Transpacific Freighter Travel: Cargo Ships Between the USA, Asia and Australia

Última actualización: 22 de octubre de 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

RutaTypical portsApproximate sea time
US west coast → North AsiaLos Angeles/Long Beach, Oakland, Seattle → Busan, Shanghai, YokohamaUnas 2 o 3 semanas
North Asia → US west coastShanghai, Ningbo, Busan → Los Angeles, OaklandUnas 2 o 3 semanas
US west coast → Australia / NZLos Angeles, Oakland → Auckland, Sydney, MelbourneAbout 3–4 weeks
US east coast → Australia via PanamaSavannah, New York → Panama → South Pacific → AustraliaAbout 4–5 weeks
Round-the-world servicesEurope → Panama → Pacific → Asia → Suez → EuropeAbout 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.

¿Cuánto cuesta?

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 barco del Reino Unido a EE. UU., 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.

Preguntas frecuentes

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 →
Sígueme

Steve Joury

Asesor de viajes de carga at Cargoholidays
Apasionado de los viajes lentos y del mar. Steve conoce la mayoría de las rutas marítimas y el procedimiento para descubrir nuestro hermoso mundo desde el mar en un barco de contenedores. Ha estado en la mayoría de los viajes desde 7 días de viaje de carga hasta 140 días a bordo.
Steve Joury
Sígueme
Mudarse a EE. UU. desde el Reino Unido: visados, costes y envío de tus pertenencias (2026)
How to Track a Ship: Live Vessel Tracking and Container Tracking Explained (2026)

ENCONTRAR EL MEJOR PUERTO DE CARGA DEL REINO UNIDO QUE LE CONVIENE

Deslizador

Viajar en barco de carga es una forma fascinante de ver el mundo.

TOP
Servicio de asistencia de WeCreativez a través de WhatsApp
Nuestro equipo de atención al cliente está a tu disposición para responder a tus preguntas. ¡Pregúntanos lo que quieras!
👋 Hola, ¿en qué puedo ayudarte?