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Hi-Speed Ferries

Southampton <> Isle of Wight in under 30 mins

Speed across the Solent

Our Red Jet Hi-Speed service is the fastest way for foot passengers to cross the Solent from Southampton to the Isle of Wight.

This fast catamaran is ideal for business and leisure trips to Cowes and the Isle of Wight, with crossing times from just 28 minutes. Regular departures sail from our West Cowes, Isle of Wight and T2, Southampton terminals throughout the day.

Travel Update

Please note: we are currently upgrading the toilet facilities at Southampton Terminal 2. Whilst these works are carried out, there are temporary toilets available for our customers adjacent to the ticket office, and we apologise in advance for any noise and disruption.

Red Jet Fares & Tickets

Most ticket types for Red Jet can now be purchased in advance online. They can also be bought from our ticket office and ticket machines in both terminals, where you can also pickup our off-peak, super off-peak and group rate tickets. You can also download our new app to book foot passenger tickets.

Red Jet Timetable

The Red Jet hi-speed service operates regular sailings throughout the day between Southampton and West Cowes, with more frequent sailings during commuter times, and on Saturdays.

You can download timetables or search for sailings on any given time and date on our timetable page.

Red Jet Service Status

Our Red Jet service usually departs every 35 minutes during busy periods (Monday – Saturday) and every 1 hour and 10 minutes during quieter week day periods and Sundays.

For the most up to date travel information and departure information go to our service status page.

West Cowes Terminal

Fountain Yard
West Cowes
Isle of Wight
PO31 7AR

Southampton T2 Terminal

Terminal 2
Town Quay
Southampton
SO14 2AQ

Red Jet 4

Red Jet 4

Red Jet 4 was built by North West Bay Ships in Tasmania in 2003. With capacity for 271 seated passengers and up to four crew, Red Jet 4 reaches speeds up to 38 knots, delivering passengers comfortably and quickly to their destination.

Facilities

Wifi icon
Free Wifi
Wheelchair friendly icon
Accessibility
Dog Friendly icon
Pet Friendly
Toilets icon
Washrooms
Red Jet 7 Ferry

Red Jet 7

Since 2018, Red Jet 7 has been whisking passengers across the Solent at a speed of 38 knots. Red Jet 7 has capacity for 277 passengers and four crew and features LED flat panel display screens and onboard Wi-Fi.

Facilities

Wifi icon
Free Wifi
Wheelchair friendly icon
Accessibility
Dog Friendly icon
Pet Friendly
Toilets icon
Washrooms
Red Jet 6 Ferry

Red Jet 6

Built in 2016 by Shemara Refit LLP on the Isle of Wight – a proudly local company – Red Jet 6 has capacity for 275 passengers and four crew. Grab a coffee or a cold drink, relax, and enjoy your crossing.

Facilities

Wifi icon
Free Wifi
Wheelchair friendly icon
Accessibility
Dog Friendly icon
Pet Friendly
Toilets icon
Washrooms

Fleet FAQ

View frequently asked questions about our fleet. 

Please see our contact page for full details

We have baby changing facilities on all three of our vehicle ferries. For a full list of onboard facilities, go to our fleet page.

All of our vessels cater for disabled customers and have disabled access. All three of our vehicle ferry’s have lift access from the main deck to the passenger lounge which can be requested upon arrival. Customers are not permitted to stay in their vehicle for the duration of the crossing however under extreme circumstances a request can be made to the captain upon arrival. More accessibility information...

Dogs are carried free of charge, please see our pet policy 

E-scooters are prohibited on board all Red Funnel vessels and throughout all terminal areas, both indoor and outdoor. This includes all aspects of e-scooter usage on site and includes the charging, transportation and storage of e-scooters. Those traveling with non-electric (push) scooters via our ferries must dismount and push their scooter at all times. Our policy is in place for the safety of our customers and staff due to fire safety concerns associated with e-scooter batteries, as well as the incidence of both e-scooter and push scooter-related accidents resulting in personal injury. Our policy is consistent with other transport operators and reflects a policy undertaken by ABP (Associated British Ports), which prohibits the use of scooters in any part of their port operations and estates. We thank our customers for understanding that our on-board and terminal areas are unsuitable environments for scooter usage. The safety of our customers and staff is our top priority.

For Vehicle Ferries: 

Visit the Ticket Office at East Cowes or Terminal 1, Southampton or phone us on 023 8001 9192

 

For Red Jet Passengers: 

Visit the Ticket Office at West Cowes or Terminal 2, Town Quay, Southampton or call us on 023 8001 9192.

In accordance with the statutory ban on smoking in public areas, Red Funnel enforces a No Smoking policy inside all its terminal areas and inside its vessels. The no smoking policy includes all synthetic/e/electronic cigarettes, cigars and pipes.

The only exception is the designated smoking area on 'A deck' (outside deck) of the Passenger Vehicle Ferries where smoking and vaping is permitted. Customers are requested to always use the cigarette bins provided and never throw cigarette butts into the sea.

Please be advised some sailings may be entirely non-smoking if we are carrying certain goods. You will be advised of this in the onboard safety announcement after you board. 

Customers can travel with electric bikes, however charging electric bikes is strictly prohibited onboard any of our vessels and throughout all our terminals. 

Please click here for Government guidance on the transport of items classified as dangerous by individuals in private vehicles and by foot passengers on board our vessels. If you have any queries, please get in touch with our dedicated Freight team by emailing [email protected] prior to travel.

No, you are not permitted to fly drones from our ferries without prior written permission, and completion of a full risk assessment. If you wish to apply for permission, please contact our Marketing department via email.

Customer Reviews

1 2 3 4 5
The booking experience was first rate. I had to amend my return journey due to a close family bereavement and the agent, Peter, couldn’t be more helpful and sympathetic. I wasn’t…
Thu, Feb 29 2024
1 2 3 4 5
On time and helpful staff
Mon, Feb 26 2024
1 2 3 4 5
bring back the dancing man
Sat, Feb 24 2024