Red Funnel runs two ferries from Southampton to the Isle of Wight, and they don't go to the same place. The Red Jet is a fast foot-passenger catamaran from Town Quay to West Cowes. The vehicle ferry takes cars, vans and foot passengers to East Cowes, on the other side of the River Medina. Red Funnel puts it simply: its Red Jet service is "reaching the Isle of Wight in under 30 minutes, while our vehicle ferries cross in a leisurely 60 minutes."
Below is what Red Funnel's own pages say about each one: where the terminals are, how often they sail, what you can take, and what the tickets cost. Fares and timetables are the ones on redfunnel.co.uk when I checked on 13 November 2026. If you want to compare Red Funnel with Wightlink and Hovertravel, I've done that separately in my Isle of Wight ferry prices guide. This one is the practical guide to the Southampton crossings.
Red Jet and vehicle ferry compared
| Red Jet: Southampton – West Cowes | Vehicle ferry: Southampton – East Cowes | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | Foot passengers, luggage and bikes | Passengers and all types of vehicles |
| Crossing time | 28 minutes | 60 minutes |
| How often | Every 35 minutes at busy times, every 1 hour 10 minutes at quieter times | Every 60 minutes March–October, every 90 minutes November–February |
| Southampton terminal | Terminal 2, Town Quay | Terminal 1, Town Quay Road |
| Island terminal | West Cowes (Fountain Yard) | East Cowes (Trinity Road) |
| Booking | Not bookable: turn up and buy a ticket | Booking vehicles strongly recommended |
| Check-in | 5–15 minutes before | Foot 10–60 minutes; vehicles 30–45 or 30–60 minutes |
| Adult foot fare, single | £23.65 | £13.70 |
Both routes are the same distance: Red Funnel gives each as 11.7 miles. The difference is the boat and where you land.
Both routes are the same distance: Red Funnel gives each as 11.7 miles.
The Red Jet: Southampton to West Cowes
The Red Jet is what most people mean when they search for the Southampton to Cowes ferry. Red Funnel calls it "the fastest way for foot passengers to cross the Solent from Southampton to the Isle of Wight", with "crossing times from just 28 minutes". Its timetable page gives the crossing as "approx. 28 mins".
You can't book a seat. Red Funnel says "You can't reserve a space on our Red Jet, as it is a turn-up-and-go passenger only service." You can still buy tickets ahead: "Most ticket types for Red Jet can now be purchased in advance online", or at the ticket offices in both terminals. Off-peak, super off-peak and group tickets are picked up at the ticket office.
How often it sails. Red Funnel says the Red Jet "usually departs every 35 minutes during busy periods (Monday – Saturday) and every 1 hour and 10 minutes during quieter week day periods and Sundays." It "Operates year round excluding 25 December". The current timetables are split into blocks (2–23 November 2026, 24 November–10 January 2027 and 11 January–1 February 2027), so check the right one for your date.
The ships. Two Red Jets work the route. Red Jet 7 "has capacity for 277 passengers and four crew" and Red Jet 6 "has capacity for 275 passengers and four crew". On board there are "comfortable leather seats, air conditioning, USB charging points and a drinks service that delivers right to your seat", plus "a selection of snacks and hot & cold soft and alcoholic beverages". There are toilets on board Red Jet 6 and Red Jet 7.
Luggage. This is the one to watch on a holiday trip. Red Funnel says: "due to limited luggage space we can only accept a maximum of two suitcases per person (no sails or sail boards) and 1 piece of hand luggage." Anything bigger can go on the vehicle ferry's parcel service.
Bikes. "There are 11 bike racks available on both Red Jet 6 and 7 for our Southampton<>West Cowes service." Each rack takes "a maximum load of 55lbs/25kg, with a maximum tyre width of 63mm/2.5Inches." Folding bikes in a bag go on the luggage rack instead. Bikes travel "free of charge, limited bike racks available on Red Jet 6 & 7."
Dogs. "Dogs are also welcome to travel on the Red Jets", and Red Funnel says dogs travel free on all its ferries. Its policy says "All dogs must be on a harness or collar and on a lead whilst on board".
Wheelchairs and step-free access. The Red Jet is "Wheelchair friendly with space for two wheelchairs per sailing", offered "on a first-come first-served basis". Because you can't book, Red Funnel says it "strongly recommend[s]" wheelchair users "arrive at the terminal at least 30 minutes in advance", and asks you to contact it "a minimum of 48 hours before travelling if you require any special assistance". The Red Jets "berth onto floating pontoons which rise and fall with the tide", and "At low tide, the gangways will be steeper", so Red Funnel suggests checking the tide tables before you go.
Finding the Red Jet terminals
In Southampton, the Red Jet leaves from Terminal 2. The address is "Terminal 2 Town Quay Southampton SO14 2AQ". It's open "Monday-Friday, 07:30-19:00 and on Saturday and Sunday from 08:00-19:00", and Red Funnel asks you to "check in five to 15 minutes prior to your scheduled crossing." There's a Steam Cafe serving Costa Coffee, free WiFi and toilets.
On the island, it arrives at West Cowes, at "Fountain Yard West Cowes Isle of Wight PO31 7AR". Red Funnel says "Taxis pick up from right outside our West Cowes terminal". For buses, Service 1 runs to Newport "Every 10 mins" in the daytime Monday to Saturday, and the stop is "outside the M&S Foodhall (2 minute walk)".
Getting from Southampton Central station to Town Quay
You don't have to walk. Red Funnel says "Quayconnect is a shuttle bus service between the ferry terminals on Town Quay and Southampton Central Station (south side) via the WestQuay shopping centre."
It's free for most ferry users: "The service is FREE to Red Funnel ticket holders, passengers with through rail or National Express coach tickets to/from East Cowes or West Cowes and holders of Senior Citizen bus passes. For all other passengers, a flat fare of just £2 applies for a return journey". Red Funnel says it "operates approximately every 30 minutes, and runs from early morning to early evening."
Later in the evening, Red Funnel says customers "can travel FREE to the same onward connections until later in the evening, via Bluestar's Route 19 bus", if they show "a valid Red Funnel foot passenger ticket". There's also "a taxi rank at Terminal 2, Town Quay", and Red Funnel says the taxi journey "will take approx. 5 minutes."
Rail and sail. Red Funnel says "Both East Cowes and West Cowes are part of the national rail network", so you can buy "a single, day return or period return fare from any train station ticket office" that includes the ferry. If you have a Railcard, you can buy ferry and train tickets together at the West Cowes terminal "with the same level of discount that your Railcard would normally provide", but "there must be a rail element of your journey to qualify for the discount."
The vehicle ferry: Southampton to East Cowes
If you're taking a car, this is your crossing. Red Funnel says it takes "Passengers and all types of vehicles", with a "Crossing time 60 minutes (11.7 miles)". Its FAQ puts it at "approximately 55-60 minutes".
Sailings. Red Funnel lists "Departures every 60 minutes March-October" and "Departures every 90 minutes November-February". It "Operates 365 days/year". The current vehicle ferry timetable runs from 3 November 2026 to 21 March 2027.
The ships. "Our three Raptor Class Ro-Pax ferries service our cross-Solent route between Southampton and East Cowes". They are Red Falcon, Red Osprey and Red Eagle, each "capable of carrying over 200 cars and up to 892 passengers".
Booking. "Pre-booking of vehicles is strongly recommended." Red Funnel says "Online bookings can be made up to 90 minutes before departure. Telephone bookings can be made up to 30 minutes before sailing." Booking online is cheaper: "Most vehicle fares incur a £5 administration fee when booked by phone or in person."
Your vehicle. Fares allow "up to seven passengers to travel in one vehicle, or two people with a motorbike or scooter." If you turn up in a different vehicle from the one you booked, Red Funnel says it doesn't need to know "unless the overall length exceeds 5.5m, the height exceeds 2.0m, or the vehicle type changes", and to include "luggage racks and bike racks when calculating the length and height."
Southampton Terminal 1. Vehicles check in at "Red Funnel Terminal 1 Dock Gate 7 Town Quay Road Southampton SO14 2AR". Check-in times differ by day: "Vehicles, Friday, Saturday, and Monday: 30-45 minutes before departure" and "Vehicles, Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday: 30-60 minutes before departure". Foot passengers check in "10-60 minutes before departure". There's a café serving Costa Coffee, a gift shop and free Wi-Fi.
East Cowes. The terminal address is "Trinity Road East Cowes Isle of Wight PO32 6RF", but for vehicle check-in Red Funnel says to use "PO32 6RA (please use this instead of terminal address for vehicle check-in)". Buses 4 (to Ryde) and 5 (to Newport) stop "directly outside Waitrose, a short distance from Red Funnel's East Cowes Terminal", and both "stop outside Osborne House (5 minute journey)".
On board. Food includes "Freshly prepared hot breakfasts and meals" and "Sandwiches, pasties, muffins and pastries", and you can bring your own: "Guests are welcome to take their own refreshments onboard". There's "Complimentary standard WiFi available across the ship", and you can pay to upgrade to the Signature Lounge, which Red Funnel calls "a quiet, relaxing space to work, socialise, or relax."
Dogs. Each vehicle ferry has a pet lounge, the "North Lounge", on the upper A deck. Dogs are allowed "on the outside decks (Decks A & AA) and in the designated pet lounge". You can also leave your dog in the car: Red Funnel says "Dogs are permitted to stay in cars if it's a happier environment for them", and "Your dog will be alone for approximately 45 minutes."
Accessibility. The ferries are "Wheelchair friendly with passenger lifts to B Deck." Red Funnel says guests who are wheelchair users or need special assistance on this route "are legally required to pre-book at least 48hrs before travelling", on 02380 019192. People in cars who can't use the stairs "will be parked as near to the onboard lift as possible."
Bikes and foot passengers. You can walk on to the vehicle ferry too. Bikes go free: "there is no additional charge for foot passengers taking bicycles."
Which Cowes, and getting between them
West Cowes and East Cowes face each other across the river. Red Funnel says its "East Cowes and West Cowes terminals are separated by the River Medina." So if you're meeting someone off the boat, check which service they're on.
Red Funnel's terminal pages describe the Cowes Floating Bridge, which "Connects the towns of East and West Cowes for foot passengers and vehicles." It runs "Every 10 -15 minutes, 18 hrs per day, 365 days a year" (subject to tides and navigation) and "Carries passengers and vehicles up to large vans, minibuses and pick-ups." Red Funnel says it's an "Only 12 minute walk from Red Funnel's West Cowes terminal, 2 minute walk from the East Cowes terminal. Allow 15-20 minutes to cross." Red Funnel's two terminal pages give different foot fares for it, so check on the day.
You can also mix the two ferries. Red Funnel sells a "Red Jet/Vehicle Ferry Combi Day Return" (£30.75 for an adult), and says "Foot passenger tickets on the Red Jet service (Southampton<>West Cowes) are valid on the Southampton<>East Cowes service."
Fares and ways to save
All the prices here are Red Funnel's own, as shown on its site when I checked on 13 November 2026.
Foot passengers. Red Funnel's passenger fares "start from just £14". That's the Super Off-Peak Day Return, which is "Valid for both the Vehicle Ferry and Red Jet service, when two or more people travel together from 10.55 am." Children under 5 travel free: "Infants (0-4 yrs) do not require a ticket."
| Adult fare (from 3 January 2026) | Red Jet to West Cowes | Vehicle ferry to East Cowes |
|---|---|---|
| Single Trip | £23.65 | £13.70 |
| Standard Day Return | £36.20 | £25.20 |
| Off-Peak Day Return | £24.10 | £24.10 |
| Super Off-Peak Day Return | £14.00 | £14.00 |
| Standard Period Return | £40.80 | £27.30 |
Families "of up to four people (including at least one child)" can buy a "Family Day Return, priced at £48.90". Groups of four or more can buy group tickets. Red Funnel says both are "only available from our ticket offices."
Cars. Red Funnel says "Our vehicle ferry rates currently start at £32.25 each way", usually "when booking a standard car for a day return, on non-peak days, and at quieter times (usually midweek, and early morning/late evening)." You choose between a Saver fare ("Our cheapest fare available") with a "£5 per leg" amendment fee, and a Flexi fare that is "fully refundable" if you cancel "up to 24 hours before your sailing".
Red Funnel's own tips for a cheaper crossing:
- "Book as far in advance as possible to take advantage of lower rates."
- "Mondays and Fridays are usually our busiest days, and therefore will often be “peak”", and "School holidays and Bank Holidays are also peak times".
- "Midweek and Sundays are typically less busy".
- Book ferry and accommodation together through Red Funnel and "you will save 25% off the cost of the ferry."
- Book ferry and attraction tickets together to "Save 15% on your ferry travel".
- Students can get "15% off" with a verified Student Beans account.
- A fully electric car or small van gets "25% off bookings of any duration", valid "until 31 December 2026".
Multi-trip tickets for foot passengers. Saver Tickets come in books: on the Red Jet, "20 Single Tickets" cost £350.50 for an adult (£17.53 per crossing), and they're "valid for 12 months from the date of purchase". Season tickets give "unlimited foot passenger travel for durations of seven days, 30 days, six months, and 12 months"; a 7-day adult Red Jet season ticket is £155.25, and Red Funnel says Red Jet season tickets "may be used on both routes."
Frequent drivers. Frequent Prepay is aimed at people "planning to travel with a car at least 8 times across the course of a year". For "an initial £750 top-up", a car day return (with up to 7 passengers) is £66.40, with "Rates valid until 31/12/26".
Travel Cards are prepaid accounts with "savings of up to 20% off our Saver and Flexi fares, 10% off standard foot passenger fares, and 15% off food and drinks". Top-ups are "£250, £500, and £1,000", and the 20% car discount applies at a balance of £1,000 or more.
For the other Solent crossings, see my Isle of Wight ferry routes page.
Questions about the Southampton to Isle of Wight ferry
How long is the Red Jet from Southampton to Cowes?
Red Funnel gives the Red Jet crossing as 28 minutes, from Terminal 2 on Town Quay to West Cowes. The vehicle ferry to East Cowes takes 60 minutes.
Do I need to book the Red Jet?
No, and you can't reserve a space. It's turn-up-and-go, though most ticket types can be bought online in advance or at the terminal ticket offices.
Is the free bus from Southampton station to the Red Jet still running?
Red Funnel says the Quayconnect shuttle between Southampton Central (south side) and the Town Quay terminals is free to Red Funnel ticket holders. It runs about every 30 minutes from early morning to early evening; after that, Bluestar's Route 19 is free with a Red Funnel foot passenger ticket.
Can I take a bike or a dog on the Red Jet?
Yes. Each Red Jet has 11 bike racks and bikes go free, and dogs travel free on a lead.
Which ferry goes to East Cowes and which to West Cowes?
The Red Jet foot-passenger service goes to West Cowes. The vehicle ferry, which also takes foot passengers, goes to East Cowes. The two terminals are on opposite sides of the River Medina, linked by the Cowes Floating Bridge.
How much luggage can I take on the Red Jet?
Red Funnel allows a maximum of two suitcases per person and one piece of hand luggage, with no sails or sailboards. Bigger loads can go on the vehicle ferry.
