Last updated: 22 October 2026

You can still travel from England to Australia by sea, and a cargo ship is the most direct way to do it. No ocean liner runs a scheduled UK to Australia service any more, but container ships sail the route every week, and some carry a handful of passengers. The voyage takes roughly five to six weeks and is one of the great slow-travel journeys left on the planet.

This guide covers the 2026 route, how long the journey takes, what it really costs, the paperwork you need, and how to ship your belongings or car if you are emigrating.

At a glance

The 2026 route: London Gateway to Australia via Suez

The main container service between northern Europe and Australia is run jointly by CMA CGM and MSC. Its rotation starts at London Gateway and calls at Rotterdam, Hamburg, Antwerp, Le Havre, Valencia, La Spezia and Marseille, then sails to the Indian Ocean islands of Réunion and Mauritius before reaching Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Fremantle.

In October 2026 the two lines confirmed the service is routing through the Suez Canal again in both directions, instead of the longer diversion around the Cape of Good Hope. For passengers, that means a shorter voyage and the chance to watch the canal crossing from the deck. Routings can still change at short notice for security or operational reasons, so we confirm the exact itinerary when you book.

How long does it take to sail to Australia from the UK?

Plan on roughly five to six weeks at sea from England to the east coast of Australia. The exact time depends on:

• Where you board. London Gateway, or a continental port such as Antwerp or Le Havre
• The route. Suez, or the longer Cape of Good Hope routing if the Red Sea is closed to shipping
• Port calls. Each port stop typically lasts from a few hours to a couple of days
• Where you get off. Fremantle, Adelaide, Melbourne or Sydney

It is a lot quicker than it used to be. In the age of sail the journey took around three to four months.

How much does it cost?

Freighter fares are charged per person per day and include your cabin and three meals a day. At around US$90–150 a day, a five- to six-week voyage usually works out at roughly £2,500–5,000 per person one way. You also need to budget for:

• Travel insurance that covers medical evacuation at sea and deviation
• A medical certificate from your doctor
• Visa costs, if any
• Port transfers and a hotel near the departure port, because sailing dates can move
• Spending money for port days

Per day, that is often less than a luxury cruise. But a freighter is a long trip, so the total fare is a real investment. For many people it replaces a long-haul flight plus a holiday, all in one.

What the voyage is like

You share the ship with about 20–30 crew and usually no more than a dozen other passengers. Cabins are typically outside cabins with a window, en-suite shower and a desk. Many ships have a small gym, a passenger lounge, a library, and sometimes a swimming pool. You eat with the officers, and on most ships you can visit the bridge.

Highlights of the Australia run often include:

• The Mediterranean coastline
• The Suez Canal transit
• Long, quiet days crossing the Indian Ocean
• Island calls at Réunion and Mauritius
• Arrival into Sydney Harbour ou Port Phillip Bay

Read our guide to life on board for a full day-by-day picture.

Visas, health and paperwork

• Australian visa. UK passport holders can usually apply online for a free eVisitor (subclass 651) for tourism. Check the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs website for the right visa for your trip, especially if you are emigrating or staying longer than three months.
• Medical certificate. Most freighter lines require a doctor’s certificate confirming you are fit to travel. Upper age limits commonly sit between 75 and 85.
• Vaccinations. Some ports on the route may have health entry requirements. Check with your GP or a travel clinic well before departure.
• Biosecurity. Australia has strict rules on food, plants, wood and soil. Do not carry fresh food ashore, and declare anything you are unsure about.
• Insurance. Make sure your policy covers medical evacuation at sea and deviation. Standard policies often do not.

Moving to Australia? Shipping your belongings and car

Many of our Australia passengers are emigrating, joining family or taking a long working holiday. If you need to send a car, furniture or boxes, they travel as cargo. We can arrange that through our sister logistics service, so your passage and your belongings are handled together. Ask for a combined quote.

Other ways to reach Australia without flying

• World cruise segments. Some cruise lines sell one-way legs of world voyages from Southampton to Australia. They run once a year or so and cost considerably more.
• Mix of cargo ship, rail and ferry. Experienced slow travellers combine overland travel to Asia with a final container ship leg to Australia. It is complex, but possible.

For most people, a direct cargo ship from London Gateway is the simplest and most reliable option.

Frequently asked questions