FerryConnect

England → Isle of Wight

Southampton → East Cowes (Isle of Wight)

Red Funnel’s car ferry down Southampton Water to East Cowes, home of Cowes Week sailing and Osborne House. The Red Jet high-speed catamaran runs separately for foot passengers to West Cowes in about 28 minutes.

⏱ 55m – 1h🚢 1 operator📅 Roughly hourly through the day🚗 Vehicles accepted🐕 Pet friendly
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Southampton to East Cowes (Isle of Wight) ferry at a glance

The ferry from Southampton to East Cowes (Isle of Wight) takes 55m – 1h across the Southampton Water & The Solent, operated by Red Funnel. Both vehicles and foot passengers are carried. Typical frequency: roughly hourly through the day.

Crossing times and frequencies are typical figures and vary by season. Confirm the current timetable with the operator or booking partner before you travel. Route facts last reviewed 2026-10-02.

Sources: redfunnel.co.uk · redfunnel.co.uk · redfunnel.co.uk · How we verify

Return crossing: East Cowes (Isle of Wight) to Southampton

Red Funnel also sails East Cowes (Isle of Wight) to Southampton, taking 55m – 1h.

Southampton to East Cowes (Isle of Wight) ferry timetable & sailing pattern

Daily departures every 60 minutes from March to October and every 90 minutes from November to February.

Timetables change by season and date. Check exact departures for your travel date on the official timetable.

Official Red Funnel timetable →Check prices & book on 12Go →

Source: Red Funnel Southampton–East Cowes route page. Verified 2026-10-02.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Southampton and East Cowes (Isle of Wight)

📐 11 Nautical Miles
Southampton⇄East Cowes (Isle of Wight)
⏱ 55m – 1h · 📐 11 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
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Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
Red Funnel55m – 1hRed Eagle, Red Falcon, Red Osprey

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Cars, campervans, and motorbikes accepted

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

Pets allowed with valid documents

📐

Distance

11 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • Southampton Central station is about 15 minutes’ walk or a short taxi from Town Quay
  • East Cowes connects via the chain ferry to Cowes and by bus to Newport

Related Ferry Crossings

Onward from East Cowes (Isle of Wight)Portsmouth → Fishbourne (Isle of Wight)45m · WightlinkNearby alternative crossingLymington → Yarmouth (Isle of Wight)About 40m · WightlinkNearby alternative crossingPortsmouth → Ryde (Isle of Wight)10m (hovercraft) – 22m (FastCat) · Hovertravel, WightlinkNearby alternative crossingPortsmouth → GuernseyAbout 7h – 10h · Brittany FerriesNearby alternative crossingPortsmouth → Jersey (St Helier)About 9h · DFDSNearby alternative crossingPoole → Guernsey (St Peter Port)About 3h · Brittany Ferries, Condor Ferries
📘 Isle of Wight Ferries: Routes, Times & Operators📘 Ferry Luggage Allowance: What You Can & Can’t Take🌊 English Channel ferries🗺 All ferries in United Kingdom🔎 Search all routes

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the ferry from Southampton to East Cowes?
Red Funnel puts the vehicle ferry crossing at 60 minutes, with departures every hour from March to October and every 90 minutes from November to February.
Is there a faster ferry from Southampton to the Isle of Wight?
Yes, for foot passengers: Red Funnel’s Red Jet sails from Southampton to West Cowes in from 28 minutes, usually every 35 minutes at busy times (Monday–Saturday) and every 1 hour 10 minutes at quieter times and on Sundays.
Can I take my dog on Red Funnel?
Yes, dogs travel free. On the vehicle ferries there is a pet lounge (the North Lounge on deck A) and dogs can use the outside decks; they must be on a lead and off the seats. Dogs can also travel on the Red Jet.
How often does the Southampton to East Cowes (Isle of Wight) ferry sail?
Daily departures every 60 minutes from March to October and every 90 minutes from November to February. This is the pattern published in the Red Funnel Southampton–East Cowes route page (checked 2026-10-02); confirm exact departure times on the official timetable before you travel.
Which ferry companies sail from Southampton to East Cowes (Isle of Wight)?
Red Funnel operates this route. Compare sailing times and ticket types before booking, as they often differ between operators.
Can I take my car on the Southampton to East Cowes (Isle of Wight) ferry?
Yes. Vehicles are carried on this route. Book vehicle space in advance for peak dates, and check the operator’s height, length and trailer limits for campervans and larger vehicles.
Can I take the Southampton to East Cowes (Isle of Wight) ferry as a foot passenger?
Yes. Foot passengers can travel on this route. Allow time to reach the passenger terminal and check the operator’s check-in closing time.
How far is Southampton from East Cowes (Isle of Wight) by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 11 nautical miles (roughly 20 km).