Hovertravel provides the fastest ferry service across the Solent to and from the Isle of Wight. As world's only year-round co ... mmercial scheduled passenger hovercraft service, Hovertravel is also the world's longest running having started in 1965. Our hovercraft carry 78 passengers at 1.5 metres above the sea and at speeds of up to 45 knots, with a flight time of under ten miinutes. From the beach at Southsea the hovercraft lifts off and land then lands on the shore or Ryde iwith no need for piers or docks. Easy onward travel connections are available with our Hoverbus to Portsmouth, bus and train connections at Ryde plus large car parks at both terminals. read more