Shipping methods from China to Spain
Sea Frieght
Ocean shipping is one of the most cost-effective and reliable methods for transporting goods from China to Spain. With multiple major ports in both countries—such as Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Ningbo in China, and Valencia, Barcelona, and Algeciras in Spain—sea freight offers flexible routing and competitive pricing for both FCL (Full Container Load) and LCL (Less than Container Load) shipments.
Transit times typically range from 25 to 40 days, depending on the port of origin, destination, and service type (direct or transshipment). Commonly shipped goods include electronics, textiles, machinery, and consumer products.
Whether you’re a business importer or managing a supply chain, ocean shipping from China to Spain provides a scalable solution to meet your logistics needs.
Air Freight
Air freight is the fastest and most efficient way to transport goods from China to Spain, ideal for time-sensitive or high-value shipments. Major airports like Beijing (PEK), Shanghai (PVG), and Guangzhou (CAN) connect seamlessly to key Spanish hubs such as Madrid (MAD) and Barcelona (BCN).
Transit time for air cargo typically ranges from 3 to 7 days, depending on the service level (express, standard, or economy) and any customs clearance time. It’s commonly used for electronics, fashion items, medical supplies, and urgent samples.
Although air freight is more expensive than sea shipping, it offers unmatched speed, reliability, and security—making it the preferred option for urgent deliveries and just-in-time supply chains.
Express Shipping from China to the Spain
Express shipping is the fastest and most convenient option for sending small parcels and urgent documents from China to Spain. Leading international couriers such as DHL, FedEx, UPS, and EMS offer door-to-door delivery services with full tracking and customs support.
Delivery times typically range from 2 to 5 business days, depending on the origin city, destination, and service level. Express shipping is ideal for e-commerce orders, product samples, electronics, fashion items, and important paperwork.
Though it comes at a higher cost compared to standard shipping methods, express delivery ensures speed, security, and reliability, making it the preferred choice for urgent and high-priority shipments.
How long does it take to ship from China to Spain?
The shipping time from China to Spain can vary depending on the method of transportation. By air, it typically takes 5 to 10 days, making it the fastest but also the most expensive option. Sea freight, which is more cost-effective for larger shipments, usually takes between 25 to 40 days, depending on the port of origin and destination. Express courier services like DHL, FedEx, or UPS usually deliver within 5 to 7 days. Customs clearance and other logistics factors may also affect the overall delivery time.
What are the rates for shipping from China to the Spain in 2025?
| Shipping Method | Service Type | Estimated Rate | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea Freight | FCL (20 ft container) | $2,000 – $3,250 | Per container |
| FCL (40 ft container) | $3,150 – $4,480 | Per container | |
| LCL | $50 – $100 | Per CBM | |
| Door-to-door (DDP) | $145 – $190 | Per CBM | |
| Air Freight | Standard | $5 – $10 | Per kg |
| Door-to-door (DDP) | $8 – $15 | Per kg | |
| Express Courier | DHL, FedEx, UPS, etc. | $7.5 – $12.5 | Per kg |
| Rail Freight | FCL (40 ft container) | €7,400 – €9,200 | Per container |
| Door-to-door (DDP) | $170 – $250 | Per CBM |
Best Freight Forwarder from China to the Spain
When choosing the best freight forwarder from China to Spain in 2025, it’s important to consider reliability, service range, pricing, and expertise in customs clearance. Below are some top logistics companies that offer comprehensive shipping solutions including sea freight, air freight, rail, and door-to-door delivery (DDP):
| Freight Forwarder | Key Services | Strengths | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| DFH Logistics | Sea, Air, Rail, DDP | Competitive pricing, efficient DDP | General cargo, cost-sensitive |
| Sino Shipping | Sea, Air, Door-to-door | Tailored solutions, strong support | Customized shipments |
| HART Worldwide | Sea, Air, Rail, Customs clearance | Flexible options, customs expertise | Complex shipments, bulk cargo |
| Ejet Sourcing | Air, Sea, FBA prep | Specialized in eCommerce & Amazon | eCommerce sellers |
| FBAforwarder | FBA prep, Door-to-door delivery | Expertise in Amazon FBA shipments | Amazon FBA sellers |
| Winsky Freight | Sea, Air, Rail | Wide global network | Diverse cargo types |
| Super International Shipping | Sea, Air, Rail, Express | Fast delivery, reliable tracking | Time-sensitive shipments |
| UBest Logistics | Sea, Air, DDP | Transparent pricing, door-to-door | Small & medium shipments |
| DTF Logistics | Sea, Air, LCL/FCL | Strong in LCL consolidation | Small shipments, cost-efficiency |
People also ask:
How much does it cost to ship from China to Spain by sea?
The cost of sea freight from China to Spain typically ranges from $2,000 to $4,500 for a full container load (FCL), depending on the container size and season. Less than container load (LCL) shipments usually cost around $50 to $100 per cubic meter.
What is the cheapest way to ship goods from China to Spain?
Sea freight is generally the cheapest shipping method for large or heavy shipments from China to Spain. While it takes longer than air freight, sea shipping offers significant cost savings, especially for full container loads.
How long does sea freight take from China to Spain?
Sea freight from China to Spain usually takes about 25 to 40 days, depending on the departure port, arrival port, and any delays during customs clearance or inland transport.
Are there any hidden fees in shipping from China to Spain?
Yes, some common additional fees may include customs duties, port handling charges, documentation fees, and inland delivery costs. It’s important to clarify all potential charges with your freight forwarder upfront.
Which shipping companies offer the best rates for sea freight to Spain?
Top freight forwarders offering competitive sea freight rates to Spain include DFH Logistics, Sino Shipping, HART Worldwide, UBest Logistics, and DTF Logistics. Comparing quotes from multiple providers can help find the best price.