Ultimo aggiornamento: 22 ottobre 2026

You can still start a freighter voyage from the UK. Container ships sail every week from British ports to North America, Australia, Asia and Africa, and some of them carry a handful of paying passengers. Many UK travellers also join a ship at a nearby continental port such as Antwerp, Rotterdam, Hamburg or Le Havre, just a short train or ferry ride away.

UK ports for freighter travel

Which port you use depends on the shipping line’s route that month. Passenger berths are offered ship by ship, so a quote always starts with your destination and travel window.

Popular freighter routes from the UK

• UK to the USA and Canada: about 9–14 days across the Atlantic to ports such as New York, Baltimore and Halifax
• Dal Regno Unito all'Australia: roughly 5–6 weeks from London Gateway via the Mediterranean, Suez and the Indian Ocean
• UK to Asia: voyages via Suez to Singapore, China, Korea and Japan
• UK to West Africa: routes to ports such as Dakar, Lagos and Tema
• Short European loops: round trips via Antwerp, Rotterdam and Hamburg, ideal for a first taste

Joining a ship on the continent

Many of the most frequent passenger-carrying services start at Antwerp, Rotterdam, Hamburg or Le Havre. From London you can reach them by Eurostar, ferry or a short flight-free rail journey, which widens your choice of ships and dates.

How much does freighter travel from the UK cost?

Fares are charged per person per day, typically US$90–150 including cabin and meals. A transatlantic crossing usually costs about US$900–2,100, and a voyage to Australia about US$3,200–6,300. Add insurance with deviation cover, a medical certificate and a night near the port before sailing.

What you need before you sail

• Passport: valid for every country on the route
• Visti: check each arrival country; entry by sea can differ from entry by air
• Medical certificate: a conferma della tua idoneità a viaggiare
• Travel insurance: covering medical evacuation at sea and deviation
• Flessibilità: sailing dates can move by a few days

Tips for UK travellers

• Stay near the port the night before departure and keep that booking refundable
• Check the train connections to London Gateway, Felixstowe and Tilbury, which are working ports rather than passenger terminals
• Pack layers: the North Sea and the Atlantic can be cold even in summer
• Take some US dollars or euros for the ship’s shop and port days

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