Southampton - East Cowes
Ferries to Isle of Wight
Southampton - East Cowes
Ferries to Isle of Wight
On the Southampton East Cowes route, fares generally fall between $13* and $448*. On average, a Southampton East Cowes ferry ticket costs around $278*, with the lowest Southampton East Cowes fares starting at $13*. Foot passengers pay an average of $83*. Traveling with a car adds up to an average fare of $299*.
Actual fares depend on passenger numbers, vehicle type, chosen route and sailing time. Figures are based on fares searched over the past 30 days, exclude service fees, and were last refreshed September 26.
Compare fares, operators and sailing times from across the globe in one place, then book with confidence. Booking ahead is the easiest way to lock in a better price and a wider choice of departures.
Yes. Direct Ferries runs a number of discounts throughout the year. If a senior discount applies to your route, it's applied automatically once you select the right age range in the passenger options during your search.
Students and recent graduates can save 5% on their booking. Simply register with our partner Student Beans to verify your status, and you'll be issued a discount code to apply at checkout.
On several Spanish and Italian routes, residents can also access a discounted fare — look out for the "Residents" option during your search, which applies the reduced price automatically. Keep in mind you'll be asked to show proof of residency, such as a registration certificate or an ID card showing your address, at check-in.
Southampton East Cowes sailings usually begin with a departure from Southampton at approximately 03:00, with the final sailing of the day leaving around 23:59.
Absolutely, the short crossing time and frequent daily sailings make Southampton to East Cowes a popular choice for a day trip. If you can, bringing a vehicle lets you venture further afield once you arrive, on your own schedule.
Yes, Red Funnel operates car-friendly sailings between Southampton and East Cowes. Use our Deal Finder to check live pricing for taking a vehicle on this route.
Whether a campervan or caravan is permitted on the Southampton to East Cowes crossing depends on the ship and operator running your preferred sailing. Enter your travel details into our Deal Finder, and we'll compare the operators on this route to confirm your options.
Yes, Red Funnel welcomes bicycles on the Southampton to East Cowes crossing. Bikes are accepted by most ferry operators, though it's worth confirming the specific policy in advance so there are no surprises at the terminal.
Yes, Red Funnel accepts foot passengers on sailings between Southampton and East Cowes.
Pets currently aren't permitted on board ferries between Southampton and East Cowes. Try our Deal Finder to search for alternative routes that do accommodate pets.
Even though pets aren't permitted on this route, guide dogs and assistance dogs are often subject to separate rules. Speak with our customer service team to check the specific policy for your sailing, or see our Special Assistance Help page for more information.
Overnight sailings on the Southampton to East Cowes route aren't guaranteed and depend on a range of factors. Run a search with your travel details and our results will show whether an overnight option is available, along with current timetables, crossing times, and day-sailing alternatives.
Bear in mind that overnight crossings can run a little longer than their daytime equivalents.
Document requirements aren't the same on every route, so it's worth confirming what you'll need before you travel. A valid passport is generally required for the Southampton to East Cowes crossing, alongside any visas or national ID your nationality calls for. Exact requirements depend on your citizenship and the rules of your destination country, so for the latest guidance and to avoid delays at check-in, take a look at our Check-in, Travel Documents & Tickets guide.
Booking is straightforward: enter your departure and arrival ports along with your travel date to pull up every available sailing and fare. You can also browse alternative routes and departure times to find the option that works best for you.
Keep an eye out for early-booking savings and flexible ticket types, including upgrades or flexi-fares that let you amend or cancel later on. For a hassle-free booking, double-check the details you enter, such as passenger numbers and any vehicle specifications.
As soon as your booking is confirmed, you'll get a confirmation email. Exactly how your boarding pass is issued after that depends on which operator you've booked with.
Some operators send your boarding pass out the moment you book, while others require check-in at the port itself. Where it's offered, online check-in is also available through the Direct Ferries app, saving you a step at the terminal.
You'll typically find the ticket desk close to the ferry terminal itself. It's a good idea to arrive a little early so you have plenty of time to collect your tickets and get checked in without rushing.
At check-in, have your confirmation email ready along with valid photo ID, such as a passport or identity card. If you're travelling with a pet, bring along their vaccination and insurance paperwork, and if you booked using a resident discount, be prepared to show proof of address too.
A few things can explain a lack of sailings on your chosen date: a temporary schedule change, limited space, or a seasonal shift in the timetable are the most common. It's worth trying a nearby date or exploring alternative routes using our Route & Port finder.
As a rule, the earlier you book your Southampton to East Cowes ferry, the better. Booking ahead tends to secure lower fares along with a wider pick of departure times and cabin or seating options.
Aim to book at least a few weeks ahead to make the most of the best available offers, keeping in mind that fares can shift depending on the season and how much space is left.
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| Southampton - East Cowes Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $83 | |
| Average Price with Car | $299 | |
| Average Price with Motorcycle | $102 | |
| Average Campervan Price | $419 | |
| Southampton - East Cowes Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | England |
| Destination | Isle of Wight |
| No. of Operators | 1 |
| Operators | Red Funnel |
| Average Price | $278 |
| Average Pet Price | $323 |
| Average Daily Sailings | 17 |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 118 |
| 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 2026.
A glance at the map gives some idea of the strategic maritime importance of Southampton, which stands on a triangular peninsula formed at the place where the rivers Itchen and Test flow into Southampton Water, an eight-mile inlet from the Solent. Sure enough, Southampton has figured in numerous stirring events: it witnessed the exodus of Henry V's Agincourt-bound army, the Pilgrim Fathers' departure in the Mayflower in 1620 and the maiden voyages of such ships as the Queen Mary and the Titanic. The Second World War hit Southampton particularly hard, because of its strategic importance as the major industrial area on the South Coast. Pockets of Georgian architecture remain, but much of the city was levelled. The accuracy of the locally-based Ordnance Survey's maps did not go unrecognised by the Luftwaffe: the German bomber pilots used them to bomb Southampton.
Famed for its world famous yachting scene, Cowes Port has become a globally acknowledged centre of boat-building. Found on the northern coast of the Isle of Wight, Cowes Port is one of the smaller towns of the island, though possibly the most widely recognised due to its hugely popular yachting and royal connections. Also known as the ‘Floating Bridge’, Cowes Chain Ferry carries foot passengers and vehicles on the short crossing to East Cowes, across the narrow mouth of the fast flowing River Medina. The ferry route runs frequently throughout the day, beginning very early in the morning and running till late in the evening. The harbour has created several jobs around the town, contributing in excess of £25 million worth of revenue to the local economy.
