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Image of the ferry on the water at dusk

Isle of Wight Ferry Timetables

For sailings between the Isle of Wight & Southampton

Solent crossings to fit your schedule

View and download ferry timetables for both our Vehicle Ferry and Red Jet Hi-Speed services below.

Travel Updates

QUAYCONNECT SERVICE UPDATE - From 4 November

From Monday 4 November, there will be roadworks on the Civic Centre junction, so the Quayconnect service will divert to become a circular service, serving stops in one direction only. From Central Station, buses will run via West Quay Road directly to Town Quay before returning to Central Station on the normal route via West Quay.

Click here to find further information and temporary timetable. 


VEHICLE FERRY LIFTS

Are you due to travel on the Vehicle Ferry and need to use the lift on your crossing? Please call us on 023 8001 9192 in advance of your sailing for assistance.

Search Timetables

Enter your expected route and travel date below to search our latest timetable information. For real-time sailing information on the day of travel, go to our service status page.

Vehicle Ferry Service

Southampton (T1) < > East Cowes
Crossing time approx. 1 hour
Download our Vehicle Ferry timetables below:

Red Jet Hi-Speed Service

Southampton (T2) < > West Cowes
Crossing time approx. 28 mins
Download our Red Jet timetables below:

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Points of Interest

On both sides of the Solent, there’s lots to see and do whether you’re crossing for leisure, for work, or simply for a change of scenery. Explore points of interest on the Isle of Wight and in and around Southampton. 

Royal Pier Pavilion

Royal Pier Pavilion

This one’s easy to spot as you arrive at our Southampton ferry terminal, particularly at night when it’s lit up in purple lights! When Red Funnel was first formed, we ran a fleet of paddle steamers that operated excursions to destinations around the Island, and along the south coast. These departed from “Royal Pier”, and the impressive pavilion building is still in use as a restaurant.

Ocean Cruise Terminal

People walking on a ship

This striking landmark on Southampton’s waterfront is where you’ll find some of the world’s largest cruise ships docking. See if you can spot some of the famous Cunard and P&O Cruises vessels as you depart for the Island, and if you’re travelling in the late afternoon/early evening you might even get to sail alongside them as they depart Southampton for their global destinations.

Hythe Pier

Hythe Pier

The Hythe pier is difficult to miss, as at 640 metres in length, it’s the 7th longest in Britain. It is also the home of the world’s oldest working pier train, which links the village of Hythe and its marina to a small ferry that runs a regular service to the City of Southampton.

Netley Chapel

Netley Chapel at Royal Victoria Country Park

This striking chapel, on the eastern side of the river, is all that now remains of one of Britain’s first purpose-built hospitals. Constructed for veterans of the Crimean War, the original 220-acre site was the largest of its time but was demolished after a fire in 1966. The site is now open to the public as part of Royal Victoria Country Park.

Calshot Castle

Calshot Castle

The picturesque Calshot Castle was originally built by Henry VIII to defend the entrance to Southampton waters. As our ferry reaches the Solent, the castle is easily visible at the end of Calshot Spit, which extends from the west into the main waters, with Calshot beach and its long row of beach huts visible further along.

Columbine Building

East Cowes aerial image

The striking Columbine building on the East Cowes waterfront has been a central point of Island industry for many years. Starting with Saunders Roe, which was involved in everything from sea planes, hovercrafts, and rockets, and is currently home to Wight Shipyard, which built two of Red Funnel’s Red Jet fleet. When you spot the iconic Union Jack doors, you’ve arrived on the Island!

Other Red Funnel Ferries

Aerial Image of the ferry

Southampton’s waters and the Solent are always busy with shipping movements, not least with our very own Red Funnel fleet. At peak time we will often have our three vehicle ferries, two Hi-Speed passenger ferries, and our freight ferry all out on the water – so watch out for them, and don’t forget to give our other passengers and crew a customary wave!

Cowes Castle

West cowes

As you approach the Island and arrive at Cowes Harbour, you’ll see another of Henry VIII’s forts, Cowes Castle. The castle is now home and clubhouse to the Royal Yacht Squadron, whose Club organises yacht racing as a principal feature of the now globally famous Cowes Week regatta. Look carefully at the front and you might see the cannons that are used for starting races.

Customer Reviews

1 2 3 4 5
Good service throughout!
Thu, Dec 12 2024
1 2 3 4 5
Efficient but expensive.
Thu, Dec 12 2024
1 2 3 4 5
The staff are excellent. Far nicer than their other competitor.
Thu, Dec 12 2024