Red Funnel · 28m
West Cowes to Southampton Ferry
Compare every West Cowes to Southampton sailing. From £10.00 one way, 20 times a day, crossing in about 28m.
- 28m crossing
- 138 sailings a week
- Foot passengers
- Verified timetable
West Cowes to Southampton sailings on Saturday 31 October
14 departures found. Prices update live and are shown as a total.
★ Cheapest
Foot passenger
Foot passenger
Foot passenger
Foot passenger
Foot passenger
Foot passenger
⚡ Fastest
Foot passenger
Foot passenger
Foot passenger
Foot passenger
Foot passenger
Foot passenger
About the West Cowes to Southampton ferry
The West Cowes to Southampton ferry is operated by Red Funnel, sailing 20 times a day with a typical crossing time of 28m. 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.
This is a foot-passenger service, so you will need to travel without a vehicle. Foot passengers are welcome on board.
West Cowes to Southampton ferry timetable
There are around 138 sailings a week on this route, 20 times a day. The table below shows how this crossing compares with the other services West Cowes and Southampton are connected to.
| Route | Operators | Duration | Sailings / week | From | Average | Vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Cowes – Southampton | Red Funnel | 28m | 138 | £10.00 | £58.00 | Foot only |
| Cowes – Southampton | Red Funnel | 1h | 114 | £6.00 | £154.00 | Yes |
How much is the ferry from West Cowes to Southampton?
One-way fares start at £10.00. Across all booking types the average paid on this route is about £58.00. 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 West Cowes – Southampton crossing. As the sole operator, availability tightens quickly in peak season, so book early.
- Red Funnel, 18 routes across our network
Taking a vehicle
This service carries foot passengers only. If you need to bring a car, check the alternative crossings listed below for a vehicle-carrying route between the same regions.
Getting to West Cowes
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 West Cowes port guide for terminal facilities, parking and directions, and the Southampton guide for the other end.
West Cowes to Southampton ferry: your questions answered
How long is the ferry from West Cowes to Southampton?
The West Cowes to Southampton ferry takes approximately 28m. Actual crossing time varies a little by operator, vessel and sea conditions.
How much is the ferry from West Cowes to Southampton?
One-way fares start from £10.00. The average booking on this route comes to around £58.00 once vehicles, extra passengers and peak dates are taken into account.
Who sails from West Cowes to Southampton?
Red Funnel operates this crossing. We compare all of them in a single search.
How often does the West Cowes to Southampton ferry run?
There are around 138 sailings a week on this route, which works out at 20 times a day. Frequency is usually higher in summer and over school holidays.
Can I take a car on the West Cowes to Southampton ferry?
No, this route carries foot passengers only. If you need to bring a vehicle, search nearby ports for a car-carrying alternative.
What is the cheapest day to sail from West Cowes to Southampton?
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 West Cowes to Southampton 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.
Cowes to Southampton
from £6.00
Fishbourne to Portsmouth
from £11.00
Yarmouth to Lymington
from £11.00
Ryde to Portsmouth Harbour
from £17.00
Ryde to Southsea
from £18.00
More to Southampton
Cowes to SouthamptonFerries to Isle of Wight
Fishbourne to PortsmouthYarmouth to LymingtonRyde to Portsmouth HarbourRyde to Southsea