Hovertravel Ferry Tickets - Check Prices and Book Online
Hovertravel offers a convenient alternative to traditonal Isle of Wight ferry crossings. As the name suggests Hovertravel offer their service onboard Hovercraft vessels. As hovercrafts are much faster then tradional ferries Hovertravel's service is the the fastest across the Solent using terminals at Southsea (near Portsmouth) and Ryde at the Isle of Wight. Hovertravel's service runs every 30 minutes starting from 6.30am in the morning until 8.30pm in the evening with each crossing taking 10 minutes. To see all Isle of Wight Routes - Click Here |
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Hovertravel Summary of Service
If you want speed, choose Hovertravel. Hovertravel provides the fastest passenger ferry crossing to and from the Isle of Wight. When you travel with Hovertravel you know you are in good hands as they are the world’s longest running commercial hovercraft operator. This reliable, frequent service takes you directly to the shore at Southsea or Ryde and offers many additional travel services at both ends including the Hoverbus at Southsea and bus and train connections at Ryde. As this is a foot passenger service, both terminals offer large car parking facilities.
Hovertravel Overview
Hovertravel is a ferry company operating from Southsea, Portsmouth to Ryde, Isle of Wight, UK. They are the only company operating in Britain with passenger hovercraft, after Hoverspeed stopped using their craft in favour of catamarans. Hovertravel are now the world's oldest hovercraft operator.
Hovertravel Contact Details - Click Here
The company operates between Southsea Common, next to Clarence Pier, and Ryde Transport Interchange. Terminal facilities are provided at both ends, and services run every 30 minutes during daylight hours. However, in high season (generally July and August) the frequency increases to every 15 minutes or less. The crossing time is less than 10 minutes, and is therefore the fastest route across The Solent from land to land. However, the inconvenient site of the Portsmouth terminal means this is not reflected for through journeys. During the busy summer months services are increased with departures every 15 minutes. Each hover craft can comfortable carry up to 130 passengers on each crossing.
Hovertravel Fleet
Hovertravel from Southsea
At Southsea, the terminal is located on Southsea Common, next to Clarence Pier. It is also near to the aquarium, although further from Southsea Castle. It is also a significant distance from Portsmouth Harbour railway station and Portsmouth and Southsea railway station. This is because when the hovercraft started running in the mid 20th century, the area near Harbour station (the ideal location due to its good connections) was a mixture of residential and naval space, with all remaining land occupied by the fishing harbour and Wightlink car ferry terminal.
This problem is solved with a Hoverbus link, operated by Stagecoach, which runs between the Southsea Terminal and Portsmouth & Southsea Station and Portsmouth city centre, it also now serves The Hard Interchange. It is timed to connect with all hovers on the basic 30-minute timetable.
The terminal has recently been refurbished with new lighting and toilets and a general cleaning up. A new wall was built separating the Hoverport and the esplanade complete with viewing windows.
Port of Ryde
At Ryde, the terminal has recently been rebuilt. The new building was opened by the Duke of Edinburgh in 2004. It is located conveniently near to Ryde Esplanade railway station and Ryde Bus Station, however passengers must cross the railway by means of a footbridge, as they are located on the opposite side of the line. The whole complex is due for rebuilding, commencing in 2007, in order to create a new transport interchange. Also nearby is the Ryde Arena ice rink and LA Bowl.
Hovertravel Connections
Most bus services connecting with the hovercraft on the Island are run by Southern Vectis. In addition to these routes, Wightbus, another local operator, run Service 20 that stops nearby. Island Line trains run from there to Brading, Sandown, Lake and Shanklin, where a connecting bus can take you to Ventnor or St Lawrence. By changing trains at Smallbrook Junction, one can also visit the Isle of Wight Steam Railway.
Full details of services from near the Ryde terminal can be found at Ryde Transport Interchange.
A recent innovation is the introduction of Hoverliner tickets that allow travel from an origin railway station on the UK mainland, on the Hoverbus, a crossing on the hovercraft and travel on the Island Line, and return journey. These are also available for journeys starting on the Island, the only difference being the name used, which is Hoverline.
Hovertravel Experimental Routes and Services
Hovertravel hovercraft have occasionally been chartered to operate temporary services across the Firth of Tay between Carnoustie and St Andrews in connection with major golf tournaments (due to Carnoustie's relative lack of hotel accommodation). The Solent Express was chartered to operate an experimental service across the Firth of Forth (marketed as "Forthfast") between Portobello (Edinburgh) and Kirkcaldy between 16-28 July 2007.
Hovertravel - Related and Alternative Ferry Companies
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