Red Jet Charter Service To Bring Extra Flexibility To Mainland Outings

A new late-night ferry option has been launched to improve travel between Isle of Wight and the mainland.

Red Funnel has introduced a Red Jet charter service, allowing additional crossings between Southampton and West Cowes outside the standard timetable.

The operator says the move is aimed at offering more flexibility for late-night travel, events and group journeys.

While sailings will be chartered in advance, tickets will still be made available to the public online. The first service is due to run on Saturday, May 23, with a midnight departure from Southampton.

Neil Chapman, Operations Director at Red Funnel, said:

“Living on the Island myself, I know how important it is for people here to have reliable and flexible travel options – especially later in the evening when getting home can be more challenging.

“We already operate late-night sailings around major events, and this charter gives us more flexibility to increase frequency where it’s needed. Whether it’s a business hosting an event, a group travelling together to catch an early flight, or people enjoying a night out, we want to make those journeys easier and give people more choice.”

Isle of Wight West MP, Richard Quigley, added:

“The late-night crossing will make a real difference to Islanders… This new service will let people enjoy a night out to Southampton or even get back from London the very same night.”

Further sailings are expected depending on demand.