Southampton – East Cowes
Ferry to Isle of Wight
Southampton – East Cowes
Ferry to Isle of Wight
Ferries from Southampton to East Cowes are operated by 1 ferry company; Red Funnel. The journey usually takes around 1 hour. There are currently 119 weekly sailings on this ferry route. Prices start from as little as £58. Use our Deal Finder to compare prices and availability and book your ferry to East Cowes today.
Southampton East Cowes ferry prices typically range between £58* and £219*. The average price is typically £148*. The cheapest Southampton East Cowes ferry prices start from £58*. The average price for a foot passenger is £41*. The average price for a car is £155*.
Pricing will vary depending on number of passengers, vehicle type, route and sailing times. Pricing is taken from searches over last 30 days and exclusive of service fees, last updated September 25.
You can easily find cheap ferry tickets with our Deal Finder. We recommend booking in advance to get the best possible prices and availability. You can also check out our Special Offers page for the latest deals on Southampton ferries.
Are there any discounts available for senior citizens, students or residents?
Yes, Direct Ferries offers a wide range of discounts all year around. When searching for ferries, senior discounts will be automatically applied if they are available. Just select your age range from the passenger options.
Students and graduates can get a 5% discount on ferry tickets. To take advantage of the discount, you need to register with our partner Student Beans and confirm your student or graduate status. You will then receive a discount code which can be entered during the payment process.
Resident discounts are available on a variety of Spanish and Italian ferry routes. Just click on the "Residents" option when this is displayed in our Deal Finder. The discount is automatically applied to the price. Bear in mind that proof of registration or an identity card with the correct address must be shown at check-in.
The first Southampton East Cowes ferry typically departs from Southampton at around 03:00. The last ferry usually departs at 23:59.
Yes, you can take a day trip from Southampton to Cowes by ferry. Take an early ferry and give yourself the whole day to explore Isle of Wight before getting your return sailing.
Yes, Red Funnel ferries allow cars on board ferries between Southampton and East Cowes. Use our Deal Finder to get live pricing for car ferries between Southampton and East Cowes. You can also find the latest offers and cheap Southampton East Cowes ferry tickets on our Special Offers page & tips for the perfect journey on our blog.
Yes, it is possible to take a motorhome or caravan on the ferries between Southampton and East Cowes. For more information on travelling with caravan on ferries, use our Deal Finder or visit our blog.
Yes, you can bring a bicycle on a ferry from Southampton to East Cowes with Red Funnel. Most ferry companies allow bicycles on board, but it is always best to check policies regarding bringing bicycles on the ferry. View our Deal Finder for more information.
Yes, foot passengers can travel with Red Funnel ferries between Southampton and East Cowes.
Pets are currently not allowed on board the ferries from Southampton to East Cowes.
Use our Deal Finder to find out whether your preferred ferry is an overnight ferry. Here you can also find the current ferry timetables and crossing times. Please note that the duration of the night ferries is usually slightly longer than that of the day ferries.
Comparing Southampton and Cowes is subjective as it depends on individual preferences and needs. Southampton is a larger city with a population of over 250,000, offering a wide range of amenities such as shopping centres, restaurants, and entertainment options. Cowes, being a smaller town, has a more intimate atmosphere and limited facilities.
Southampton is located on the Solent coast and offers scenic walks along the shoreline. Cowes is situated on the northern coast of the Isle of Wight, providing beautiful views of the Solent and access to sandy beaches. Southampton hosts various events throughout the year, including music festivals, boat shows, and cultural celebrations. Cowes Week, mentioned earlier, is a major highlight in its social calendar, attracting sailors and visitors from around the world.
The number of days to spend in Cowes depends on individual preferences and interests. Cowes is a charming town on the Isle of Wight known for its sailing heritage and lively atmosphere. For those interested in sailing, the annual Cowes Week regatta in August is a major attraction and could be a highlight of a visit.
However, even without the regatta, there are plenty of activities to enjoy. Visitors can explore the town's maritime history at the Classic Boat Museum, take a stroll along the beachfront, or indulge in the local culinary scene. Additionally, Cowes serves as a great base for exploring the rest of the Isle of Wight, which offers beautiful coastal walks, historic sites, and picturesque villages
A stay of 2-3 days would allow visitors to experience the essence of Cowes and enjoy some of its main attractions. However, for those wishing to thoroughly explore both Cowes and the rest of the Isle of Wight, a week-long stay would provide ample time to enjoy all the area has to offer. Ultimately, the ideal number of days in Cowes depends on personal interests and how much time one wishes to allocate for their visit.
The best way to travel from Southampton to Cowes is by ferry. With around 15 sailings departing per day, you are bound to find a suitable ferry crossing to suit your needs. However, there are alternative routes to explore if you require additional flexibility.
It all depends on the ferry company you are travelling with. In general, we recommend arriving at the port at least 1 hour before departure. However, if you are travelling with a vehicle, it’s best to arrive 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours before departure to allow time for parking. Wherever you’re travelling from, you should allow plenty of time to get to the port in case of traffic.
If you are looking for accommodation near the Port of Southampton before you travel, visit our Accommodation page for the best deals and prices.
It all depends on the size of the ship but disembarking the ferry can take around 15-45 minutes.
Book your ferry tickets online with Direct Ferries using our Deal Finder. Just enter your departure and arrival ports and the date you’d like to travel to see all available options and prices. You’ll also be able to view alternative routes and times, so you can find the best deal to suit you.
Look out for early booking discounts or special ticket options such as upgrades or flexi-tickets that allow you to change or cancel your booking. To make your sailing as smooth as possible, make sure you enter all the required information correctly, such as number of passengers and vehicle specifications.
Once you’ve finalised your booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email. It depends on the ferry operator you book with as to how your boarding pass is issued and collected.
Whilst some ferry operators issue the boarding pass as soon as your booking is confirmed, others may ask you to check in at the port. There’s also the option for online check-in, which can be easily done via the Direct Ferries app, if available.
The ticket desks are usually located near the ferry terminals. To avoid any delays at the port, we’d recommend allowing some extra time to collect your tickets and check-in.
During check-in, you must show your email confirmation, as well as an official photo ID, such as a passport or identity card. You might also be asked to provide documentation for your pet (vaccines, pet insurance etc.) or proof of residence, if you have booked your ticket with a resident discount.
There could be various reasons why there are no departures from Southampton to East Cowes for the date you’ve requested. For example, a temporary timetable change, limited availability or seasonal changes in the timetable.
We recommend checking for alternative dates. Our Deal Finder automatically compares the desired route with alternative routes and dates, offering up-to-date real time options, all in one place.
The best time to book ferries from Southampton to East Cowes is usually as early as possible. By booking in advance, you’ll not only get your tickets at the best available prices, but you’ll also get a better choice of departure times and cabin/seating options.
We’d recommend making your booking at least a few weeks in advance to benefit from the best offers. Bear in mind that prices may vary depending on the season and availability.
Travel requirements can vary depending on the route, so it's important to check what documents you'll need before sailing. In most cases, a valid passport is required when traveling from Southampton to East Cowes, along with any necessary visas or national ID cards. Requirements may differ based on your nationality and the destination country’s regulations. To avoid delays at check-in, you can find helpful information for your journey in our Check-in, Travel Documents & Tickets guide and in our blog post on tips and tricks for international travel.
More routes than anyone else.
Compare fares, times & routes in one place.
Change plans easily with flexi tickets.
Book e-tickets & manage trips in-app.
Live ship tracking & real-time updates.
Top-rated customer support when you need it.
| Southampton - East Cowes Ferry Route summary | ||
|---|---|---|
| Origin | England | |
| Destination | Isle of Wight | |
| No. of Operators | 1 | |
| Operators | Red Funnel | |
| Average Price | £148 | |
| Average Daily Sailings | 17 | |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 119 | |
| Average Sailing Duration | 1 h | |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 1 h | |
| First Ferry | 03:00 | |
| Last Ferry | 23:59 | |
| Distance | 11 Nautical Miles | |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 September 2025.
Southampton Ferry Port serves as a vibrant maritime hub, offering more than just a departure point for numerous destinations. The city itself brims with cultural and historical richness, featuring the SeaCity Museum, which delves into Southampton's Titanic heritage, and the Southampton City Art Gallery, known for its impressive collection of contemporary art. For those interested in shopping and entertainment, WestQuay is a must-visit. Southampton also hosts the annual Southampton Boat Show, a highlight in the nautical calendar, attracting visitors in September. Conveniently located, the port provides easy travel options to London and the wider South of England via excellent train and coach services. From the ferry port, the city centre is readily accessible by a short taxi ride or bus service, ensuring visitors can seamlessly connect to all local attractions.
From Southampton ferry port, you can easily reach London, Winchester, and Portsmouth within an hour or two by train or car. For those heading into the city centre, the QuayConnect bus service provides a convenient and eco-friendly way to travel, connecting the ferry port to the city's train station. Plus, November is a festive time here, with preparations for the annual Christmas market in full swing, making it a fantastic time to experience the city's festive cheer.
Cowes Ferry Port serves as a vibrant maritime hub, renowned for its sailing heritage and as the principal venue for the world-famous Cowes Week, an annual sailing regatta that takes place every August, drawing enthusiasts and spectators from around the globe. This picturesque town on the Isle of Wight offers visitors a blend of nautical charm and scenic beauty, with attractions like the historic Cowes Castle, housing the Royal Yacht Squadron, and a bustling High Street filled with unique shops and quaint cafes. Easily accessible from the port are other island gems such as Osborne House, Queen Victoria's palatial holiday home, and the stunning seaside at Shanklin. Travel from the port to the town centre is a breeze with frequent bus services and taxi options available, ensuring a smooth transition for visitors. For those looking to explore further afield, the ferry routes also provide convenient links to Southampton and Portsmouth, enhancing Cowes' appeal as a perfect starting point for a broader adventure.
