A Red Funnel ferry crossing the Solent to the Isle of Wight.

Red Funnel Ferries

Red Funnel is the original Isle of Wight ferry company, sailing across the Solent from Southampton. It runs a car ferry and a fast foot-passenger catamaran, both connecting Southampton with Cowes on the island.

With its Southampton base, Red Funnel is the natural choice for travellers from the west and from along the M27 corridor. This guide covers its routes, ships and how to book.

Red Funnel routes

Southampton–East Cowes
car ferry | ~55–60 min Check Prices »
Southampton–West Cowes
foot (Red Jet) | ~28 min Check Prices »

Red Funnel runs the Southampton car ferry to East Cowes and the fast Red Jet to West Cowes. See our routes guide for detail.

Table of Contents

    The routes in detail

    Red Funnel's two crossings suit different travellers:

    • Southampton–East Cowes: the car ferry, around 55 to 60 minutes, arriving at East Cowes on the River Medina — well signposted from the motorway
    • Southampton–West Cowes: the high-speed Red Jet catamaran for foot passengers, around 28 minutes, arriving right in the centre of Cowes

    The ships

    Red Funnel's car ferries make the Southampton to East Cowes crossing, offering great views of the cruise ships in Southampton docks and the River Medina as you arrive.

    The Red Jet is a high-speed catamaran for foot passengers, running from Southampton's Terminal 2 to West Cowes. As with all these crossings, you travel in the passenger lounges or on deck, not in your vehicle.

    Booking and travel tips

    A few practical things worth knowing:

    • Book cars ahead: vehicle space fills up in summer and around Cowes Week and other events
    • Check-in: the car ferry terminal has limited waiting space, so arrive 30–45 minutes before departure
    • Rail links: a free connecting bus links the Red Jet terminal with Southampton Central for ticket holders
    • Bikes: the Red Jet can carry fold-up bikes; bikes travel free for foot passengers on the car ferry
    • Pets: carried, with similar guidelines to other Solent operators

    Red Funnel or Wightlink?

    On the Isle of Wight, Red Funnel's main alternative is Wightlink, which sails from Portsmouth and Lymington. Your choice usually comes down to your nearest mainland port: Red Funnel from Southampton, Wightlink from Portsmouth or Lymington. For the fastest foot-passenger crossing, Hovertravel's hovercraft from Southsea is another option.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What routes does Red Funnel run?

    Two — the Southampton to East Cowes car ferry and the Southampton to West Cowes Red Jet for foot passengers.

    How long is the Red Funnel car ferry?

    Around 55 to 60 minutes from Southampton to East Cowes.

    What is the Red Jet?

    Red Funnel's high-speed catamaran for foot passengers, crossing from Southampton to West Cowes in around 28 minutes.

    Can I take my car with Red Funnel?

    Yes — on the Southampton to East Cowes car ferry. The Red Jet is foot passengers only.

    Is Red Funnel or Wightlink better?

    It depends on your nearest port — Red Funnel from Southampton, Wightlink from Portsmouth or Lymington. Both are experienced operators with similar pricing.

    Ready to book?
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