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
| Ruta | Typical ports | Approximate sea time |
|---|---|---|
| US west coast → North Asia | Los Angeles/Long Beach, Oakland, Seattle → Busan, Shanghai, Yokohama | Unas 2 o 3 semanas |
| North Asia → US west coast | Shanghai, Ningbo, Busan → Los Angeles, Oakland | Unas 2 o 3 semanas |
| 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.

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.

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.
Tell us your departure port and dates and we’ll check Pacific freighter cabins.
Ask about Pacific voyages →Steve Joury
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