Last updated: 22 October 2026

The fastest transatlantic crossing by a passenger liner is still the record set by the SS United States in 1952: 3 days, 10 hours and 40 minutes eastbound from New York to England. Today nobody races the Atlantic any more, but you can still cross by sea in about a week on an ocean liner or around 9 to 14 days on a cargo ship.

The Blue Riband: the race across the Atlantic

For more than a century, ocean liners competed for the Blue Riband, the unofficial title for the fastest crossing of the North Atlantic. Shipping lines from Britain, Germany, Italy, France and the United States built ever faster ships, and the record was front-page news.

The SS United States record

On her maiden voyage in July 1952, the SS United States crossed from New York to Bishop Rock, off the south-west tip of England, in 3 days, 10 hours and 40 minutes, averaging about 35.6 knots. No passenger liner in regular service has beaten it since.

How long does it take to cross the Atlantic by ship today?

Modern ships sail more slowly than the record breakers because fuel costs and emissions matter more than speed. Cargo ships in particular often use “slow steaming” to save fuel.

Why cross the Atlantic slowly?

The days at sea are the point. A slow crossing means no jet lag, because the clocks change an hour at a time; time to read and rest; and the experience of seeing the size of the ocean. Many travellers say the crossing becomes the highlight of their whole trip.

Crossing the Atlantic by cargo ship

Container ships sail regularly between UK and northern European ports and the east coast of North America. With only a handful of passengers on board, you eat with the officers, visit the bridge and watch the North Atlantic roll past. Read our guide to taking a boat from the UK to the USA for routes, costs and visas.

Frequently asked questions