How long was a trip by boat from Germany to the U.S. in 1839?

Question

How long was the trip by stesamship from Germany to the U.S. in 1839.  I am filling out the background on my 2 Great Grandparents./Kempf - Noll/

Answer 1

Based on transatlantic mail …

• Sailing ships east to west 22 days; west to east 33 days.
• Steam ships shortened the westward trip to 17 days, and eastward 15 days.

These can be verified by postmarks on dispatch and receivable stamps when the ship first docked. The ports of embarkation would effect the times as well.

As ships improved the steamship times were further reduced. In 1907 a record of 4.5 days was established that was held for 30 years.

Comments

Google stated 62 days in 1840. I would assume type of ship, time of year played a significant role. Per first answer I would assume the east west route would take longer given prevailing winds. The Great Westerner was considered one of the first Trans-Atlantic steamships that carried approx 200 passengers and completed the trip in 15.5 days

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What a great method.