Southampton – East Cowes
Ferry to Isle of Wight
Southampton – East Cowes
Ferry to Isle of Wight
The Southampton to Cowes ferry route is provided by 1 operator and is available for booking all year round. The ferry crossing from Southampton to Cowes takes approximately 1 hour on ferries servicing this route. Southampton to Cowes ferry duration can range from 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes depending on the operator that you decide to travel with.
There are 108 weekly sailings from Southampton to Cowes. Red Funnel provide up to 19 sailings per day. Please note that ferry timetables often increase during the high season.
The first ferry leaves at approximately 03:00 and the last ferry leaves at approximately 23:59. Ferry schedules can vary by operator and season.
The fastest ferry from Southampton to Cowes is with Red Funnel in 1 hour.
A fast ferry from Southampton to Cowes usually costs around £156.
You can take an overnight ferry on the Southampton to Cowes route. The first overnight sailing departs at 03:00 and arrives in Isle of Wight at 04:00.
There are no cabins on ferries from Southampton to Cowes due to the short sailing duration.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on ferries from Southampton to Cowes.
Yes, Red Funnel allows cars on board for ferries between Southampton and East Cowes. Use our Deal Finder to get live pricing for car ferries between Southampton and East Cowes.
Yes, foot passengers can travel with Red Funnel between Southampton and East Cowes.
The price of a ferry from Southampton to Cowes can vary between £13 and £287 depending on the operator, season and whether you are travelling with a vehicle. The average price of a foot passenger is £59, prices can range from £13 and £101. The average price with a car is £144. Car prices can range from £26 and £203. Prices may vary for other vehicle types. All ferry prices can change from season to season.
Prices subject to change, pricing representative of searches over last 30 days. Please be aware that prices do not include booking fees.
Find cheap ferry tickets using our deal finder. It is highly recommended that you book in advance to ensure yourself the best possible prices and availability on the Isle of Wight ferry.
The best way to travel from Southampton to Cowes is by ferry. With 15 sailings departing per day, you are bound to find a suitable ferry crossing to suit your needs. However, there are alternative routes to explore if you require additional flexibility.
Yes, you can take a day trip from Southampton to Cowes by ferry. Take an early ferry and give yourself the whole day to explore Isle of Wight before getting your return sailing.
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| Southampton - Cowes Route summary | ||
|---|---|---|
| Departure Country | UK | |
| Destination Country | UK | |
| No. of Operators | 1 | |
| Operators | Red Funnel | |
| Average Price | £121* | |
| Average Daily Sailings | 14 | |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 99 | |
| Average Sailing Duration | 1h 0m | |
| First Ferry | 03:00 | |
| Last Ferry | 23:59 | |
| Distance | 10 nautical miles | |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 2024-11-05.
Southampton Ferry Port serves as a vibrant maritime hub, offering more than just a departure point for numerous destinations. The city itself brims with cultural and historical richness, featuring the SeaCity Museum, which delves into Southampton's Titanic heritage, and the Southampton City Art Gallery, known for its impressive collection of contemporary art. For those interested in shopping and entertainment, WestQuay is a must-visit. Southampton also hosts the annual Southampton Boat Show, a highlight in the nautical calendar, attracting visitors in September. Conveniently located, the port provides easy travel options to London and the wider South of England via excellent train and coach services. From the ferry port, the city centre is readily accessible by a short taxi ride or bus service, ensuring visitors can seamlessly connect to all local attractions.
From Southampton ferry port, you can easily reach London, Winchester, and Portsmouth within an hour or two by train or car. For those heading into the city centre, the QuayConnect bus service provides a convenient and eco-friendly way to travel, connecting the ferry port to the city's train station. Plus, November is a festive time here, with preparations for the annual Christmas market in full swing, making it a fantastic time to experience the city's festive cheer.
Cowes Ferry Port serves as a vibrant maritime hub, renowned for its sailing heritage and as the principal venue for the world-famous Cowes Week, an annual sailing regatta that takes place every August, drawing enthusiasts and spectators from around the globe. This picturesque town on the Isle of Wight offers visitors a blend of nautical charm and scenic beauty, with attractions like the historic Cowes Castle, housing the Royal Yacht Squadron, and a bustling High Street filled with unique shops and quaint cafes. Easily accessible from the port are other island gems such as Osborne House, Queen Victoria's palatial holiday home, and the stunning seaside at Shanklin. Travel from the port to the town centre is a breeze with frequent bus services and taxi options available, ensuring a smooth transition for visitors. For those looking to explore further afield, the ferry routes also provide convenient links to Southampton and Portsmouth, enhancing Cowes' appeal as a perfect starting point for a broader adventure.
Comparing Southampton and Cowes is subjective as it depends on individual preferences and needs. Southampton is a larger city with a population of over 250,000, offering a wide range of amenities such as shopping centers, restaurants, and entertainment options. Cowes, being a smaller town, has a more intimate atmosphere and limited facilities. Southampton is located on the Solent coast and offers scenic walks along the shoreline. Cowes is situated on the northern coast of the Isle of Wight, providing beautiful views of the Solent and access to sandy beaches.Southampton hosts various events throughout the year, including music festivals, boat shows, and cultural celebrations. Cowes Week, mentioned earlier, is a major highlight in its social calendar, attracting sailors and visitors from around the world.
The number of days to spend in Cowes depends on individual preferences and interests. Cowes is a charming town on the Isle of Wight known for its sailing heritage and lively atmosphere. For those interested in sailing, the annual Cowes Week regatta in August is a major attraction and could be a highlight of a visit. However, even without the regatta, there are plenty of activities to enjoy. Visitors can explore the town's maritime history at the Classic Boat Museum, take a stroll along the beachfront, or indulge in the local culinary scene. Additionally, Cowes serves as a great base for exploring the rest of the Isle of Wight, which offers beautiful coastal walks, historic sites, and picturesque villages. A stay of 2-3 days would allow visitors to experience the essence of Cowes and enjoy some of its main attractions. However, for those wishing to thoroughly explore both Cowes and the rest of the Isle of Wight, a week-long stay would provide ample time to enjoy all the area has to offer. Ultimately, the ideal number of days in Cowes depends on personal interests and how much time one wishes to allocate for their visit.
