Last updated: 22 October 2026
You can still travel from England to Australia by sea, and a cargo ship is the most direct way to do it. No ocean liner runs a scheduled UK to Australia service any more, but container ships sail the route every week, and some carry a handful of passengers. The voyage takes roughly five to six weeks and is one of the great slow-travel journeys left on the planet.
This guide covers the 2026 route, how long the journey takes, what it really costs, the paperwork you need, and how to ship your belongings or car if you are emigrating.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I sail from the UK to Australia? | Yes, as a passenger on a container ship, or on a segment of a world cruise |
| Main UK departure port | London Gateway (Essex) |
| Australian arrival ports | Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Fremantle (Perth) |
| Typical journey time | Roughly 5–6 weeks, depending on the route and port calls |
| Typical fare | Around US$90–150 per person per day, so roughly £2,500–5,000 one way |
| Book how far ahead? | 6–12 months; cabins are very limited |
The main container service between northern Europe and Australia is run jointly by CMA CGM and MSC. Its rotation starts at London Gateway and calls at Rotterdam, Hamburg, Antwerp, Le Havre, Valencia, La Spezia and Marseille, then sails to the Indian Ocean islands of Réunion and Mauritius before reaching Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Fremantle.
In October 2026 the two lines confirmed the service is routing through the Suez Canal again in both directions, instead of the longer diversion around the Cape of Good Hope. For passengers, that means a shorter voyage and the chance to watch the canal crossing from the deck. Routings can still change at short notice for security or operational reasons, so we confirm the exact itinerary when you book.
Plan on roughly five to six weeks at sea from England to the east coast of Australia. The exact time depends on:
It is a lot quicker than it used to be. In the age of sail the journey took around three to four months.
Freighter fares are charged per person per day and include your cabin and three meals a day. At around US$90–150 a day, a five- to six-week voyage usually works out at roughly £2,500–5,000 per person one way. You also need to budget for:
Per day, that is often less than a luxury cruise. But a freighter is a long trip, so the total fare is a real investment. For many people it replaces a long-haul flight plus a holiday, all in one.
You share the ship with about 20–30 crew and usually no more than a dozen other passengers. Cabins are typically outside cabins with a window, en-suite shower and a desk. Many ships have a small gym, a passenger lounge, a library, and sometimes a swimming pool. You eat with the officers, and on most ships you can visit the bridge.
Highlights of the Australia run often include:
Read our guide to life on board for a full day-by-day picture.
Many of our Australia passengers are emigrating, joining family or taking a long working holiday. If you need to send a car, furniture or boxes, they travel as cargo. We can arrange that through our sister logistics service, so your passage and your belongings are handled together. Ask for a combined quote.
For most people, a direct cargo ship from London Gateway is the simplest and most reliable option.
Yes. Container ships carry a small number of passengers from London Gateway to Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Fremantle.
Roughly five to six weeks, depending on the route and port calls.
Around US$90–150 per person per day on a cargo ship, so roughly £2,500–5,000 one way, plus insurance and extras.
There is no scheduled passenger liner. Your options are a cabin on a cargo ship or a segment of a world cruise.
Yes, as shipped cargo on a separate booking. We can arrange this alongside your passage.
6–12 months ahead. Most ships carry only a few passengers, and popular dates go early.
Tell us your preferred month and arrival port, and we’ll send current sailings.
Request your free UK–Australia voyage quote →
