{"id":99691,"date":"2026-10-22T17:12:58","date_gmt":"2026-10-22T17:12:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/holidays-without-flying-from-uk"},"modified":"2026-10-22T20:02:25","modified_gmt":"2026-10-22T20:02:25","slug":"holidays-without-flying-from-uk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/holidays-without-flying-from-uk","title":{"rendered":"Holidays Without Flying from the UK: 15 Ideas by Train, Ferry and Ship"},"content":{"rendered":"<head><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\n    \"@context\": \"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\n    \"@graph\": [\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"BlogPosting\",\n            \"headline\": \"Holidays Without Flying from the UK: 15 Ideas by Train, Ferry and Ship\",\n            \"description\": \"Holidays without flying from the UK: 15 ideas by Eurostar, ferry, cruise and cargo ship, from Paris and Spain to New York and Australia. Tips and costs.\",\n            \"mainEntityOfPage\": \"https:\\\/\\\/cargoholidays.com\\\/holidays-without-flying-from-uk\",\n            \"image\": \"https:\\\/\\\/cargoholidays.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2021\\\/09\\\/AdobeStock_330948268-1024x569.jpeg\",\n            \"datePublished\": \"2026-10-22\",\n            \"dateModified\": \"2026-10-22\",\n            \"inLanguage\": \"en-GB\",\n            \"author\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n                \"name\": \"CargoHolidays\"\n            },\n            \"publisher\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n                \"name\": \"CargoHolidays\",\n                \"url\": \"https:\\\/\\\/cargoholidays.com\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n            \"mainEntity\": [\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"Where can I go on holiday without flying from the UK?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"Anywhere in Europe by train or ferry, round-trip cruises from Southampton, and even North America or Australia by ship.\"\n                    }\n                },\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"What is the best European holiday without flying?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"Paris or the French Riviera by train, or northern Spain by ferry, are among the most popular.\"\n                    }\n                },\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"Can I get to America without flying?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"Yes, on Queen Mary 2, a repositioning cruise or a cargo ship.\"\n                    }\n                },\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"Are holidays without flying more expensive?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"Not always. Advance train fares and ferries can be competitive, especially for families taking a car.\"\n                    }\n                },\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"Can you travel to Australia without flying?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"Yes. Container ships carry a few passengers from the UK to Australia in about 5&ndash;6 weeks.\"\n                    }\n                }\n            ]\n        }\n    ]\n}<\/script>\n<\/head><div class=\"ch-post\"><p class=\"ch-updated\">Last updated: 22 October 2026<\/p><p><strong>More and more people are choosing holidays without flying.<\/strong> Some want to cut their carbon footprint, some dislike airports, and many simply enjoy making the journey part of the trip. The good news is that from the UK you can reach most of Europe by train or ferry, and other continents by sea.<\/p><h2>Holidays without flying in Europe<\/h2><p><strong>1. Paris, Brussels or Amsterdam by Eurostar.<\/strong> City breaks start in central London and end in a city centre two to four hours later.<\/p><p><strong>2. The French Riviera by train.<\/strong> Eurostar to Paris, then a high-speed TGV to Nice, Cannes or Marseille. Sunshine in a day.<\/p><p><strong>3. Northern Spain by ferry.<\/strong> Overnight ferries from Portsmouth and Plymouth to Santander and Bilbao let you take your car to Cantabria, the Basque Country, Asturias and beyond.<\/p><p><strong>4. Brittany and Normandy.<\/strong> Short ferry crossings from Portsmouth, Poole and Plymouth to Caen, Cherbourg, St Malo and Roscoff are perfect for family holidays.<\/p><p><strong>5. Ireland.<\/strong> Ferries from Holyhead, Pembroke, Fishguard, Liverpool and Cairnryan, or rail and sail tickets.<\/p><p><strong>6. The Netherlands by ferry.<\/strong> Overnight sailings from Harwich, Hull and Newcastle, which suit cyclists too.<\/p><p><strong>7. The Alps by sleeper train.<\/strong> Ski holidays without flying are easy via Paris and onward trains to the French or Swiss Alps.<\/p><p><strong>8. Italy by train.<\/strong> London to Milan in a day via Paris, then onward to Venice, Florence or Rome.<\/p><p><strong>9. The Channel Islands and Isles of Scilly.<\/strong> Ferries from Poole, Portsmouth and Penzance.<\/p><figure style=\"margin:1.6em 0\"><img src=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/AdobeStock_330948268-1024x569.jpeg\" alt=\"Travellers enjoying a sea voyage\" width=\"1024\" height=\"569\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"width:100%;height:auto;border-radius:12px;display:block\" title=\"Travellers enjoying a sea voyage\"><figcaption style=\"font-size:.85em;color:#6b7280;margin-top:.45em;text-align:center\">A sea crossing turns the journey itself into part of the holiday.<\/figcaption><\/figure><h2>Going further without flying<\/h2><p><strong>10. A cruise from Southampton.<\/strong> Round-trip cruises sail to Norway, the Mediterranean, the Canaries and the Caribbean. There is no flight at either end.<\/p><p><strong>11. New York by sea.<\/strong> Cross the Atlantic on Queen Mary 2 in seven nights, or on a container ship in around 9&ndash;14 days. See our <a href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/boat-from-uk-to-usa\/\">boat from the UK to the USA guide<\/a>.<\/p><p><strong>12. Iceland without flying.<\/strong> Ferries and cargo-ship routes connect northern Europe with Iceland. Read our <a href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/iceland-without-flying\/\">Iceland without flying guide<\/a>.<\/p><p><strong>13. Canada by cargo ship.<\/strong> Container ships sail to Halifax and Montreal. See our <a href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/cargo-ship-to-canada-from-uk\/\">cargo ship to Canada guide<\/a>.<\/p><p><strong>14. Australia by sea.<\/strong> The ultimate no-fly journey takes about five to six weeks on a container ship. See our <a href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/ship-from-england-to-australia\/\">ship from England to Australia guide<\/a>.<\/p><p><strong>15. Overland to Asia.<\/strong> Experienced travellers combine trains across Europe and Turkey with ferries and cargo ships to reach Asia.<\/p><figure style=\"margin:1.6em 0\"><img src=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Cargo-Ship-Travel-Cargoholidays18-1024x476.jpg\" alt=\"Container ship on a long ocean voyage\" width=\"1024\" height=\"476\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"width:100%;height:auto;border-radius:12px;display:block\" title=\"Container ship on a long ocean voyage\"><figcaption style=\"font-size:.85em;color:#6b7280;margin-top:.45em;text-align:center\">A cargo ship can take you to North America, Africa or Australia without flying.<\/figcaption><\/figure><h2>Comparing no-fly options<\/h2><div class=\"ch-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Option<\/th><th>Best for<\/th><th>Typical journey<\/th><th>Comfort<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Eurostar and trains<\/td><td>City breaks, Europe<\/td><td>Hours to a day<\/td><td>High<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Ferries<\/td><td>Taking the car, families<\/td><td>1&ndash;24 hours<\/td><td>Good, with cabins on overnight routes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Cruise from Southampton<\/td><td>Relaxing, all-inclusive<\/td><td>7&ndash;14+ nights<\/td><td>High<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Queen Mary 2<\/td><td>Classic Atlantic crossing<\/td><td>7 nights<\/td><td>High<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Nave da carico<\/td><td>Adventure, long distances<\/td><td>Days to weeks<\/td><td>Comfortable, simple<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><h2>Tips for flight-free travel<\/h2><ul><li><strong>Book trains early.<\/strong> Advance Eurostar and international rail fares are much cheaper.<\/li><li><strong>Use ferry cabins<\/strong> on overnight routes so you arrive rested.<\/li><li><strong>Pack lighter for trains<\/strong>, but take advantage of unlimited car luggage on ferries.<\/li><li><strong>For long sea voyages<\/strong>, read our <a href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/what-to-pack-for-a-freighter-voyage\/\">freighter packing list<\/a>.<\/li><li><strong>Be flexible.<\/strong> Cargo ship dates can move by a few days.<\/li><\/ul><h2>Frequently asked questions<\/h2><div class=\"ch-faq\"><h3>Where can I go on holiday without flying from the UK?<\/h3><p>Anywhere in Europe by train or ferry, round-trip cruises from Southampton, and even North America or Australia by ship.<\/p><h3>What is the best European holiday without flying?<\/h3><p>Paris or the French Riviera by train, or northern Spain by ferry, are among the most popular.<\/p><h3>Can I get to America without flying?<\/h3><p>Yes, on Queen Mary 2, a repositioning cruise or a cargo ship.<\/p><h3>Are holidays without flying more expensive?<\/h3><p>Not always. Advance train fares and ferries can be competitive, especially for families taking a car.<\/p><h3>Can you travel to Australia without flying?<\/h3><p>Yes. Container ships carry a few passengers from the UK to Australia in about 5&ndash;6 weeks.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"ch-cta\"><strong>Go further without flying<\/strong><p>From New York to Sydney, tell us where you want to go and we&rsquo;ll find a ship.<\/p><a class=\"ch-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/enquire-for-a-cargo-cruise\/\">Request a cargo ship quote &rarr;<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<style>\n.ch-post{font-family:inherit;line-height:1.7;color:#1f2937;max-width:820px;margin:0 auto}\n.ch-post h2{font-size:1.6em;margin:1.8em 0 .6em;color:#0b2545;border-bottom:3px solid #f5a623;padding-bottom:.25em}\n.ch-post h3{font-size:1.15em;margin:1.4em 0 .3em;color:#0b2545}\n.ch-post p{margin:0 0 1em}\n.ch-post ul,.ch-post ol{margin:0 0 1.2em 1.3em}\n.ch-post li{margin:.35em 0}\n.ch-post .ch-updated{font-size:.9em;color:#6b7280;margin-bottom:1.2em}\n.ch-post .ch-table{overflow-x:auto;margin:1.2em 0 1.6em}\n.ch-post table{border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;font-size:.95em}\n.ch-post th{background:#0b2545;color:#fff;text-align:left;padding:.65em .8em}\n.ch-post td{padding:.6em .8em;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7eb;vertical-align:top}\n.ch-post tr:nth-child(even) td{background:#f6f8fb}\n.ch-post .ch-faq{background:#f6f8fb;border-radius:12px;padding:1em 1.4em;margin:1em 0 2em}\n.ch-post .ch-faq h3{margin-top:1em}\n.ch-post .ch-cta{background:linear-gradient(135deg,#0b2545,#13315c);color:#fff;border-radius:14px;padding:1.6em 1.8em;margin:2.2em 0;text-align:center}\n.ch-post .ch-cta strong{display:block;font-size:1.35em;margin-bottom:.4em;color:#fff}\n.ch-post .ch-cta p{color:#dbe4f0;margin:.2em 0 1.1em}\n.ch-post .ch-btn{display:inline-block;background:#f5a623;color:#0b2545 !important;font-weight:700;text-decoration:none;padding:.8em 1.6em;border-radius:999px}\n.ch-post .ch-btn:hover{background:#ffbb45}\n.ch-post em{color:#4b5563}\n<\/style>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Holidays without flying from the UK: 15 ideas by Eurostar, ferry, cruise and cargo ship, from Paris and Spain to New York and Australia. Tips and costs.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":99799,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"single3.php","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1019,1459,357],"tags":[360,1553,1551,1552,912],"yst_prominent_words":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/99691"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=99691"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/99691\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":99723,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/99691\/revisions\/99723"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/99799"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=99691"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=99691"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=99691"},{"taxonomy":"yst_prominent_words","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/yst_prominent_words?post=99691"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}