Search live Southsea to Ryde (Isle of Wight) ferry prices
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Other ways to get from Southsea to Ryde
| Option | Journey time | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portsmouth to Ryde (Isle of Wight) ferry | 22 min | 18 / day | Wightlink |
The Southsea to Ryde (Isle of Wight) ferry
The Southsea to Ryde hovercraft is a genuine one-off: the world's longest-running commercial passenger hovercraft service, gliding across the Solent in around ten minutes. Operated by Hovertravel, the craft lifts off from the beach at Southsea on its cushion of air and skims over the water before riding straight up onto the sands at Ryde. It is comfortably the fastest way to reach the Isle of Wight, and a memorable experience in its own right as you watch the spray fly past the windows. As a foot-passenger service it is hugely popular with commuters and day trippers alike, with frequent departures throughout the day. At Ryde it lands close to the esplanade, beaches and bus connections, putting the whole island within easy reach for car-free travellers.
- The world's longest-running passenger hovercraft service
- Fastest crossing to the Isle of Wight at around 10 minutes
- Lands directly on the beach at both Southsea and Ryde
- Frequent foot-passenger departures throughout the day
Southsea to Ryde (Isle of Wight) ferry fares we have seen
| Fare basket | Fare seen | Seen on | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult foot passenger, single (standard) | £25.00 | 18 October 2026 | Hovertravel standard fares page (valid from Dec 2025) |
| Adult foot passenger, day return (standard) | £34.00 | 18 October 2026 | Hovertravel standard fares page (valid from Dec 2025) |
| Adult foot passenger, period return (standard) | £46.00 | 18 October 2026 | Hovertravel standard fares page (valid from Dec 2025) |
| Adult foot passenger, single (advance, book 48 hours ahead) | £22.50 | 18 October 2026 | Hovertravel advance fares page |
| Adult foot passenger, day return (advance, book 48 hours ahead) | £30.60 | 18 October 2026 | Hovertravel advance fares page |
Fares change with date, demand and vehicle; these are figures we saw on the dates shown, not quotes. A booking fee may be added. Check live prices in the search above.
Who sails Southsea to Ryde (Isle of Wight)
| Operator | Ships | Crossing | Sailings | Foot passengers | Pets | Cabins / seating | Check-in |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Hovertravel | Hovercraft (craft names not found on pages read) | 10 minutes | 21-22 / day each way on the summer Mon-Fri timetable (varies by date) | Yes (foot passengers only) | Pet dogs welcome, no charge | No cabins | be at the boarding gate 5 minutes before departure; arrive at least 10 minutes before |
Rules differ by operator and ship; confirm when you book. Sources: hovertravel.co.uk. Checked 2026-10-18.
What to know about the Southsea to Ryde (Isle of Wight) crossing
Check-in
Hovertravel says arrive at least 10 minutes before your crossing, allow at least 15 minutes for buying tickets, and be at the boarding gate 5 minutes before departure. (hovertravel.co.uk)
Foot passengers
Hovertravel carries foot passengers only. Passenger categories: Adult 16-59, Child 5-15, Senior 60+, Student 16-59, Infant 0-4 (infants free). (hovertravel.co.uk)
Vehicles
No vehicles are carried; this is a foot passenger hovercraft service. The Hoverbus connects Southsea terminal to Portsmouth stations. (hovertravel.co.uk)
Pets
Pet dogs are welcome at no charge and guide and assistance dogs travel free. Both terminals have a dog refreshment area. (hovertravel.co.uk)
Bicycles
Bikes carry no extra charge but cannot be booked (first come, first served); up to four per craft are usually carried in the freight compartment. The FAQ says bikes cannot go on the 06:50, 13:30 and 14:30 from Southsea on weekdays and the 08:00 on Saturdays, and must be checked in 5 minutes before departure; the Isle of Wight Cycling page gives different times (see conflicts). (hovertravel.co.uk)
Accessibility
Wide corridors, a boarding ramp with handrails, Changing Places toilets in both terminals, and assisted boarding on request; Hovertravel says assistance can be booked 48 hours in advance. (hovertravel.co.uk)
Where the ferry leaves from and arrives
Staying in or around Ryde
Ports & operators on this route
Southsea to Ryde (Isle of Wight) ferry — common questions
How long does the Southsea to Ryde hovercraft take?
The hovercraft makes the crossing in about 10 minutes, making it the fastest way to travel between the mainland and the Isle of Wight.
Can I take a car on the hovercraft?
No, Hovertravel is a foot-passenger service only. The hovercraft carries passengers and luggage but not vehicles.
Where does the hovercraft land on the Isle of Wight?
It lands on the beach beside Ryde Esplanade, close to the seafront, bus stops and train connections for onward island travel.
How long is the Southsea to Ryde hovercraft?
Hovertravel's timetables show a 10-minute crossing between Southsea and Ryde.
How much is the hovercraft from Southsea to Ryde?
Hovertravel prints standard adult single, day return and period return fares, plus lower advance fares if booked 48 hours ahead; all are listed in the fares for this route.
How much luggage can I take on the hovercraft?
Hovertravel states a limit of 30 kg per passenger and says there is no left luggage at either terminal.
How do I check the hovercraft is running?
Hovertravel's service status page lists a hotline on 01983 717717, traffic-light status on its website and a WhatsApp channel.
Related ferry routes
Other routes to Ryde (Isle of Wight)
Where these facts come from
Checked by the CheapFerries editorial team on 18 October 2026. Operators change timetables, fares and rules, so confirm details for your sailing when you book.
- hovertravel.co.uk www.hovertravel.co.uk/timetables/
- hovertravel.co.uk www.hovertravel.co.uk/standard-fares/
- hovertravel.co.uk www.hovertravel.co.uk/offers/advance-fares/
- hovertravel.co.uk www.hovertravel.co.uk/faqs/on-the-day-travel-planning/
- hovertravel.co.uk www.hovertravel.co.uk/hovercare/accessible-travel/