Search live Southampton to East Cowes (Isle of Wight) ferry prices
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The Southampton to East Cowes (Isle of Wight) ferry
The Southampton to East Cowes route is Red Funnel's vehicle ferry, carrying cars, larger vehicles and foot passengers from the heart of Southampton across to the northern tip of the Isle of Wight. The crossing sails down the length of Southampton Water and across the Solent, offering plenty to watch as cargo ships, cruise liners and yachts come and go in one of Britain's busiest stretches of water. East Cowes sits across the River Medina from Cowes itself, famous for its sailing heritage, and is close to Osborne House, Queen Victoria's seaside residence. The roomy ferries feature lounges, outdoor seating and refreshments for the journey. With regular sailings throughout the day and good motorway links at the Southampton end, it is a convenient gateway for drivers exploring the island.
- Car ferry sailing the length of scenic Southampton Water
- Great views of cruise ships, cargo vessels and yachts
- Arrives at East Cowes, gateway to Osborne House and Cowes
- Spacious vessels with lounges, sun decks and refreshments
Southampton to East Cowes (Isle of Wight) ferry fares we have seen
| Fare basket | Fare seen | Seen on | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car + up to 7 passengers, Saver fare, 'from', each way | £32.25 | 18 October 2026 | Red Funnel homepage: Saver fares from just ... each way |
| Car + up to 7 passengers, off-peak day return, 'from', each way | £31.00 | 18 October 2026 | Red Funnel FAQs: day return fares start from just ... each way |
| Adult foot passenger, single (vehicle ferry, East Cowes to Southampton) | £13.70 | 18 October 2026 | Red Funnel foot passenger fares page (prices apply from 3 Jan 2026) |
| Adult foot passenger, standard day return (vehicle ferry) | £25.20 | 18 October 2026 | Red Funnel foot passenger fares page (prices apply from 3 Jan 2026) |
| Adult foot passenger, super off-peak day return (2 or more travelling together from 10:55) | £14.00 | 18 October 2026 | Red Funnel foot passenger fares page (prices apply from 3 Jan 2026) |
Fares change with date, demand and vehicle; these are figures we saw on the dates shown, not quotes. A booking fee may be added. Check live prices in the search above.
What to know about the Southampton to East Cowes (Isle of Wight) crossing
Check-in
Terminal pages: foot passengers 10 to 60 minutes before departure; vehicles 30 to 45 minutes before on Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays and 30 to 60 minutes before on Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. The FAQ page says vehicles at least 30 minutes before but not more than 60 on peak dates. (redfunnel.co.uk)
Foot passengers
The vehicle ferry carries vehicles and foot passengers. Red Funnel's FAQ results state a Red Jet foot passenger ticket is valid on the Southampton-East Cowes service. (redfunnel.co.uk)
Vehicles
Vehicle ferries Red Falcon, Red Osprey and Red Eagle take cars and have a lift from the vehicle deck to the passenger lounge. Lift users should call 023 8001 9192 before sailing. (redfunnel.co.uk)
Pets
Red Funnel: dogs travel free. On the vehicle ferry they must wear a harness or collar and be on a lead, may use outside decks A and AA and the North Lounge, must not sit on seats, and may stay in the car if suitable (alone about 45 minutes). (redfunnel.co.uk)
Bicycles
Bicycles carry no additional charge for foot passengers on the vehicle ferry. (redfunnel.co.uk)
Accessibility
Wheelchair users and passengers with reduced mobility are asked to call 02380 019192 at least 48 hours before travelling. Vehicle passengers unable to use the stairs are parked as near the lift as possible; 'priority loading' does not include lift access. Assistance dogs travel free. (redfunnel.co.uk)
Luggage
No luggage limit was found for the vehicle ferry. (Red Funnel states a limit of two suitcases per person plus one piece of hand luggage on Red Jet only.) (redfunnel.co.uk)
Where the ferry leaves from and arrives
Red Funnel Terminal 1, Southampton
- Address
- Dock Gate 7, Town Quay Road, Southampton, SO14 2AR
- Getting there
- Road: M27 junction 3 then M271 and A33 from the west; M3 junction 14 then A33 from the north; M27 junction 5 then A335 and A33 from the east. Bus stop outside the main passenger entrance; Quayconnect shuttle runs from Southampton Central station via the city centre.
- Parking
- Triangle Car Park (270 spaces, about 5 minutes' walk, pay on arrival, no pre-booking); Ocean Car Park 776 spaces; limited pay and display on Town Quay.
- Facilities
- Welcome desk, shop and Costa Coffee cafe, waiting area, free Wi-Fi, vending machines, toilets, luggage trolleys, wheelchair access.
- Onward travel
- Taxi rank outside Terminal 1; Red Jet and Hythe Ferries use Terminal 2, a short walk along Town Quay.
Source: redfunnel.co.uk, checked 2026-10-18.
East Cowes terminal
- Address
- Trinity Road, East Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO32 6RF (page says use sat nav postcode PO32 6RA for vehicle check-in)
- Getting there
- From Newport take the A3021 (about 15 minutes). Bus route 4 to Ryde and route 5 to Newport; route 5 stops outside Waitrose a few minutes' walk away.
- Parking
- Well Road long-stay car park about 500 ft away; on-street parking on York Avenue and the Esplanade; limited drop-off with a 20-minute limit.
- Facilities
- Ticket office open daily 09:00 to 17:00, waiting area, free WiFi, toilets, vending machines, luggage trolleys, seasonal snack shack; terminal open 24 hours.
- Onward travel
- Taxis (pre-book advised), water taxis from the Grid Iron, Cowes Floating Bridge to West Cowes.
Source: redfunnel.co.uk, checked 2026-10-18.
Staying in or around East Cowes
Taxis (pre-book advised), water taxis from the Grid Iron, Cowes Floating Bridge to West Cowes.
Ports & operators on this route
Southampton to East Cowes (Isle of Wight) ferry — common questions
How long does the Southampton to East Cowes ferry take?
The crossing takes around 55 minutes, as the ferry travels the full length of Southampton Water before crossing the Solent to East Cowes.
Can I take my car on the Southampton to East Cowes ferry?
Yes. Red Funnel operates this as a vehicle ferry, carrying cars, motorhomes, vans and motorcycles alongside foot passengers.
What is there to see near East Cowes?
East Cowes is close to Osborne House, Queen Victoria's former seaside home, and just across the River Medina from Cowes, the island's famous sailing town.
How long is the Southampton to East Cowes ferry?
Red Funnel's timetable gives the crossing time as approx 1 hour.
How often does the Southampton to East Cowes ferry run?
Red Funnel's summer timetable (to 2 Nov 2026) prints 18 to 20 departures a day from Southampton depending on the day; the winter timetable from 3 Nov prints 13 or 14. Some early and late sailings have restricted capacity.
Which ferries sail Southampton to East Cowes?
Red Funnel names Red Falcon, Red Osprey and Red Eagle as its vehicle ferries.
How much is a car on the Southampton to East Cowes ferry?
Red Funnel prints only 'from' prices for a car with up to 7 passengers: a Saver fare on its homepage and an off-peak day return figure in its FAQ, both listed in the fares for this route.
Related ferry routes
Other routes from Southampton
Where these facts come from
Checked by the CheapFerries editorial team on 18 October 2026. Operators change timetables, fares and rules, so confirm details for your sailing when you book.
- redfunnel.co.uk www.redfunnel.co.uk/sites/default/files/documents/rfb2605-roro-summer-timetable-2apr-2nov-web.pdf
- redfunnel.co.uk www.redfunnel.co.uk/
- redfunnel.co.uk www.redfunnel.co.uk/faqs
- redfunnel.co.uk www.redfunnel.co.uk/en/book-mainland/
- redfunnel.co.uk www.redfunnel.co.uk/isle-of-wight-ferry/plan/terminals/1-southampton
- redfunnel.co.uk www.redfunnel.co.uk/isle-of-wight-ferry/plan/terminals/east-cowes
- redfunnel.co.uk www.redfunnel.co.uk/isle-of-wight-ferry/plan/timetables/service-status
- redfunnel.co.uk www.redfunnel.co.uk/policies-and-conditions/dog-friendly-travel
- redfunnel.co.uk www.redfunnel.co.uk/passenger-assistance