If you’re planning a trip to the Isle of Wight and want a truly unique experience, Hovertravel should be at the top of your list! Our family traveled from Portsmouth Southsea to Ryde, and while we originally planned on taking the ferry, discovering the hovercraft changed everything. How could we pass up the chance to ride the world’s only year-round commercial hovercraft?
In this detailed Hovertravel review, I’ll share everything you need to know — from ticket prices and seating to scenic views and what to expect at the terminals — so you can plan your trip smoothly (and avoid a few surprises we ran into).
Looking for things to do on the Isle of Wight? Check out the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary for a fun filled day with the family!
Hovertravel Prices and Booking
Hovertravel tickets were a bit more expensive than the ferry, but the time savings were completely worth it. For our family (two adults and a 4-year-old), it cost around £80 round-trip — with our toddler riding for free (kids under five don’t require a ticket).
Tip: It’s cheaper to book a same-day return ticket rather than two singles. Advance booking online is highly recommended during peak seasons, and you can even score discounted fares if you travel at off-peak times.
Booking is easy on Hovertravel’s website, and you’ll receive digital tickets that you can show from your phone — no need to print!
Looking for ways to save money while traveling? I’ll tell you all of our secrets here.
How Often Does Hovertravel Run?
Hovercraft departures are incredibly frequent, running every 30 minutes during most of the day, with even more crossings during busy times.
The ride across the Solent zipped by in under 10 minutes — making it the fastest way to travel from Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight. Compared to ferries that take 40–60 minutes, this was a game-changer for our family.
They recommend arriving 15 minutes before your scheduled departure to check in and board. Trust me — stick to that timing to avoid any last-minute stress.
The Waiting Areas and Boarding Experience
Southsea Hoverport
The Southsea Hoverport has a small but comfortable waiting room. There are clean restrooms, a Costa coffee machine, and friendly staff who made checking in a breeze.
If you need transportation between Portsmouth and the Hoverport, Hovertravel operates the convenient Hoverbus, connecting you to Portsmouth Harbour train station and the city center. Tickets for the Hoverbus are affordable and can be combined with your hovercraft booking.
Boarding the Hovercraft
Boarding is organized and efficient. The crew was extremely welcoming, offering assistance with luggage (there’s a designated storage area onboard) and making sure everyone was comfortably seated.
Inside, the hovercraft is surprisingly quiet compared to what you might expect from a machine that literally glides over land and water. It’s a smooth, almost surreal experience — and watching the hovercraft pull onto the sandy shore is pure magic, especially for kids!
Seating is general admission but comfortable, with wide windows offering stunning views of the Solent during your quick trip.
Arrival in Ryde — What to Know
This is where things got a little bumpy for us. We arrived at the Ryde Hoverport about an hour before our scheduled departure back to Southsea. Since we had some time to kill, my husband tried to leave the waiting room to grab snacks for our daughter. Unfortunately, a staff member (who seems to have a bad reputation based on other reviews too) rudely informed him that leaving the building would mean forfeiting our tickets.
Nowhere on Hovertravel’s website or ticket information does it clearly state that you can’t exit once checked in. It would have been helpful to know ahead of time — especially with a toddler!
If you plan to wait at Ryde, be sure to bring everything you need inside with you . Such as snacks, water, and entertainment. So you don’t get stuck like we did.
Overall Hovertravel Experience
Despite the negative encounter at Ryde, the actual hovercraft ride was absolutely incredible. Watching the hovercraft skim over the water and onto the beach is an unforgettable sight. It wasn’t loud or bumpy at all. Just a quick, smooth ride with gorgeous views of the Isle of Wight coastline.
If we visit the Isle of Wight again, we wouldn’t think twice about using Hovertravel. It’s fast, unique, and so much fun, especially if you’re traveling with kids.
Quick Hovertravel Tips Before You Go
- Book ahead online to secure your seats and save money.
- Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in and boarding.
- Use the Hoverbus if you’re coming from Portsmouth Harbour or city center.
- Bring your essentials into the Ryde waiting area if you have extra time before boarding.
- Have your camera ready — watching the hovercraft land and take off is a sight you won’t want to miss!
Final Thoughts
Riding the Portsmouth to Isle of Wight Hovercraft was one of the highlights of our trip. While it’s a little pricier than the ferry, the time savings and pure fun of the experience are totally worth it. Just prepare ahead for wait times at Ryde, and you’ll have a smooth journey.
If you’re looking for the fastest way to get to the Isle of Wight, Hovertravel is an experience you (and your kids) will never forget!
Looking for your next adventure? Our travel guides from around the world are all right here.
Google – Yelp – TripAdvisor – FourSquare
