Southampton - East Cowes
Ferries to Isle of Wight
Southampton - East Cowes
Ferries to Isle of Wight
Red Funnel provides the ferry from Southampton to East Cowes. Southampton East Cowes ferries cost from just $12 vary based on season, availability and whether you’re going by foot or by car. Prices exclude any service fees. Ferry schedules change seasonally. Use our Deal Finder to get the latest ferry ticket information for Southampton East Cowes ferries.
Southampton East Cowes ferry prices typically range from $12* to $378*. The average ferry price from Southampton to East Cowes is around $238*. The cheapest fares usually start from $12*. The average foot passenger ticket costs $60*. The average price when traveling with a car is $256*.
Prices may vary depending on passenger numbers, vehicle type, route and sailing time. Pricing data is based on searches from the last 30 days, excludes service fees, and was last updated June 26.
We make it easy to compare ferry tickets and prices worldwide, helping you find the best option for your trip. Visit our Special Offers page to see current discounts on selected routes and operators. Booking early is often the best way to secure lower prices and better availability.
Yes, Direct Ferries offers a range of discounts throughout the year. Where available, senior discounts are applied automatically during the search process. Simply select the relevant age range when entering passenger details.
Students and graduates can receive a 5% discount on ferry tickets. To claim this, you’ll need to register with our partner Student Beans and verify your student or graduate status. Once confirmed, you’ll receive a discount code to use at checkout.
Resident discounts are available on selected Spanish and Italian routes. When applicable, choose the “Residents” option during booking, and the discount will be applied automatically. Please note that proof of residence or a valid ID with the correct address must be shown at check-in.
The first ferry from Southampton to East Cowes usually departs at around 03:00, with the last sailing leaving at approximately 23:59.
Yes, day trips between Southampton and East Cowes are possible and very popular thanks to the short crossing time and frequent sailings. Traveling with a vehicle can also be a great way to explore the area at your own pace. For inspiration on what to do when you arrive, take a look at our blog.
Yes, Red Funnel allow cars on ferries traveling between Southampton and East Cowes. Use our Deal Finder to see live prices for car ferries on this route.
Whether you can take a campervan or caravan on the ferry depends on the operator and vessel used for your chosen crossing. Simply enter your travel details into our search bar to see which operators and vehicle options are available for this route.
For more advice and travel inspiration when taking a car, campervan or caravan, visit our blog.
Yes, bicycles are allowed on ferries from Southampton to East Cowes with Red Funnel. While most operators permit bicycles on board, we recommend checking individual policies in advance to avoid any surprises at the port.
Yes, foot passengers can travel on ferries between Southampton and East Cowes with Red Funnel.
Pets are currently not permitted on ferries traveling from Southampton to East Cowes. Use our Deal Finder to search for alternative routes that allow pet travel.
Please be aware that even if pets are not allowed on board, different regulations may apply to passengers traveling with guide dogs and assistance dogs. We recommend talking to our customer service to check the specific rules on your preferred sailing. For general information on travelling with assistant dogs and guide dogs, visit our Special Assistance Help page.
Whether an overnight ferry runs between Southampton and East Cowes depends on the operator and timetable. To check if an overnight option is available, enter your travel details in our search bar. The results will show if your chosen sailing operates overnight, plus current timetables and alternative day crossings.
Please note that overnight crossings can sometimes take a little longer than daytime sailings.
Travel requirements vary by route, so it’s important to confirm which documents you need before you travel. In most international cases, you will need a valid passport to travel from Southampton to East Cowes, and possibly a visa or national ID depending on your nationality and the destination’s rules. To avoid delays at check-in, see our Check-in, Travel Documents & Tickets guide and our blog post on travelling to Europe for useful tips.
To book ferry tickets, enter your departure and arrival ports plus your travel date. You’ll then see all available sailings and prices. The search also shows alternative routes and times so you can choose the best option for your trip.
Watch out for early-booking deals and special ticket types like upgrades or flexi fares that allow changes or cancelations. To ensure a smooth booking, enter accurate details such as passenger numbers and vehicle specifications.
After booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email. How your boarding pass is issued depends on the ferry operator you’ve booked with.
Some operators provide the boarding pass at the time of booking, while others require you to check in at the port. Where available, you can usually check in online via the Direct Ferries app.
Ticket desks are typically located close to the terminals. To avoid delays at the port, allow extra time for ticket collection and check-in.
At check-in, you will need to show your booking confirmation and an official photo ID (for example, a passport or identity card). You may also be asked for pet documentation (vaccinations, insurance, etc.) or proof of residence if you applied a resident discount to your booking.
There are several reasons why no sailings may be available from Southampton to East Cowes on your chosen date. This can include temporary timetable changes, limited capacity, or seasonal adjustments to services. We recommend checking alternative dates or nearby routes to find the best available option.
The best time to book ferries from Southampton to East Cowes is generally as early as possible. Booking in advance often means lower prices, along with a wider choice of departure times and cabin or seating options.
To secure the best deals, we recommend booking at least a few weeks ahead of travel. Please note that prices can vary depending on the season and availability.
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| Southampton - East Cowes Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $60 | |
| Average Price with Car | $256 | |
| Average Price with Motorcycle | $72 | |
| Southampton - East Cowes Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | England |
| Destination | Isle of Wight |
| No. of Operators | 1 |
| Operators | Red Funnel |
| Average Price | $238 |
| Average Pet Price | $224 |
| Average Daily Sailings | 19 |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 128 |
| Average Sailing Duration | 1 h |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 59 m |
| 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 June 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.
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