Southampton port is by far the largest port in the UK and is located on Southampton Water in the south of England. It caters for both ferry passengers and also sea cruise passengers in addition to its commercial cargo for which is carries around seven per cent of all commercial cargo in the UK.

Red Funnel ferries operate a multiple daily route between Southampton and Cowes on the Isle of Wight taking a journey time of around one hour to East Cowes with the vehicle and passenger ferry and only 25 minutes using the hi-speed passenger crossing to West Cowes.

Southampton ferry port has two terminals with Terminal 1 being the passenger and vehicle terminal and Terminal 2 being for the hi-speed ferry crossing. The latter being a turn-up and go service with no need for advance booking.

The facilities at Southampton ferry port terminal are limited with basic refreshments and facilities available. The onboard amenities are also basic given the duration of the journey but there are refreshment areas for drinks and snacks and lounge areas on both the hi-speed ferry and the vehicle ferry.

Southampton ferry port is well connected in terms of road network with the port being just off the main M27 motorway with London being around one hour away. There is a free shuttle bus service from the Southampton Railway Station direct to the ferry terminal. Southampton airport is close by situated just off the M27 motorway at junction five.

There is limited parking at the ferry terminal but there are designated areas in Southampton town centre with pay and display parking areas available. There are limited designated disabled parking bays available at the ferry port and if special needs are requested both the port authority and the ferry operator should be notified prior to arrival.

Tags: East Cowes, England, Red Funnel ferries, Southampton port, UK