Shipping from China to Europe: Three Options
European importers have more shipping choices than ever when sourcing from China. Each method — sea, rail, or air — offers different trade-offs between cost, speed, and reliability. This guide compares all three to help you choose the right option for your business.
Option 1: Sea Freight (30-45 Days)
Sea freight remains the most popular choice for shipping from China to Europe, handling the largest share of cargo by volume.
- Cost: Most economical — $2,500-5,000 per 20ft container to Rotterdam/Hamburg
- Transit: Shanghai to Rotterdam: 28-32 days | Ningbo to Hamburg: 27-30 days
- Best for: Large volume shipments, heavy machinery, furniture, bulk goods
- Pros: Lowest per-unit cost, all cargo types accepted
- Cons: Longest transit time, potential port congestion delays
Option 2: Rail Freight (15-20 Days)
The China-Europe Railway Express offers an excellent middle-ground option.
- Cost: Moderate — typically 2-3x sea freight, but 40-50% less than air
- Transit: Yiwu to Madrid: 18-21 days | Xi’an to Duisburg: 14-16 days
- Best for: Mid-range electronics, auto parts, apparel, e-commerce inventory
- Pros: Much faster than sea, competitive pricing, reliable schedule
- Cons: Limited to rail-connected destinations, capacity constraints
Option 3: Air Freight (5-10 Days)
Air freight is the premium option for urgent or high-value shipments.
- Cost: Highest — $5-12/kg depending on volume and season
- Transit: From any Chinese airport to major EU hubs: 5-7 days express
- Best for: Urgent samples, high-value electronics, fashion, perishable goods
- Pros: Fastest delivery, lower insurance costs, reduced inventory risk
- Cons: Highest cost per kg, weight and size restrictions
EU Customs Clearance
All goods entering the EU must comply with Union Customs Code regulations. Key requirements include an EORI number for the importer, correct HS code classification, and safety compliance documentation. DDP shipping handles all these requirements — duties, VAT, and brokerage included.
Choose Yueyang Freight for China-Europe Shipping
With offices in China and partners across Europe, Yueyang Freight offers sea, rail, and air shipping from all major Chinese ports and airports to any European destination.