Hovertravel | Ryde
ENTRY
from £13.60
WHERE
Ryde
What it’s like
A ten-minute hovercraft hop across the Solent that's the ride itself, not just the way there.
This one's less "day out" and more "the journey is the thing". You get on a hovercraft at Ryde, it rides up over the water on a cushion of air, and you're across the Solent to Southsea in under ten minutes. For a kid who's never been on one, that's the whole appeal, and it's genuinely a bit different from a normal ferry.
A standard day return is £65, which isn't pocket change for what's a short crossing, so it makes more sense as part of a bigger day, especially since combo tickets link up with other Isle of Wight attractions. There's also an NHS and medical appointment fare at £13.60 if that applies to you, and a Fly & Dine option through the RTCafé Grill if you fancy pairing the crossing with a meal.
It runs daily from 8.30am to 5.30pm and you don't have to book ahead, you can just turn up, though booking 48 hours or more in advance can get you a cheaper fare. Both terminals have accessible toilets, changing places facilities and wheelchair access, plus loaned wheelchairs and walking frames if you need them on the day. Dogs are welcome too, guide dogs free and pet dogs allowed, and both terminals have a dog refreshment area so nobody's left thirsty.
If anyone in your party needs extra help, whether that's a wheelchair, hearing or visual impairment, autism, or dementia, there's a HoverCare service with trained staff and kit like ear defenders and hearing loops. You do need to fill in the assistance form at least 48 hours before travel and arrive 15 minutes early on the day.
What’s on here
Facilities
Need to know
- Booking
- Advance booking 48+ hours ahead gives discounted fares
- Wheelchairs
- Wheelchair spaces available. Wheelchairs and walking aids provided
- Dogs
- Fully trained guide and assistance dogs welcome at no charge, as are pet dogs
- Getting there by bus or train
- Southsea terminal on Clarence Esplanade seafront opposite Clarence Pier bus stop
- The Southsea terminal is on Clarence Esplanade, right opposite the Clarence Pier bus stop, with Stagecoach Route 18 and the H1 Hoverbus running there
- Fly & Dine tickets through the RTCafé Grill are £63 for adults and £57 for over-60s if you want to make the crossing part of a meal out
- Ear plugs and ear defenders are available at both terminals if the noise might bother little ears
- HoverCare assistance needs booking at least 48 hours ahead, separately from your ticket
Plan your visit
How much does it cost?
A standard day return is £65. NHS and medical appointment fares are £13.60, and you'll need your appointment card, letter or text at boarding.
Do we need to book in advance?
You can just walk up on the day. Booking 48 hours or more ahead usually gets you a cheaper fare though.
What time does it run?
Daily from 8.30am to 5.30pm.
Can we bring the dog?
Pet dogs are welcome at no extra charge, and there's a dog refreshment area at both terminals. Guide and assistance dogs travel free too.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
Both terminals have wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets and changing places facilities. Wheelchairs and walking frames are available to borrow if you need them.
What if someone in our group needs extra assistance?
The HoverCare service covers wheelchair users, autistic passengers, those with dementia, and anyone with hearing or visual impairment. You fill in an assistance form at least 48 hours before travel and get to the terminal 15 minutes early.
Featured in 1 Huddlepin list
See all Steam Railways & Boat Trips in Southampton · Things to do in Southampton
MAKE A DAY OF IT
