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 the 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 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.

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.

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!

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 ticket

The ten minute flight across the Solent is even better value with Hovertravel's £60 family flyer ticket. The 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.