Isle of Wight Ferry

Welcome to Red Funnel - The Original Isle of Wight Ferries

Which ferry to the Isle of Wight? More and more visitors are choosing Red Funnel, the original Isle of Wight ferry company. Ferry crossings to the IoW actually started as far back as 1820 from Southampton. In 1861 two rival IoW ferry operators merged to form the Southampton Isle of Wight and South of England Royal Mail Steam Packet Company Limited or as we are more commonly known; Red Funnel Isle of Wight Ferries.

Today, 150 years on we may operate the largest car ferries to the Isle of Wight but our guests repeatedly tell us that we provide by far the best service. Over 81%* would definitely recommend Red Funnel to their friends or relatives. So why not come and experience our unbeaten reliability and meet our helpful and friendly staff, it would be a pleasure to welcome you on-board.

Travelling with a vehicle or bicycle?

Southampton <> East Cowes (Isle of Wight)
The ferries on this route carry passengers and any vehicle or towed trailer that will fit under a motorway bridge.

Travelling with us is simplicity itself - you don't even need a passport or ID! Our mainland port in Southampton is very easy to get to, just follow the A303/A36 or A35/A31 from the West, the M3/A34/M40 from the North or M27/A27/A3 from the East. On the Isle of Wight the ferry terminal is at East Cowes, from there you can get to anywhere on the Island in no time at all.  Timetables & much more...

Travelling on foot?

Southampton <> West Cowes (Isle of Wight)
Fast, convenient and reliable - over 1.5m foot passengers rely on the Red Jet Hi-Speed service each year.

All you need to do is turn-up, present a ticket and take-off - you'll be at either West Cowes or Southampton in 25 minutes. If travelling on business, West Cowes is close to many of the Island's big employers and is of course a sailor's paradise with yachting chandleries, boutique clothing stores and legendary pubs & restaurants. Finding us is easy too with excellent connecting bus and taxi services.  Timetables & much more...