Cross the Solent between Southampton and the Isle of Wight by vehicle ferry to East Cowes or fast Red Jet foot-passenger service to West Cowes.
Select Southampton and the correct Cowes terminal, then add passengers, vehicle or bicycle details for the journey you need.
East Cowes and West Cowes are different terminals served by different Red Funnel services. Check the port name carefully before arranging parking, buses or accommodation.
Red Funnel links Southampton with the Isle of Wight using two distinct passenger services. The Southampton Terminal 1–East Cowes vehicle ferry carries cars, motorcycles, motorhomes, bicycles and foot passengers in about an hour.
The Southampton Terminal 2–West Cowes Red Jet is a fast passenger-only catamaran service taking about 28 minutes. It is particularly useful for commuters, day visitors and travellers connecting with buses or taxis rather than bringing a car.
The difference between East and West Cowes matters. They sit on opposite sides of the River Medina and have different onward road and bus connections, so always match the service to the side of Cowes that best suits the rest of your journey.
FerryEU planning note: use East Cowes for vehicle travel and West Cowes when the 28-minute Red Jet and public transport better suit the trip.
The network is compact, but choosing the right service has a major effect on journey time, vehicle options and where you arrive on the Isle of Wight.
The main vehicle route takes roughly one hour and carries cars, motorcycles, motorhomes, bicycles and foot passengers. It operates frequent daily sailings throughout the year.
The Red Jet is the fastest Red Funnel service and is designed for foot passengers. It is convenient for Cowes itself and for onward buses towards Newport and other parts of the island.
The return vehicle crossing is important for island residents and visitors with onward rail, motorway or airport connections on the mainland.
The FerryEU map shows the relationship between Southampton, East Cowes and West Cowes. The two Isle of Wight terminals are close geographically but serve different ferry types and different parts of the island road network.
Use the map for orientation and the live timetable for the exact departure. Seasonal event traffic and operational changes can affect crossing availability.
After choosing the most practical route, compare the live Red Funnel sailing for departure time, calling pattern, passenger requirements and the facilities or accommodation shown for that service. The complete itinerary and arrival location can matter more than a small difference in the headline fare.
Do not confuse Southampton Terminal 1 with Terminal 2: T1 serves the East Cowes vehicle ferry; T2 serves the West Cowes Red Jet.
Southampton is the mainland transport hub, while East and West Cowes serve different types of Isle of Wight traveller.
Red Funnel's two Southampton terminals sit close to the city centre, rail station, WestQuay and the motorway network, making them practical for both local and long-distance connections.
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East Cowes is the arrival port for Red Funnel's vehicle ferry. It is convenient for Newport, Osborne, Ryde and road travel throughout the Isle of Wight.
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West Cowes is the Red Jet terminal and is ideal for foot passengers visiting Cowes itself or connecting by bus and taxi towards Newport and other island destinations.
Plan an Isle of Wight visitEast Cowes and West Cowes are separated by the River Medina. The floating bridge links them, but allowing for the correct side of the river can save time after disembarkation.
Red Funnel's crossings are too short for cabins. Comfort instead comes from general lounges, quieter premium space, accessible seating and the fast seated Red Jet experience.
Comfortable indoor seating, tables, air conditioning and views across the Solent make the one-hour vehicle crossing an easy break from driving.
Best considered forMost vehicle-ferry passengersRed Eagle, Red Falcon and Red Osprey offer a bookable Signature Lounge for passengers who prefer a quieter environment with enhanced facilities.
Best considered forWorking, relaxing or avoiding busier public areasThe vehicle ferries provide a designated pet-friendly North Lounge with seating, water bowls and access to refreshments.
Best considered forPassengers travelling with dogsRed Jet passengers remain seated for the fast 28-minute crossing in an air-conditioned cabin with large windows and onboard refreshments.
Best considered forFast foot-passenger journeysPriority seating and wheelchair spaces are available, with staff able to assist passengers during boarding and disembarkation.
Best considered forPassengers needing extra space or supportVehicle-ferry passengers can use open decks for fresh air and Solent views when weather conditions permit.
Best considered forScenery, dogs and a break from indoor seatingFor a 28-minute Red Jet crossing, speed usually matters more than upgrades. On the one-hour vehicle ferry, Signature Lounge access can be worthwhile when you want a quieter working or relaxation space.
Despite the short journey, Red Funnel's vehicle ferries provide a surprisingly broad range of passenger facilities, while Red Jet focuses on fast, comfortable seated travel.
Vehicle ferries offer hot and cold food, snacks, pastries, tea, coffee and a licensed bar, with outlets varying by vessel.
The premium lounge on Red Eagle, Red Falcon and Red Osprey provides a quieter space with tables, charging points and Wi-Fi.
Free Wi-Fi is available on both vehicle ferries and Red Jet passenger ferries, making the crossing useful for work or travel planning.
Vehicle ferries include onboard shopping for Isle of Wight souvenirs, gifts, snacks and travel items.
Families can bring small toys and colouring, use comfortable seating and enjoy watching the Solent from the outside decks.
Dogs travel free and can use the North Lounge and permitted outside areas on vehicle ferries, as well as the Red Jet under current rules.
Images in this section are from FerryEU's general ferry-travel library and illustrate facility types. The operator-specific hero and overview images use Red Funnel imagery.
Red Funnel is especially convenient for Isle of Wight road trips because the vehicle ferry lands directly at East Cowes, while cyclists and dog owners are well catered for on both passenger services.
Vehicles travel on the Southampton–East Cowes service. Ensure the size and passenger count match the booking before joining the terminal lane.
Touring vehicles are accepted subject to booked dimensions. Bicycles travel free on the vehicle ferry, while Red Jet 6 and 7 provide limited bike racks.
Dogs travel free. Keep dogs on a lead, use the designated pet lounge or permitted outside areas, and keep them away from food-service spaces.
Vehicle ferries have lifts, wheelchair-friendly access and accessible toilets. The Red Jet provides wheelchair spaces and assistance with boarding.
Red Jet passengers can arrive relatively close to departure, while vehicle-ferry passengers need more time for check-in, lane allocation and loading.
Southampton Terminal 1 is for East Cowes vehicle and foot passengers; Terminal 2 is for the Red Jet to West Cowes.
Current Red Funnel terminal guidance varies by day and port, but vehicle passengers should generally allow around half an hour to an hour before departure rather than arriving at the last minute.
East Cowes terminal guidance currently advises foot passengers to check in within this window before the vehicle ferry sails.
Current Southampton Terminal 2 and West Cowes guidance gives a short check-in window for the fast foot-passenger service.
Vehicle, cycle, wheelchair and foot-passenger boarding use different areas. Wait in the designated place and follow crew directions.
If an Isle of Wight trip involves beaches, countryside, family attractions or accommodation away from the main towns, taking a car through East Cowes is often the most flexible option. The crossing also suits motorhomes, caravans and bicycles.
If the trip is centred on Cowes, Newport or public transport, the 28-minute Red Jet can be much faster and avoids the need for a vehicle. Southampton Terminal 2 is also close to the city centre and rail connections.
The two services complement each other rather than compete directly. Choose the route around your onward travel on the island and the transport you actually need after arrival.
Red Funnel operates two passenger services between Southampton and the Isle of Wight: the vehicle and foot-passenger ferry between Southampton Terminal 1 and East Cowes, and the Red Jet high-speed foot-passenger service between Southampton Terminal 2 and West Cowes.
The vehicle ferry takes approximately 60 minutes between Southampton Terminal 1 and East Cowes.
The Red Jet high-speed foot-passenger service takes approximately 28 minutes between Southampton Terminal 2 and West Cowes.
Yes on the Southampton–East Cowes vehicle ferry. Cars, motorcycles, motorhomes, caravans and other suitable vehicles can travel subject to the booked dimensions and available space. The Red Jet is a foot-passenger service only.
Yes. Foot passengers can use both the vehicle ferry to East Cowes and the faster Red Jet service to West Cowes.
Yes. Bicycles travel free on the Southampton–East Cowes vehicle ferry. Red Jet 6 and 7 also have a limited number of bicycle racks, subject to the operator's size and weight limits.
Yes. Dogs travel free. On the vehicle ferries they can use the designated North Lounge and permitted outside deck areas, while dogs are also welcome on the Red Jet subject to Red Funnel's pet rules.
Yes. Red Funnel advertises free Wi-Fi on both its vehicle ferries and Red Jet passenger ferries, with charging points available on relevant vessels.
For the Red Jet, Red Funnel asks passengers to check in around 5 to 15 minutes before departure. Vehicle-ferry passengers should generally allow around 30 to 60 minutes depending on port, day and passenger type; the current terminal guidance should be checked before travel.
Yes. Vehicle ferries are wheelchair-friendly with lifts and accessible toilets, while the Red Jet has wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets on Red Jet 6 and 7. Assistance is available at terminals and onboard.
Check current Southampton–East Cowes vehicle ferries and Southampton–West Cowes Red Jet departures for your travel date.
Vehicle ferry
Red Jet foot passengers
Dogs travel free
