SHIPPING FROM CHINA TO THE UK
Compare ocean and air freight routes on the China to UK trade lane and request a quote tailored to your shipment.
FIND THE BEST SHIPPING ROUTES FROM CHINA TO THE UK
We help businesses export cargo from China to the UK, from electronics and machinery to automotive parts and consumer goods, with ocean, air and multimodal solutions tailored to each shipment.
Compare your freight routes across major port pairs and gateways, with clear visibility of schedules and rates. We give you the information you need to plan and book your shipment to the UK.
We work with a strong network of carriers on the China to UK trade corridor to keep rates competitive, with our freight specialists managing the trade lane from origin to final destination.
Reliable schedules
Frequent sailings from major Chinese ports to Felixstowe, Southampton, and London Gateway keep your supply chain moving to plan along the China to UK trade lane.
Multimodal solutions
Smart routing across ocean, air and multimodal options means you can match the right mode to each shipment's urgency and budget.
Manage costs effectively
Transparent rate visibility and strong carrier partnerships help you control freight spend on one of the world's busiest trade corridors.
COMPARE FREIGHT ROUTES
Explore ocean and air freight routes connecting major ports and gateways across the China to UK trade lane. The routes featured represent some of the most common shipping options on this corridor. For additional route options, rates, and schedules tailored to your shipment, speak to the DP World team or request a quote from our freight specialists.
AVAILABLE FREIGHT ROUTES
OCEAN FREIGHT FROM CHINA TO THE UK
| FROM | TO | TRANSIT TIME | FREQUENCY |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai (CNSHA) Ningbo (CNNGB) Shenzhen (CNSZX) Qingdao (CNTAO) Guangzhou (CNCAN) | Felixstowe (GBFXT) Southampton (GBSOU) London Gateway (GBLGP) | 25-35 days | Weekly |
AIR FREIGHT FROM CHINA TO THE UK
| FROM | TO | TRANSIT TIME | FREQUENCY |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai Pudong (PVG) Beijing (PEK) Guangzhou (CAN) Shenzhen (SZX) | London Heathrow (LHR) Manchester (MAN) | 3-7 days | Daily |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long does it take to ship a container from China to the UK by sea?
Ocean freight from China to the UK typically takes between 25 to 35 days, depending on the port of origin and destination, the shipping line, and whether the service is direct or transshipment. Routes via the Suez Canal are most common. Direct services from Shanghai or Ningbo to Felixstowe or Southampton are generally fastest.
How regularly do container ships travel between China and the UK?
Multiple carriers operate weekly departures on the China-UK trade lane. From major Chinese ports such as Shanghai, Ningbo, and Shenzhen, you can typically find weekly sailings to Felixstowe, Southampton, and London Gateway, providing consistent and reliable schedule options for shippers.
How long does it take to send cargo from China to the UK by air freight?
Air freight from China to the UK typically takes between 3 to 7 days door-to-door, inclusive of customs clearance. Direct flights operate from Shanghai Pudong, Beijing, and Guangzhou to London Heathrow and Manchester. Charter services can reduce transit to as little as 2 days for time-critical shipments.
Can DP World handle customs clearance and multimodal delivery for imports from China to the UK?
As a freight forwarder and customs broker, DP World manages the full China-UK trade lane, combining ocean freight, air freight and multimodal road and rail solutions with customs clearance on arrival in the UK. Our specialists handle documentation, duties and compliance, then arrange onward delivery to your final destination, so your import moves smoothly from origin to door.
GET A QUOTE FOR YOUR CHINA TO UK SHIPMENT
Request a quote today and our freight specialists will build the right ocean, air or multimodal route around your cargo, with rates and schedules tailored to you.