Hovertravel ferry routes
Every route operated by Hovertravel at a glance, with current crossing times, timetables and ticket prices.
Hovertravel is the world's longest-running commercial hovercraft service and the only scheduled passenger hovercraft service in Europe. The company began operations in July 1965 and celebrated its 60th anniversary (Diamond Year) in 2025. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bland Group, a Gibraltar-based family conglomerate.
Hovertravel offers the fastest crossing of the Solent, between Southsea, Portsmouth and Ryde on the Isle of Wight. With two hovercraft in operation, the crossing takes just under 10 minutes, with a frequent service. What began as a seasonal summer service developed into a year-round operation as commuter numbers grew.
The fleet has gone through several generations: from the original SR.N6 hovercraft (38–58 passengers), through the AP1-88 "Tenacity" (1983) and the larger BHT-130 "Solent Express", to today's 12000TDs. Hovertravel currently operates two Griffon Hoverwork 12000TDs, named Solent Flyer and Island Flyer.
In 1980, the Cowes–Southampton service was discontinued due to rising costs and competition from Red Funnel's hydrofoils, allowing the company to focus on the Ryde–Southsea route. On 4 March 1972, the world's first fatal accident involving a commercial hovercraft occurred when the SR-N6 012 capsized off Southsea, killing five people.
Route map
Every route operated by Hovertravel at a glance