Sail to the mainland from just £12.90
Our passenger fares to Southampton start from just £12.90, with reduced fares for children and seniors. See current fares for our hi-speed passenger ferry service, our vehicle ferry service, seasonal tickets, and more.
Single/Day Return
For travellers enjoying a day out on the mainland.
From 3rd January 2024
West Cowes to Southampton | Senior (60+) | Adult (16-59) | Youth (16-19) | Child (5-15) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Trip | £14.30 | £21.70 | £14.30 | £10.80 |
| Standard Day Return | £20.00 | £30.20 | £15.10 | |
| Off-Peak Day Return* | £14.90 | £22.10 | £14.90 | £11.00 |
| Super Off-Peak Day Return** | £12.90 | £6.40 | ||
| Family Day Return† | £44.90 | |||
| Off-Peak Group Day Return‡ | £16.60 | £8.30 | ||
| Red Jet/Vehicle Ferry Combi Day Return | £18.30 | £28.20 | £14.10 |
East Cowes to Southampton | Senior (60+) | Adult (16-59) | Youth (16-19) | Child (5-15) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Trip | £8.00 | £12.60 | £12.60 | £6.30 |
| Standard Day Return | £14.90 | £23.20 | £14.90 | £11.60 |
| Off-Peak Day Return* | £14.90 | £22.10 | £14.90 | £11.00 |
| Super Off-Peak Day Return** | £12.90 | £6.40 | ||
| Family Day Return† | £44.90 | |||
| Standard Group Day Return‡ | £16.60 | £8.30 | ||
| Red Jet/ Vehicle Ferry Combi Day Return | £18.30 | £28.20 | £14.10 |
Hythe
Please note: Hythe/IOW combination tickets can be purchased from Red Funnel and Hythe Ferry ticket offices, but are not currently available to buy online
East/West Cowes to Hythe | Senior (60+) | Adult(20-59) | Youth(16-19) | Child(5-15) | Infant(0-4) | Family(2+2) | Cycle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day Return | £18.40 | £24.50 | £18.30 | £14.40 | Free | £61.00 | Free |
| Super Off-Peak Day Return** | £20.20 | £12.70 |
The small print
| Cycles | East Cowes to Southampton - free of charge. West Cowes to Southampton - free of charge - there are limited bike rack space on Red Jet 6 & 7. East/West Cowes to Hythe - Free |
|---|---|
| Children | Children under 12 must be accompanied by a responsible fare paying adult. Infants (0-4 yrs) do not require a ticket. |
| Pets | Dogs and other domestic pets are carried free of charge in accordance with our pet policy. |
| Refunds | All amendments are free, however a fare difference may apply if you increase the duration of your stay. Passenger tickets are non-refundable. |
| My Rewards | Save up to 4% when purchasing Red Funnel tickets or food & drinks from the Steam Coffee Co. or our ReFuel café restaurants. My Red Funnel Rewards is FREE to join so what are you waiting for, sign-up today and start saving. |
| Foot Passenger Tickets | Foot passenger tickets booked via the website are currently only valid on our Southampton < > East Cowes route and are based on standard rates. All other ticket types are available from the Ticket Office on the day of travel. |
* | Off-Peak Day Return Valid for outward departure from East Cowes/ West Cowes Monday to Friday from 0900 hrs and at anytime on weekends. |
** | Super Off-Peak Day Return Valid for both the Vehicle Ferry and Red Jet service, when two people travel together from 10.55 am. Valid seven days a week. Only one ticket will be issued and both passengers must travel together or the ticket will become void and an upgrade charge will be applicable. Not available for travel from East Cowes on 2nd August 2024. |
† | Family Day Return Party must contain 3 or 4 people. At least one person must be an adult/senior and one person must be a child/infant. Party must travel together in both directions. Family Fares are valid from 0900 hrs from East Cowes Monday to Friday and anytime on weekends. |
‡ | Standard Group Day Return Applies to groups of at least 4 adults or 4 children travelling together in both directions. Group Fares are valid 7 days a week anytime. |
? | Off-Peak Group Day Return Applies to groups of at least 4 adults or 4 children travelling together in both directions. Off-peak Group Fares are valid from 0915 hrs from Monday to Friday and anytime weekends. Groups of 12 or more persons, not valid for travel on sailings from Southampton between 17.15 to 18.15 inclusive Monday to Friday. |
Period Return
Explore a little longer and return when you wish.
From 3rd January 2024
West Cowes to Southampton | Senior | Adult | Youth | Child | Dogs | Foldable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Period Return | £25.20 | £37.50 | £18.70 | Free | Free | |
| Off-Peak Period Return* | £18.20 | £27.30 | £20.60 | £13.60 | Free | Free |
| Off-Peak Group Period Return? | £20.30 | £10.10 | Free | Free | ||
| Red Jet/Vehicle Ferry Combi Period Return | £20.60 | £31.30 | £15.70 | Free | Free |
East Cowes to Southampton | Senior | Adult | Youth | Child | Dogs | Cycles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Period Return | £15.90 | £25.10 | £20.20 | £12.60 | Free | Free |
| Group Off-Peak Period Return? | £20.30 | £10.10 | Free | Free | ||
| Red Jet/Vehicle Ferry Combi Period Return | £20.60 | £31.30 | £15.70 | Free | Free |
The small print
| Cycles | East Cowes to Southampton - free of charge. East Cowes to Hythe - Free West Cowes to Southampton - free of charge - Limited bike racks available on Red Jet 6 & 7. |
|---|---|
| Youths | Youth fares are available from East or West Cowes for Isle of Wight residents aged 16-19 yrs who can prove their age with an IW Council Student Rider Card, Passport, UK Driving Licence or Validate UK card. |
| Children | Children under 12 must be accompanied by a responsible fare paying adult. Infants (0-4 yrs) do not require a ticket. |
| Pets | Dogs and other domestic pets are carried free of charge in accordance with our pet policy. |
| Refunds | All amendments are free, however a fare difference may apply if you increase the length of your stay. Passenger tickets are non-refundable. |
| My Rewards | Save up to 4% when purchasing Red Funnel tickets or food & drinks from the Steam Coffee Co. or our ReFuel café restaurants. My Red Funnel Rewards is FREE to join so what are you waiting for, sign-up today and start saving. |
| Foot passenger tickets | Foot passenger tickets booked via the website are currently only valid on our Southampton < > East Cowes route and are based on standard rates. All other ticket types are available from the Ticket Office on the day of travel. |
* | Off-Peak Period Return - valid 90 days Valid for outward departure from East Cowes Monday to Friday from 0915 hrs and at anytime on weekends. |
? | Off-Peak Group Period Return - valid 90 days Valid from 9:15 hrs Mon-Fri. Valid at anytime Sat-Sun. |
Season Tickets
Travel as much as you like for fixed durations of seven days, 30 days, six months, and 12 months. Enjoy unlimited foot passenger travel for durations of seven days, 30 days, six months, and 12 months.
| 7 Day | 30 Day | 6 Month | 12 Month | Food & Drink |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | £142.50 | £446.00 | £1,949.00 | £3,395.00 | 15% |
| Student | £124.10 | £353.00 | £1,524.00 | £2,304.00 | 15% |
Southampton <> East Cowes | 7 Day | 30 Day | 6 Month | 12 Month | Food & Drink |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | £107.00 | £284.50 | £1,351.00 | £2,369.00 | 15% |
How to purchase a Season Ticket
- 7 day Season Tickets: Can be purchased online, or from Red Jet ticket offices.
- 30 day Season Tickets: First time purchases can be made online. You will be supplied with an ID Card bearing your photograph. To renew a 30 day ticket, please present your Red Funnel ID Card with payment at any ticket office during opening hours.
- 6 & 12 month Season Tickets should be purchased and renewed online.
Order Season Tickets...
Applicants require a full face passport size digital image (jpg). Students also require a scanned copy (pdf or jpg) of their university/college course registration letter proving their full-time education status.
- To purchase Season Tickets, firstly complete the relevant form on the applications page
- Once we've received your form we will confirm your information and email you your unique order number
- When you receive this you'll need to give our Contact Centre a call on 023 8001 9192 to make payment for your order
- After receiving payment we will arrange for your order to be made available for collection at your chosen pick up point
- Please allow 5 working days for orders to be processed
If you have a corporate account with us and wish to purchase a Season Ticket, please email [email protected] (Mon - Fri | 09:00 to 16:00) for advice on the application process.
T&C's - Season Tickets
- Travel is subject to availability.
- Season Tickets, Saver Tickets and ID Cards will not be valid if they have been defaced, are illegible, torn or tampered with.
- Season Tickets and Saver Tickets may not be used in conjunction with any other discount card, or with discounted rates or other special offers and promotions issued by Red Funnel Ferries from time to time.
- Customers who have mislaid or forgotten to bring an ID Card, Season Ticket or Saver Ticket at the point of travel will be required to pay the normal fare and no refund will be issued against a single or return ticket.
- No refund will be made in the event of the cancellation or suspension of the Passenger Vehicle Ferry or the Red Jet Hi-Speed service. If the Passenger Vehicle Ferry service is disrupted Season Ticket holders may travel on the Red Jet Hi-Speed service for no extra charge, at Red Funnel’s discretion.
- Saver Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. For Season Ticket refund information please see point 10 specific to season tickets.
- Red Funnel Ferries reserves the right to refuse to issue or renew an Identity Card, Season Ticket or book of Saver Tickets.
- Lost or stolen tickets must be reported immediately to Red Funnel via email, [email protected] . A fee of £25 will be charged to replace each lost or stolen Season Ticket.
- All Season Ticket and Saver Ticket journeys are subject to Red Funnel’s standard terms and conditions of carriage.
- My Red Funnel Rewards points issued to a customer's My Red Funnel account that have been spent will be taken into account when calculating any refund due.
- Customers who are signed up to My Red Funnel Rewards at the time they purchase / renew a season ticket or saver ticket will earn My Red Funnel Rewards points against the purchase in line with the terms and conditions of the My Red Funnel Rewards scheme. Corporate season / saver tickets are not eligible to earn Rewards points.
- My Red Funnel Rewards points cannot be used to pay / part-pay for season tickets or saver tickets.
- E-tickets cannot be used to travel in lieu of a Season Ticket or Saver Ticket.
- Season Tickets are only to be used by the named cardholder, for the period in which it is valid.
- A valid Season Ticket must be shown to staff when boarding and on request. No ID card is necessary for a 7 day ticket, however 30 day ticket holders must also show a valid Red Funnel ID Card when boarding and when renewing their tickets at a Ticket Office. All 30-day season ticket applicants require a full-face passport size digital image for their Red Funnel ID card.
- Season Tickets for the Passenger Vehicle Ferry service (Southampton/East Cowes route) are only valid for use on this route. Red Jet Season Tickets (Southampton/West Cowes) may be used on both routes.
- Students wishing to purchase a Student Season Ticket need to present a valid course registration document demonstrating full-time Student status in order to purchase any Season Ticket at the special student concession.
- All Season Ticket holders will receive a 15% discount on purchases from the Steam Coffee Company and ReFuel, our onboard café restaurant when presenting a valid Season Ticket at the till.
- Season Tickets are not available to those under 16 years of age.
- Lost or stolen tickets must be reported immediately to Red Funnel at [email protected]. A fee of £25 will charged to replace each lost or stolen Season Ticket.
- Refunds: 7 day and 30 day Season Tickets are non-refundable. A refund will be given on receipt of a valid 6 or 12 month Season Ticket based on the following formula: number of 30-day periods used x current rate + the balance of period in days x current day return rate + an administration charge. The total sum is then deducted from the full purchase price and the balance is refunded. Refunds will be credited to the credit/debit card used unless alternative arrangements are agreed. If My Rewards points are earned and purchases are refunded, any points earned against the purchase will be debited from the member’s account. In the event that related points have already been spent, prior to a refund being issued, the charge of the monetary value of the points will be taken into account as part of the refund calculations.
- Season Tickets remain the property of Red Funnel Ferries who may renew, cancel or withdraw ID Cards and Season Tickets at any time.
- On receipt of an official order, and such further information as required, Red Funnel Ferries may issue to a company (The Employer) a Season Ticket for use by an employee nominated by the Employer.
- The Employer shall be bound and liable for the use of the Season Ticket by an employee.
- Red Funnel Ferries may cancel the employee’s Season Ticket at any time upon receipt of a written request from the Employer.
- If an employee should, for any reason whatsoever cease to work for the Employer, the Season Ticket must be returned to the Registered Office of Red Funnel Ferries. The Employer will be responsible for any travel costs incurred.
Saver Tickets
Perfect for occasional travellers, students, and corporate travellers who need a flexible solution as foot passengers
West Cowes <> Southampton | Adult | Price per | Child | Price per |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 Single Tickets | £321.75 | £16.09 | £160.30 | £8.02 |
| 40 Single Tickets | £582.60 | £14.57 | ||
| 100 Single Tickets | £1,240.00 | £12.40 | ||
| 200 Single Tickets | £1,898.00 | £9.49 | ||
| 20 Academic Day Returns (Valid 01/09/24 - 31/07/25) | £338.00 | |||
| IOW Residents 20 Day return tickets | £534.00 | £13.35 |
East Cowes <>Southampton | Senior | Price per | Adult | Price per | Child | Price per |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 Single Tickets | £145.00 | £7.25 | £184.50 | £9.23 | £66.60 | £3.18 |
| 40 Single Tickets | £242.00 | £6.05 | £267.25 | £6.38 | ||
| 100 Single Tickets | £535.00 | £5.35 | £603.00 | £6.03 | ||
| 200 Single Tickets | £1,091.00 | £5.46 |
How to purchase
All Saver Tickets can be ordered online and Adult and Child Saver Tickets can also be purchased from our Ticket Offices. Adult, Senior and child Saver Tickets are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.
Student Saver Tickets are available for students living on the Island who attend a College on the mainland. They are sold in batches of 20 and can be used when accompanied by a Red Funnel Student ID card bearing the holders photograph. They are only valid for an academic year and expire on 31 July each year, regardless of the date of issue. Student ID cards are issued on application for each academic year (01 Sept to 31 July) and are issued subject to the presentation of a full-time course acceptance letter and a passport size photograph.
Order Saver Tickets...
- To order Saver Tickets online, firstly complete the relevant form on the applications page
- Once we've received your form we will confirm your information and email you a unique order number
- When you receive this you'll need to give our Contact Centre a call on 023 8001 9192 to make payment for your order
- After receiving payment we will arrange for your order to be made available for collection at your chosen pick up point
- Please allow 5 working days for orders to be processed
T&C's
Vehicle Ferry
- All amendments are free of charge, however a fare difference may apply if you increase the length of your stay
- Tickets can be upgraded to the Red Jet Hi-Speed service subject to availability, however the fare difference will need to be paid
- Tickets are non-refundable
- Adult, child and senior Saver Tickets are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase, are non-refundable and cannot be extended beyond the expiry date.
Red Jet Hi-Speed
- All amendments are free of charge, however a fare difference may apply if you increase the length of your stay
- Tickets can be transferred to the Vehicle Ferry service free of charge
- Tickets are non-refundable
- Adult, child and senior Saver Tickets are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase, are non-refundable and cannot be extended beyond the expiry date.
Escorted Children
If you wish to travel to Southampton to drop-off or collect your children, we offer an Adult Day Return or Off-Peak Day Return with up to two FREE single child tickets (aged 15 years and under). To book, visit the East or West Cowes ticket office on arrival.
Please note: you must return on the next available.
Travel Cards
Frequent travellers may benefit from activating a Travel Card account, which offers savings of up to 20% off our Saver and Flexi fares plus discounts on food and drink and more.
Assisted Fares Scheme
Isle of Wight residents in receipt of Universal Credit, Housing Benefit or Local Council Tax Support can receive discounted vehicle ferry and foot passenger travel rates.
Explore our latest deals and special rates.
Special Offers & Deals
Cruise across the Solent with a group.
Coaches & Minibuses
The number one choice for freight.
Ferry Freight and Transport
Flexible payment options – book early with just £25.
Deposits and Payment Plans
Get your vehicle onboard, then sit back and relax.
Book Now
Book accommodations and ferry to save 25% on your crossing.
Find Your Holiday Retreat
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.