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 our 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 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!

Historic hovercraft

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.

Hovercraft experiences

Enjoy a demonstration on land and sea with an exclusive talk to their crew and pilots with the Hovercraft Experience Flight. Or step into Hovertravel's operational hub and explore behind the hovercraft curtain with the Behind the Scenes Tour.

New for 2025, fly across sand and sea in this unforgettable adventure across the Solent with the Sands Experience Flight.

These immersive experiences give visitors of all ages a chance to explore the innovative spirit of Hovertravel up close.

Hovertravel's combination tickets

Enjoy seamless travel and entry to some of the Isle of Wight’s top attractions — all in one amazing value ticket with Hovertravel's combination tickets. Whether it’s family fun, wildlife encounters, or heritage experiences, adventure starts the moment you leave the mainland behind.

Explore Royal history at Osborne

Step into the world of Queen Victoria at her seaside palace, Osborne House. This combination ticket includes your hovercraft day return flight and entrance to one of the most majestic heritage sites on the Isle of Wight.

Steam back in time

Relive the golden age of rail travel with a ride on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway. This combo includes your day return hovercraft flight, Island Line train, and entry to the railway for a truly nostalgic island day out.

Fun-filled day out at Robin Hill Adventure Park

Discover epic outdoor fun at Robin Hill Adventure Park, featuring woodland rides, treetop trails, and adventure zones. This ticket includes your day return hovercraft flight, Southern Vectis bus, and entry to the park – all in one.

Hovercraft Experience Flight

Join Hovertravel's 60-minute experience featuring a hovercraft demo, behind-the-scenes access, expert commentary, and a commemorative certificate.

Behind the Scenes Tour

Go beyond the surface with Hovertravel's exclusive 60-minute tour. Explore the hovercraft inside and out, enjoy a Q&A, receive a certificate, get a rare glimpse into the inner workings of a hovercraft and the history of this fascinating mode of transport.

£60 family flyer day return ticket

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

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.