Isle of Wight hovercraft

The Isle of Wight Hovercraft is the world's only year-round scheduled (timetabled) passenger hovercraft service. It operates a regular timetable transporting passengers between Ryde and Southsea in Portsmouth, with excellent connections to both road and rail networks on either side.

As the quickest way to travel from the mainland to the Isle of Wight (10 minute journey time across the Solent) the hovercraft is regularly used by visitors to the Island, as well as commuters heading to and from work. It's also classed as one of the Isle of Wight's many attractions, with many visitors hopping on board just to enjoy the unique experience!

The hovercraft has a well-established history on the Isle of Wight, with the very first craft (invented by Sir Christopher Cockerell) being manufactured by East Cowes marine firm Saunders-Roe in the late 1950s. That great tradition has continued for many years with Hovertravel.

The official terminology for a hovercraft journey over the water is “flying” not “sailing”, so remember when you’ve travelled on it you can tell your family and friends you just took a 10 minute flight to the Isle of Wight!

£60 family flyer ticket

The ten minute flight across the Solent is even better value with Hovertravel's £60 family flyer ticket. The Island’s sandy beaches, cute villages and stunning coastlines make the best locations for a perfect day trip. 

Fly & Fry with fish & chips

Indulge in a mouth-watering fish and chip supper in Ryde with Hovertravel's fabulous ‘Fly & Fry’ offer! Take a late-afternoon hovercraft ride and stroll over the footbridge to grab your delicious meal from the Codfather, all for just £33 per adult and £17 per child. This tasty deal is exclusively available for collection at Hovertravel's Southsea terminal. Don’t miss out on this perfect seaside treat! Book your flight here.

Day trip - beach days are the best

A day on the beach is full of sun, sand, sea and the Isle of Wight has glorious stretches of sand with facilities and cafes, set against the ever changing backdrop of the Solent. Spend more time on the beach by flying across on the hovercraft in under ten minutes. Book your hovercraft tickets here.

Cheapest hovercraft tickets are online

Hovertravel’s best value fares are always online, on their website you can find discounts for NHS professionals, armed forces, veteran discounts and several combination tickets that offer the best value for onward transport or visiting an attraction or restaurant.