Last updated: 26 October 2026 · By Steve Joury, cargo trip advisor at CargoHolidays
Freighter travel from Le Havre is a great option for UK travellers: France’s largest container port is a ferry ride from Portsmouth and a short train from Paris, with ships sailing to the Caribbean, the Americas, Asia and beyond. Here’s what you need to know.
Key facts at a glance
Le Havre sits at the mouth of the Seine and is France’s gateway for deep-sea container trade. For British passengers it is one of the most convenient departure ports in Europe: you can be there without flying and, by ferry, even without changing trains in Paris. Freighter travel from Le Havre is especially popular for the Caribbean and the Americas.
The French tradition of the voyage en cargo is strong, and French-owned ships have long carried a handful of passengers on their liner services.
| Destino | Typical sea time | Notas |
|---|---|---|
| French Antilles (Martinique, Guadeloupe) | 9–12 days | A favourite winter-sun voyage |
| US East Coast | 8–12 days | Transatlantic crossing |
| Central America / Panama | 14–20 days | Some continue through the Panama Canal |
| América del Sur | 18–30 days | East coast services |
| Asia | 25–35 days | Asia–Europe loops |
| Europa del Norte | 1 a 4 días | Short legs to Antwerp, Rotterdam, Hamburg |
For the Caribbean, read our cargo ship to the Caribbean guide; for the Canal, see Panama Canal by cargo ship.
The container terminals lie along the port’s long basins and the newer Port 2000 area, a taxi ride from the city centre. Your port agent will confirm the terminal and boarding time, usually a day or two in advance. Expect controlled access, a hard hat and hi-vis vest for walking on the quay, and some waiting while cargo work continues.
Many passengers choose freighter travel from Le Havre to reach Martinique and Guadeloupe in winter. In under two weeks you swap the grey Channel for the tropics, arriving in French territory with familiar rules and the euro. It’s a perfect first long voyage. See cargo ship to the Caribbean.
Yes. Container ships leave Le Havre for the Caribbean, the Americas, Asia and elsewhere, and some carry a few passengers.
By ferry from Portsmouth, or by Eurostar to Paris and a train to Le Havre.
Typically around 9 to 12 days to the French Antilles.
At the container terminals in the port basins and the Port 2000 area, a taxi ride from the city.
Yes. Its rebuilt centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it has an excellent Impressionist museum.
Sail from France
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