Last updated: 26 October 2026 · By Steve Joury, cargo trip advisor at CargoHolidays
Freighter travel from Rotterdam opens up routes to almost anywhere: as Europe’s largest port, it sees container ships leave for North America, Asia, Africa, South America and Australia every week. It’s also easy to reach from the UK by train. Here’s how to plan a cargo ship voyage from Rotterdam.
Key facts at a glance
Rotterdam is the gateway to Europe for a huge share of global trade. That volume is good news for passengers: more ships means more chances to find a cabin. Freighter travel from Rotterdam includes transatlantic services, Asia–Europe loops, and services to Africa, the Middle East, South America and Australasia, alongside feeder routes into the Baltic and UK.
Many ships call at Rotterdam and nearby Antwerp et Hambourg on the same rotation, so if one port doesn’t suit your dates, another might.
| Destination | Durée habituelle de la traversée | Remarques |
|---|---|---|
| US East Coast | 9 à 14 jours | Classic transatlantic crossing |
| Canada (Montreal/Halifax) | 8–12 days | St Lawrence river arrival on some services |
| Méditerranée | 5–12 days | Often part of longer loops |
| Asia (Singapore, China, Korea) | 25–35 days | Long Asia–Europe services |
| Amérique du Sud | 18–30 days | East coast and Caribbean services |
| Australia / New Zealand | 35–50 days | Long-haul; book early |
| Iceland, Baltic, Scandinavia | 2–10 days | Short sea and feeder services |
Ship rotations change, so treat these as typical rather than fixed. Ask us for current sailings.
From the city, a taxi to the Maasvlakte terminals takes around 40 to 60 minutes. Your port agent will confirm the terminal and boarding time, usually a day or two before departure.
The deep-sea container terminals sit on reclaimed land at the mouth of the port, far from the city. Access is controlled, so passengers can’t just walk in. You’ll typically be met at the gate or by the terminal shuttle, escorted to the ship and shown up the gangway. Bring your passport, ticket and the agent’s phone number, and expect boarding times to shift by hours.
With so many services, freighter travel from Rotterdam is often the easiest way for UK travellers to find a cabin on a long-haul route.
Big container ships often work cargo for around a day at the Maasvlakte, sometimes less. That means boarding can happen at any hour. Passengers usually board while cargo work continues and the ship sails when loading is complete. Read how container ships are loaded to understand what’s happening around you.
Yes. Several passenger-carrying container ships call at Rotterdam on routes to North America, Asia, Africa, South America and Australia.
By direct Eurostar train in about four hours, or by overnight ferry from Hull or Harwich.
Most deep-sea container ships use terminals at the Maasvlakte, about 40 km from the city centre.
Arrive at least a day before departure, as boarding times can change at short notice.
Yes. Rotterdam is Europe’s largest port by cargo volume.
Sail from Rotterdam
Tell us your destination and dates. We’ll check passenger cabins on ships leaving Rotterdam.
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