Search live Southampton to West Cowes (Isle of Wight) ferry prices
The search below is already set to this route — just hit search for live fares and times from every operator. Change the ports to compare another crossing.
The Southampton to West Cowes (Isle of Wight) ferry
The Southampton to West Cowes service is Red Funnel's Red Jet, a sleek high-speed catamaran carrying foot passengers across the Solent in under half an hour. Departing from Southampton's Town Quay, close to the city centre, the Red Jet skims down Southampton Water before crossing to Cowes, the island's celebrated sailing capital. Arriving in the centre of West Cowes, passengers step ashore amid yacht-lined waterfronts, independent shops, cafes and the bustling atmosphere of one of the world's most famous regatta towns. As a foot-passenger service it suits commuters, day trippers and visitors travelling without a car, with frequent sailings throughout the day and easy onward bus and ferry links across the island. The speedy crossing and central terminals at both ends make it a quick and stylish way to reach the Isle of Wight.
- High-speed Red Jet catamaran crossing in under 30 minutes
- Foot passengers only, departing from central Southampton
- Arrives in the heart of Cowes, the island's sailing capital
- Frequent daily sailings with onward island connections
Southampton to West Cowes (Isle of Wight) ferry fares we have seen
| Fare basket | Fare seen | Seen on | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult foot passenger, single (West Cowes to Southampton, Red Jet) | £23.65 | 18 October 2026 | Red Funnel foot passenger fares page (prices apply from 3 Jan 2026) |
| Adult foot passenger, standard day return (Red Jet) | £32.90 | 18 October 2026 | Red Funnel foot passenger fares page (prices apply from 3 Jan 2026) |
| Adult foot passenger, off-peak day return (Red Jet; from 09:00 Mon-Fri or any time at weekends) | £24.10 | 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 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.
Who sails Southampton to West Cowes (Isle of Wight)
| Operator | Ships | Crossing | Sailings | Foot passengers | Pets | Cabins / seating | Check-in |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Red Funnel | Red Jet 6, Red Jet 7 (Red Funnel's fleet page says three Red Jets; the third is not named on the pages read) | approx 28 minutes | 21-24 / day each way Mon-Sat, 14 / day Sun (timetable to 1 Nov 2026) | Yes (foot passengers only) | Dogs carried free | No cabins; passenger lounge | sources differ, see practical |
Rules differ by operator and ship; confirm when you book. Sources: redfunnel.co.uk. Checked 2026-10-18.
What to know about the Southampton to West Cowes (Isle of Wight) crossing
Check-in
Red Funnel pages differ: the FAQ says try to arrive at least 15 minutes before departure; the West Cowes and Southampton Terminal 2 pages say 5 to 15 minutes; the accessibility page says at least 30 minutes. (redfunnel.co.uk)
Foot passengers
Red Jet is a foot passenger service. The accessibility page calls it turn-up-and-go with no advance booking; Red Funnel's Red Jet page also says most ticket types can be bought in advance online. (redfunnel.co.uk)
Vehicles
Red Jet does not carry vehicles; vehicles use the Southampton-East Cowes vehicle ferry. (redfunnel.co.uk)
Pets
Red Funnel states dogs are carried free of charge and lists Red Jet 6 and 7 as 'Pet Friendly'. No Red Jet-specific dog rules were found on the dog travel page. (redfunnel.co.uk)
Accessibility
Each Red Jet carries a maximum of two wheelchairs per sailing, first come first served. Contact Red Funnel at least 48 hours ahead for special assistance. Pontoon gangways are steeper at low tide. (redfunnel.co.uk)
Luggage
Red Funnel accepts a maximum of two suitcases per person plus one piece of hand luggage on Red Jet; larger items can go on the vehicle ferry parcel service run by Acclaim. (redfunnel.co.uk)
Where the ferry leaves from and arrives
Red Funnel Terminal 2 (Red Jet), Southampton
- Address
- Town Quay, Southampton, SO14 2AQ (postcode listed for sat nav; no street address on the page)
- Getting there
- Bus stop directly outside the main entrance; Quayconnect shuttle from Southampton Central station via the city centre. Road directions from M27 junction 3 or 5 and M3 junction 14.
- Parking
- Triangle Car Park (270 spaces, Cunard Road SO14 3QN, about 5 minutes' walk, pay on arrival); limited pay and display on Town Quay; Ocean Car Park 776 spaces.
- Facilities
- Ticket and booking office, Steam Cafe (Costa Coffee), waiting area, free WiFi, toilets, luggage trolleys, wheelchair access. Terminal open Mon-Fri 07:30-19:00, Sat-Sun 08:00-19:00.
- Onward travel
- Taxi rank outside; vehicle ferry to East Cowes leaves from Terminal 1, a short walk away.
Source: redfunnel.co.uk, checked 2026-10-18.
West Cowes Red Jet terminal
- Address
- Sat nav postcode PO31 7AR (no street address on the page)
- Getting there
- From Newport take the A3020 (about 15 minutes). Bus route 1 runs between West Cowes and Newport.
- Parking
- Long-stay on Park Road, Mornington Road and Brunswick Road; short-stay on St Mary's Road, Cross Street, the Esplanade and The Parade; Park & Ride at Somerton on the A3020; limited drop-off in Fountain Yard (10-minute limit).
- Facilities
- Ticket and booking office, real-time travel information, free WiFi, toilets, luggage trolleys, cycle hub, wheelchair access. Opening: Mon-Thu 05:30-22:30, Fri 05:30-23:45, Sat 07:00-23:45, Sun 07:00-23:30.
- Onward travel
- Taxi rank in Fountain Yard; water taxis from the berth beside the terminal; Cowes Floating Bridge to East Cowes every 10-15 minutes.
Source: redfunnel.co.uk, checked 2026-10-18.
Staying in or around West Cowes
Taxi rank in Fountain Yard; water taxis from the berth beside the terminal; Cowes Floating Bridge to East Cowes every 10-15 minutes.
Ports & operators on this route
Southampton to West Cowes (Isle of Wight) ferry — common questions
How long does the Red Jet to West Cowes take?
The Red Jet high-speed catamaran completes the crossing in around 28 minutes from Southampton's Town Quay to West Cowes.
Can I take a car on the Red Jet?
No, the Red Jet is a foot-passenger service only. For vehicles, Red Funnel's Southampton to East Cowes car ferry is the alternative.
Where does the Red Jet arrive on the Isle of Wight?
It arrives in the centre of West Cowes, placing you right among the town's yacht-lined waterfront, shops and cafes.
How long is the Red Jet from Southampton to West Cowes?
Red Funnel's timetable gives the crossing time as approx 28 minutes.
How often does the Red Jet run?
Red Funnel's timetable to 1 Nov 2026 prints 21 departures a day from Southampton Monday-Friday, 24 on Saturdays and 14 on Sundays and bank holidays.
What are the adult Red Jet fares?
Red Funnel's foot passenger fares page (prices from 3 Jan 2026) prints adult single, standard day return, off-peak and super off-peak day return prices from West Cowes, listed in the fares for this route with the stated conditions.
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/RJ%20Winter%20Timetable%20-%2024%20Mar%20-%201%20Nov%20WEB.pdf
- redfunnel.co.uk www.redfunnel.co.uk/en/book-mainland/
- redfunnel.co.uk www.redfunnel.co.uk/isle-of-wight-ferry/fleet/redjet
- redfunnel.co.uk www.redfunnel.co.uk/isle-of-wight-ferry/plan/terminals/2-southampton
- redfunnel.co.uk www.redfunnel.co.uk/isle-of-wight-ferry/plan/terminals/west-cowes
- redfunnel.co.uk www.redfunnel.co.uk/faqs
- redfunnel.co.uk www.redfunnel.co.uk/passenger-assistance
- redfunnel.co.uk www.redfunnel.co.uk/isle-of-wight-ferry/plan/timetables