For foot passengers travelling to Southampton
Hop aboard our Red Jet Hi-Speed passenger ferry to Southampton from the West Cowes Terminal. This terminal is open Monday-Thursday 05:30-22:30, Friday 05:30-23:45, Saturday 07:00-23:45, and Sunday 07:00-23:30.
Sat Nav: PO31 7AR
Please arrive 5-15 minutes prior to departure time during peak travel times.
- Ticket & booking office - offering ferry tickets and through-tickets for rail & National Express coach services
- Self-service ticket machines - offering ferry and through-rail tickets
- Real-time travel information
- Free WiFi
- Toilets
- Luggage trolleys
- 2 x pre-bookable parking spaces for NHS patients
- Accessibility - suitable for wheelchairs (several available), handrails provided on ramped entrances & walkways, disabled toilet facilities, assistance available.
- Cycle Hub
From Newport
- Take the A3020 to West Cowes (allow 15 minutes) or the A3021 to East Cowes, crossing the river to West Cowes via the floating bridge (see below).
From Ryde
- Travel west on the A3054 to Newport, then A3020 to West Cowes or turn off the A3054 at the roundabout and take A3021 to East Cowes and cross the river using the floating bridge.
From Yarmouth
- Travel east on the A3054 to Newport and then take the A3020 to West Cowes.
Floating Bridge: Operates between East and West Cowes 7 days a week. Carries passengers and vehicles up to large vans, minibuses and pick-ups. Only 12 minute walk from Red Funnel's West Cowes terminal, 2 minute walk from the East Cowes terminal. Allow 15-20 minutes to cross.
Long-stay parking is available in Park Road, Mornington Road and Brunswick Road. Short-stay parking is available in St Mary's Road, Cross Street, the Esplanade and The Parade.
A Park & Ride facility is also available at Somerton on the A3020 - see the 'Bus' section for more details.
Coach parking is available in Ward Avenue.
There are limited spaces in Fountain Yard for dropping off or meeting passengers - waiting time is restricted to 10 minutes and is enforced 24/7. There are two dedicated parking spaces for hospital visits only, these MUST be pre-booked in advance and customers are not able to arrive without booking.
Connecting Bus Services - West Cowes
Frequent buses operate between West Cowes and Newport (Service 1) from where there are connections across the Island.
Taxi Services
There is a taxi rank in Fountain Yard just outside the entrance to the terminal. Please allow 15-20 minutes to travel between West Cowes and Newport.
Water Taxis
Services can be pre-booked. They will pick-up from the water taxi berth adjacent to our terminal building.
- Cowes Harbour Taxis, tel 07855 767918 (VHF Ch 77 "Harbour Taxi")
- Sally Water Taxis, tel 07831 331717 (VHF Ch 06 "Sally Taxi")
- Folly Inn Launch, tel 07884 400046 (VHF Ch 72 "Folly Launch")
Cowes Floating Bridge
Connects the towns of East and West Cowes for foot passengers and vehicles.
Operates: (subject to tides and navigation) Every 10 -15 minutes, 18 hrs per day, 365 days a year. First Sailing: 0500 hrs Mon- Sat (0630 hrs Sun), Last Sailing: after midnight (approx 0025 hrs). Tariff: £1.50 return. Tel. 01983 293041. Buy tickets online here.
Cycle Hire
Car Hire
Motorhome Hire
Van Hire
Coach/Bus Hire
Many of the listed operators above will meet Red Funnel customers upon arrival at West Cowes.