How long did a transatlantic crossing take in the 1700s?

Some 200 years later, in the 1700s, sailing ships still needed at least six weeks to cross the Atlantic. But a new invention was on the way. During the 19th century, in 1845, Britain's steam-powered ship, the SS Great Britain, could make the whole journey in a breezy 14 days.



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Depending on the weather conditions, the voyage itself lasted typically 6–10 weeks. The cost of a passage could be £3 – £9. However, many emigrants went out as indentured servants and paid their passage through working for an agreed period after they arrived in America.

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There have been no challenges to the record which was set in July 1998, and none in sight. The current record is 41.284 knots (76.5 km/ per hour) average over two days, 20 hours and 9 minutes.

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The options were limited and no matter their choice, it was slow. Those who went by foot could make 20 to 30 miles a day depending on the conditions. By horse, a traveler could go 30 to 40 miles a day. By cart or carriage, distance covered could be much less because of the deplorable conditions of most roads.

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In 1912, the only way to cross the Atlantic Ocean was by ship. The trip took almost six days to complete. More people were traveling at this time and each new ocean liner was the fastest, the biggest, or the best ship to ever be built.

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Depending on the weather conditions, the voyage itself lasted typically 6–10 weeks. The cost of a passage could be £3 – £9. However, many emigrants went out as indentured servants and paid their passage through working for an agreed period after they arrived in America.

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