Red Funnel · 1h
Southampton to Cowes Ferry
Compare every Southampton to Cowes sailing. From £6.00 one way, 16 times a day, crossing in about 1h.
- 1h crossing
- 114 sailings a week
- Cars carried
- Verified timetable
Southampton to Cowes sailings on Saturday 31 October
14 departures found. Prices update live and are shown as a total.
Foot passenger
Only 12 spaces left at this price on the 07:00 sailing.
Foot passenger
Only 7 spaces left at this price on the 09:10 sailing.
Foot passenger
Only 9 spaces left at this price on the 11:20 sailing.
Foot passenger
Foot passenger
Foot passenger
Foot passenger
Only 5 spaces left at this price on the 16:45 sailing.
Foot passenger
Only 6 spaces left at this price on the 17:55 sailing.
Foot passenger
Foot passenger
About the Southampton to Cowes ferry
Sailing from Southampton to Cowes takes around 1h. Red Funnel runs the route 16 times a day, and fares start from £6.00. We compare every operator on the route in one search, so you can see the cheapest and the fastest side by side before you commit.
Vehicles are carried on this route, so you can take a car, campervan or motorbike across and keep your luggage with you. Foot passengers are welcome on board.
Southampton to Cowes ferry timetable
There are around 114 sailings a week on this route, 16 times a day. The table below shows how this crossing compares with the other services Southampton and Cowes are connected to.
| Route | Operators | Duration | Sailings / week | From | Average | Vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southampton – Cowes | Red Funnel | 1h | 114 | £6.00 | £154.00 | Yes |
| Southampton – West Cowes | Red Funnel | 28m | 138 | £10.00 | £58.00 | Foot only |
How much is the ferry from Southampton to Cowes?
One-way fares start at £6.00. Across all booking types the average paid on this route is about £154.00. That figure includes vehicles, multiple passengers and peak-season departures, which is why it sits well above the headline price.
Which operators sail this route?
Red Funnel operates the Southampton – Cowes crossing. As the sole operator, availability tightens quickly in peak season, so book early.
- Red Funnel, 18 routes across our network
Taking a vehicle
Cars, campervans, motorhomes and motorbikes are all carried on the Southampton to Cowes ferry. Add your vehicle when you search and every price shown will include it, and no vehicle surcharge appears later in the booking.
Getting to Southampton
Check in opens around 90 minutes before departure for vehicles and 45 minutes for foot passengers, and closes 30 to 60 minutes before sailing depending on the operator. Read our Southampton port guide for terminal facilities, parking and directions, and the Cowes guide for the other end.
Southampton to Cowes ferry: your questions answered
How long is the ferry from Southampton to Cowes?
The Southampton to Cowes ferry takes approximately 1h. Actual crossing time varies a little by operator, vessel and sea conditions.
How much is the ferry from Southampton to Cowes?
One-way fares start from £6.00. The average booking on this route comes to around £154.00 once vehicles, extra passengers and peak dates are taken into account.
Who sails from Southampton to Cowes?
Red Funnel operates this crossing. We compare all of them in a single search.
How often does the Southampton to Cowes ferry run?
There are around 114 sailings a week on this route, which works out at 16 times a day. Frequency is usually higher in summer and over school holidays.
Can I take a car on the Southampton to Cowes ferry?
Yes. Cars, campervans and motorbikes are carried on this route. Add your vehicle at the search stage so the price you see includes it.
What is the cheapest day to sail from Southampton to Cowes?
Midweek departures, particularly Tuesday and Wednesday, are typically the cheapest, along with the earliest sailing of the day. Friday and Saturday crossings in July and August are the most expensive.
How far in advance should I book?
Prices on this route rise as departure approaches. Booking more than six weeks ahead usually secures the lowest fare; inside a week you can expect to pay substantially more, especially in peak season.
Do I need a passport for the Southampton to Cowes ferry?
Carry valid photo ID for every passenger. International crossings require a passport valid for the whole of your trip, and non-EU travellers entering the Schengen area are now subject to biometric registration at the border. Check the operator's requirements before you travel.
Alternative crossings
Other ways to make the same journey, and nearby routes worth comparing.
Southampton to West Cowes
from £10.00
Dover to Calais
from £22.93
Portsmouth to Fishbourne
from £11.00
Newhaven to Dieppe
from £31.00
Portsmouth to Caen
from £24.00
Dover to Dunkerque
from £34.36
Portsmouth to Santander
from £66.03
Plymouth to Roscoff
from £24.00