Transpacific Freighter Travel: USA to Asia & Australia

Last updated: 22 October 2026

The Pacific is the biggest ocean on Earth, and crossing it on a working cargo ship is one of the great slow-travel adventures. For American travellers, a freighter from the west coast is a way to reach Asia, Australia or New Zealand without flying. For Europeans, it can be the second half of a round-the-world voyage.

Main transpacific freighter routes

Route	Typical ports	Approximate sea time
US west coast → North Asia	Los Angeles/Long Beach, Oakland, Seattle → Busan, Shanghai, Yokohama	About 2–3 weeks
North Asia → US west coast	Shanghai, Ningbo, Busan → Los Angeles, Oakland	About 2–3 weeks
US west coast → Australia / NZ	Los Angeles, Oakland → Auckland, Sydney, Melbourne	About 3–4 weeks
US east coast → Australia via Panama	Savannah, New York → Panama → South Pacific → Australia	About 4–5 weeks
Round-the-world services	Europe → Panama → Pacific → Asia → Suez → Europe	About 3–4 months

Ships with passenger cabins on Pacific routes are fewer than on Atlantic routes, and availability changes from season to season. Flexible dates help a lot.

Cargo ship sailing at sunset — Pacific crossings are among the longest stretches without land on any freighter route.

What it is like crossing the Pacific

Long sea days: often a week or more without seeing land
The International Date Line: you gain or lose a whole day, a moment many crews mark
Weather: the North Pacific can be rough in winter, and the tropics bring warm, calmer seas
Wildlife: albatrosses, flying fish and sometimes whales
Stars: some of the darkest night skies you will ever see

Read life on a container ship for a typical day on board.

How much does it cost?

Fares are usually charged per day, around US$90–150 per person, including cabin and meals. A three-week crossing typically costs about US$1,900–3,200 per person, plus booking fees, port taxes and specialist insurance.

Container port in Hong Kong at night — Asian hubs such as Hong Kong, Shanghai and Busan link with US west coast ports.

Paperwork and health

Visas: check entry rules for every port of call, not just your final destination. Australia and New Zealand require electronic authorities or visas for most visitors.
US departure: non-US citizens leaving by sea should keep evidence of their exit and travel dates.
Medical certificate and insurance covering evacuation at sea, which is particularly important given the long distances from land on Pacific routes
Medication: pack enough for the voyage plus a buffer for delays

Combining routes

Many travellers combine a Pacific crossing with an Atlantic one to circle the globe without flying. Start with a boat from the UK to the USA, cross the country by train, then sail the Pacific to New Zealand or Australia. Or sail from England to Australia and return via the Pacific.

Frequently asked questions

Can you cross the Pacific on a cargo ship?

Yes. Some container ships between the US west coast, Asia, Australia and New Zealand carry a few paying passengers.

How long does it take a cargo ship to cross the Pacific?

Roughly 2–3 weeks between the US west coast and North Asia, and 3–4 weeks to Australia or New Zealand.

How much does freighter travel across the Pacific cost?

Usually US$90–150 per person per day, including meals.

Can I travel by freighter from the USA to Australia?

Yes, from west coast ports or from the east coast via the Panama Canal, subject to cabin availability.

Is the Pacific rough on a cargo ship?

The North Pacific can be rough in winter. Southern and tropical routes are usually calmer.

Cross the world’s biggest ocean

Tell us your departure port and dates and we’ll check Pacific freighter cabins.

Ask about Pacific voyages →

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Steve Joury

Cargo trip advisor at Cargoholidays

Passionate about slow trip travel and sea. Steve know most shipping route and procedure to discover our beautiful world from sea on a container ship. He have been at most trips from 7 days on cargo travel to 140 days on board.