Ferry from Southampton to the Isle of Wight

When travelling by ferry from Southampton to the Isle of Wight, you can take advantage of the regular discounts available to specific passenger categories. Typically, you can expect lower ferry ticket prices for children under 16 and senior travellers (60+), while infants and toddlers up to 4 years old travel for free.

Red Funnel operates the Southampton - Isle of Wight ferry route with conventional ferries to East Cowes and high-speed catamarans to West Cowes. On the larger ferries, you will find seating in air-conditioned lounges and on the outer deck, cafés, bars, a shop and free Wi-Fi.

The high-speed catamarans 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 ferries serving the route from Southampton to the Isle of Wight 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, due to the short duration of the journey, the ferries from Southampton to the Isle of Wight do not have cabins.

Can I book business-class seats?

Yes, on the conventional ferries serving the Southampton - Isle of Wight route to East Cowes, you can upgrade your booking to include access to the Signature Lounge. 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.

Pet travel

You can bring your pet on the ferry from Southampton to the Isle of Wight, provided you include it 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 Southampton to the Isle of Wight:

• The port in Southampton can get busy, especially in the summer, so plan your arrival 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.
• Car spaces on the ferry to East Cowes can 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 Isle of Wight on a short trip, don’t forget to book your return ticket on the Isle of Wight - Southampton ferry.

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

Ferries to the Isle of Wight depart from 2 terminals at Town Quay, close to Southampton city centre:

• The conventional vehicle ferries to East Cowes leave from Terminal 1 at Dock Gate 7
• The high-speed catamarans to West Cowes leave from Terminal 2, a few minutes’ walk farther along Town Quay.

The terminals are around 1-2 km from the central shopping district and Southampton Central railway station and around 8 km from Southampton Airport.

At both terminals you will find a range of traveller amenities, such as ticket offices, cafés, waiting areas, free Wi-Fi, toilets, visitor information and luggage trolleys. Nearby you will find the Westquay shopping centre, hotels and car-hire agencies and car parks.

How to get to the port of Southampton?

• By car: from the west, leave the M27 at junction 3 and follow the M271, A33 and signs for the Waterfront. From the north, follow the M3 and A33 towards the docks. For the vehicle ferry to East Cowes, follow signs for Terminal 1 and Dock Gate 7.
• By bus: the Quayconnect bus links the station’s south side with Westquay and Town Quay in about 10 min.
• By train: there are direct trains to Southampton from London Waterloo, Bristol, and Brighton. From the station’s south side, you can reach the ferry terminals in under 10 min by bus or taxi.
• By taxi: a taxi ride to the port takes 5-10 min from central Southampton and around 10-15 min from Southampton Airport.

Where does the ferry arrive in the Isle of Wight?

Ferries from Southampton arrive at 2 ports in Cowes on the Isle of Wight, depending on the service:

• East Cowes: the conventional ferries carrying foot passengers and vehicles dock at the terminal on Trinity Road, close to the town centre.
• West Cowes: the high-speed catamaran for foot passengers arrives at Fountain Yard, in the heart of Cowes.

The terminals are on opposite sides of the River Medina and you can travel between them using the Cowes Floating Bridge in about 15-20 min on foot. Both terminals have basic traveller amenities, such as waiting areas, toilets, luggage trolleys, free Wi-Fi, vending machines and accessible facilities.

How do I travel onwards from the ferry terminals?

From East Cowes, you can walk to the bus stops outside Waitrose in just a few minutes. Bus route 5 connects the terminal area with Newport, while route 4 runs to Ryde. Both services stop near Osborne House. Taxis are also available, but booking ahead is recommended.

From West Cowes, bus route 1 runs to Newport, where you can connect with services to destinations across the island. There is also a taxi rank directly outside the terminal. To reach East Cowes, take the nearby Cowes Floating Bridge across the River Medina; allow around 15-20 minutes for the walk and crossing.

Passenger vs vehicle ferry Southampton to Isle of Wight: which should I choose?

When comparing the passenger vs vehicle ferry Southampton to Isle of Wight services, the best choice depends on how you plan to travel:

• Choose the Southampton - West Cowes passenger ferry for the fastest crossing. Red Funnel’s high-speed catamarans take just under 30 min and carry foot passengers, pets and a limited number of bicycles.
• Choose the Southampton - East Cowes vehicle ferry if you want to bring a car, motorbike or caravan. The conventional ferry takes around 1 hr and also welcomes foot passengers, pets and bicycles.