Southsea to Ryde Hovercraft

Hovertravel

Available to 23 September 2025

Book now from £24.00

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Get tickets here and travel like you never have before with Hovertravel - From Southsea to Ryde

Hovertravel provides the fastest Isle of Wight ferry route across the Solent from Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight and is the world’s only year-round scheduled passenger hovercraft service.

This is the perfect way to spend your summer travels with the family, in the most quick and easy manner. The passenger ferry service takes you directly to the shore at Southsea or Ryde in just 10 minutes!

The service runs between Southsea, near Portsmouth, and Ryde on the Isle of Wight, offering super speedy travel times, making it the fastest way to reach the island.

The unique Hovertravel experience

The hovercraft, skimming over the water on a cushion of air, offers a distinctive and exhilarating experience, coupled with the convenience of frequent departures and the ability to operate in various weather conditions!

Whether you are using Hovertravel for a day trip to the Isle of Wight, or a longer stay, Hovertravel is the fastest and most convenient Isle of Wight ferry service to get your adventure started. 

Continue the fun after your Hovertravel journey

The Isle of Wight, a charming gem off England's southern coast, offers a plethora of delightful activities perfect for a fun family day out. Families can explore the island's stunning coastline, with sandy beaches like Sandown and Shanklin providing ideal spots for building sandcastles and enjoying seaside picnics.

For a historical adventure, Carisbrooke Castle captivates children and adults alike with its fascinating heritage. Nature lovers can wander through the lush Parkhurst Forest, or get out on the beautiful water again with Escape Yachting!

Thrill-seekers can head to Blackgang Chine, the UK's oldest amusement park, where enchanting themed areas and exciting rides create unforgettable memories. Whether cycling along the picturesque Red Squirrel Trail or visiting the beautiful Osborne House, Queen Victoria's beloved retreat, the Isle of Wight promises a diverse array of activities that cater to all ages, ensuring a memorable family outing after your Hovertravel journey!

Clarence Esplanade,
Portsmouth,
England PO5 3AD
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How To Find Us

Hovertravel departs from Southsea in Portsmouth and arrives at Ryde on the Isle of Wight.

Bus:

Take the bus from City Shops South to Queens Hotel. This route takes approximately 13 minutes and costs around

Taxi:

A taxi ride from Portsmouth to Southsea covers about 1.7 miles and takes around 3 minutes, with an estimated fare of $8–$11.

Walking:

If you prefer walking, it’s about 1.3 miles and takes approximately 25 minutes.

  • Disabled Access
  • Ear plugs
  • Ear defenders
  • Wheelchairs
  • Walking frames
  • Walking sticks
  • Hearing loops

For those looking for a fast and efficient way to reach the Isle of Wight, the under 10-minute ferry crossing from Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight with Hovertravel offers a convenient and time-saving option.

Yes, dogs may travel with you but must be kept on a lead and must not travel on the passenger seats of the craft. There is no extra fare for dogs. Please note that there will be a penalty fare if the dog fouls on the craft, pad or terminal. 

You can get from Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight in under 10 minutes using Hovertravel. This short journey time makes this crossing an ideal choice for a day trip to the Isle of Wight. Once at Ryde, you can explore the local area or jump on the local transport to explore further inland. With regular crossings throughout the day, you can be back on the mainland in no time after your fun day out.

There are no toilets onboard the craft but there are toilet facilities at both terminals.

More things to do nearby