Red Funnel: Ferries, Tickets & Info

Red Funnel is a British ferry company connecting Southampton on the south coast of England with the Isle of Wight. The operator carries vehicles and foot passengers to East Cowes on its conventional ferries, while its high-speed catamaran service connects Southampton with West Cowes.

With frequent, year-round crossings and a fleet of vehicle ferries and high-speed passenger vessels, Red Funnel offers a convenient service for day trips, vacations, and regular travel across the Solent.

Find all Red Funnel ferry routes and schedules, compare prices and book your ferry tickets on Ferryhopper in just a few clicks.

Red Funnel routes

Red Funnel operates 2 ferry routes between Southampton and the Isle of Wight, connecting the mainland with the ports of East Cowes and West Cowes on the island.

The East Cowes route is served by conventional ferries that carry both foot passengers and vehicles, with a travel time of 1 hr. The West Cowes route takes around 28 min and is operated by high-speed catamarans that only carry foot passengers.

Red Funnel fleet

Red Funnel’s fleet includes conventional vehicle ferries and high-speed passenger catamarans for fast trips across the Solent. Its vehicle ferries are Red Eagle, Red Falcon, Red Kestrel, and Red Osprey, which operate the East Cowes route. The West Cowes route is served by the high-speed fleet, including Red Jet 6 and Red Jet 7, which are passenger-only catamarans.

Onboard experience

Red Funnel’s conventional ferries offer a range of amenities for the crossing between Southampton and East Cowes. On board, you can find:

• Cafés serving hot meals, snacks, and drinks
• Indoor passenger lounges and outdoor decks with views across the Solent
• Onboard shops and kiosks
• Baby-changing facilities and family-friendly spaces
• Free Wi-Fi and charging points
• Car decks for the transportation of vehicles

Depending on the ferry, passengers can upgrade to the Signature Lounge, a quieter space with comfortable seating, free high-speed Wi-Fi, and complimentary drinks and snacks.

The Red Jet high-speed catamaran service offers comfortable leather seating, air conditioning, and an at-seat service selling hot and cold drinks, snacks, and beverages. As the crossing takes around 28 min, facilities are more limited than on the vehicle ferries.

Accessibility

The ferries operated by Red Funnel are generally accessible to travellers with disabilities and impaired mobility, featuring ramps and elevators to move between decks, accessible restrooms, and designated seating in common areas. Red Funnel also offers boarding assistance upon request and prior notification at least 48 hr before departure.

Important: accessibility features vary from vessel to vessel, so contact Red Funnel at the time of booking for further details.

Luggage allowance

When traveling with Red Funnel, you can bring 2 bags for free, with a combined weight of up to 25 kg.

Red Funnel discounts & offers

Red Funnel offers fixed discounts to many passenger categories. Typically, infants and toddlers up to 4 years old travel for free, and you can expect lower ferry ticket prices for:

• Children under 16
• Senior travellers (60+)

On Ferryhopper, you’ll always find the latest special offers and book your Red Funnel ferry tickets at the best price, with no hidden fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I travel with my car on the Red Funnel ferry?

Yes, the Red Funnel vehicle ferries between Southampton and East Cowes have car decks. You can travel with a car, motorcycle, camper van, motorhome, caravan, trailer, or bicycle.

Make sure you enter the correct vehicle type and dimensions when booking, including any roof box, bicycle rack, trailer, or other accessory. Vehicle spaces are limited, so booking in advance is recommended.

Important: the high-speed ferry service between Southampton and West Cowes does not carry vehicles.

Are pets allowed on board?

Yes, you can bring your pets on Red Funnel ferries, provided you include them in your booking. During the trip, smaller pets must be kept in their carrier, while larger pets must wear a muzzle and be kept on a lead.

Make sure you bring your pet’s health and travel documents, tickets, and any pet supplies you may need for the trip.

Where do pets stay on the ferry?

You can keep your pet with you in the pet-friendly lounge or outer deck, or your pet can stay in your vehicle for the duration of the trip.

If you decide to leave your pet in your vehicle, it’s recommended that you leave a window slightly open for ventilation.

Does Red Funnel operate year-round?

Yes, Red Funnel operates year-round, with multiple daily ferry services on both routes between Southampton and the Isle of Wight.

Schedules and frequencies vary according to the season and day of the week, so check the latest ferry timetables before planning your trip.

How early should I arrive at the port?

On the West Cowes route with high-speed catamarans, travellers should check in at least 5-15 min before departure. For the East Cowes route, foot passengers should arrive 10-60 min in advance, while vehicles should arrive 30-60 min before departure.

Does Red Funnel have e-tickets?

With Red Funnel, you can book your ferry tickets online on Ferryhopper and pick them up in paper form from the company’s collection points at the port before the trip.

Luggage allowance

You can bring up to 2 bags for free, with a combined weight of no more than 25 kg.