Damon Mcknight
Travelling from Australia to Europe, or vice versa, without flying is possible but takes significantly longer and can be more expensive. Options include travelling by cargo ship or cruise ship, or a combination of the two. It is also possible to travel by train, bus, or a combination of the two, although this method of travel does not allow travellers to complete the entire journey by land.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 32-40 days (cargo ship) or 6 weeks (cargo ship and train) to 6 months (multiple modes of transport) |
| Cost | £3,500+ (cargo ship) to £600+£240+£10/day+£450 (train, bus, ferry) to £4,500-£6,000 (cargo ship) to £8,000 (cruise ship) |
| Modes of transport | Cargo ship, cruise ship, train, bus, ferry, yacht |
| Routes | Europe to Australia via China and Moscow; Europe to Australia via the Trans-Siberian Railway; Europe to Indonesia to Australia; Europe to Africa to Australia |
| Environmental impact | Cargo ships and ferries have a lower carbon footprint than cruise ships and aeroplanes |
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What You'll Learn
Travel by sea from the UK to Australia
Cruise Ships
Round-the-world cruise ships depart from ports such as Southampton, New York, and Los Angeles, and typically make several stops along the Australian coast, including Darwin, Sydney, and Brisbane. These cruises can be expensive, with prices starting at £8,369 per person for 56 nights. It is also possible to link up multiple cruises to create a longer itinerary with more time in Australia.
Freighters
Passenger-carrying freighters are a slower and more affordable option for travel from the UK to Australia, with journeys lasting 32-45 days and costing around £3,500-£6,000. Freighters typically depart from ports in Northern Europe, such as London, or from the Mediterranean, such as Italy. It is also possible to travel by a combination of freighter and cruise ship, such as from Cape Town to Mauritius by cruise ship and then by freighter to Sydney.
In addition to sea travel, it is also possible to travel from the UK to Australia by land and sea via the Trans-Siberian Railway, which involves travelling by train from London to Moscow and then by freighter from the Far East to Australia.
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Travel by train from Europe to Asia
Travelling from Europe to Asia by train is entirely possible, though long distances and political issues can increase the difficulty of the journey. There is no single train that covers the entire route, and the journey is estimated to take between 21 and 30 days.
The longest railway route in the world, colloquially known as the "Silk Road of the Train", connects Europe and Asia, from Lagos in Portugal to Singapore. The route begins in Lagos, crosses into Spain, and passes through Madrid and Barcelona before entering France. From France, the route heads towards Germany or Poland, and then to Eastern Europe and Russia. From Moscow, the route follows the Trans-Siberian Railway to Vladivostok in Russia's Far East. From Vladivostok, the journey continues into China and heads south through Southeast Asia, passing through Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand, before finally reaching Malaysia and Singapore.
There are two main routes from Europe to Asia through Russia by train: the Trans-Mongolian Railway, which goes to China, and the Trans-Siberian Railway, which goes to Vladivostok. From Vladivostok, you can take a weekly ferry to Sakaiminato, Japan, or to Donghae, South Korea. These ferries take about 21-22 hours.
It is also possible to travel overland through Central Asian countries such as Kazakhstan to China. Trains link Moscow with both Almaty and Astana in Kazakhstan. A direct train used to link Moscow with Almaty every second day, but it was discontinued in 2017. It is still possible to travel between the two cities with a change at Saratov, or by going through Astana.
Travelling from Europe to Asia by train requires careful planning due to the need for various visas. For example, to travel on the Trans-Siberian Railway, you will need a Russian visa and possibly a Belarus transit visa. For the route through Kazakhstan, you will need a Russian and Kazakh visa, although Kazakhstan has removed the visa requirement for some nationalities.
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Travel by cargo ship from Asia to Australia
It is possible to travel from Asia to Australia by cargo ship. This mode of transport offers a very different pace of travel, exchanging the claustrophobic confines of an airplane cabin for wide-open views of the horizon.
One option is to travel from London to Singapore by train and then island-hop through Indonesia to Darwin, Australia. This route can be organised through Sundowners Overland, a Melbourne-based company. Another option is to travel from Europe to China by train and then catch a cargo ship from Qingdao to Brisbane, Australia. This route was taken by a couple, who reported that the journey took six weeks and that they "got to know the crew" and "celebrated birthdays with them".
There are also cargo ships that travel directly from various ports in Europe to Australia. A freighter journey from London to Melbourne takes 45 days and costs 4,500-6,000 euros. For a shorter journey, you can board the ship in Italy or somewhere else around the Mediterranean, which saves over two weeks of travel time and cuts the costs by over 30%. You can also take a cruise ship from Cape Town to Mauritius and then a freighter from Mauritius to Sydney, Australia. This journey takes 15 days.
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$534.37 $639.98
Travel by cruise ship from Europe to Australia
It is possible to travel by cruise ship from Europe to Australia. This method of travel is relatively inexpensive compared to other cruise ships, and the ticket price includes accommodation, meals, and port fees. It is important to note that travel insurance and some immunizations may be required, and passengers must have a valid passport with at least six months of validity.
There are cruises from the UK to Australia, which are half of a complete world cruise. These cruises depart from the port of Southampton, England, and end in Sydney, Australia. The journey usually takes between 49 and 65 nights and includes stops in various destinations such as New York, the Panama Canal, Puerto Quetzal, Cabo San Lucas, San Francisco, Honolulu, Apia, Nuku'alofa, Auckland, Tauranga, and the Bay of Islands.
Another option is to combine a cruise and a freighter journey. For example, a cruise from Cape Town to Mauritius takes four days, and from there, you can take a freighter to Sydney, Australia, in 15 days. This option provides more time for exploration and a chance to engage with the ship's crew.
Additionally, there are cruises that depart from other European cities, such as Dover, England, with a 59-night cruise to Sydney, Australia, and cruises departing from Sydney, Australia, and ending in Southampton, England, with stops in various destinations such as Brisbane, Airlie Beach, Cairns, Darwin, Manila, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Port Louis.
For those seeking a more adventurous and unique experience, it is possible to travel by cargo ship. This option offers a slower pace of travel and a more intimate experience with the crew. Cargo ships depart from various European cities, including London, and can take up to 45 days to reach destinations in Australia, such as Melbourne.
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Travel by a combination of cruise and cargo ship
Traveling by sea from Australia to Europe is a unique and memorable way to make the journey. Combining cruise and cargo ships offers an interesting option for those wanting to avoid flying. This multi-stage trip will take you through some incredible destinations and provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Here's a guide to help you plan this voyage.
The first step is to book a cruise ship departing from Australia to either Southeast Asia or the Middle East. This leg of the journey offers a more traditional cruise experience with a range of onboard entertainment and facilities. You'll have the opportunity to visit and explore various ports along the way, with common stops including Singapore, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka. This part of the trip can take around 16-25 days, depending on the cruise line and itinerary chosen. It offers a great balance of relaxation and exploration, with the convenience of having your accommodation and transportation combined.
Next, you'll need to join a cargo ship to continue your journey towards Europe. Cargo ships often depart from ports in Southeast Asia or the Middle East, heading towards the Mediterranean. This part of the journey is a unique experience, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the world of cargo shipping. You'll be joining working vessels that carry goods and products, so the focus is purely on transportation rather than entertainment. The duration of this leg varies depending on your starting point, but you can expect it to take several weeks. It provides a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the crew's daily life and experience the vastness of the ocean.
When choosing a cargo ship, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, these ships usually have very limited passenger capacity, so book well in advance to secure a spot. The accommodations are typically basic but comfortable, with private cabins and shared facilities. Meals are usually included, and you'll dine with the crew, experiencing their day-to-day life. It's important to be flexible and adaptable when traveling on a cargo ship, as schedules can sometimes change due to the nature of the business.
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Frequently asked questions
You can travel from Australia to Europe without flying by sea or a combination of land and sea. You can take a cruise ship or a freighter from Australia to Europe, which can take 32-40 days and cost around £3,500+ one-way. Alternatively, you can travel by land through Asia and take the Trans-Siberian Railway to Europe.
The travel time can vary depending on the route and mode of transportation. Traveling by sea can take around 32-40 days, while traveling by land and sea through Asia can take several months.
The modes of transportation involved include trains, buses, ferries, cargo ships, cruise ships, and passenger-carrying freighters.
The costs can vary depending on the route and mode of transportation. A one-way trip by sea can cost around £3,500 or more, while traveling by land and sea through Asia can cost around £600 for tickets, plus additional costs for visas, food, and accommodation.
