Last updated: 26 October 2026 · By Steve Joury, cargo trip advisor at CargoHolidays
Freighter travel from Felixstowe means boarding at the UK’s busiest container port, where some of the world’s biggest ships call on Asia–Europe and transatlantic services. Passenger berths from UK ports are rarer than from Rotterdam or Antwerp, but when they’re available, Felixstowe is the easiest port to reach from London. Here’s how it works.
Key facts at a glance
Sometimes. Felixstowe is a major call for container services linking the UK with Asia, the Mediterranean and other trades. A few of the ships on these services carry passengers. However, UK boardings depend on the line’s port rotation and on immigration and terminal procedures, so freighter travel from Felixstowe is less common than from continental hubs. When it is possible, it’s wonderfully convenient: no Channel crossing, no Eurostar.
| Trade | Typical next calls | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Asia–Europe | Rotterdam, Hamburg, Antwerp, then Mediterranean and Asia | The giant ULCV services |
| Mediterranean / Middle East | Northern Europe, then Med ports | Shorter voyages |
| Transatlantic | Continental ports, then North America | Fewer services call in the UK |
| Feeder services | Continental hubs, Baltic, Scandinavia | Short sea links |
If you’d rather join on the continent, read our guides to Rotterdam und Antwerp, or cargo ship travel from Southampton.
The port is a secure, busy operation. Your agent will give you a precise meeting point and time. Expect passport checks for UK exit, an escort across the terminal, and safety gear. Times change with cargo work, so stay nearby the night before, for example in Felixstowe or Ipswich.
Occasionally. Some lines that call at Felixstowe carry passengers, but UK boardings are rarer than from continental ports.
Felixstowe is the UK’s busiest container port.
By train from London Liverpool Street to Ipswich and on to Felixstowe, in about an hour and a half.
Join the same service at Rotterdam, Antwerp or Hamburg, all easy to reach from the UK by train or ferry.
The viewing area at Landguard Point, next to the port entrance.
Sail from the UK
Ask us whether ships with passenger cabins are calling at Felixstowe or Southampton on your dates.
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