FerryConnect

United Kingdom (England)

Southampton → West Cowes (Isle of Wight)

Red Funnel’s Red Jet, the fast foot-passenger catamaran from Southampton’s Town Quay to West Cowes on the Isle of Wight, in about 28 minutes. It is the quickest way to Cowes from Southampton Central station and runs from early morning to late evening.

⏱ About 28m🚢 1 operator📅 21 sailings each way on weekdays, 24 on Saturdays and 14 on Sundays (24 Nov 2026 – 10 Jan 2027)🐕 Pet friendly
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Southampton to West Cowes (Isle of Wight) ferry at a glance

The ferry from Southampton to West Cowes (Isle of Wight) takes About 28m across the Solent, operated by Red Funnel. It is a foot-passenger service; vehicles are not carried. Typical frequency: 21 sailings each way on weekdays, 24 on Saturdays and 14 on Sundays (24 Nov 2026 – 10 Jan 2027).

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 2026-10-28.

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

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

Red Funnel also sails West Cowes (Isle of Wight) to Southampton, taking About 28m. From West Cowes the first weekday Red Jet leaves at 06:05 and the last at 23:05, with the same 28-minute crossing.

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

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.

Published departure times

  • 05:30
  • 06:05
  • 06:40
  • 07:15
  • 07:50
  • 08:25
  • 09:00
  • 10:20
  • 11:30
  • 12:40
  • 13:50
  • 15:00
  • 15:35
  • 16:10
  • 16:45
  • 17:20
  • 17:55
  • 18:30
  • 19:40
  • 21:05
  • 22:30

Return: From West Cowes the first weekday Red Jet leaves at 06:05 and the last at 23:05, with the same 28-minute crossing.

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 Ferryscanner →

Source: Red Funnel Red Jet timetable (24 Nov 2026 – 10 Jan 2027). Verified 2026-10-28.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

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

📐 9 Nautical Miles
Southampton⇄West Cowes (Isle of Wight)
⏱ About 28m · 📐 9 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
⚡ All operators, one booking

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Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
Red FunnelAbout 28mRed Jet hi-speed catamaran

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Foot passengers only

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

Pets allowed with valid documents

📐

Distance

9 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • Red Funnel’s timetable says its bus service to the Red Jet runs seven days a week
  • For cars, Red Funnel’s vehicle ferry sails from Southampton to East Cowes, across the River Medina from West Cowes

Related Ferry Crossings

Also sails from SouthamptonSouthampton → East Cowes (Isle of Wight)55m – 1h · Red FunnelOnward from West Cowes (Isle of Wight)Portsmouth → Fishbourne (Isle of Wight)45m · WightlinkNearby alternative crossingLymington → Yarmouth (Isle of Wight)About 40m · WightlinkNearby alternative crossingPortsmouth Harbour → Ryde (Isle of Wight)About 22m · WightlinkNearby alternative crossingPortsmouth → Ryde (Isle of Wight)10m (hovercraft) – 22m (FastCat) · Hovertravel, WightlinkNearby alternative crossingPortsmouth → GuernseyAbout 7h – 10h · Brittany Ferries
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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Red Jet from Southampton to West Cowes?
About 28 minutes, according to Red Funnel’s Red Jet timetable.
Can I take a car on the Red Jet?
No. The Red Jet is a hi-speed foot-passenger service. For cars, Red Funnel’s vehicle ferry sails from Southampton to East Cowes in about an hour.
Can dogs travel on the Red Jet?
Yes. Red Funnel says dogs travel free and are welcome on the Red Jets.
How often does the Southampton to West Cowes (Isle of Wight) ferry sail?
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. This is the pattern published in the Red Funnel Red Jet timetable (24 Nov 2026 – 10 Jan 2027) (checked 2026-10-28); confirm exact departure times on the official timetable before you travel.
Which ferry companies sail from Southampton to West 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 the Southampton to West 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 West Cowes (Isle of Wight) by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 9 nautical miles (roughly 17 km).