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The Isle of Wight is a beautiful island in the English Channel, off the coast of Hampshire. Its glorious scenery and mild climate have made it one of the UK’s best holiday destinations. If you’re considering spending your next holiday on this blissful island, and you are going from Southampton, you need to ask yourself, ‘How long is a ferry from Southampton to the Isle of Wight?’
Southampton is one of the major gateways to the Isle of Wight, alongside Portsmouth and Lymington. It offers one of the quickest accesses to the island through ferry services. This article covers everything you need to know about taking a trip to the Isle of Wight from Southampton.
Table Of Contents
Length Of The Ferry Ride From Southampton to The Isle Of Wight
The ferry ride from Southampton to the Isle of Wight runs for over 10 nautical miles and Red Funnel, a ferryboat company in Southampton, offers the service.
The Red Funnel ferry sails from Terminal 1, Dock Gate 7, Town Quay Road to East Cowes on the Isle of Wight in 55 minutes.
Red Funnel also offers a high-speed ferry (catamaran) service, which is great for foot passengers looking to travel quicker. The catamaran runs from Terminal 2, Town Quay, Southampton, to West Cowes, taking only 28 minutes.
Click here to find what county Southampton is in.
Transportation Frequency
Red Funnel’s ferry runs between Southampton and the Isle of Wight up to 20 times per day, all year round. You can catch the ferry at any time during the day. The first one leaves around 3:00 a.m., while the last one sets sail at about 11:59 p.m.
Tip: The travel time and frequency may change during some seasons, so to avoid any hiccups, check The Red Funnel app or website to get the most up-to-date timetable information.
Are There Different Ferry Types Operating?
Yes, there are different ferry types operating from Southampton. You can either travel on the car ferry or take the catamaran, both run by a company called Red Funnel. Red Funnel’s vehicle ferry is your only choice if you’re looking to transport your car from this city to the Isle of Wight. The catamaran service is only available for foot passengers, but it’s way quicker, getting you to the island almost half an hour faster.
Ticket Costs
Ticket prices for Red Funnel’s vehicle ferry start at just £12 for adults. You can get a ticket for kids between 5 and 15 for half that price, and a ticket for seniors (60+) is priced at £7.60. These prices only apply to foot passengers going on a one-way trip. A round-trip costs £22.20 for adults, £11.10 for children and £14.20 for seniors.
The ticket for the Red Funnel high-speed ferry is priced much higher. Adults have to shell out £20.75 for a single trip, while children and adults pay £10.35 and £13.70, respectively. You can slightly cut costs by booking a round trip, which costs £31.70 for adults, £15.90 for children and £20.70 for seniors.
Tip: It’s usually smart to book your ferry ticket in advance during high season, as they usually sell out very quickly.
Alternative Transportation Options To The Isle Of Wight
Red Funnel’s ferry and catamaran services aren’t your only options for getting to the Isle of Wight. You can also connect to the island via Portsmouth and Lymington.
Portsmouth
You can board a Wightlink ferry from Portsmouth Harbour to Ryde Pier Head, a train station on the Isle of Wight, and the travel duration over the Solent is only 22 minutes. Wightlink also has a ferry boat that goes from Portsmouth Harbour to Fishbourne on the Isle of Wight in 45 minutes.
Hire a luxury car from SDVH and get around the Isle of Wight in style. We also offer small cars for anyone looking for budget vehicles.
Lymington
If you’re travelling from Lymington, your best bet is to board Wightlink’s ferry that gets you from Lymington car ferry terminal to the Isle of Wight in 40 minutes while providing lovely views of the waters as you travel.
If you’re looking for a slightly different experience, consider Hovertravel’s speedy hovercrafts, which travel from Southsea to the beach at Ryde on the Isle of Wight in just 10 minutes.
See here for more on all the options for getting to the Isle of Wight.
What To Do In The Isle Of Wight?
The Isle of Wight Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is one of the UK’s most underrated vacation destinations. It offers so much to do for both adults and kids.
Enjoy The Beaches
The beaches of Ryde and Sandown on the Isle of Wight are some of the best in the entire country. Walk over the white sands, take a swim or just enjoy the sunlight.
Tip: Hire a bike on the island if you’re looking for an inexpensive way to transport yourself.
Explore The Castles
Another great way to enjoy time on the Isle of Wight is by visiting castles. This island has many ancient castles, but our top pick is Carisbrooke Castle. This 12th-century castle served as King Charles I’s prison while he awaited trial.
Visit Osborne House
Osborne House is one of the most famous buildings on the island, which makes it a great addition to your itinerary. It’s popular for being the holiday home of Queen Victoria.
You don’t always have to visit the Isle of Wight to have fun. See our list of fun things to do in Southampton.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Does The Ferry Run From Southampton To The Isle Of Wight?
The ferry runs from Southampton to the Isle of Wight about 20 times a day, with intervals of one hour between trips. Red Funnel’s car ferry takes 55 minutes to cross the Solent, while the high-speed ferry completes the journey in 28 minutes. The first ferry leaves as early as 3:00 a.m., while the last one sets sail around 11:59 p.m.
How Much Is The Ferry Crossing From Southampton To The Isle Of Wight?
The ferry crossing from Southampton to the Isle of Wight is £12 for adults. You can get a ticket for kids between 5 and 15 for only £6. Red Funnel also sells tickets for seniors at a discounted price of £7.60. A round-trip costs £22.20 for adults, £11.10 for kids and £14.20 for seniors. You can take advantage of multi-trip discounts to get even cheaper prices.
What Is The Easiest Way To Get To The Isle Of Wight?
The easiest way to get to the Isle of Wight is to travel by ferry. Red Funnel offers ferry services to transport passengers from Southampton to Cowes on the Isle of Wight in less than an hour. You can also board a ferry from Portsmouth and a hovercraft from Lymington to the island.
Is One Day Enough For The Isle Of Wight?
Yes, one day is enough for the Isle of Wight. Although there is a lot to see on this beautiful island, you can make do if you only have a day to spare. In this scenario, you’d want to focus on exploring the main sights and tourist hotspots on the island, such as the beach in Ryde, Osborne House and Carisbrooke Castle.
Is The Isle Of Wight Expensive?
Yes, the Isle of Wight is expensive. In fact, it has been ranked Britain’s sixth most expensive seaside resort. However, you can enjoy a trip to the island on a budget with proper planning. Take advantage of discounts and visit places that offer free entertainment. Also, look to book accommodations in advance to get the best prices.
Conclusion
So, how long is a ferry from Southampton to the Isle of Wight? The car ferry from Southampton to the Isle of Wight takes 55 minutes, while the high-speed ferry takes half the time. There’s so much to see on this island, so get ready to be entertained. If you’re going with your family, we recommend that you hire a car on the island to get around easily.
