Last updated: 22 October 2026
“How long will it take?” is the first question everyone asks about sea freight. The answer depends on the route, the shipping line’s rotation, how many ports the ship calls at, and events like canal closures. Here are typical sea freight transit times from the UK in 2026, and the factors that add or save time.
| Destination | Typical port-to-port time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| France, Spain, Portugal (short sea) | 2–7 days | Often by road ferry rather than container ship |
| USA east coast (New York, Baltimore, Savannah) | 10–14 days | Direct transatlantic services |
| USA west coast (Los Angeles, Oakland) | 4–5 weeks | Via the Panama Canal |
| Canada (Halifax, Montreal) | 8–12 days | St Lawrence ice can slow winter sailings |
| Caribbean | 2–3 weeks | Often via transhipment hubs |
| Brazil and Argentina | 3–5 weeks | East coast of South America services |
| West Africa (Tema, Lagos) | 2–4 weeks | Ro-ro and container services |
| South Africa (Durban, Cape Town) | 3–4 weeks | |
| UAE (Jebel Ali) | 3–4 weeks via Suez | 5–6 weeks via the Cape |
| India (Nhava Sheva, Mundra) | 3–5 weeks | |
| Singapore | 4–5 weeks | Major transhipment hub |
| China (Shanghai, Ningbo) | 5–7 weeks | |
| Japan | 6–7 weeks | |
| Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, Fremantle) | 5–7 weeks | |
| New Zealand (Auckland) | 6–8 weeks | Via Asia or Panama |
Indicative times only. Your forwarder will give you the schedule for your specific sailing.
Port-to-port time is only part of the journey. For a full picture, add:
For example, a UK to Australia removal usually takes 8–12 weeks door to door, even though the ship is at sea for 5–7 weeks. See our international removals guide.
See our sea freight from the UK guide for more.
The ships that carry your freight also carry a few passengers on many routes. If you have ever wondered what a 6-week Europe–Australia voyage feels like, read ship from England to Australia.
About 5–7 weeks port to port, or 8–12 weeks door to door for household goods.
About 10–14 days to the east coast and 4–5 weeks to the west coast via Panama.
Common causes are route diversions, port congestion, weather, blank sailings and customs inspections.
Yes, usually by several days to a couple of weeks, because shared containers must be consolidated and unpacked at each end.
Use your container number or bill of lading on the shipping line’s website, or a ship-tracking site. See our guide to tracking a ship.
See how global shipping really works from a passenger cabin on a container ship.
Request a cargo ship voyage quote →
