Ferry from the Isle of Wight to Southampton

The Isle of Wight to Southampton ferry routes are served with route with conventional ferries and high-speed catamarans. The conventional ferries from East Cowes typically feature seating in air-conditioned lounges and on the outer deck, cafés, bars, a shop, free Wi-Fi and car decks.

On the high-speed catamarans from West Cowes have more basic amenities on the shorter crossing, with comfortable seating in an air conditioned lounge, free Wi-Fi and an at-seat drinks and snack service.

Accessibility

The Isle of Wight - Southampton ferries are generally accessible to travellers with disabilities, featuring ramps and lifts between decks, as well as adapted amenities in common areas, such as designated accessible seating and toilets.

Red Funnel offers boarding assistance upon request and prior notification at least 48 hr before your ferry trip.

Important: accessibility features vary from vessel to vessel, so it is recommended to contact the ferry company at the time of booking for further details.

Cabins and accommodation

Are there cabins on the ferry?

No, there are no cabins available on the Isle of Wight - Southampton ferries due to the short duration of the journey.

Can I book business-class seats?

Yes, Red Funnel allows you to upgrade your booking to the Signature Lounge on the conventional ferries operating the Isle of Wight - Southampton route from East Cowes. This premium lounge is in an exclusive area onboard and includes enhanced WiFi, panoramic views, table service, and complimentary snacks and beverages.

Luggage

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

Travelling with pets

Pets are generally welcome on the Isle of Wight - Southampton 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?

When travelling with Red Funnel, 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.

Here are some useful tips for your ferry trip from the Isle of Wight to Southampton:

• The terminals on the Isle of Wight can get crowded, especially during the high season, it’s recommended to arrive at least 15-60 min ahead of your ferry’s departure. If you are travelling with a vehicle, it’s best to be there 30 min to 1 hr in advance.
• The car deck spaces on the conventional ferry from East Cowes often sell out on weekends, school holidays and major Isle of Wight events, so book your ferry tickets early for peace of mind.
• If you are headed to the mainland on a short trip, don’t forget to book your return ticket on the Southampton - Isle of Wight ferry.

Where to take the ferry from the Isle of Wight to Southampton

Ferries to Southampton leave from 2 terminals in Cowes on the Isle of Wight:

• Conventional vehicle ferries which also carry foot passengers and bicycles, depart from the East Cowes Terminal on Trinity Road.
• The passenger-only high-speed catamarans leave from West Cowes Terminal at Fountain Yard.

West Cowes Terminal has a ticket office, toilets, free Wi-Fi and luggage trolleys, with cafés, shops and accommodation close by in Cowes. East Cowes Terminal has a waiting room, ticket office, toilets, vending machines and a seasonal snack kiosk. It is also a few minutes’ walk from the town’s shops and cafés.

How to get to the port on the Isle of Wight?

• By car to East Cowes: from Newport, follow the A3021 and allow around 15 minutes. From Ryde, take the A3054 and then the A3021.
• By car to West Cowes: follow the A3020 from Newport; the drive usually takes around 15 min. Keep in mind that the ferry from West Cowes does not carry vehicles.
• By bus: Southern Vectis route 1 runs between Newport and West Cowes, terminating by the ferry terminal. Route 5 connects East Cowes with Newport and route 4 with Ryde. Routes 4 and 5 stop near Waitrose, a few minutes’ walk from the ferry terminal.
• Between East and West Cowes: the Cowes Floating Bridge crosses the River Medina every 10-15 min, subject to tides and operating conditions, with the crossing taking 15-20 min. East Cowes Terminal is about a 2-min walk from the bridge, while West Cowes Terminal is approximately 12 min away on foot.
• By taxi: a taxi between Newport and either Cowes terminal normally takes around 15-20 min.

Where does the ferry arrive in Southampton?

Ferries from the Isle of Wight arrive at Town Quay, near Southampton’s waterfront and the Old Town. The conventional vehicle ferries from East Cowes dock at Southampton Terminal 1, Dock Gate 7, while the high-speed catamarans from West Cowes arrive at Terminal 2, a short walk along Town Quay.

Terminal 1 has a welcome desk, café and shop, waiting area, toilets, free Wi-Fi and luggage trolleys. Terminal 2 has a ticket office, café, waiting area, toilets and free Wi-Fi. From either terminal, you can easily walk to the Old Town, nearby hotels and cafés.

Onward travel from the port of Southampton

• By car: Town Quay connects with the A33, providing access to the M3 and M27.
• By bus: the Quayconnect shuttle links Town Quay with Westquay and Southampton Central railway station in 10-12 min.
• By train: Southampton Central is around 1.5 km from Town Quay. From there, trains run to London, Bournemouth, Portsmouth and other destinations. You can reach the station by Quayconnect, taxi or in around 20-25 min on foot.
• By taxi: there is a small taxi rank outside Terminal 1 and a larger rank outside Terminal 2. The journey to Southampton Central usually takes 5-10 min, depending on traffic.
• To Southampton Airport: the airport is approximately 8 km from Town Quay. A taxi generally takes around 20-25 min by taxi or car. Alternatively, take Quayconnect to Southampton Central and then a train to Southampton Airport Parkway.

Passenger vs vehicle ferry Isle of Wight to Southampton: is the best?

Your choice depends mainly on whether you are travelling on foot or taking a vehicle to the mainland:

• Take the West Cowes - Southampton passenger-only catamarans for the quickest journey. The high-speed catamaran reaches Southampton in less than 30 min and accommodates foot passengers, pets and a limited number of bicycles.
• Opt for the East Cowes - Southampton ferry if you are bringing a car, motorbike or caravan. The crossing on these conventional ferries takes about 1 hr, and foot passengers, cyclists and passengers with pets can also use this service.