Better Hospital Connection For Hovertravel Customers

Hovertravel has announced that Stagecoach’s popular Route 18 bus service has been enhanced to include a new extension to Clarence Pier, offering even better connectivity for customers travelling between Southsea and QA Hospital.

The Service 18 now runs every 20 minutes from Monday to Saturday and every 30 minutes on Sundays, stopping at Clarence Pier, opposite Hovertravel’s Southsea terminal.

This new connection means that for those who need to travel to the mainland for hospital appointments, getting across the water is just the beginning of a smoother journey.

Passengers can now enjoy a frequent, direct service from Hovertravel’s Southsea terminal straight to QA Hospital, with the reliability and convenience of Stagecoach’s enhanced timetable.

In addition, hospital patients and visitors can save money with the NHS Return Flight from Ryde to Southsea plus Stagecoach Portsmouth DayRider combined ticket—available in advance online which includes both the hovercraft and bus journey in one great value fare.

Julie Horrocks, Head of Sales & Business Development at Hovertravel, said:

“We’re thrilled to see the Route 18 extended to Clarence Pier.

"This improvement not only strengthens connections between Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight, but also enhances access to vital services like QA Hospital.

"Working in partnership with Stagecoach and Portsmouth City Council, we’re proud to offer a more seamless and affordable journey for our customers.”

These enhancements are part of the Portsmouth Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), a government-funded initiative delivered in partnership with Portsmouth City Council and local operators like Stagecoach.

The improved Route 18 is designed to meet growing demand for faster, more frequent, and more accessible public transport across the city— not just for hospital visitors but also for commuters, students, shoppers, and travellers to the Isle of Wight too.

For full timetables and ticket information, visit hovertravel.co.uk