From Europe
Sailing ship: The most common mode of transportation for immigrants from Europe to America was the sailing ship. The trip typically took between six and eight weeks, but could last as long as 12 weeks or more in bad weather. The ships departed from ports in Europe, such as Liverpool, England; Le Havre, France; and Hamburg, Germany, and arrived at ports in America, such as New York City, Boston, and Philadelphia.
Steam ship: The introduction of steam-powered ships in the mid-19th century significantly reduced the travel time for immigrants. The trip from Europe to America could now be completed in as little as two weeks, although the average voyage time was still around three to four weeks. Steam ships also provided a more comfortable journey than sailing ships, as they were less likely to be affected by bad weather.
From Asia
Sailing ship: The journey from Asia to America by sailing ship was much longer and more arduous than the journey from Europe. The trip from China to America, for example, typically took between four and six months, but could last as long as nine months or more. The ships departed from ports in Asia, such as Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Yokohama, and arrived at ports in America, such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Seattle.
Steam ship: The introduction of steam-powered ships in the late 19th century also reduced the travel time for immigrants from Asia. The trip from China to America could now be completed in as little as two months, although the average voyage time was still around three to four months. Steam ships also provided a more comfortable journey than sailing ships, as they were less likely to be affected by bad weather.
Other factors that influenced travel time:
The route taken: The route taken by immigrants from Europe and Asia to America also affected the length of the journey. The fastest route was the direct route across the Atlantic Ocean, which took about two weeks by steam ship. However, this route was also the most dangerous, as it was subject to storms and strong winds. A safer but longer route was to sail around the Cape of Good Hope in Africa, which added about a month to the journey.
The weather conditions: The weather conditions could also affect the length of the journey. Storms and rough seas could slow down the ships, and icebergs could pose a hazard to navigation. In the winter months, the journey was often longer due to the colder weather and the increased likelihood of storms.