Southampton
East Cowes
Ferry to Isle of Wight
Open Ticket??

Open tickets are valid for up to 12 months from booking date (see ticket conditions).

Open Ticket?

Open tickets are valid for up to 12 months from booking date (see ticket conditions).

Trip Details
Outbound
Return Trip

Latest offers for Southampton - East Cowes

Southampton to Cowes Ferry

The Southampton to Cowes ferry route is provided by 1 operator and is available for booking all year round. The ferry crossing from Southampton to Cowes takes approximately 1 hour on ferries servicing this route. Southampton to Cowes ferry duration can range from 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes depending on the operator that you decide to travel with.

Southampton to Cowes Ferry Schedule

There are 108 weekly sailings from Southampton to Cowes. Red Funnel provide up to 19 sailings per day. Please note that ferry timetables often increase during the high season.

Southampton to Cowes Ferry Time

The first ferry leaves at approximately 03:00 and the last ferry leaves at approximately 23:59. Ferry schedules can vary by operator and season.

Fast Ferry Southampton to Cowes

The fastest ferry from Southampton to Cowes is with Red Funnel in 1 hour.

How much is a fast ferry from Southampton to Cowes?

A fast ferry from Southampton to Cowes usually costs around £156.

Can I take an overnight ferry from Southampton to Cowes?

You can take an overnight ferry on the Southampton to Cowes route. The first overnight sailing departs at 03:00 and arrives in Isle of Wight at 04:00.

Can I reserve a cabin on the ferry from Southampton to East Cowes?

There are no cabins on ferries from Southampton to Cowes due to the short sailing duration.

Can I bring pets on the Southampton Cowes ferry?

Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on ferries from Southampton to Cowes.

Can I travel with a car on the ferry from Southampton to Cowes?

Yes, Red Funnel allows cars on board for ferries between Southampton and East Cowes. Use our Deal Finder to get live pricing for car ferries between Southampton and East Cowes.

Can I travel as a foot passenger on the ferry from Southampton to Cowes?

Yes, foot passengers can travel with Red Funnel between Southampton and East Cowes.

Southampton to Cowes Ferry Price

The price of a ferry from Southampton to Cowes can vary between £13 and £287 depending on the operator, season and whether you are travelling with a vehicle. The average price of a foot passenger is £59, prices can range from £13 and £101. The average price with a car is £144. Car prices can range from £26 and £203. Prices may vary for other vehicle types. All ferry prices can change from season to season.

Prices subject to change, pricing representative of searches over last 30 days. Please be aware that prices do not include booking fees.

Cheap Ferry to Isle of Wight

Find cheap ferry tickets using our deal finder. It is highly recommended that you book in advance to ensure yourself the best possible prices and availability on the Isle of Wight ferry.

How to get from Southampton to Isle of Wight

The best way to travel from Southampton to Cowes is by ferry. With 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.

Can I take a day trip from Southampton to Isle of Wight?

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.

For more information, please visit our Ferries from England to Isle of Wight page.
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Southampton - Cowes Route summary
Departure Country UK
Destination Country UK
No. of Operators 1
Operators Red Funnel
Average Price £128*
Average Daily Sailings 15
Average Weekly Sailings 108
Average Sailing Duration 1h 0m
First Ferry 03:00
Last Ferry 23:59
Distance 10 nautical miles

* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 2024-09-04.

Most popular questions

How long is the ferry from Southampton to Cowes?

The ferry crossing time from Southampton to Cowes is approximately 1h. Sailing durations may vary from season to season and by operator so we’d advise doing a live check.

How much is the ferry from Southampton to Cowes?

Southampton to Cowes ferry price can differ depending on the season. The average price of a ferry from Southampton to Cowes is £163. Price exclusive of booking fees.

Which ferry companies operate between Southampton to Cowes?

There is 1 ferry operator for Southampton to Cowes and this is
  • Red Funnel

How can I book ferry tickets from Southampton to Cowes?

Book ferries from Southampton to Cowes through our deal finder and check our offers page to view the latest ferry offers.

Can you travel as a foot passenger on the ferry from Southampton to Cowes?

Yes, you can travel as a foot passenger from Southampton to Cowes with
  • Red Funnel

Can you take your car on the ferry from Southampton to Cowes?

Yes, you can travel with a vehicle from Southampton to Cowes with
  • Red Funnel

Can you bring pets on the ferry from Southampton to Cowes?

No, pets are not permitted onboard the ferries.

How far is Cowes from Southampton?

The distance between Southampton to Cowes is approximately 10 nautical Miles.

Southampton to Cowes Guide

Southampton Guide

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 Guide

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.

Which is better Southampton or Cowes?

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 centers, 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.

How many days in Cowes is enough?

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.


Southampton to Cowes Ferry Timetables

Ferry Timetables between 04/11/2024 and 10/11/2024


Operator Departure Time Arrival Time Duration Sailing Days
Red Funnel 03:00 04:00 1 hour Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Red Funnel 04:30 05:30 1 hour Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Red Funnel 05:00 06:00 1 hour Tue
Red Funnel 06:00 07:00 1 hour Everyday
Red Funnel 07:00 08:00 1 hour Tue
Red Funnel 07:30 08:30 1 hour Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Red Funnel 08:00 09:00 1 hour Tue
Red Funnel 09:00 10:00 1 hour Everyday
Red Funnel 10:00 11:00 1 hour Tue
Red Funnel 10:30 11:30 1 hour Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Red Funnel 11:00 12:00 1 hour Tue
Red Funnel 12:00 13:00 1 hour Everyday
Red Funnel 13:00 14:00 1 hour Tue
Red Funnel 13:30 14:30 1 hour Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Red Funnel 14:00 15:00 1 hour Tue
Red Funnel 15:00 16:00 1 hour Everyday
Red Funnel 16:00 17:00 1 hour Tue
Red Funnel 16:30 17:30 1 hour Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Red Funnel 17:00 18:00 1 hour Tue
Red Funnel 18:00 19:00 1 hour Everyday
Red Funnel 19:00 20:00 1 hour Tue
Red Funnel 19:30 20:30 1 hour Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Red Funnel 20:15 21:15 1 hour Tue
Red Funnel 21:00 22:00 1 hour Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Red Funnel 22:00 23:00 1 hour Tue
Red Funnel 23:55 00:55 1 hour Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Red Funnel 23:59 00:59 1 hour Tue
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