Última actualización: 23 de octubre de 2026

The Europe–China route is the backbone of world trade, served by the biggest container ships ever built. Some of these giants carry a few passengers, so you can sail from Europe to Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen or Hong Kong. Here’s what a cargo ship voyage to China involves in 2026.

Europe–Asia services usually start in Northern Europe and call at several ports.

Suez or the Cape of Good Hope?

• Via the Suez Canal: the traditional, shorter route through the Mediterranean, the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean
• Por el Cabo de la Buena Esperanza: many ships have rerouted around southern Africa since 2024 because of Red Sea security. It adds about 10–14 days.

Your agent will confirm the current routing. Read Tránsito de buques de carga por el Canal de Suez.

¿Cuánto tiempo se tarda?

¿Cuánto cuesta?

Con un coste aproximado de entre 90 y 150 € por persona y día, un viaje de ida suele costar €3,000–€6,500 per person. Véase cuánto cuesta viajar en un buque de carga.

Visas for China

China’s visa rules change regularly. In recent years China has introduced visa-free entry and transit schemes for some nationalities, but arriving by cargo ship can be treated differently from arriving by air, and you may need a full visa. Check with the Chinese embassy and your booking agent well before sailing.

Lo que verás

• The world’s biggest container terminals at Shanghai, Ningbo and Shenzhen
• The Strait of Malacca and the Singapore Strait, among the busiest waterways on earth. See buque de carga con destino a Singapur.
• Hong Kong’s harbour by night
• The Indian Ocean and, on some routes, the Cape of Good Hope

Read about these ports in largest ports in the world and the ships in biggest ships in the world.

Consejos

1. Reserva con 9 a 12 meses de antelación.
2. Avoid the monsoon if you can: June to September can be rough in the Indian Ocean. See la mejor época para viajar en un buque de carga.
3. Sort your visa early.
4. Plan your return: by ship, Trans-Siberian train or a flight.

Other Asia voyages: cargo ship travel to Japan y Viajes de Europa a Asia.

Preguntas frecuentes