Originally Posted by stut

A small note - if you're getting the train down to Portsmouth, it's generally easier to get the Wightlink catamaran ferry from Portsmouth Harbour station (the station is literally on the pier the ferry departs from) to Ryde. You're then greeted by an Island Line train at Ryde Pier Head (actually a retired Tube train) that takes you along the fairly lengthy pier, and into the town (or beyond to Shanklin etc) to pick up a car. Through tickets are available.

Of course, if you've a particular desire to take the hovercraft, that's a different story, but you will have to get over to the Southsea Hoverport, which is a taxi or bus ride from Portsmouth & Southsea.