Travelling from Southampton to Cowes? Then the Ferry Southampton ⇄ Cowes offers you a fast and affordable option for your trip. The ferry takes you up to 20 times a day in 28 minutes to 1 hour from Southampton (England) to Cowes (England, Isle of Wight).
Table of contents
Check timetable, prices and availability & book
Gib in der Verbindungssuche deine Reisedaten ein um die Fahrzeiten, die aktuellen Preise und die Verfügbarkeit der Fähre Southampton - Cowes zu prüfen.
Ferry Southampton ⇄ Cowes Map
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Information about the ferry connection Southampton - Cowes - East Cowes
| Ferry connection: | Southampton ⇄ Cowes |
| Ports of the ferry connection: |
|
| Number of crossings: | up to 20 times a day |
| Travel time / journey time: | 28 minutes bis 1 hour |
| Distance: | 65 Kilometers (ca. 35,1 Nautical miles) |
| Season: | All year round (January-December) |
| Check-in: | 30-60 minutes before departure |
| Operator of the ferry connection: |
Red Funnel |
Information about the ferry connection East Cowes - Cowes - Southampton
| Ferry connection: | Cowes ⇄ Southampton |
| Häfen der Verbindung (Rückreise): |
|
| Number of crossings: | up to 20 times a day |
| Travel time / journey time: | 28 minutes bis 1 hour |
| Distance: | 65 Kilometers (ca. 35,1 Nautical miles) |
| Season: | All year round (January-December) |
| Check-in: | 30-60 minutes before departure |
| Operator of the ferry connection: |
Red Funnel |
Betreiber der Fähre Southampton ⇄ Cowes
Red Funnel
Red Funnel, founded in 1861, is the oldest ferry company on the Isle of Wight and connects Southampton with East and West Cowes. With modern vehicle ferries and the fast Red Jet catamarans, it offers reliable connections for vehicles and foot passengers all year round. There are comfortable lounges, catering facilities and free Wi-Fi on board.
Port information for the ferry connection between Southampton and Cowes
Southampton
Southampton, a lively city on England’s south coast, attracts visitors with its maritime history and modern flair. Cruise ships from all over the world dock here, while the SeaCity Museum ...
Here you will find information about the port, the ferry terminals, travel arrangements, and all Ferries to Southampton.
Port address
| Ferry port Southampton | |
|---|---|
| Street: | Royal Pier, Town Quay |
| Postcode & city: | SO14 2AL Southampton |
| Country: | England (United Kingdom) |
| GPS: | 50.896473, -1.405041 |
Travel information
The Red Funnel car ferry in Southampton.
Arrival by car
How to reach the ferry port of Southampton in England by car:
- From the north (e.g. London): Follow the M3 highway south. At the end of the M3, follow the signs to Southampton city center and then to the ferry ports.
- From the west (e.g. Bristol): Take the M4 freeway to junction 4b and follow the signs for the A34 towards Southampton. Continue on the A33 and then follow the signs to the harbor.
- From the east (e.g. Portsmouth): Ferry west on the M27 to the A3024 and follow the signs to Southampton Port.
Arrival by bus & train
Southampton Central station is well connected to the national rail network. From the train station, you can reach Southampton ferry port by cab or bus. There are also regional bus connections that serve the port.
Arrival by plane
The nearest airport is Southampton Airport (SOU). From the airport you can take a cab or the train to Southampton Central and from there continue to the ferry port.
Cowes (Isle of Wight)
Cowes is a historic and charming seaside resort on the Isle of Wight in England, known for its unique maritime history and major sailing events. The city has a picturesque ...
Here you will find information about the port, the ferry terminals, travel arrangements, and all Ferries to Cowes (Isle of Wight).
Port address
| Ferry port Cowes (Isle of Wight) | |
|---|---|
| Street: | Dover Rd |
| Postcode & city: | PO32 6RG Cowes (Isle of Wight) |
| Country: | England (United Kingdom) |
| GPS: | 50.758854, -1.290037 |
Travel information
Arrival by car
How to reach the ferry port of Cowes on the Isle of Wight by car:
- From the west of the island (e.g. Yarmouth): Follow the A3054 towards Cowes. At the junction with the A3021, turn right from Dover Road. Follow the road to Trinity Wharf at Cowes ferry terminal.
- From the south of the island (e.g. Ventnor): Ferry north on the A3020 to Newport and then take the A3054 to East Cowes. At the junction with the A3021, turn left from Dover Road. Follow the road to Trinity Wharf at Cowes ferry terminal.
- From the north of the island (e.g. Ryde or Fishbourne): Ferries west on the A3054 until you reach East Cowes. At the junction with the A3021, turn left from Dover Road. Follow the road to Trinity Wharf at Cowes ferry terminal.
Arrival by bus & train
There are regular bus services to Cowes ferry port from various locations on the Isle of Wight. Check the timetable and route for buses serving Cowes.
Arrival by plane
The nearest airport is the airport in Sandon or Bembridge. From there, you can either drive or take the bus to Cowes and on to Cowes ferry terminal.
Itinerary
The ferry service between Southampton and the Isle of Wight is operated by Red Funnel and offers both a fast ferry for foot passengers and a car ferry.
Check-in & departure at the ports
Fast ferry (Red Jet): This Ferry runs between Terminal 2 in Southampton and West Cowes on the Isle of Wight. The crossing takes approximately 28 minutes. It is recommended to check in at least 30 minutes before departure.
Car ferry: This Ferry operates between Terminal 1 in Southampton and East Cowes. The crossing takes approximately 60 minutes. It is recommended to check in at least 60 minutes before departure.
On board the Ferry
During the crossing you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the Solent and the surrounding countryside. The ferry service from Southampton to Cowes is a convenient and relaxing way to reach the Isle of Wight and begin an unforgettable stay on the island.
Fast ferry: There is comfortable seating on board the Red Jet. The crossing takes around 28 minutes, so you can reach your destination quickly.
Car ferry: The car ferries offer various amenities, such as restaurants and outdoor decks. The crossing takes about 60 minutes, during which you can enjoy the view of the Solent.
Arrival at the ports
West Cowes: The fast ferry docks in the center of West Cowes, ideal for pedestrians. Local attractions and transportation are easily accessible from here.
East Cowes: The car ferry docks in East Cowes, ideal for those traveling by car. The island has a well-developed road network, making it easy to reach your destination.
Both ferry services operate all year round, so the Isle of Wight can be visited at any time of year.
View of the Southampton ferry port with the Red Jet fast ferries. In the background a car ferry from Red Funnel.
The Red Funnel car ferry Red Osprey arrives in Southampton.
The Red Funnel car ferry Red Osprey arrives in Southampton.
The Red Funnel car ferry at the ferry terminal in Southampton.
Red Jet 7 from Red Funnel ferries between Southampton and West Cowes on the Isle of Wight.
Red Jet 7 from Red Funnel ferries between Southampton and West Cowes on the Isle of Wight.
Check timetable, prices and availability & book
Gib in der Verbindungssuche deine Reisedaten ein um die Fahrzeiten, die aktuellen Preise und die Verfügbarkeit der Fähre Southampton ↔ Cowes zu prüfen.
Alternative ferry connections
To travel from Southampton to Cowes or from England to England, Isle of Wight, you can also use one of the following alternative ferry routes:
| Route | Start country & destination country |
Number & Duration of trip |
|---|---|---|
| Ferry Portsmouth – Fishbourne | England, Great BritainIsle of Wight, Great Britain | up to 25 times a day 45 minutes |
| Ferry Portsmouth – Ryde | England, Great BritainIsle of Wight, Great Britain | up to 40 times a day 10 minutes |
| Ferry Lymington – Yarmouth | England, Great BritainIsle of Wight, Great Britain | up to 15 times a day 40 minutes |
Frequently asked questions
Here you will find answers to various questions about travelling from Southampton to Cowes.
Which Ferries buses travel from Southampton to Cowes?
The ferry connection from Southampton to Cowes is currently operated by the Red Funnel shipping company with simple car ferries and the fast ferries (Red Jet).
How much does Ferry cost from Southampton to Cowes by car, caravan or motorhome?
The fare on the ferry from Southampton to Cowes depends on various factors and often depends on the load factor, the time of travel, whether you are traveling with or without a vehicle and other points.
You can use our travel search to find the current price.
What is the latest time I have to check in at Ferry Southampton-Cowes?
You must check in at the port of Southampton at least 30-60 minutes before departure. However, you should plan a little more time for check-in.
What happens if I am not in port on time?
That can happen, of course. However, the Ferry will not wait for you, as the timetable must be adhered to.
As soon as you realize that you will not be able to make it to check-in at the port of Southampton or Cowes in time, you should contact the shipping company by telephone. You will find the telephone number on your booking confirmation.
How often does the Ferry ferry travel from Southampton to Cowes on the Isle of Wight?
The Southampton-Cowes ferry service is currently offered up to 20 times a day.
How long does the Ferry ferry take from Southampton to Cowes?
The journey time (duration of the crossing) is between 28 minutes and 1 hour.
Can I take my dog with me on the Ferry?
Yes, that’s not a problem. Dogs and small pets such as cats travel as normal on Ferry.
Yes, pets are allowed on the car ferry. Pets are not allowed on the fast ferry.
Pets are allowed on board the car ferry, but must be kept on a leash and may not be taken into certain areas, such as the restaurant.
Can I take my car with me on Ferry?
Yes, the car ferry between Southampton and East Cowes transports vehicles. However, the high-speed passenger ferry to West Cowes is for foot passengers only.
Can I take my bike with me to Ferry?
Yes, bicycles can be taken on the car ferry.
Do I have to book Ferry in advance?
It is recommended to book in advance, especially in high season or when bringing a vehicle, to ensure availability and better prices.
Are there catering facilities on board?
Yes, snacks and drinks are available at Ferries.
How do I get to the ferry port in Southampton?
The ferry port is located on Town Quay in Southampton and is easily accessible by car, bus and train. Parking is available on site.
How do I get from the ferry port in Cowes to my destination?
Cabs, buses and hire cars are available in Cowes to get to various destinations on the Isle of Wight.
Are there barrier-free facilities on board?
Yes, the Ferries are equipped with barrier-free facilities to accommodate people with reduced mobility.
Can I stay in the vehicle during the crossing?
For safety reasons, it is not permitted to remain in the vehicle during the crossing.
Is there a lounge or relaxation area on board?
Yes, the Ferries have seating areas where you can relax.
Check timetable, prices and availability & book
Gib in der Verbindungssuche deine Reisedaten ein um die Fahrzeiten, die aktuellen Preise und die Verfügbarkeit der Fähre Southampton ↔ Cowes zu prüfen.