Ferry Routes in Asia/Pacific

Pacific

Australia

There are mainly ferries between New South Wales and Tasmania ("Spirit of Tasmania"), as well as between Kangaroo Island and South Australia (company Sealink).

New Caledonia

In addition to charter boats, there are regular routes with the companies Betico and CMI departing from Nouméa to the Loyalty Islands and the Isle of Pines.

New Zealand

You can find numerous ferries, particularly between the North Island and the South Island.

Polynesia

Several companies and routes, more or less regular, within the Polynesian archipelago.

China, Japan, Korea

China

Domestic

Various ferry routes connect the former British colony of Hong Kong (which also has "urban" routes with the Star Ferries) to different Chinese ports.

To Taiwan

Since 2001, ferries have connected mainland China to some Taiwanese islands close to the mainland.

To Japan

The Shanghai Ferry connects Shanghai to Osaka in two days with a weekly departure. Other companies like the China Express Line or Orient Ferry also offer services between the two countries.

South Korea

Domestic

There are quite a few domestic routes across the country.

International

In addition to the route to Russia with the company Sasco, there are various connections to Japan or China, particularly from Incheon. Among them, China Shipping offers a route to Shanghai, and Korea Ferry serves Japanese ports.

Japan

Domestic

Japan has a fairly extensive ferry network connecting multiple ports.

International

There are several routes with ferries to China, Taiwan, South Korea, and Russia.

Southeast Asia and India

India

Only regular routes to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, as well as the Lakshadweep.

Indonesia

Domestic

Ferries, particularly those of Pelni, are often more practical and pleasant than long bus journeys. They offer very satisfactory comfort for second and first classes. However, it is often necessary to book well in advance, as first and second classes fill up quickly.

International

Several routes to/from Singapore and, with Langkawi Ferries, to/from Malaysia (mainland or Sabah).

Malaysia and Thailand

Various routes from mainland Malaysia or from Sabah to Indonesia, Brunei, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.

Also, for Thailand, a few routes between the mainland and Thai islands, particularly Koh Samui, Phi Phi, etc.

Philippines

Numerous routes exist, particularly with the company Super Ferry, which serves the entire archipelago. Also, Cebu Ferries for a more limited network.

Persian Gulf and Oman Sea

There are regular international routes between Iran and the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, or Saudi Arabia. Locally, there are some services like in Iran (Kish or Qeshm islands) or Oman (Mashira Island or the Musandam enclave).

Black Sea

There are many ferry routes between different countries. Ferries to/from Turkey (Ukraine, Russia), Georgia (Russia, Ukraine, Bulgaria), Russia (Georgia, Turkey, Bulgaria, Ukraine), Ukraine (Turkey, Georgia, Russia, Bulgaria), and Bulgaria (Ukraine, Georgia).

Russia

Domestic

Routes between Vanino (Russian Far East) and the Sakhalin Islands with the company Sasco. From there, an extension is possible to northern Japan and South Korea.

Black Sea

Ferry routes to Georgia, Turkey, Bulgaria, and Ukraine.

To Japan

As an extension of the Trans-Siberian Railway, a weekly route exists between the port of Vladivostok (Russia) and Toyama (Japan). Roughly a day and a half at sea for just under $400 one-way (or $600 round-trip).

To South Korea

There is also a regular route between South Korea and Vladivostok with the company Dongchun.