Ryde Pier
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Ryde Pier Isle of Wight

4.6
·491k reviews·, United Kingdom

Historic pier with a unique train service connecting ferries to the Isle of Wight, offering a memorable arrival experience.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, smoother travel

CrowdLow
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Ryde Pier

Ryde Pier Isle of Wight

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, smoother travel

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Historic pier with a unique train service connecting ferries to the Isle of Wight, offering a memorable arrival experience.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"The Ryde Pier Railway offers a truly unique journey over the water, connecting you seamlessly to the island."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Hovercraft in Advance

For the fastest journey, book Hovertravel tickets online. It's a unique experience!

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking on the pier and potentially exploring Ryde.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ryde Pier Railway

Ryde Pier Railway

Ryde Pier

Ride the train directly over the water, connecting ferries to the island's rail network. A truly unique experience!

Hovercraft Landing

Hovercraft Landing

Ryde Pier Head

Witness or ride the unique hovercraft service, a fast and fun way to travel between the mainland and the island.

Victorian Architecture

Victorian Architecture

Ryde Pier

Admire the charming Victorian railings, viewing huts, and wooden planks of this historic seaside pier.

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Planning Your Visit

Hovercraft vs. Ferry: Choose Your Island Arrival

Decide between the speedy Hovertravel from Portsmouth to Ryde Pier Head, or the Wightlink ferry. The hovercraft is faster, landing directly on the shore, while the ferry offers a more traditional sea crossing. Consider your luggage and onward travel plans when choosing.

Ryde Pier Train: A Unique Island Line Experience

The Ryde Pier Railway is a vital link, connecting ferry passengers to the island's rail network. It's one of the few remaining pier railways in the UK, offering a unique journey over the water. Check schedules for seamless connections.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, smoother travel
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Lively atmosphere, good weather
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Soo cool 🤩 This is the only commercial Hovercraft service in the UK 🇬🇧 It operates between Portsmouth and Ryde, Isles of Wight #untiedkingdom #UK #PlacesToVisit #thingstodo #portsmouth #ryde #isleofwight #hovercraft
@travelwithnige
5.5K likes • 130.2K views

🎯 Book Hovercraft in Advance

For the fastest journey, book Hovertravel tickets online. It's a unique experience! TikTokInstagram

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking on the pier and potentially exploring Ryde. Reddit

In the time it takes to walk from our Ryde office to the end of Ryde Pier... We would have agreed another sale! That's right, we agree a sale every 16 minutes. So, what are you waiting for? Book a free, no-obligation property valuation today. 🔗 Link in bio. #Pittis #EstateAgents #IsleOfWight #16Minutes #Ryde #RydePier #PropertyValuation #MovingHouse
pittis.iow
4 likes • 142 views
Fly shore to shore with Hovertravel in less than 10 minutes 🌊 passing Ryde Pier; the oldest and the second-longest seaside pier in the country. Land right on the shore and start your Isle of Wight adventure faster! 🏝️ 🔗 https://www.hovertravel.co.uk/things-to-do-ryde-isle-of-wight/ #Hovertravel #Hovercraft #AdventureAwaits #visitisleofwight
hovertravel
125 likes • 1.2K views

☕ Grab a Coffee Nearby

Blend IOW coffee shop is just a 2-minute walk from the pier for pre- or post-journey refreshments. Instagram

📸 Capture the Views

The pier offers fantastic photo opportunities of the sea and mainland. Instagram

Rescue drill on site at Ryde Pier that our team conducted recovering a manikin from the scaffold. They then simulated taking it to one of the designated landings where they would meet an ambulance. We regularly conduct drills with not just our own team but other contractors on site, when those skills are needed it’s always great to see a whole site pull together. #safetyboat #workboat #pontoon...
rebelmarineiow
16 likes • 465 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Hovercraft in Advance

For the fastest journey, book Hovertravel tickets online. It's a unique experience! TikTokInstagram

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking on the pier and potentially exploring Ryde. Reddit

☕ Grab a Coffee Nearby

Blend IOW coffee shop is just a 2-minute walk from the pier for pre- or post-journey refreshments. Instagram

📸 Capture the Views

The pier offers fantastic photo opportunities of the sea and mainland. Instagram

⏱️ Check Train & Ferry Times

Ensure your onward travel connections are coordinated to avoid long waits. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Ryde Pier is a vital transport hub, praised for its unique hovercraft and pier railway experiences. Visitors appreciate the historic charm and convenient connections to the mainland and island. Some find it primarily functional rather than a destination in itself, with limited amenities directly on the pier.

What People Like

Unique hovercraft travel
Historic pier railway
Convenient transport links

What People Dislike

Limited amenities on pier

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can reach Ryde Pier by either the Hovertravel service from Portsmouth, which lands directly at Ryde Pier Head, or by Wightlink ferry from Portsmouth to Ryde Pier. The hovercraft is significantly faster, taking under 10 minutes. TikTokInstagram+1

To get to Ryde Pier from London, you'll typically take a train from London Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour, then connect to either the hovercraft or the Wightlink ferry to Ryde Pier Head. The train journey to Portsmouth Harbour is about 1 hour 32 minutes. Instagram

Yes, there are several car parks available near Ryde Pier and the Esplanade. Some visitors have driven their campervans directly onto the pier. Instagram

While you can cycle to the Ryde Esplanade area, cycling on the pier itself might be restricted or discouraged, especially during busy periods. It's best to check local signage or inquire locally. Instagram

The Ryde Pier Railway connects directly to the Island Line train service, which runs to Shanklin, Sandown, and other stations. This is the most convenient way to continue your journey. Instagram+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Hovercraft ticket prices can vary, but booking in advance online is often recommended for the best rates. Check the Hovertravel website for current pricing. Instagram

While not always mandatory, booking Wightlink ferry tickets in advance can sometimes offer better prices and guarantee your spot, especially during peak season. Instagram

Generally, there is no specific entry fee to walk on Ryde Pier. However, charges may apply for specific services or attractions located on the pier. Instagram

The Ryde Pier Railway operates in conjunction with ferry and train services. It's best to check the South Western Railway or Island Line timetables for the most up-to-date operating hours. Instagram+1

Yes, you can typically purchase train tickets for the Island Line, including the Ryde Pier section, at the station. However, for convenience, especially during busy times, purchasing online or via a rail app is advisable. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Ryde Pier is primarily a transport hub, but you can enjoy the sea air, views, and the unique experience of riding the train over the water. There are also viewing huts and opportunities for fishing. Instagram+1

The pier is generally flat and accessible, and the hovercraft and most ferries are equipped to accommodate wheelchairs and pushchairs. The train carriages on the Island Line are also accessible. Instagram

While the pier itself is more of a transit point, there are cafes and restaurants located on the Esplanade near the pier entrance. Blend IOW is a popular coffee shop just a short walk away. Instagram

Ryde Pier has origins dating back to the 1810s, making it one of the oldest seaside piers in the country. It has undergone various renovations and extensions over the years. Instagram

Yes, fishing is a popular activity from Ryde Pier. You can often see anglers casting their lines into the sea. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the unique perspective of the train running on the pier, the hovercraft in action, and the panoramic sea views. The Victorian railings and huts also make for charming shots. Instagram+2

Sunrise and sunset can offer beautiful light for photography, casting a warm glow over the pier and sea. Midday can be bright but offers clear views. Instagram

Drone usage is often restricted in public areas and near transport hubs. It's essential to check with local authorities or the Isle of Wight Council for regulations regarding drone operation before flying. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Ryde Pier offers a fun and engaging experience for families. The hovercraft ride is a definite thrill for children, providing a unique way to travel. TikTokInstagram The Ryde Pier Railway itself is also an exciting prospect, as kids often love trains, especially ones that travel over water! Instagram+1

Once on the island, the proximity of Ryde Pier to the town means easy access to amenities. Consider packing snacks and drinks, as while there are cafes nearby, having your own can be convenient with younger children. The open space of the pier also allows for some running around, supervised of course. Instagram

🚶 Day-Trippers

For day-trippers, Ryde Pier is an excellent arrival point due to its excellent transport links. The Hovertravel offers the quickest way to get onto the island, maximizing your exploration time. TikTokInstagram From the pier, you can immediately hop on the Island Line train to explore other towns like Shanklin or Sandown, or simply explore Ryde itself. Instagram

Many visitors use Ryde Pier as a starting point for a day of island discovery. Grab a quick coffee from a nearby cafe on the Esplanade before heading off to your next destination. Remember to check train and ferry schedules to ensure you have ample time for your return journey. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Ryde Pier Railway: A Journey Over Water

The Ryde Pier Railway is a truly distinctive feature of the Isle of Wight's transport network. It's one of the few remaining operational pier railways in the UK, allowing passengers to travel directly from the ferry terminal at the end of the pier to the town of Ryde. This electric train service, part of the Island Line, provides a unique experience as it glides over the Solent waters. Instagram+2

This railway has undergone significant works to ensure its longevity and efficiency. Recent projects have focused on track renewal and life extension, ensuring that this vital link remains operational for years to come. The collaboration between different engineering teams highlights the importance of this infrastructure to the island. Instagram

Traveling on the Ryde Pier Railway offers more than just transportation; it's an integral part of the Isle of Wight experience. The views from the train are spectacular, offering a different perspective of the coastline and the bustling ferry terminal. It’s a charming introduction to island life for many visitors. Instagram+1

Hovercraft vs. Ferry: Your Gateway to the Island

When arriving at Ryde, you have two primary options for crossing the Solent: the Hovercraft and the traditional Ferry. The Hovertravel service is renowned for its speed, whisking passengers from Portsmouth to Ryde Pier Head in under 10 minutes. This makes it an incredibly efficient option for those looking to maximize their time on the island. TikTokInstagram

The Wightlink ferry, while slower, offers a more leisurely sea voyage. It provides a classic ferry experience, allowing you to enjoy the sea air and views of the coastline as you approach the Isle of Wight. This option might be preferred by those who enjoy the journey as much as the destination, or who have more luggage. Instagram

Both services are crucial for connecting the island to the mainland. The choice between them often depends on your priorities: speed and convenience with the hovercraft, or a more relaxed journey with the ferry. Regardless of your choice, both arrive at or near Ryde Pier, setting the stage for your island adventure. Instagram

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