China to India shipping time
Shipping goods from China to India is at the heart of global trade today. With two of the world’s largest economies actively exchanging products — from electronics to textiles, machinery to raw materials — understanding the real shipping times is critical for successful business operations. At ASIANIA LOGISTIKA, we help you plan every shipment smartly — avoiding delays, minimizing risks, and delivering your cargo right on schedule. This guide covers everything you need to know about how long it really takes to ship goods between China and India — and how you can make the process as smooth as possible.
Distance Between China and India
While China and India share a land border geographically, most commercial cargo moves via sea or air routes due to the need for efficiency, safety, and cost control. The actual distance between key industrial cities in China and major ports in India varies:
Route | Distance (Approximate) |
Shanghai → Mumbai (Nhava Sheva) | 5,000 km |
Shenzhen → Chennai | 4,800 km |
Ningbo → Mundra | 5,200 km |
Guangzhou → Delhi (by air) | 3,700 km |
The shipping distance directly influences the mode of transport and the overall delivery time.
Choosing the right combination of origin and destination points — something ASIANIA LOGISTIKA helps with — can significantly reduce transit time and total logistics costs.
Shipping Time by Sea
Sea freight is the preferred method for companies moving high volumes of goods, offering a balance of cost-efficiency and reliability — though at a slower pace than air freight.
Typical Sea Freight Transit Times:
Route | Transit Time |
Shanghai → Nhava Sheva | 18–22 days |
Shenzhen → Mundra | 16–20 days |
Ningbo → Chennai | 20–24 days |
Qingdao → Mumbai | 19–23 days |
These transit times cover sailing duration only. Port handling, customs checks, and possible congestion at major terminals can add a few more days. Additionally, weather conditions (such as typhoons during monsoon seasons) can sometimes cause delays. At ASIANIA LOGISTIKA, we carefully select the fastest, most reliable shipping lines and departure schedules, minimizing risks and ensuring your goods reach India without unnecessary downtime.
How to Plan Your Shipping Schedule
To avoid costly mistakes and delays when shipping from China to India, careful planning is non-negotiable. Here’s how we recommend you structure it:
Shipping Time by Air
When speed is critical — whether you're launching a product, replenishing stock quickly, or handling urgent supplies — air freight becomes the obvious choice.
Typical Air Freight Transit Times:
Route | Transit Time |
Shanghai Pudong (PVG) → Delhi (DEL) | 2–4 days |
Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN) → Mumbai (BOM) | 2–5 days |
Beijing Capital (PEK) → Bangalore (BLR) | 3–6 days |
Air freight offers not only faster delivery but also reduced warehousing costs since inventory arrives more quickly and can be processed into the supply chain faster. At ASIANIA LOGISTIKA, we offer multiple service options — from express next-flight-out shipments to economy consolidated air cargo — depending on your needs and budget. Choosing the right air freight solution ensures you stay competitive even with tight lead times.
Factors Influencing Shipping Time
Mode of Transport
FCL (Full Container Load) shipments usually move faster than LCL (Less-than-Container Load), as LCL shipments require additional consolidation and deconsolidation steps.
Customs Clearance Delays
Incomplete or mismatched documentation is a common cause of shipment hold-ups. Having professionally prepared papers prevents this.
Weather Events
Typhoons in the South China Sea or heavy rains in India can disrupt port operations and flight schedules.
Port Congestion
High shipping demand at ports like Shanghai or Nhava Sheva can cause loading/unloading delays.
Seasonal Holidays
Chinese New Year (January–February) and Golden Week (October) cause massive backlogs at ports and factories, often adding weeks to standard shipping schedules. Booking early and planning around these dates is essential.
At ASIANIA LOGISTIKA, we anticipate these risks and offer contingency plans — because in logistics, preparation is everything.
Comparison: Sea Freight vs. Air Freight
Making the right choice between sea and air freight depends on what matters most for your business: speed, budget, or cargo type.
Parameter | Sea Freight | Air Freight |
Transit Time | 16–24 days | 2–7 days |
Cost | 3–6x cheaper per kg | Higher cost per kg |
Best For | Bulky, heavy, non-urgent cargo | Urgent, high-value, light cargo |
Risk of Delay | Weather, port congestion | Less, but affected by holidays |
Flexibility | High (large volume options) | High (small to medium loads) |
In short:
- If time is your priority → choose air.
- If cost is more important and you can plan ahead → choose sea.
We at ASIANIA LOGISTIKA will help you evaluate each shipment individually and recommend the best option to meet your deadlines and budget.
Why Choose ASIANIA LOGISTIKA
Choosing the right shipping partner isn’t about just moving boxes — it’s about building reliability into your supply chain.
At ASIANIA LOGISTIKA, we offer:
- Personal Manager Support: Your shipment handled by a dedicated expert from start to finish.
- Proactive Monitoring: Real-time tracking and proactive communication about any issues.
- Smart Routing: We optimize every leg of your cargo journey to save days, not just hours.
- Cost Transparency: No hidden fees. You always know what you’re paying for.
- Problem Solvers: If there’s a delay or customs problem, we solve it — fast.
When you work with ASIANIA LOGISTIKA, you’re not just shipping goods — you’re investing in your peace of mind.
Get Your Shipping Time Estimate
Want to know how fast you can move your goods from China to India? Want a customized plan based on your cargo, route, and deadlines? Contact ASIANIA LOGISTIKA today. Our experts are ready to provide you with a detailed transit time estimate — and the most reliable, efficient shipping plan you can get. Let's move smarter. Let's move together.
For additional questions, contact us
Mumbai
Wework Enam Sambhav C-20, G Block, BKS Bandra East, Mumbai, office 2A106 Maharashtra 400051
Ask Us a Question
Your needs are our priority. Contact us, and we’ll help find the perfect solution for your business!