Shipping goods from China to Greece is crucial for businesses in electronics, textiles, automotive parts, industrial equipment, and consumer goods. Whether you’re importing bulk goods or need fast delivery, choosing the right shipping method can significantly impact costs, transit times, and overall logistics efficiency.
In this guide, we provide a detailed breakdown of sea freight, rail freight, air freight, and DDP (door-to-door) shipping—covering costs, transit times, major ports, rail hubs, and best practices to help reduce shipping expenses and optimize your supply chain.
Table of Contents
How Much Does It Cost to Ship from China to Greece?
Shipping costs depend on factors such as mode of transport, cargo weight, volume, customs duties, and seasonal demand. Below are the estimated rates for different shipping methods from China to Greece in March 2025.
Shipping Costs (March 2025)
| Shipping Method | Cost | Transit Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea Freight (FCL/LCL) | $1,200 – $2,600 per container | 25-40 days | Bulk shipments, cost savings |
| Rail Freight | $60 – $120 per CBM | 16-22 days | Medium-sized shipments |
| Air Freight | $3 – $7 per KG | 3-7 days | Urgent, high-value cargo |
| Door-to-Door (DDP) | Varies by service | 7-45 days | E-commerce, small businesses |
Note: Shipping rates fluctuate due to global fuel costs, seasonal demand, and carrier pricing.
- Sea freight is the most affordable option for high-volume shipments.
- Rail freight offers a balance between speed and cost, making it suitable for mid-sized shipments.
- Air freight is the fastest shipping method but has the highest cost per kilogram.
- DDP (door-to-door) shipping simplifies the process by including freight, customs clearance, and final delivery.
Factors Affecting Shipping Costs from China to Greece
Mode of Transport
The choice of shipping method directly impacts cost and transit time:
- Sea freight is the cheapest per-unit option but has the longest transit time.
- Rail freight is faster than sea shipping and offers a balance between speed and cost.
- Air freight is the fastest option but has a high cost per kilogram.
- DDP shipping includes customs clearance and duties, providing an all-inclusive shipping solution.
Cargo Weight and Volume
- FCL (Full Container Load) shipping is more cost-effective for large shipments.
- LCL (Less than Container Load) requires consolidation, adding extra time and handling costs.
- Air freight charges are based on volumetric weight, meaning lightweight but bulky shipments can be expensive.
Shipping Route & Carrier Selection
- Direct shipping routes reduce transit time and cost less than transshipment routes.
- Carrier pricing varies, with some offering discounts for regular shipments.
Customs Duties & Import Taxes in Greece
- Greece follows EU customs regulations with a standard VAT of 24%.
- Import duties vary depending on the HS Code (Harmonized System classification) of the product.
- Customs clearance fees can add $200 – $500 per shipment.
Seasonal Demand & Fuel Prices
- Peak shipping seasons, such as before Black Friday, Christmas, and Chinese New Year, lead to higher freight costs.
- Fuel surcharges fluctuate, affecting overall shipping prices.
Sea Freight from China to Greece
Why Choose Sea Freight?
- Most cost-effective shipping method for bulk cargo.
- Suitable for heavy machinery, industrial parts, furniture, and wholesale goods.
- Reliable FCL (Full Container Load) and LCL (Less than Container Load) services.
Major Ports in China for Exports to Greece
- Shanghai Port – The busiest port in the world, handling a large portion of China-Greece trade.
- Shenzhen Port – Ideal for electronics, textiles, and consumer goods.
- Ningbo Port – A key hub for industrial products and manufacturing exports.
- Guangzhou Port – Important for South China’s exports, handling diverse cargo types.
- Qingdao Port – Strong connectivity for shipments to Europe.
Main Arrival Port in Greece
- Piraeus Port – The largest and busiest port in Greece, a key logistics hub for Europe.
Sea Freight Costs from China to Greece (March 2025)
| Port Pair | 20ft Container (USD) | 40ft Container (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai to Piraeus | $1,400 – $1,600 | $2,200 – $2,500 |
| Shenzhen to Piraeus | $1,200 – $1,400 | $2,100 – $2,400 |
| Ningbo to Piraeus | $1,250 – $1,550 | $2,250 – $2,650 |
| Guangzhou to Piraeus | $1,200 – $1,400 | $2200 – $2,400 |
| Qingdao to Piraeus | $1,450 – $1,600 | $2,200 – $2,600 |
Sea Freight Transit Times China to Greece
| Departure Port (China) | Arrival Port (Greece – Piraeus) | Estimated Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Piraeus | 25-35 days |
| Shenzhen | Piraeus | 26-38 days |
| Ningbo | Piraeus | 27-40 days |
| Guangzhou | Piraeus | 25-36 days |
| Qingdao | Piraeus | 28-42 days |
LCL shipments take an additional 3-5 days for consolidation and deconsolidation.
Rail Freight from China to Greece
Why Choose Rail Freight?
- Faster than sea freight, cheaper than air freight.
- Environmentally friendly and efficient for medium-sized shipments.
- Part of the China-Europe Railway Express, offering stable schedules.
Major Rail Hubs in China
- Xi’an – A leading hub for rail transport to Europe.
- Chengdu – Important transit point for goods heading to Europe.
- Chongqing – High-frequency rail services to European destinations.
- Zhengzhou – One of China’s largest rail terminals for international trade.
Rail Freight Costs China to Greece (March 2025)
| Departure City (China) | Arrival City (Greece – Athens) | Cost (USD per CBM) | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xi’an | Athens | $60 – $100 | 16-20 days |
| Chengdu | Athens | $70 – $120 | 18-22 days |
| Chongqing | Athens | $75 – $115 | 17-21 days |
| Zhengzhou | Athens | $80 – $120 | 16-22 days |
Air Freight from China to Greece
Why Choose Air Freight?
- Fastest shipping method for urgent goods.
- Ideal for electronics, medical supplies, and fashion products.
- Direct flights available to Athens International Airport (ATH).
Air Freight Costs China to Greece (March 2025)
| Weight Category | Cost (USD per KG) |
|---|---|
| 1-45 kg | $5 – $8 |
| 45-100 kg | $4 – $7 |
| 100-300 kg | $3 – $6 |
| 300+ kg | $2 – $5 |
Air Freight Transit Times China to Greece
| Departure Airport (China) | Arrival Airport (Greece – ATH) | Estimated Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
| Beijing (PEK) | Athens (ATH) | 3-5 days |
| Shanghai (PVG) | Athens (ATH) | 3-5 days |
| Guangzhou (CAN) | Athens (ATH) | 4-6 days |
| Shenzhen (SZX) | Athens (ATH) | 4-7 days |
DDP (Door-to-Door) Shipping from China to Greece
Why Choose DDP Shipping?
- Includes freight, customs clearance, and final delivery.
- Ideal for e-commerce sellers and small businesses.
- No need for the importer to handle customs paperwork.
DDP Costs China to Greece (March 2025)
| Shipping Method | Estimated Transit Time | Cost (USD per CBM/kg) |
|---|---|---|
| DDP via Sea Freight | 35-45 days | $100 – $150 per CBM |
| DDP via Air Freight | 7-12 days | $5 – $8 per kg |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the cheapest way to ship from China to Greece?
The cheapest method is sea freight, particularly FCL shipping for large shipments. If shipping smaller volumes, LCL (Less than Container Load) may be a better option.
How long does it take to ship from China to Greece?
- Sea Freight: 25-40 days
- Rail Freight: 16-22 days
- Air Freight: 3-7 days
- DDP (Sea): 35-45 days
- DDP (Air): 7-12 days
Are there direct flights from China to Greece for cargo?
Yes, major airlines operate direct cargo flights from China to Athens International Airport (ATH). However, some shipments may require transshipment via European hubs.
How can I reduce shipping costs from China to Greece?
- Consolidate shipments to lower per-unit freight costs.
- Book early to avoid peak season surcharges.
- Work with an experienced freight forwarder to optimize routing.
- Choose rail freight over air freight if time allows.
Does Greece have import restrictions?
Yes, certain products require special permits and compliance with EU regulations. Restricted goods include pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and electronic devices requiring CE certification.
Get the Best Shipping Rates with Tonlexing
At Tonlexing, we provide cost-effective and reliable shipping solutions for businesses importing from China to Greece.
📞 Contact us today for a customized quote! Let us help you reduce shipping costs and streamline logistics for your business.
