Frequently Asked Questions

No, the Isle of Wight is inside the UK and not subject to any border control. ID is required if you are claiming a concession discount or if you want to purchase alcohol and look under 21.

Your booking number will be acceptable - just record it carefully and give it to staff at check-in. If you booked online or booked by phone against your customer number you will be able to login to your account using a Smartphone, retrieve your booking and check-in staff will scan the barcode on your device. If you have also entered your Vehicle registration number, your booking will be found automatically on arrival at our check-in booth.

Yes, subject to availability, but at busy periods this may not be possible and you may be asked to return in time for your booked crossing. Please note that fare difference/amendment fee may apply depending on your booking type. Call our Travel Centre for advice, on 023 8001 9192.

We will endeavour to get you on the next available sailing that has space. This may not be next sailing.

Yes it can.

If arriving early and wishing to travel on an earlier sailing, a booking amendment fee of £5 is payable if you purchased a Saver ticket for this leg of your journey (does not apply to Flexible ticket holders). Additional charges may also apply if changing to a more expensive crossing.
If you miss your booked sailing and have notified us in advance, a £5 booking amendment fee applies if travelling on a saver ticket (Flexible ticket holders are exempt). Additional charges may also apply if changing to a more expensive crossing.

No, you are not permitted to fly drones from our ferries without prior written permission, and completion of a full risk assessment. If you wish to apply for permission, please contact our Marketing department via email.

Please see our contact page for full details

Yes you can but this often proves to be more expensive if you are taking a vehicle and there is no guarantee we will have vehicle space onboard. Foot passenger pricing is the same whether you purchase on the day or in advance.

Your booking number will be acceptable - just record it carefully and give it to staff at check-in. If you booked online or booked by phone against your customer number you will be able to login to your account using a Smartphone, retrieve your booking and check-in staff will scan the barcode on your device. If you have also entered your Vehicle registration number, your booking will be found automatically on arrival at our check-in booth.

Unfortunately you are currently unable to make amendments to your booking online, for amendments to bookings please contact our contact centre: Booking amendments: 023 8001 9192.

Yes, subject to availability, but at busy periods this may not be possible and you may be asked to return in time for your booked crossing. Please note that fare difference/amendment fee may apply depending on your booking type. Call our Travel Centre for advice, on 023 8001 9192.

Self-service ticket machines are available in all our terminals for foot passengers. You can also purchase foot passenger tickets, as well as Vehicle Ferry travel, via our website

A refund may be given if eligible. Please contact our customer services

Sun bookings can be made online or via the Travel Centre but customers must be in receipt of a unique voucher code which is printed in Red Funnel's Travel Voucher leaflet, issued to you by the holiday park.

Note: To book please go to the web address printed in the leaflet. It is not possible to enter the voucher code into the Promo/Offer code box on the vehicle ferry booking form.

If you have a promotion code you can enter it in the 'Promotional/Offer Code' field by clicking/tapping the "Add a Promo Code" option on the main booking search tool, or during the booking process. When a valid code is entered the prices returned will reflect the applicable discount.

Note: If you have a SUN voucher code you must go to the web address printed on the ferry leaflet issued by the park.

Yes. Most vehicle fares incur a £5 administration fee when booked by phone or in person. It is also more expensive to book on the day of departure.

No, the fares shown include an allowance for fuel. The price you see is the price you will pay.

No, there are no hidden charges; the price you see is the price you pay regardless of the type of debit or credit card used.

Not at present, this is something we will offer in the future. In the meantime, please make separate bookings for each vehicle.

Not yet, the ability to do this will be developed in the future. In the meantime, please call our Contact Centre on 023 8001 9192.

An eTicket is issued for all ferry bookings made online or by telephone (this document also acts as a confirmation for non-travel items). eTickets will be sent automatically to the email address you provide when booking. If for some reason you do not receive it please email your booking reference number and correct email address to [email protected] and we will resend it. Alternatively, quote your booking reference number at check-in when arriving for your booked sailing (note: check-in will take slightly longer).

If purchased online (must be part of a vehicle or foot passenger booking), vehicle customers will receive their attraction tickets on arrival at check-in. Foot passengers should go to the ticket office at Terminal 1 to collect them.

Yes it can.

If arriving early and wishing to travel on an earlier sailing, a booking amendment fee of £5 is payable if you purchased a Saver ticket for this leg of your journey (does not apply to Flexible ticket holders). Additional charges may also apply if changing to a more expensive crossing.
If you miss your booked sailing and have notified us in advance, a £5 booking amendment fee applies if travelling on a saver ticket (Flexible ticket holders are exempt). Additional charges may also apply if changing to a more expensive crossing.

Yes, blue badge holders can obtain a discount on their travel - find out more here.

You can't reserve a space on our Red Jet, as it is a turn-up-and-go passenger only service.

You can buy tickets online, and for frequent travellers, Season Tickets and Saver Tickets are available to order online and in advance.

Yes, they are available on both routes if travelling as a foot passenger and purchasing tickets on departure from the ticket office or the ticket kiosks

No, unfortunately we do not accept cheques or euro's as payment methods.

There are no joint ticketing arrangements in place but it is possible to make a booking for a single vehicle journey at little over half the price of a return ticket. Foot passenger tickets on the Red Jet service (Southampton<>West Cowes) are valid on the Southampton<>East Cowes service. Tickets purchased for the latter can be upgraded for use on the Red Jet service.

There is a wide range of options available for customers who are frequent travellers, including students. These include Travel Cards and Season Tickets.

No, unfortunately this is not available at present. However, if you purchased a Flexible ticket for your return journey, no amendment fee's apply. (note: you may have to pay the fare difference if changing to a more expensive sailing).

No, it is not possible to buy say a vehicle day return ticket (including driver), travel in one direction with the vehicle and return as a foot passenger using the same ticket. A separate single foot passenger ticket is required for the foot passenger leg of the journey.

If you have a voucher, discount or promotional code which is valid, then this can be used on our website, provided it is valid for your dates of travel, duration of travel and you have the printed voucher (if stated). Simply click or tap the "Add Promo Code" option during the booking process, enter your code, and when you submit the page the discount will automatically be deducted from the fares shown.

Depending on the terms and conditions of your specific voucher code, you may be required to show a form of identification, additional documentation, or the voucher itself, when checking in. Please check these carefully, as if you book with one of these voucher codes and do not offer the additional proof at check-in you will be liable to pay the standard fare before the discount was added.

No, points can only be gained / redeemed using your registered My Red Funnel Account and cannot be earned using the guest booking option.

No, your travel card balance can only be used with your registered My Red Funnel Account.

Guest checkout can be used when booking ferry travel and attraction tickets. For accommodation bookings, you will be required to create an account.

Unfortunately you are currently unable to make amendments to your booking online - for amendments please contact our contact centre: 023 8001 9192. 

No, once you have booked online you will need to refer to your ticket information sent to the email address you provided.

No, guest checkout does not store your payment card information. Payment card information can be saved if you book with a registered My Red Funnel Account.

No. Charity donations are non-refundable.

Please see our contact page for full details

We have baby changing facilities on all three of our vehicle ferries. For a full list of onboard facilities, go to our fleet page.

All of our vessels cater for disabled customers and have disabled access. All three of our vehicle ferry’s have lift access from the main deck to the passenger lounge which can be requested upon arrival. Customers are not permitted to stay in their vehicle for the duration of the crossing however under extreme circumstances a request can be made to the captain upon arrival. More accessibility information...

Dogs are carried free of charge, please see our pet policy 

E-scooters are prohibited on board all Red Funnel vessels and throughout all terminal areas, both indoor and outdoor. This includes all aspects of e-scooter usage on site and includes the charging, transportation and storage of e-scooters. Those traveling with non-electric (push) scooters via our ferries must dismount and push their scooter at all times. Our policy is in place for the safety of our customers and staff due to fire safety concerns associated with e-scooter batteries, as well as the incidence of both e-scooter and push scooter-related accidents resulting in personal injury. Our policy is consistent with other transport operators and reflects a policy undertaken by ABP (Associated British Ports), which prohibits the use of scooters in any part of their port operations and estates. We thank our customers for understanding that our on-board and terminal areas are unsuitable environments for scooter usage. The safety of our customers and staff is our top priority.

For Vehicle Ferries: 

Visit the Ticket Office at East Cowes or Terminal 1, Southampton or phone us on 023 8001 9192

For Red Jet Passengers: 

Visit the Ticket Office at West Cowes or Terminal 2, Town Quay, Southampton or call us on 023 8001 9192.

In accordance with the statutory ban on smoking in public areas, Red Funnel enforces a No Smoking policy inside all its terminal areas and inside its vessels. The no smoking policy includes all synthetic/e/electronic cigarettes, cigars and pipes.

The only exception is the designated smoking area on 'A deck' (outside deck) of the Passenger Vehicle Ferries where smoking and vaping is permitted. Customers are requested to always use the cigarette bins provided and never throw cigarette butts into the sea.

Please be advised some sailings may be entirely non-smoking if we are carrying certain goods. You will be advised of this in the onboard safety announcement after you board. 

Customers can travel with electric bikes, however charging electric bikes is strictly prohibited onboard any of our vessels and throughout all our terminals. 

Please click here for Government guidance on the transport of items classified as dangerous by individuals in private vehicles and by foot passengers on board our vessels. If you have any queries, please get in touch with our dedicated Freight team by emailing [email protected] prior to travel.

No, you are not permitted to fly drones from our ferries without prior written permission, and completion of a full risk assessment. If you wish to apply for permission, please contact our Marketing department via email.

Foot passengers are welcome on the Vehicle Ferry service, but unfortunately you cannot leave your car at the terminals. 

In Southampton, there is parking at the Triangle Car Park, which is a short walk from the terminal. Alternatively, you can try the car parking at the end of Town Quay, or large multi-storey at Ocean Village.

In East Cowes the nearest car park is at Well Road, adjacent to Waitrose supermarket.

The Vehicle Ferry crossing takes approximately 55-60 minutes

We don't need to know unless the overall length exceeds 5.5m, the height exceeds 2.0m, or the vehicle type changes (e.g. from a car to a van). Please include objects such as luggage racks and bike racks when calculating the length and height.

Southampton Terminal: SO14 2AR / East Cowes Terminal: PO32 6RA

At least 30 minutes before departure but not more than 60 minutes on peak dates.

Yes, there is no additional charge for foot passengers taking bicycles. Please report to the foot of the linkspan, have your ticket ready and staff will direct you onto the main deck of the ferry when ready.

Guests are welcome to take their own refreshments onboard however our catering team do offer a wide range of hot and cold food and beverages via our ReFuel and Steam Coffee outlets.

No, you are not permitted to fly drones from our ferries without prior written permission, and completion of a full risk assessment. If you wish to apply for permission, please contact our Marketing department via email.

You can buy most Red Jet ticket types online in advance of your journey, over the counter at the ticket offices, or from the ticket machines in our terminals.

All other ticket types, are available to purchase direct from the ticket office.

It is also possible to purchase 7 day, 30 day, 6 month & 12 month season tickets in advance, along with books of singles or day return saver tickets, some of which can be purchased online.

Southampton:
Unfortunately you cannot leave your car at the terminal. There is parking at the Triangle Car Park which is very near the terminal. Alternatively, you can try the car parking at the end of Town Quay or large multi-storey at Ocean Village.

West Cowes:
Long-stay parking is available in Park Road, Mornington Road and Brunswick Road. Short-stay parking is available in St Mary's Road, Cross Street, the Esplanade and The Parade. A Park & Ride facility is also available at Somerton on the A3020 - see the Bus section for more details. Coach parking is available in Ward Avenue.

There are limited spaces in Fountain Yard for dropping off or meeting passengers - waiting time is restricted to 10 minutes and is enforced 24/7.

Try to arrive at least 15 minutes in advance of the departure time.

Southampton Terminal 2: SO14 2AQ / West Cowes Terminal: PO31 7AR

Unfortunately due to limited luggage space we can only accept a maximum of two suitcases per person (no sails or sail boards) and 1 piece of hand luggage.

Larger quantities or bigger items can be carried on the Vehicle Ferry parcel service provided by our partners Acclaim.

There are bike racks available on-board Red Jet 6 and 7, available on a first come, first served basis. There are also a limited number of spaces to carry bikes on Red Jet 4, similarly on a first come, first served basis. You can also find cycle rack facilities available at Terminal 2, Southampton and at the West Cowes terminal.

We have a selection of snacks and hot & cold soft and alcoholic beverages served onboard. There are also Steam Coffee Company outlets at Terminal 2 on Town Quay (Southampton) and Fountain Yard (West Cowes).

Toilets are available at both Red Jet Hi-Speed terminals and on board Red Jet 4, Red Jet 6 and Red Jet 7.

Yes, booking in advance is strongly recommended but it is possible to book on arrival, subject to availability of  freight space.

You’ll need outward and return travel dates/times, total vehicle length (including tractor unit if applicable), payload, details of any dangerous goods, credit account number and purchase order or debit/credit card details.

Vans/commercial vehicles up to 8m in length and 4.9m in height can be booked online. To book larger freight vehicles or make a booking amendment/cancellation please give us a call on +44(0)1983 681336 or use our online booking enquiry form.

30-60 minutes before departure (not more than 60 minutes at peak times)

No, customers with adhoc shipments can make and pay for bookings using a debit/credit card by calling the Freight Centre - there are no credit card surcharges. Credit account facilities are available for frequent customers.

A non-credit account will be created for customers when booking for the first time.
Credit accounts are available for businesses trading for at least two years who are intent on spending in excess of £2k per annum with Red Funnel.
Other types of account are also available - please contact us for more information.

If you need to cancel or amend your freight booking, please call the Freight Department in advance of travel on 01983 681336 with your booking reference to hand.

Yes, Red Funnel carry a wide variety of hazardous cargoes for more information please speak to our Hazardous Co-ordinators on 01983 681336.

Please contact a member of the Freight team for more information 01983 681336 or email [email protected]

For non-hazardous customers you will only require your booking reference number. 

For hazardous customers you will be required to hand in a copy of your Dangerous Goods Note, fully signed.

Please call our Freight team on 01983 681336.

Although an extra driver is included in the return vehicle cost, we would need to know in advance of travel. Please contact our freight team for more information. 

If you are a cash customer, you can pay with credit card on arrival however please allow additional time for your transaction.

We would always recommend early booking to secure space; however, bookings can be made at any time before entering our Terminal. 

Unfortunately, we do not offer parking at our Southampton/East Cowes Terminal.

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Every review, good and bad will be made public and published on Feefo's and Red Funnel's websites to help improve service levels and inform visitors on where to stay and what to do during their visit.

No, all reviews are gathered anonymously and no personal details are published.

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