Getting here and getting around
Getting to the island is part of the fun of a visit to the Isle of Wight. There are multiple options when it comes to crossing the Solent and what suits you may depend on where you're coming from. But for most people, the most convenient choice will be a ferry from Southampton into Cowes.
Red Funnel operate car ferry services into East Cowes, and a fast passenger-only service aboard one of their RedJet ferries, which docks in West Cowes, less than five minutes on foot from the apartment. More information on these and other ferry options follow, along with a few tips on getting around, parking and saving money.
Photo: Red Funnel
Plan Your Journey
Red Funnel VEHICLE FERRY
Southampton – East Cowes
Primary car ferry route from Southampton and probably your best option if bringing a car with you. Runs every hour during the day, and, less frequently, through the night. On arriving in East Cowes, the Floating Bridge (£3 fare covers car & occupants, payable on board) connects you to West Cowes, where the apartment is located. Cafe, restaurant and quiet lounge on board.
Duration: 60 mins
Red Funnel REDJet
Southampton – West Cowes
This is absolutely your best option if not bringing a car. The RedJet is a high-speed foot passenger catamaran that will take you from Town Quay, Southampton, to West Cowes, docking just a few minutes away from the Penthouse. No advance purchase necessary (though booking ahead advised at peak hours).
Duration: 25 mins
Wightlink VEHICLE
Portsmouth – Fishbourne
Wightlink runs an hourly service from Portsmouth to Fishbourne in the east of the Island. From there it's about a 10 mile/30 minute drive to West Cowes, via Newport.
Duration: 60 mins
Wightlink VEHICLE
Lymington – Yarmouth
Not the most convenient way to get to Cowes but arguably the prettiest. Departing from Lymington in the New Forest, this Wightlink service brings you into Yarmouth - a small, historic fishing and sailing port in the west of the island. From there it's a beautiful 25-minute scenic drive through country lanes to Cowes.
Duration: 45 mins
HOVERTRAVEL
Portsmouth – Ryde
The fastest (and noisiest) way to cross the Solent. Hovertravel operates the UK's only scheduled passenger hovercraft service between Southsea in Portsmouth, and Ryde. Journeytime is only 10 minutes but you'll be dropped in Ryde, which is two bus journeys away from Cowes. Doesn't operate on very windy days.
Duration: 60 mins
Duration: 10 mins
Photo: Wightlink
Bringing an electric vehicle?
Save 25% on ferry travel with an electric vehicle
Driving an electric vehicle to the Isle of Wight? Red Funnel offer a 25% discount on standard fares for EV drivers. Simply book through their dedicated EV booking platform here.
There are Electric Vehicle Charging Points (EVCPs) located in the following Isle of Wight Council car parks:
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Newport - Chapel Street Car Park.
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Ryde - Quay Road Car Park.
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Cowes - Cross Street Car Park.
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Sandown - St. John's Road Car Park.
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Freshwater - Moa Place Car Park
The EVCPs in Ryde, Cowes, Sandown and Freshwater are 'fast' chargers which typically take between two and three hours to administer a full vehicle charge. They have an output of approximately 7 kW and are all fitted with Type II sockets.
The EVCP in Newport is a 'rapid' charger. This is the fastest available and can sufficiently charge a vehicle in twenty to thirty minutes. The rapid charger has an output of 43 kW AC or 50 kW DC.
Parking at the Parade, Cowes
Local parking
Waterside House does not have its own underground car park, but the good news is that, aside from the Cowes Week period (in early August), there is plentiful local parking available in the Parade, which is a two minute walk from the apartment. If you buy an all-island parking permit -- available online via the Pay-by-Phone app for approx. £10 a day -- it will cover you parking here and in almost all Council-managed on-street and off-street managed car parks across the island. In the unlikely event that the Parade is full, alternative parking is available close by in the Cross Street car park, five minutes' walk away and also covered by the all-island parking permit.
Buses
If you're here to explore the wider island then, honestly, nothing beats a car -- especially if you want to reach those out-of-the-way places. But if you prefer or need to rely on buses, the Island's bus network is excellent, reliable and leaves from just outside of Marks & Spencers, a few minutes' away on foot from the apartment.
From Cowes, you'll need to travel first to Newport, from whence all routes emanate. Check the Southern Vectis website for latest timetables and fares.
Photo: Red Funnel