Southampton Ferry Port Information
Southampton Port, located on the south coast of England, is one of the UK's busiest and most important ports. It serves as a major hub for container shipping, cruise liners, and vehicle exports. Known for its deep-water harbour and strategic location near the English Channel, it handles a wide variety of cargo and hosts some of the world's largest cruise ships. The port is managed by Associated British Ports (ABP) and is also a key gateway for trade with Europe and beyond, supported by excellent road and rail connectivity.
Southampton in Pictures
Southampton Ferry Companies
Departure Board for Southampton
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Routes To And From Southampton
Frequently Asked Questions About Southampton
Frequently Asked Questions About Southampton
These are the most commonly asked questions. Can't find what you're looking for? No worries, get in touch and we'll be more than happy to assist with your enquiry.
What are the check-in times for Red Funnel ferries from East Cowes to Southampton and Southampton to East Cowes?
What are the check-in times for Red Funnel ferries from Southampton to West Cowes and West Cowes to Southampton?
Port Terminals For Southampton
Terminal 1 (Vehicle Access)
There are two Terminals at Southampton, Terminal 1 is for vehicles, foot passengers, and cyclists crossing the Solent to East Cowes on the Isle of Wight. Upon arrival at the port, the vehicle entrance will be well signposted and easily located. Vehicles will enter using the vehicle lanes A and B and continue to the check-in booth. Once check-in is completed, vehicles will then continue into the lanes, which will split off into embarkment lanes. All passengers will board at the same area.
Modes of Transport: Standard Car, Van (passenger), Motorcycle
Terminal 1 (Foot Passenger Access)
There are two Terminals at Southampton, Terminal 1 is for vehicles, foot passengers, and cyclists crossing the Solent to East Cowes on the Isle of Wight. Foot passengers will enter the port using the footpath and enter at the terminal building. Check-in will be completed within the terminal building using the check-in and welcoming desks. There are convenient walkways situated directly from the building to direct foot passengers and cyclists to the embarkment area. All passengers will embark at the same area.
Modes of Transport: Bicycle, Foot passenger
Terminal 2 (Foot Passenger Access)
There are two Terminals at Southampton, Terminal 2 services the Red Jet Hi-Speed passenger-only service to West Cowes. Foot passengers will enter the building using the walkways leading onto the quay. The Redfunnel building is halfway up the quay and directly on the left. All passengers will check-in inside the building and then be directed to the embarkment area where all passengers will board.
Modes of Transport: Foot passenger
Southampton Ships
Reviews For Southampton
Every thing was great except…
Every thing was great except we arrived early for our 18.00 ferry and asked to be allowed to go on the 16.30 ferry. We were told there was no room and told to come back in 20 minutes. I spoke to the loading guy who said there was loads of room and said go back to the kiosk and ask again. Did that and they then changed their mind and allowed us to board. So, why couldn't she allow us to board in the first place? All other staff were great.
Good and fantastic journey
Good and fantastic journey
Very smooth and an easy…
Very smooth and an easy company to deal with, keep this up Red Funnel.