Southsea Hoverport (Hovercraft to Ryde)
Experience the thrill of the UK's only passenger hovercraft, a fast and unique 10-minute journey from Southsea to the Isle of Wight.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, smoother boarding
Southsea Hoverport (Hovercraft to Ryde)
Best Time
Fewer crowds, smoother boarding
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the thrill of the UK's only passenger hovercraft, a fast and unique 10-minute journey from Southsea to the Isle of Wight.
"The hovercraft is DEFINITELY worth the extra money...And by far the coolest way to travel too!"
Combine Tickets for Value
Look for combined train and hovercraft tickets for potential savings on your journey. :ticket:
Allow Extra Travel Time
Be prepared for potential delays due to maintenance or high passenger volume. :stopwatch:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Hovercraft Experience
Glide over the water on the UK's only passenger hovercraft for a unique and thrilling journey.
Fastest Route to Ryde
A swift 10-minute hop directly into Ryde, Isle of Wight, offering unparalleled speed and convenience.
Coastal Views
Enjoy scenic views of the Solent and coastline from the comfort of the spacious hovercraft.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book in Advance for Savings
Expect Potential Delays
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
I want to visit the isle of wight?
Combine Tickets for Value
Look for combined train and hovercraft tickets for potential savings on your journey. :ticket:
Allow Extra Travel Time
Be prepared for potential delays due to maintenance or high passenger volume. :stopwatch:
Hi, i need help
After a short stay in England, off to catch my Hovercraft Flight home.
Direct to Ryde
The hovercraft offers a direct landing in Ryde, unlike other ferry services. :round_pushpin:
Unique Travel Method
Experience the thrill of the UK's only passenger hovercraft service. :rocket:
Help planning trip!
Tips
from all over the internet
Combine Tickets for Value
Look for combined train and hovercraft tickets for potential savings on your journey. :ticket:
Allow Extra Travel Time
Be prepared for potential delays due to maintenance or high passenger volume. :stopwatch:
Direct to Ryde
The hovercraft offers a direct landing in Ryde, unlike other ferry services. :round_pushpin:
Unique Travel Method
Experience the thrill of the UK's only passenger hovercraft service. :rocket:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The hovercraft offers a unique, fast, and exciting way to travel between Southsea and the Isle of Wight, with many praising its speed and direct route to Ryde. However, some travelers have experienced significant delays due to maintenance and have criticized the customer service during disruptions.
"⸻
A Unique Way to Travel – Southsea Hoverport Review
Traveling from Southsea Hoverport in Portsmouth is an experience like no other. The hovercraft, operated by Hovertravel, is the only passenger service of its kind in the UK—and it truly feels special.
The craft itself is impressive: large, loud, and futuristic. Watching it lift and glide effortlessly from land to sea is exciting. Once aboard, the ride is fast—just under 10 minutes to the Isle of Wight—and surprisingly smooth and comfortable.
Seats are well-padded, and big windows offer great coastal views. Despite its power and speed, the journey feels relaxed, making it perfect for tourists and daily commuters alike.
Staff are friendly, boarding is quick, and the whole experience is efficient and fun. If you’re visiting Portsmouth or heading to the Isle of Wight, the hovercraft isn’t just transportation"
Florent BORGNA
"Quick and easy, and if you through book your train travel price is good to"
Tony Gillett
"Appalling customer service. The transfer to Isle of Wight was cancelled due to two broken boats - according to general consensus, this is due to lack of maintenance. We then had to make a transfer to the Fast Cat service. The issue was with the total lack of communication, and surly customer facing reps. They didn’t bother to get out of their seats to let the hoard of frustrated people any updates, and when someone approached them they literally rolled their eyes in irritation. They also didn’t refrain from making comments to each other such as “oh this is going to be what my whole shift is going to be like (smirk)”. I would strongly advise that you avoid at all costs."
Gina Bornman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From London, you can take a train to Portsmouth Harbour station. From there, it's a short walk or taxi ride to Southsea Hoverport. Some travelers opt for combined train and hovercraft tickets for convenience.
Yes, Southsea Hoverport is accessible by local buses from Portsmouth city center. It's also a walkable distance from Portsmouth Harbour train station for those arriving by rail.
There is parking available at Southsea Hoverport, though it can get busy. It's advisable to check parking availability and costs in advance, especially during peak times.
The journey is a quick and exciting 10-minute hovercraft ride directly to Ryde on the Isle of Wight. It's known for being fast and smooth.
Yes, Wightlink operates a car ferry and a fast cat service from Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight. However, the hovercraft is often preferred for its speed and direct landing in Ryde.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but a return trip for two adults was around £78 according to one traveler. Booking combined train and hovercraft tickets can offer better value.
Yes, you can purchase tickets at the Southsea Hoverport. However, booking in advance, especially for combined travel, might secure better prices.
While not explicitly stated, booking combined train and hovercraft travel often leads to better pricing. It's worth checking Hovertravel's website for any special offers.
In case of cancellations, passengers may be transferred to alternative services like the Wightlink Fast Cat. Communication and customer service during cancellations have been noted as poor by some.
While you book for a specific departure time, delays can occur, meaning your actual departure might be later. It's wise to have flexibility in your schedule.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Boarding is generally quick and efficient. The hovercraft is large, and staff assist passengers with getting on board.
The ride is described as fast and surprisingly smooth, with well-padded seats and large windows for viewing. It's considered comfortable for the short journey.
Passengers can enjoy great coastal views of the Solent and the surrounding areas during the short trip.
The journey from Southsea Hoverport to Ryde, Isle of Wight, takes approximately 10 minutes.
Customer service experiences vary. While some find staff friendly, others have reported appalling customer service, lack of communication, and unhelpful attitudes, especially during disruptions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Consider booking combined train and hovercraft tickets in advance for potential savings. Be prepared for potential delays by bringing snacks and entertainment, as waiting times can sometimes extend, especially during busy periods. The direct arrival in Ryde also makes onward travel on the Isle of Wight straightforward for families.
💰 Budget Travelers
Be mindful of potential delays, as these could incur additional costs if you miss onward connections. Planning your trip during off-peak times might also lead to slightly lower fares and a less crowded, more pleasant experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Hovercraft: A Unique Ride
Onboard, the hovercraft is surprisingly spacious with comfortable seating and large windows, allowing passengers to take in the coastal scenery. Despite the power and speed, the ride is often described as smooth. This makes it appealing to both tourists looking for an adventure and daily commuters seeking efficiency. The novelty of traveling by hovercraft is a significant draw, making it more than just a means of transport but an attraction in itself.
However, it's important to be aware of potential operational issues. Reviews mention that the service can sometimes be disrupted due to maintenance, with only one craft operating on weekdays leading to delays. Travelers are advised to build extra time into their schedules, especially if relying on the hovercraft for time-sensitive connections.
Navigating to and from the Hoverport
When planning your onward journey from the Isle of Wight, the hovercraft's direct arrival in Ryde is a major advantage. Unlike other ferry services that might drop you at a pier requiring a longer walk or bus connection, the hovercraft lands you right in the heart of Ryde. This makes onward travel on the island, whether by bus or exploring the town, very convenient.
Travelers have noted that booking combined tickets for train travel and the hovercraft can be more economical. This integrated approach simplifies the booking process and can lead to cost savings, making the entire trip from mainland to island smoother and more budget-friendly.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit