It's easy to HOVER. (Hovertravel)

Member Name: JJJJ

Product:	Hovertravel
Date:	03/11/08 (161 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Quickest Solent Crossing

Disadvantages: Won't run in rough seas

Hovertravel is a company which provides a ferry service between Ryde on the Isle of Wight and Southsea. However, the 'ferries' are actually hovercrafts, which adds a bit of novelty to the journey.

The company began operating its unconventional means of transport in the 1950's, and since that date the hovercrafts have increased in both size and comfort.

Crossing the Solent on a hovercraft is fairly quick (around 11 minutes) and represents the fastest way to get across (unless you have a private jet..). The journey is at most times comfortable, although in rough seas, you're in for a bumpy ride. The experience is a bit like being in an aeroplane, and seeing as the craft hovers above the water, the journey is referred to as a 'flight'.

Using Hovertravel is cheaper than rival ferry company 'Wightlink' (which use traditional boats), and a day return trip for an adult costs £10.20 from the Island, and £12.50 from Southsea.

In conclusion, I recommend Hovertravel as it runs an effective and reliable service. It's great for me, as I live only about 100 metres from the terminal, so it represents an easy trip.

The downside of the service is that the hovercrafts won't run in rough seas, and during that time, alternative transport must be found. In terms of the cost, all Solent crossings are expensive, but Hovertravel is cheaper than Wighlink, so I 'hover' when I can.

For more information see www.hovertravel.co.uk, where you can find the latest timetables and fares.

Summary: Excellent Service