Red Funnel Ferries
Red Funnel links Southampton with the Isle of Wight on two services: the vehicle ferry to East Cowes (60 minutes) and the Red Jet hi-speed passenger ferry to West Cowes (from 28 minutes).
Red Funnel Routes
| Route | Crossing Time | Vehicles | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southampton → East Cowes (Isle of Wight) | 55m – 1h | Cars & foot passengers | Book |
| Southampton → West Cowes (Isle of Wight) | About 28m | Foot passengers only | Book |
Red Funnel sailing patterns
- Southampton → East Cowes (Isle of Wight)
Daily departures every 60 minutes from March to October and every 90 minutes from November to February.
Source: Red Funnel Southampton–East Cowes route page, checked 2026-10-02
- Southampton → West Cowes (Isle of Wight)
Weekdays: 21 sailings from Southampton (05:30 – 22:30), every 35 minutes at the busiest times and about every 70 minutes in the middle of the day. Saturdays 24, Sundays and bank holidays 14.
Times above are for 24 November 2026 – 10 January 2027. Red Funnel runs refit timetables 2 – 23 November 2026 and 11 January – 1 February 2027. Until 29 October 2026 six sailings each way are cancelled while Red Jet 6 is repaired.
Source: Red Funnel Red Jet timetable (24 Nov 2026 – 10 Jan 2027), checked 2026-10-28
Vessels on these routes: Red Eagle, Red Falcon, Red Osprey, Red Jet hi-speed catamaran
Red Funnel Network Map
2 routes on FerryConnect; 1 carries vehicles.
Ports Red Funnel Sails From
Onboard Passenger Amenities
🚗 Vehicle Regulations
The Southampton–East Cowes vehicle ferries (three ships) carry cars and other vehicles, with departures every 60 minutes from March to October and every 90 minutes from November to February. The Red Jet carries foot passengers only. Charging e-bikes is prohibited on board and in Red Funnel’s terminals.
🐕 Pet & Animal Travel Policy
Dogs travel free. On the vehicle ferries they can use the North Lounge on deck A and the outside decks (A and AA), or stay in the car. They must be on a harness or collar and lead, off the seats and clear of emergency exits. Dogs are also welcome on the Red Jet.
Red Jet: Southampton to West Cowes
Red Funnel’s Red Jet is a hi-speed foot-passenger service from Southampton (terminal 2) to West Cowes, with crossing times from 28 minutes. It usually departs every 35 minutes at busy times Monday to Saturday, and every 1 hour 10 minutes during quieter weekday periods and on Sundays. Red Jet 6 and Red Jet 7 run the service.
Dogs on Red Funnel
Dogs travel free on both services. On the vehicle ferries Red Eagle, Red Osprey and Red Falcon there is a designated pet space, the North Lounge on the upper passenger deck A, and dogs can also use the outside decks or stay in the car. Keep dogs on a lead, off the seats and away from emergency exits.
Red Funnel FAQs
How long is the Red Jet from Southampton to Cowes?
From 28 minutes, Southampton to West Cowes. It usually leaves every 35 minutes at busy times and every 1 hour 10 minutes at quieter times and on Sundays.
How often is the Red Funnel car ferry?
Every 60 minutes from March to October and every 90 minutes from November to February, with a 60-minute crossing to East Cowes.
Do dogs travel free on Red Funnel?
Yes. Dogs travel free on the vehicle ferries and the Red Jet.
Checked 2026-10-02 against: Red Funnel: Southampton–East Cowes · Red Funnel: Red Jet · Red Funnel: dog-friendly travel. Policies change; confirm with the operator before booking.