How Long Does It Take to Ship from China to Germany?
The shipping time from China to Germany can be affected by many factors, including the mode of transport, the type of cargo, the route selected, and seasonal fluctuations. Different modes of transport will have different shipping times, and understanding the time requirements of each mode can help you better plan your logistics arrangements. The following is a detailed introduction to shipping from China to Germany and the factors that affect it.

Shipping time from China to Germany by sea
From (China) | To (Germany) | FCL (Days) | LCL (Days) |
---|---|---|---|
Shanghai | Port of Bremen/Bremerhaven | 28-38 | 30-40 |
Guangzhou | Port of Hamburg | 26-36 | 28-38 |
Shenzhen | Port of Bremen/Bremerhaven | 25-35 | 27-37 |
Tianjin | Port of Wilhelmshaven | 32-40 | 33-42 |
Suzhou | Port of Hamburg | 30-39 | 32-43 |
Zhengzhou | Port of Bremen/Bremerhaven | 33-43 | 35-45 |
Xi’an | Port of Wilhelmshaven | 30-38 | 32-40 |
Qingdao | Port of Wilhelmshaven | 31-42 | 33-43 |
Ningbo | Port of Hamburg | 30-40 | 33-43 |
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If you choose door-to-door or DDP shipping from China to Germany, it may take 35 to 50 days, plus customs clearance time.
Sea freight is the most common mode of transporting goods from China to Germany, especially for bulk commodities and larger goods. The shipping time for sea freight is usually between 30-45 days, depending on the distance between the specific departure and destination ports, and whether there is a need for transshipment.
- Departure and destination ports: China’s major sea export ports include Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Ningbo, etc., while Germany’s major ports are Hamburg Port, Bremen Port, etc. The shipping time varies between different ports.
- Transshipment: If the goods are transshipped from China to Germany through other countries, the transportation time may be longer. For example, from China to Germany, it is sometimes necessary to pass through a transit port such as the Netherlands or Belgium first, which will add 2 to 5 days.
- Routes and sailing schedules: Some routes may be more direct, while some routes require multiple stops, increasing the total transportation time. The flexibility of route selection is low, so it is recommended to plan and book in advance.
- Seasonal impact: Shipping may be affected during peak seasons (such as around the Chinese New Year) and holidays, and the sailing schedule may be delayed or changed, resulting in longer transportation times.
Air freight time from China to Germany
Airport of Origin | Airport of Destination | Estimated Transit Time |
---|---|---|
Shanghai (PVG) | Frankfurt (FRA) | 3-5 days |
Beijing (PEK) | Munich (MUC) | 4-6 days |
Guangzhou (CAN) | Leipzig/Halle (LEJ) | 5-7 days |
Air freight is usually a time-sensitive mode of transport, suitable for urgent or small, high-value shipments. The air transport time from China to Germany is generally 3-7 days, and the specific time is affected by the airline, flight selection and other factors.
- Direct flights: Choosing direct flights can significantly shorten the transportation time, flying directly from major international airports in China (such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, etc.) to major airports in Germany (such as Frankfurt, Munich, Düsseldorf, etc.) . This flight usually takes about 10-12 hours.
- Stopover: If your flight involves a stopover or connection, transit time may be extended. Especially for flights that need to transfer through other countries, it may add 1-2 days.
- Timeliness: Air transport is suitable for goods with high timeliness requirements, especially for e-commerce orders, high-value goods, electronic products, etc. that need to arrive as soon as possible. Compared with sea transportation, air transportation is undoubtedly a faster option.
- Flight frequency: Air transport flights have a higher frequency, but they also need to be booked in advance. During holidays and peak seasons, flights may be busy, resulting in longer transit times or temporary flight cancellations.


Railway freight time from China to Germany
Railway transport has become an increasingly popular mode of transport in recent years, especially the China-Europe Express. Railway transport time is usually 16-20 days, which is an option between air and sea transport, suitable for goods that need faster transportation but want to reduce transportation costs.
- Railway route: The China-Europe Express from China to Germany is one of the most commonly used railway transport routes. The route usually passes through Kazakhstan-Russia-Belarus-Poland-Germany, and finally reaches major cities in Germany, such as Hamburg, Frankfurt, etc.
- Transportation time: From major cities in China (such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu) to Germany, the transportation time is usually 16-20 days, which is more economical than air transport, but much faster than sea transport. The China-Europe Express provides a more stable transportation cycle for goods.
- Route selection: The China-Europe Express usually adopts a dual-track system, and there are multiple routes to choose from for trains from China to Germany. Different routes have different times. It is recommended to choose the appropriate route according to the urgency and destination of the goods.
- Suitable cargo types: Railway transport is suitable for larger cargoes, especially those that have certain requirements on timeliness but do not need to arrive immediately, such as electronic products, auto parts, etc.
Shipping time from China to Germany by express delivery
Express delivery is a very flexible and fast mode of transport, suitable for small, high-value goods. The shipping time from China to Germany by express delivery is generally 2-5 days, which varies according to the courier and the type of service.
- Major express delivery companies: International express delivery companies such as DHL, FedEx, UPS, etc. provide door-to-door services to ensure that the goods are delivered quickly. Standard express delivery generally takes 3-5 days, while expedited express delivery services can complete delivery within 2-4 days.
- Package tracking: Express delivery companies usually provide real-time tracking services, and customers can keep track of the shipping status of the package at any time.
- High cost: Express delivery services are time-sensitive, but the freight is higher. Suitable for small quantities, high-value or urgent transportation of goods.
Other factors that affect the shipping time from China to Germany
In addition to the selected mode of transportation, other factors may also affect the shipping time from China to Germany:
- Customs clearance time: All goods need to go through customs clearance when entering the country. If the customs inspection is strict or there are problems, the customs clearance time may be extended, which will affect the total transportation time. If you want to learn how to clear customs in Germany, you can click on the post: How to Clear Customs When Shipping Imported Goods from China to Germany
- Seasonal fluctuations: During holidays such as the Spring Festival holiday and Christmas, the logistics volume is usually large, resulting in delays in transportation time. One or two weeks after the holidays, there may be customs clearance delays or port congestion.
- Port and airport congestion: Germany’s major ports and airports may be congested during peak periods, especially the Port of Hamburg and Frankfurt Airport. In this case, the handling and transportation of goods may be delayed.
- Weather factors: Bad weather, especially storms, snowstorms or typhoons, may affect the transportation process, especially sea and rail transportation.
If you are interested in the time from China to other European countries, you can read the following post:
How to choose the right shipping method from China to Germany
Choosing the right shipping method from China to Germany is the key to ensuring timely delivery. The following points can help you make a decision:
- Timeliness requirements: If your goods need to arrive urgently, air freight or express delivery services are undoubtedly better choices. Air freight is suitable for more important or high-value goods, while express delivery is suitable for small and light packages.
- Shipping cost: If the budget is limited and the shipping time is more flexible, sea and rail transportation may be better options. Sea transportation is relatively cheap, but the transportation time is longer; rail transportation provides a balanced choice.
- Cargo type: For heavier goods, sea and rail transportation are usually more suitable, while for smaller and high-value goods, air and express delivery are more suitable choices.
Shipping Cost from China to Germany
Shipping Method | From China to the Germany (Cost) |
---|---|
Sea Freight (20ft Container) | Approx. USD 3,250 for a 20ft container |
Sea Freight (40ft Container) | Approx. USD 3,800 for a 40ft container |
LCL Sea Freight | Approx. USD 80 – 150 per cubic meters |
Door to Door or DDP Shipping | Sea Freight : Approx. USD 3.1 per kgs Air Freight : Approx. USD 8 per kgs |
Air Freight | Approx. USD 500 for 100kg (Approx. USD 5 per kilo) |
Rail Freight | Approx. USD 6,800 to to 8,500 for a full container load |
Express Shipping | Approx. USD 10 per Kgs |
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Shipping Agents from China to Germany
If you wish to import and ship goods from China to Germany, you need a reliable freight forwarder to help you handle the complex logistics. From customs clearance to shipping, a good freight forwarder can make the whole process hassle-free.
Choosing the right freight forwarder is essential to successfully transporting your cargo. Here are the key factors to consider when making this important decision.
Qualifications and Expertise
A qualified freight forwarder should have extensive knowledge and experience in freight transportation. They must be well-versed in international regulations and have a proven track record of successfully managing cargo. This expertise ensures that your cargo is handled with the utmost care and compliance, minimizing the risks associated with shipping.
Service Scope and Network Coverage
The right freight forwarder should offer a comprehensive range of services to meet your specific needs. This includes not only transportation, but also customs clearance, warehousing, and insurance services. In addition, a strong global network of partners and agents is essential to ensure efficient transportation and timely delivery.
Safety Record and Reputation
When choosing a freight forwarder, it is important to investigate their safety record and industry reputation. Reviews and testimonials from past customers can provide an understanding of their reliability and professionalism.
Basenton Logistics provides highly professional, cost-effective, high-quality, one-stop logistics services from China to Germany. Our expertise in cargo transportation, comprehensive service offerings, and commitment to safety make us an ideal partner for your transportation needs. Choose our services to ensure that your cargo is transported safely and efficiently.
Summary: The shipping time from China to Germany depends on the chosen mode of transport. Ocean freight generally takes 30-45 days, air freight usually takes 3-7 days, express service takes 2-5 days, and rail transport takes 16-20 days. Each mode of transport has its advantages and disadvantages. Choosing the right mode according to the timeliness requirements, budget and weight of the goods can ensure that the goods are delivered to the destination safely and on time.