- Commended 2019
  • Regional and Miscellaneous -Beautiful South Awards Winners 2021/22 - Silver Beautiful South Awards Winners 2021/22 - Silver 2022
  • Tourism South East Award -Tourism South East Member 23/24 - Bronze Tourism South East Member 23/24 - Bronze 2023

Opening Times

2024 (1 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024)
DayTimes
Monday - Sunday06:00 - 22:00*

* Please check www.hovertravel.com for full timetable, including for Bank holidays. Winter Services Opening Times may vary

Dates and times marked with a '*' are provisional and may be subject to change

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