Southampton - East Cowes
Ferries to Isle of Wight
Southampton - East Cowes
Ferries to Isle of Wight
Southampton East Cowes ferry prices usually range between €7* and €283*. The average price for ferries from Southampton East Cowes is typically €180*. The cheapest Southampton to East Cowes ferry prices start from €7*. The average foot passenger price is €48*. And the average price for a car is €194*.
Pricing will vary depending on the number of passengers, vehicle type, route and sailing times. Pricing is taken from searches over the last 30 days and is exclusive of service fees, last updated August 26.
We offer a quick way to compare ferry tickets and prices worldwide, making your choice smooth sailing. Visit our Special Offers page for discounts on selected routes and operators. Remember to book early to secure the best prices and options!
Yes, Direct Ferries offers a wide range of discounts throughout the year. When searching for ferries, any available senior discounts will be automatically applied. Simply select your age range from the passenger options.
Students and graduates can get a 5% discount on ferry tickets. To take advantage of the discount, you need to register with and check out our partner Student Beans and confirm your student or graduate status. You will then receive a discount code which can be entered during the payment process.
Resident discounts are available on a variety of Spanish and Italian ferry routes. Just click on the "Residents" option when this is displayed. The discount is automatically applied to the price. Bear in mind that proof of registration or an identity card with the correct address must be shown at check-in.
The first Southampton East Cowes ferry typically departs from Southampton at around 03:00. The last ferry usually departs at 23:59.
Yes, you can enjoy a day trip between Southampton and East Cowes. Ferry day trips from Southampton to East Cowes are very popular thanks to the short journey time and frequent daily crossings. Where possible, taking a vehicle is also a great way to explore further afield at your own pace, with the convenience of having your own space.
Yes, you can take your car with you on ferries between Southampton and East Cowes with Red Funnel. Use our Deal Finder to get live pricing for car ferries between Southampton and East Cowes.
Whether you can take your campervan on the ferry from Southampton to East Cowes depends on factors such as the ship and operator of your chosen crossing. To find out if you can bring your caravan on the ferry, simply enter your details, and we’ll compare the available operators on your chosen route for you.
Yes, you can bring a bicycle on a ferry from Southampton to East Cowes with Red Funnel. Although most ferry companies allow bicycles on board, it's always best to check the policies on bringing bicycles on the ferry to avoid any bad surprises at the departure port.
Yes, foot passengers can travel on ferries from Southampton and East Cowes with Red Funnel.
Pets are currently not allowed on board the ferries from Southampton to East Cowes. Use our Deal Finder to find alternative routes that offer travel options for pets.
Please note that even if pets are not allowed on board, different regulations may apply to passengers travelling with guide dogs and assistance dogs. We recommend talking to our customer service to check the specific rules on your preferred sailing. For general information on travelling with assistance dogs and guide dogs, visit our Special Assistance Help page.
Whether an overnight ferry is available between Southampton and East Cowes depends on several factors. To check if an overnight ferry is available, simply enter your details and our search results will show whether your preferred ferry sails overnight. You can also find current ferry timetables and crossing times, along with alternative options for daytime sailings.
Please note that overnight ferry crossings can sometimes take slightly longer than daytime crossings.
Travel requirements can vary depending on the route, so make sure to check what documents you'll need before sailing. In most cases, a valid passport is required when travelling from Southampton to East Cowes, along with any necessary visas or national ID cards. Requirements may differ based on your nationality and the destination country’s regulations. To avoid delays at check-in, you can find helpful information for your journey in our Check-in, Travel Documents & Tickets guide.
To book your ferry tickets, simply enter your departure and arrival ports along with your preferred travel date to see all available options and prices. You can also view alternative routes and sailing times, helping you find the best deal for your needs.
Keep an eye out for early booking discounts and special ticket options, such as upgrades or flexi-tickets that let you change or cancel your booking. To ensure a smooth sailing experience, make sure you enter all the required details correctly, including the number of passengers and your vehicle specifications.
Once you’ve completed your booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email. How your boarding pass is issued and collected depends on the ferry operator you’ve booked with.
Some ferry operators issue your boarding pass as soon as your booking is confirmed, while others require you to check in at the port. Some may also offer online check-in, which can be completed easily via the Direct Ferries app, where available.
The ticket desks are usually located near the ferry terminals. To avoid any delays at the port, we’d recommend allowing some extra time to collect your tickets and to check in.
During check-in, you must show your email confirmation, as well as an official photo ID, such as a passport or identity card. You might also be asked to provide documentation for your pet (vaccines, pet insurance, etc.) or proof of residence, if you have booked your ticket with a resident discount.
There could be several reasons why there are no departures from Southampton to East Cowes on your chosen date. This could be due to a temporary timetable change, limited availability or seasonal timetable variations. We recommend checking alternative dates and routes to find a suitable crossing.
The best time to book a ferry from Southampton to East Cowes is generally as early as possible. Booking in advance can help you secure the best available prices, as well as a wider choice of departure times and cabin or seating options.
We recommend booking at least a few weeks ahead to take advantage of the best offers. Keep in mind that prices can vary depending on the season and availability.
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| Southampton - East Cowes Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | €48 | |
| Average Pricewith Car | €194 | |
| Average Price with Motorbike | €63 | |
| Average Campervan Price | €258 | |
| Southampton - East Cowes Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | England |
| Destination | Isle of Wight |
| No. of Operators | 1 |
| Operators | Red Funnel |
| Average Price | €180 |
| Average Pet Price | €199 |
| Average Daily Sailings | 17 |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 117 |
| Average Sailing Duration | 1 h |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 1 h |
| First Ferry | 03:00 |
| Last Ferry | 23:59 |
| Distance | 11 Nautical Miles |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 August 2026.
A glance at the map gives some idea of the strategic maritime importance of Southampton, which stands on a triangular peninsula formed at the place where the rivers Itchen and Test flow into Southampton Water, an eight-mile inlet from the Solent. Sure enough, Southampton has figured in numerous stirring events: it witnessed the exodus of Henry V's Agincourt-bound army, the Pilgrim Fathers' departure in the Mayflower in 1620 and the maiden voyages of such ships as the Queen Mary and the Titanic. The Second World War hit Southampton particularly hard, because of its strategic importance as the major industrial area on the South Coast. Pockets of Georgian architecture remain, but much of the city was levelled. The accuracy of the locally-based Ordnance Survey's maps did not go unrecognised by the Luftwaffe: the German bomber pilots used them to bomb Southampton.
Famed for its world famous yachting scene, Cowes Port has become a globally acknowledged centre of boat-building. Found on the northern coast of the Isle of Wight, Cowes Port is one of the smaller towns of the island, though possibly the most widely recognised due to its hugely popular yachting and royal connections. Also known as the ‘Floating Bridge’, Cowes Chain Ferry carries foot passengers and vehicles on the short crossing to East Cowes, across the narrow mouth of the fast flowing River Medina. The ferry route runs frequently throughout the day, beginning very early in the morning and running till late in the evening. The harbour has created several jobs around the town, contributing in excess of £25 million worth of revenue to the local economy.
