Vehicle Ferry Service FAQs

Vehicle Ferry Service FAQ's

On the move? Just scan the QR code or visit www.redfunnel.co.uk using your iPhone, Blackberry or Android device for:

• - Vehicle Ferry timetables
• - Online booking (passengers & vehicles)
• - Travel Cards (apply & maintain your account)
• - Event & attraction tickets
• - Paperless check-in
• - Live vessel position information
• - Free service alerts and SMS services
• - and lots lots more.....

Q. How do I contact you?

A. Call centre open 0800-1855 Mon-Fri (0800-1955 from 1 March) and 0800-1755 Sat-Sun

• 0844 844 9988 or 0845 155 2442 if outside UK
• post@redfunnel.co.uk
• www.twitter.com/Red_Funnel
• Red Funnel Isle of Wight Ferries, 12 Bugle Street, Southampton SO14 2JY

Q. How long does the crossing take?

A. Approximately 55-60 minutes.

Q. Do I need a passport or ID?

A. No, the Isle of Wight is inside the UK and not subject to any border control. ID is required if you are claiming a concession discount or if you want to purchase alcohol and look under 21.

Q. Can I leave my car at your terminal and go as a foot passenger?

A. Foot passengers are welcome on this service but unfortunately you cannot leave your car at the terminal. There is parking at the Triangle Car Park which is very near the terminal. Additional car parking is available at the end of Town Quay and there is a large multi-storey at Ocean Village.

Q. What happens if I can’t print my eticket?

A. Your booking number will be acceptable - just record it carefully and give it to staff at check-in. If you booked online or booked by phone against your customer number you will be able to login to your account using a Smartphone, retreive your booking and check-in staff will scan the barcode on your device.

Q. Can I make amendments to my booking online?

A. Unfortunately you are currently unable to make amendments to your booking online, for amendments to bookings please contact our travel centre team on 0844 844 9988.

Q. Can I pay for a ticket on the day?

A. Yes you can but this often proves to be more expensive if you are taking a vehicle and there is no gurrantee we will have vehicle space onboard. Foot passenger pricing is the same whether you purchase on the day or in advance.

Q. What happens if I bring a different vehicle to the one booked ?

A. We don't need to know unless the overall length exceeds 5.5m, the height exceeds 2.2m, or the vehicle type changes (e.g. from a car to a van). Please include objects such as luggage racks and bike racks when calculating the length and height. We no longer require the vehicle registration number.

Q. What is the postcode of the port?

A. Southampton Terminal: SO14 2AL / East Cowes Terminal: PO32 6RA

Q. How far in advance of departure do I need to arrive to check-in?

A. At least 30 minutes before departure but not more than 60 minutes on peak dates.

Q. Can I show up before my booked time and get an earlier departure?

A. Yes, subject to availability, but at busy periods this may not be possible and you may be asked to return in time for your booked crossing. Please call our Travel Centre for advice, on 0844 844 9988 and we’ll do our best to help.

Q. What happens if I miss my sailing?

A. We will endeavour to get you on the next available sailing that has space. This may not be next sailing.

Q. How do I buy a ticket if your ticket offices are closed?

A. Self-service ticket machines accepting cash and debit/credit cards are available for foot passengers.  PC's are available at Terminal 1, Southampton and at East Cowes to enable vehicle bookings to be made online via Red Funnel's website.

Q. Can I stay in my car whilst onboard?

A. No, although in very exceptional circumstances the Master of the ferry you are catching may give permission.

Q. Do you have baby changing facilities on board?

A. Yes we do

Q. Do you have disabled facilities onboard?

A. All of our vessels cater for disabled customers and have disabled access.

Q. Are dogs permitted on the car ferry?

A. Dogs are permitted on the vehicle ferry free of charge, however they must either remain in the vehicle for the duration of the crossing or taken onto the outside top deck of the vessel.

Q. Can I take push bikes on your services?

A. Yes, there is no additional charge for foot passengers taking bicycles. Please report to the foot of the linkspan, have your ticket ready and staff will direct you onto the main deck of the ferry when ready.

Q. Are we allowed to take our own refreshments onboard?

A. Guests are welcome to take their own refreshments onboard however our catering team do offer a wide range of hot and cold food and beverages via our ReFuel and Steam Coffee outlets.

Q. Can I get a refund if I don’t use my ticket?

A. A refund may be given if eligable under the terms and conditions.

Q. How do I recover lost property?

A. Visit the ticket office at East Cowes or Terminal 1, Southampton or phone us on 0844 844 9988.