How Long Does It Take To Transport Goods From China To Saudi Arabia
As the "Belt and Road" initiative gains momentum, Saudi Arabia has emerged as a pivotal trading ally for China in the Middle East. Consequently, the logistics requirements from China to Saudi Arabia are on the rise annually. The transit time of goods is a key concern for both businesses and individuals. This article provides insights into the shipping duration from China to Saudi Arabia, helping you estimate the delivery timeline for your goods.
Where is Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia is located on the Arabian Peninsula, bordering the Persian Gulf to the east and the Red Sea to the west. It borders the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Jordan, Iraq, Oman and other countries. Saudi Arabia’s superior geographical location makes it an important hub connecting Asia, Africa and Europe.
Shipping from China to Saudi Arabia
Different modes of transportation can be selected according to the type of goods, transportation needs and budget
Container Freight from China to Saudi Arabia mainly adopts sea transportation, which is suitable for large quantities and non-urgent goods. It can transport a large amount of goods at a time and is suitable for long-distance transportation. Due to the relatively low price of sea transportation, it is usually the preferred method.
Air Freight is the fastest mode of transportation with relatively low risk of damage and loss, suitable for urgently needed or high-value goods. Air transportation costs are high, so it is only suitable for small quantities or high-value goods.
Shipping Time from China to Saudi Arabia
The shipping time from China to Saudi Arabia varies depending on the mode of transportation chosen and is also affected by the following factors:
- Port loading and unloading efficiency: Advanced equipment and efficient manpower can speed up loading and unloading. During peak periods, congestion at ports and airports will delay cargo processing time.
- Bad weather: Bad weather may prevent ships from sailing on time or delay voyages. Haze and storms may cause flight cancellations or diversions.
- Packaging and preparation: Packaging that is not suitable for transportation may cause delays. Some goods require special handling or additional inspections, which will increase time.
- Route selection: Choosing a direct route can reduce transportation time. Multiple transfers will increase time.
Sea Freight Time from China to Saudi Arabia
Usually the goods arrive at Jeddah Port or Dammam Port from China’s ports such as Shanghai, Shenzhen, Ningbo, Guangzhou and Hong Kong via the Red Sea or Persian Gulf. They are suitable for bulk cargo transportation and usually take 20-30 days.
Major ports in Saudi Arabia
- Jeddah Port: The largest port in Saudi Arabia, located on the coast of the Red Sea, is an important international trade and cargo transshipment center.
- Dammam Port: Located in the Arabian Gulf, it is the main port in eastern Saudi Arabia, mainly serving inland cities.
| POL (Port of Loading) | POD (Port of Discharge) | Transport time (days) |
| Shenzhen Port | Jeddah Port | 21-28 days |
| Shanghai Port | Jeddah Port | 22-30 days |
| Ningbo Port | Jeddah Port | 21-28 days |
| Guangzhou Port | Jeddah Port | 21-27 days |
| Shanghai Port | Dammam Port | 22-30 days |
| Shenzhen Port | Dammam Port | 22-29 days |
| Ningbo Port | Dammam Port | 22-28 days |
| Guangzhou Port | Dammam Port | 23-28 days |
Air Freight Time from China to Saudi Arabia
Freight is usually flown directly from major Chinese airports such as Guangzhou, Shanghai and Beijing to Jeddah or Riyadh airports in Saudi Arabia. The transit time is generally 3 to 7 days, suitable for urgently needed high-value goods.
Major Airports in Saudi Arabia
- King Abdulaziz International Airport: As the largest international airport in Saudi Arabia, Jeddah Airport has dedicated cargo facilities to handle a large number of cargo and logistics transportation, especially goods related to the pilgrimage.
- King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh: The airport not only serves passenger flights, but also has a dedicated cargo area, connecting domestic and international cargo routes, and is an important cargo hub in Saudi Arabia.
| Departure Airport | Arrival Airport | Transport time (days) |
| Beijing Capital | King Abdulaziz | 3-7 days |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | King Abdulaziz | 3-6 days |
| Shanghai Pudong | King Abdulaziz | 3-5 days |
| Beijing Capital | King Khalid | 3-6 days |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | King Khalid | 3-7 days |
| Shanghai Pudong | King Khalid | 4-7 days |
Door-to-Door Shipping Time from China to Saudi Arabia
Door-to-door shipping is an efficient logistics service that directly delivers goods from the place of shipment to the destination, from pickup, transportation, customs clearance to delivery. It is suitable for companies and individuals who want to simplify the transportation process.
- Customs clearance time: The customs clearance process usually takes 1-3 days and may affect the overall shipping time.
- Pickup and delivery time: Pickup and final delivery also require additional time, generally around 1-2 days
| Shipping Services | Departure | Destination | Transport time (days) |
| Door to Door Sea Freight | China | Saudi Arabia | 25-35 days |
| Door to Door Air Freight | China | Saudi Arabia | 6-10 days |
If you want to know the shipping time to other countries you can read:
How Long Does It Take To Transport Goods From China To Israel
How long does it take to transport goods from China to Dubai
How to Shorten the Shipping Time from China to Saudi Arabia
Shortening the shipping time from China to Saudi Arabia can be achieved through the following methods
- Choose a port close to the source of goods: Try to choose a departure port close to the place where the goods are produced to reduce inland transportation time
- Prepare customs clearance documents in advance: Ensure that the documents are complete and in compliance with regulations to speed up the entry customs clearance process in Saudi Arabia and reduce delays caused by document problems
- Avoid peak periods: Try to avoid peak periods of transportation and customs clearance to avoid port congestion and transportation delays.
- Cooperate with reliable freight forwarders: Choose a freight forwarding company with rich experience and route resources, which can adjust the transportation plan more flexibly, handle emergencies, and ensure the punctuality of transportation.
Cost of Shipping 20ft and 40ft Containers from China to Saudi Arabia
The following is the cost range of 20-foot and 40-foot container transportation from China to Saudi Arabia under normal circumstances. You can choose the most suitable transportation plan based on cost and time.
| POL (Port of Loading) | POD (Port of Discharge) | 20ft container (20ft, USD) | 40ft container (40ft, USD) |
| Tianjin Port | Jeddah Islamic Port | $2,500 – $3,000 | $3,210-$4,650 |
| Tianjin Port | Dammam Port | $2,400 – $2,900 | $3,110-$4,530 |
| Tianjin Port | Jubail Port | $2,350 – $2,950 | $3,160-$4,630 |
| Shanghai Port | Jeddah Islamic Port | $2,550 – $3,000 | $3,270-$4,550 |
| Shanghai Port | Dammam Port | $2,450 – $2,800 | $3,130-$4,680 |
| Shanghai Port | Jubail Port | $2,430 – $2,860 | $3,240-$4,660 |
| Ningbo Port | Jeddah Islamic Port | $2,360 – $2,900 | $3,320-$4,850 |
| Ningbo Port | Dammam Port | $2,460 – $2,850 | $3,170-$4,750 |
| Ningbo Port | Jubail Port | $2,530 – $2,900 | $3,210-$4,760 |
| Shenzhen Port | Jeddah Islamic Port | $2,340 – $2,860 | $3,190-$4,790 |
| Shenzhen Port | Dammam Port | $2,470 – $2,800 | $3,260-$4,750 |
| Shenzhen Port | Jubail Port | $2,410 – $2,750 | $3,110-$4,760 |
Read these articles to help you understand the costs:
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Why Ship From China to Saudi Arabia With Presou Logistics
Presou Logistics is an efficient way of international logistics. Choosing Presou Logistics from China to Saudi Arabia has the following advantages:
Fast Transportation
Presou Logistics usually chooses direct routes, which can transport goods to the destination in a shorter time, reducing transit and detention time. Improve shipping efficiency by selecting the best shipping companies and ships
Comprehensive Service
Presou Logistics usually provides full logistics services, including pickup, transportation, customs clearance and distribution, reducing the management burden of customers. Freight forwarders are familiar with Saudi customs clearance policies and can effectively handle relevant procedures to ensure smooth customs clearance of goods.
Cost-effectiveness
Presou Logistics freight forwarders can usually get better freight rates through bulk transportation and reduce overall transportation costs.
Technical Support
Many Presou Logistics companies provide real-time cargo tracking services, allowing customers to understand the transportation status at any time and enhance transparency. Use data analysis technology to optimize transportation plans and improve overall transportation efficiency.
The transportation time from China to Saudi Arabia is influenced by many factors. By choosing a reasonable route, preparing documents, and collaborating with freight forwarding companies, you can effectively improve logistics efficiency, save costs, shorten transportation time, and help goods arrive quickly.