Hovertravel will accept Wightlink tickets when FastCats are suspended, after Friday (November 13).

The Ryde to Southsea operator has added nine extra daily services for Monday to Friday:

  • Four in the morning commuter period (Ex Ryde 0700 & 0730 and Ex Southsea 0715 & 0745)
  • Five in the evening (Ex Ryde 1600 & 1700 and Ex Southsea 1615, 1715 & 1745)

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What if there's bad weather?

Hovertravel has also unveiled measures to work with Wightlink's Fishbourne - Portsmouth car ferry route if bad weather means hovercraft are suspended.

A free, dedicated Hoverbus will connect the Hovertravel terminal in Ryde and the Fishbourne Car Ferry, for Hovertravel & Wightlink customers. 

The Portsmouth Hoverbus will also have an additional service stop, at the Portsmouth Gunwharf Terminal.

Season cards and pre-bookings

Passengers who have pre-booked with Wightlink (including season card holders) will be able to pre-book Hovertravel services from 12 noon tomorrow (Wednesday November 11).

There will be no additional fare payable and it will also include use of the HoverBus for onward connections within Portsmouth.

"Unique circumstances"

Neil Chapman, managing director of Hovertravel, said:  “For the Solent ferry operators the unique circumstances of this COVID crisis have challenged us all and demonstrated that co-operation is needed now, more than ever. We are proud to be offering Wightlink customers a fast ferry option for this second lockdown. Hovertravel’s commitment to supporting the communities on both sides of the Solent is as strong today in November, as it was in March.

”Operating both craft and offering a 15 minute frequency during commuter times will ensure that people can travel to work, to school, to college or university and for medical appointments.

“The three ferry companies kept the Island connected during the last lockdown and  by working together with the Isle of Wight Council we will do it again. Hovertravel is ready and able to serve by continuing to fly people, post and patients across the Solent throughout this pandemic."