Hovertravel Promotes Easy Island Exploration with 9-Seater Minibus Hire

Visitors travelling to the Isle of Wight by hovercraft can now enjoy even greater freedom to explore the island together thanks to a new collaboration between Hovertravel and Premier Rental.

Customers flying across the Solent with Hovertravel can arrange for a nine-seater minibus from Premier Rental to be delivered directly to Ryde Hoverport, making it simple for groups to step off the world’s only favourite hovercraft service and continue their island adventure together.

The convenient vehicle option is particularly suited to family groups and friends travelling together. Hovertravel’s group fares begin from just eight passengers, making it easier and more cost-effective for larger parties to travel together and start their trip in style with the speed and excitement of a hovercraft crossing.

Importantly, the nine-seat minibuses can be driven on a standard Category B driving licence, meaning no additional licence categories or specialist qualifications are required. This allows groups to appoint a driver within their party and enjoy complete flexibility during their visit.

Once on the island, groups can travel together in one vehicle, discovering the Isle of Wight’s beaches, attractions and countryside at their own pace—without relying on public transport timetables. From coastal drives and family attractions to village cafés and scenic viewpoints, visitors can build their own itinerary and enjoy the journey together.

The offering aligns with the growing popularity of multi-generational and group travel, a trend that continues to grow across the travel industry. Recent travel industry research suggests around 47% of families have taken a holiday with three or more generations in the past year, while more than one-third of family trips now include grandparents, highlighting a strong rise in shared travel experiences across age groups.

Julie Horrocks, Head of Sales & Business Development at Hovertravel, said: “Travel is increasingly about shared experiences, with families and friends choosing to explore destinations together across multiple generations. Being able to travel quickly to the Isle of Wight by hovercraft and then continue the journey together in one vehicle makes the whole trip much more enjoyable and convenient.

“It is vital that Hovertravel continues to work closely with Island suppliers such as Premier Rental so we can offer more flexibility and options for travellers. Partnerships like this help ensure visitors can experience everything the Isle of Wight has to offer in a way that suits their group and their timetable.”

James Mogford Rental & Logistics Manager at Premier Rental, said: “Partnering with Hovertravel allows us to make group travel to the Isle of Wight as smooth and convenient as possible. Having a nine-seater minibus ready and waiting at Ryde Hoverport means customers can step straight off the hovercraft and begin their journey together without delay.

"We want visitors to experience the island in all its beauty, with the freedom to explore on their own terms, in comfort and at their own pace. This partnership plays a key role in making that possible for every group that travels to the island.”

With crossings taking under 10 minutes between Southsea and Ryde, Hovertravel already offers the fastest route to the Isle of Wight. Whether planning a multi-generational family outing, a reunion with friends, or a group sightseeing trip, visitors can now enjoy the speed of hovercraft travel and the freedom of exploring the Isle of Wight together.