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Hovertravel has been operating across the Solent since 1965, making it the world’s longest-running commercial hovercraft service and the only year-round scheduled passenger hovercraft service in Europe. It connects Southsea in Portsmouth with Ryde on the Isle of Wight, with crossings taking just under 10 minutes. Based on the Isle of Wight, Hovertravel can operate regardless of the tide thanks to its unique ability to travel over both water and land. Book your Hovertravel tickets today on our website or app!
Hovertravel Routes
Hovertravel’s route is updated every 15 days. Check the crossing times, timetables and prices below.
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Hovertravel Fleet
Hovertravel operates two modern hovercrafts: Island Flyer and Solent Flyer. They’re each built for fast and comfortable crossings of the Solent. The vessels can carry up to 78 passengers and reach speeds of 45 knots.
About Hovertravel
Since 1965, Hovertravel’s unique hovercrafts have connected Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight, even when the tide is low. Today, Hovertravel remains the fastest way to travel between the two destinations. Its terminals are also conveniently connected to local bus and train services, making it easy to continue your journey on either side.
Hovertravel Check-In Boarding
Arrival Time
Arrive at the terminal at least 10-15 minutes before your intended departure time, and be at the boarding gate no later than 5 minutes before departure. Late arrivals may result in denied boarding.
eTicket Options
When you book, you’ll receive an eTicket by email with a QR code. Simply show this on your phone at the boarding gate, there’s no need to print anything.
Web Check-In
Web check-in is not supported.
Boarding Pass
To get onboard, you simply have to show your booking confirmation and eTicket received by email.
Vehicles On Board
Hovertravel does not carry cars, motorcycles or any other vehicles on this crossing. The hovercraft is for foot passengers only. Bicycles are welcome and travel free of charge, with space for up to four bicycles per crossing on a first-come, first-served basis. No ticket is required for bicycles. Please check availability at the terminal before travelling with your bike.
Required Documents
Passengers must present a valid ticket or booking confirmation. Tickets cannot be issued on board.
Hovertravel Onboard Amenities
Hovertravel’s vessels are designed for fast, no-frills trips. Enjoy the sea views through the wide windows from your comfortable seat. If you need to use the washroom or grab a snack, the terminals on each side of the crossing are well-equipped.
Hovertravel Accessibility
Hovertravel offers assistance to passengers traveling in a wheelchair or with reduced mobility. Once you’ve booked your ticket, please complete the HoverCare Assistance Request to reserve a space for your wheelchair. As space is limited, wheelchair spaces are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before departure to allow enough time for boarding assistance.
The hovercraft and crew are also equipped to assist passengers with other accessibility needs. Whether you’re traveling with a visual or hearing impairment, dementia, autism, or another disability, the Hovertravel team will be happy to provide support and help make your journey as smooth and comfortable as possible.
Wheelchair Access
Ramps and spaces for easy wheelchair access.
Hovertravel Discounts
Infants aged 0-4 travel for free aboard Hovertravel vessels. Children aged 5-15 travel for 50% off, and senior citizens (60+) receive discounts between 30% and 35%.
Infant Travel
Infants aged 0-4 travel for free.
Child Ticket
Children aged 5-15 receive a 50% discount.
NAT Pensioner Fare
30% to 35% discount for senior passengers aged 60+.
Passengers without a Vehicle
Hovertravel is exclusively for foot passengers, offering a simple and hassle-free way to travel. Step on board and enjoy comfortable seating, spacious interiors and a relaxing journey across the water.
Transfer of an unaccompanied vehicle with Hovertravel
Hovertravel only carries foot passengers, so unaccompanied vehicles cannot be transported on the hovercraft either way. If you need to bring a vehicle across the Solent, you can contact their support team for alternative options.
Hovertravel Pet Policy
Pets are welcome aboard Hovertravel, and they travel completely free of charge. Just make sure you follow these general guidelines for a smooth and comfortable travel for your furry friend and all other passengers:
- Dogs and other pets must be carried in an approved pet carrier or kept on a lead or harness while on board.
- Pets must stay on the floor of the passenger area rather than on the seats.
- Owners are asked to make sure their pet doesn’t cause a nuisance to fellow passengers.
- It’s recommended to exercise pets before boarding.
Fully trained guide and assistance dogs travel at no charge as standard, and both the Southsea and Ryde terminals have a dedicated dog refreshment area.
Loyalty Program
Currently, Hovertravel doesn’t offer a loyalty program or membership card. If you think we missed something, feel free to get in touch with our customer support team.
Looking to earn points on every ferry you take? We’ve got you! Simply make a Ferryscanner account, book a trip, and travel. Any Ferryscanner Miles you earn can be redeemed at checkout to save on your next adventure.
Hovertravel Luggage Allowance
Hovertravel includes generous luggage allowance in every fare: passengers can bring up to 30kg of baggage free of charge, with any excess potentially subject to an additional charge. Oversized or out-of-gauge items may need to travel as freight, at the applicable freight tariff. Friendly terminal staff are always on hand to help carry luggage to and from the hovercraft. Bicycles also travel free of charge, up to four per crossing, subject to space and provided on a first-come, first-served basis (no pre-booking), so it’s worth checking availability at the terminal before you buy your ticket if you’re traveling with a bike.
Guiding Principles
For 60 years, Hovertravel has stood for one simple idea: that the fastest, most direct way across the Solent shouldn’t depend on the tide. Where conventional ferries are tied to piers and pontoons, Hovertravel’s hovercraft glide from shore to shore in any conditions, carrying commuters to work, students to school, patients to medical appointments, and holidaymakers to one of the UK’s best-loved islands (all in under 10 minutes!). As the world’s longest-running commercial hovercraft service, Hovertravel remains committed to keeping the Solent crossing fast, reliable and accessible for everyone who needs it.