Shipping from China to Ireland—Guidance for 2026
In 2026, shipping from China to Ireland remains a critical trade route for businesses importing electronics, machinery, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods. At SpeedWin, we tailor logistics solutions based on real transit times and current market conditions, helping you manage costs and delivery expectations efficiently. Ireland’s main entry points — Dublin Port, Cork Port, and Shannon Airport — serve as key gateways for ocean, air, and express shipments, with typical transit times ranging from 30–45 days by sea to 3–7 days by air. Working with SpeedWin means you get transparent timelines, reliable routing via major European hubs, and local expertise in Irish customs and delivery requirements.
How to ship from China to Ireland
Shipping goods from China to Ireland in 2026 involves clear steps and real transit expectations. With SpeedWin, you get full support from pickup in China to delivery in Ireland, including sea, air, express, and customs handling.
Start by picking a transport mode based on urgency and volume — sea freight for bulk (≈30–40 days), air freight for speed (≈4–7 days), and express for urgent parcels (≈3–5 days). Major entry points such as Dublin Port, Cork Port, and Dublin Airport serve as key gateways. Prepare accurate documents (commercial invoice, packing list, airway bill/B/L) and ensure compliance with Irish customs, VAT, and EORI requirements. SpeedWin handles routing, export clearance in China, and Irish import clearance so your shipment arrives smoothly and on schedule.
Sea freight from China to Ireland
Sea freight is the most economical method for transporting large volumes of goods from China to Ireland in 2026. At SpeedWin, we specialize in planning FCL shipping from China to Ireland and LCL shipping from China to Ireland based on cargo size, delivery timeline, and cost goals, helping you navigate routing, scheduling, and customs clearance efficiently.
Because Ireland is on the edge of Western Europe, most ocean cargo is shipped via major European transshipment hubs and then delivered to Ireland’s key seaports — the main port in Ireland for containerized cargo is Dublin Port, followed by other ports such as Cork Port and Waterford Port. These ports handle import documentation, inspections, and onward delivery by truck or rail to your final destination.
FCL shipping from China to Ireland
FCL (Full Container Load) is ideal when your freight fills a 20ft or 40ft container or when you want dedicated space for sensitive cargo. With FCL:
Goods stay in one sealed container from China to Dublin, Cork, or Waterford.
Transit time for sea freight is typically 30–40 days, depending on origin and route.
FCL tends to offer lower unit cost per cubic meter for large shipments.
LCL shipping from China to Ireland
LCL (Less than Container Load) suits smaller shipments that do not fill a container:
You pay only for the volume used (measured in CBM).
Cargo is consolidated at origin and deconsolidated at destination.
Transit time for LCL shipping from China to Ireland is usually 35–45 days, slightly longer than FCL due to consolidation time.
Ireland sea freight specifics
Ireland’s seaports like Dublin Port handle service imports from China through efficient European logistics networks, but port congestion or seasonal peak periods (e.g., Q3–Q4) can add 1–3 days to dwell time. After arrival, SpeedWin coordinates inland delivery, customs clearance, and VAT processing (standard 23% in Ireland) so your goods move smoothly from port to warehouse or customer address.
Sea freight remains the preferred option for heavy, bulk, or non-urgent cargo shipped from China to Ireland, and SpeedWin’s routing expertise helps balance cost and transit time for your business needs.
Air freight from China to Ireland
When speed and reliability are priorities, air freight from China to Ireland is an excellent option in 2026 — especially for high-value, time-sensitive goods like electronics, pharmaceuticals, and fashion stock. At SpeedWin, we organize professional air cargo services that cover export handling in China, flight bookings, arrival processing in Ireland, and customs coordination, helping you manage costs and timelines with clarity and control.
For most China–Ireland air freight routes, cargo is flown into some of the main airports in Ireland, including Dublin Airport (DUB) — the busiest cargo gateway in the country — and Shannon Airport (SNN) or Cork Airport (ORK) for regional distribution.
Typical transit times for air freight from China to Ireland are about 4–8 days, depending on routing, airline schedules, and customs processing on both ends. Dublin Airport generally offers faster connections and processing due to higher flight frequency and better cargo handling infrastructure.
Air freight costs vary based on weight, season, and cargo classification, with industry estimates in early 2026 commonly in the range of USD 5.0–9.8 per kg for standard air cargo to Irish airports.
SpeedWin can tailor quotes for your specific cargo profile, ensuring you choose the right balance of cost and speed.
Rail freight from China to Ireland
For shippers seeking a middle ground between sea and air, rail freight from China to Ireland can be a faster alternative with balanced cost and time in 2026. At SpeedWin, we arrange rail-focused solutions that combine China–Europe rail transport with final trucking or short sea delivery to Ireland’s key import points like Dublin Port or Cork Port, helping you reduce ocean transit time while keeping costs lower than air freight.
There isn’t a direct train route all the way into Ireland — containers travel by rail to major European hubs such as Duisburg (Germany), Hamburg (Germany), or Rotterdam (Netherlands) and then transfer to truck or short sea connection into Ireland.
Typical transit times and costs
China to Europe rail leg: ~18–24 days on average before reaching a European hub.
Final delivery to Ireland: additional trucking or short sea links typically extend total transit to about 21–29 days for rail + road/seaway.
Estimated rail freight cost: Roughly USD 9,400–11,000 per 40ft container delivered into Ireland when combining rail and inland delivery, depending on origin and routing.
For smaller groupage (LCL), costs are typically USD 250–350 per CBM with similar transit patterns.
Rail freight is often chosen when you want faster transit than sea freight (~30–45 days) but at a lower price than air freight, and when cargo schedules allow for multimodal coordination. With SpeedWin’s planning, your rail shipment from China can be booked with export clearance at origin, transfer support in Europe, and final delivery in Ireland on a predictable timeline.
Express shipping from China to Ireland
For shippers seeking a middle ground between sea and air, rail freight from China to Ireland can be a faster alternative with balanced cost and time in 2026. At SpeedWin, we arrange rail-focused solutions that combine China–Europe rail transport with final trucking or short sea delivery to Ireland’s key import points like Dublin Port or Cork Port, helping you reduce ocean transit time while keeping costs lower than air freight.
There isn’t a direct train route all the way into Ireland — containers travel by rail to major European hubs such as Duisburg (Germany), Hamburg (Germany), or Rotterdam (Netherlands) and then transfer to truck or short sea connection into Ireland.
Typical transit times and costs
China to Europe rail leg: ~18–24 days on average before reaching a European hub.
Final delivery to Ireland: additional trucking or short sea links typically extend total transit to about 21–29 days for rail + road/seaway.
Estimated rail freight cost: Roughly USD 9,400–11,000 per 40ft container delivered into Ireland when combining rail and inland delivery, depending on origin and routing.
For smaller groupage (LCL), costs are typically USD 250–350 per CBM with similar transit patterns.
Rail freight is often chosen when you want faster transit than sea freight (~30–45 days) but at a lower price than air freight, and when cargo schedules allow for multimodal coordination. With SpeedWin’s planning, your rail shipment from China can be booked with export clearance at origin, transfer support in Europe, and final delivery in Ireland on a predictable timeline.
Door to door shipping from China to Ireland
When you need a seamless logistics experience from China to Ireland in 2026, door to door shipping with SpeedWin simplifies the entire process. Instead of managing separate contacts for pickup, ocean/air carriers, customs brokers, and local delivery, SpeedWin coordinates all stages — from supplier collection in China to final delivery at your warehouse or customer address in Ireland.
Our door to door service handles:
Pickup from your supplier’s facility in China
Export documentation and customs clearance in China
Main transport by sea, air, rail, or express
Import customs clearance in Ireland, including EORI, VAT (23%), and duty filing
Last-mile delivery into Irish cities such as Dublin, Cork, Galway, and Limerick
Typical transit times under a door to door arrangement in 2026 are aligned with mode-specific estimates — about 30–45 days by sea, 5–9 days by air, and 3–6 days by express courier — depending on routing and final destination. Pricing for door to door services combines freight, handling, import fees, and local delivery so you get a clear total cost without unexpected charges.
Ireland’s geography and EU customs framework mean that accurate documentation and local compliance are critical. SpeedWin ensures all paperwork — commercial invoice, packing list, transport documents, and any product-specific certificates — is prepared correctly before departure to avoid clearance delays at major Irish entry points such as Dublin Port or Shannon Airport.
By choosing door to door shipping with SpeedWin, you gain real-time tracking, transparent pricing, and a single point of contact for your shipping from China to Ireland, reducing risk and improving delivery predictability.
Battery shipping from China to Ireland
Shipping batteries from China to Ireland — whether lithium packs, car batteries, or large energy storage systems — requires extra care because batteries are classified as dangerous goods under international transport rules. At SpeedWin, we specialize in lithium battery shipping from China to Ireland, car battery shipping from China to Ireland, and battery energy storage system shipping from China to Ireland, handling compliance, packaging, documentation, customs, and delivery so your cargo moves safely and efficiently.
Precautions for battery shipment
All battery freight must meet DG (Dangerous Goods) regulations, including UN38.3 certification and MSDS documentation for lithium types. Improper packaging or documentation can lead to delays or refusal at departure or arrival points. Our team ensures proper labeling, paperwork, and carrier acceptance for every shipment.
Common shipping options & timelines
Air freight — Often used for lithium battery shipping from China to Ireland when speed matters. Typical transit time is ~5–9 days door‑to‑door with compliant packaging. This is common for smaller packs, renewable energy batteries, and urgent replacement parts.
Sea freight — Preferred for large, heavy cargo like battery energy storage systems or car batteries, with transit times roughly 35–50 days to Irish ports (e.g., Dublin or Cork) before inland delivery by truck. Sea is more economical for bulk shipments but needs careful DG packing and documentation.
Express courier — Fastest for small quantities or samples (e.g., small lithium packs), with delivery generally 4–7 days using DG‑approved channels from carriers like DHL, UPS, or FedEx.
Ireland & import compliance
Ireland follows EU hazardous goods and customs rules, so all batteries must clear Irish customs with correct DG paperwork and pay applicable VAT and duties. SpeedWin prepares all required documentation (UN38.3 test reports, MSDS, commercial invoice, etc.) and coordinates clearance at major Irish entry points such as Dublin Port and Cork Port to avoid delays.
By combining professional DG handling, compliant packing, and tailored routing, SpeedWin makes battery shipping from China to Ireland smoother, safer, and more predictable for both small and large battery shipments.
Shipping cost from China to Ireland
At SpeedWin, we use real 2025–2026 market data to help you estimate shipping cost from China to Ireland clearly and accurately. Costs vary depending on whether you’re shipping full containers, consolidated freight, air cargo or using door‑to‑door/ DDP services. Ireland’s main import destinations such as Dublin Port and Cork Port are well connected, but freight rates can fluctuate with seasonality, carrier capacity, and fuel surcharges. Below is an up‑to‑date snapshot of typical costs for China‑to‑Ireland freight.
Estimated Shipping Cost Table (China → Ireland, 2026)
| Shipping Method | Typical Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sea Freight – FCL (20ft) | $2,550–$3,000 | Port‑to‑port ocean freight to Dublin or Cork; inland delivery extra. |
| Sea Freight – FCL (40ft) | $3,850–$4,550 | Best for large shipments; unit cost lower per m³. |
| LCL shipping from China to Ireland | $100–$150 per CBM | Consolidated cargo, transit ~35–45 days. |
| Air Freight | $5.0–$9.8 per kg | To Dublin Airport (DUB) or Shannon Airport (SNN). |
| Express Shipping | $5–$10 per kg | Fast delivery for small parcels; includes handling fees. |
| DDP Sea Freight (40ft) | $4,500–$6,000 | Delivered Duty Paid including duties/VAT and delivery. |
| DDP Air Freight | $6–$12 per kg | Includes customs and delivery in Ireland. |
Notes:
Sea freight costs shown are based on typical carrier quotes for Ireland as of early 2026.
LCL rates depend on volume; small shipments are charged per cubic meter.
Air and express rates vary by weight, season, and carrier schedules.
Shipping time from China to Ireland
At SpeedWin, we base our transit time estimates on up‑to‑date logistics performance and real market conditions for 2026, giving you clear expectations when planning your shipments from China to Ireland. Transit times vary significantly by mode — from cost‑effective ocean cargo to rapid express delivery — and are influenced by routing, carrier schedules, and Irish port or airport handling. Ireland’s main entry points, such as Dublin Port, Cork Port, Dublin Airport (DUB) and Shannon Airport (SNN), play a key role in how quickly cargo clears and continues inland. Below is a realistic time comparison for different shipping methods.
Estimated Transit Time Table (China → Ireland)
| Shipping Mode | Typical Transit Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sea Freight (FCL & LCL) | 30–45 days | Ocean sailing to Irish ports (Dublin, Cork) plus handling and inland transport. |
| Air Freight | 4–8 days | Flights from major Chinese airports to Dublin or Shannon, including handling/clearance. |
| Express Courier | 3–5 days | Fast door‑to‑door service for parcels and small shipments. |
| Rail + Road | 18–30 days | Rail to European hubs then truck into Ireland (nearer routes). |
| Door‑to‑Door (DDP) | 35–55 days | Includes customs clearance and local delivery, varying with mode chosen. |
Notes: Transit times are influenced by departure port or airport in China (e.g., Shanghai, Shenzhen), seasonal congestion (e.g., pre‑Chinese New Year), and Irish customs processes. Planning with SpeedWin helps you choose the right mode for your timing needs
Freight Forwarder from China to Ireland
SpeedWin – Full‑service freight forwarder handling sea, air, rail, and express shipping from China to Ireland with customs clearance and door‑to‑door options.
China Top Freight – China‑based forwarder offering competitive sea, air, and express services to Dublin and Cork, with cost/transit guidance.
MOV Freight – Provides FCL/LCL shipping, export clearance, and DDP delivery to Irish ports and airports.
Micocean Int’l Logistics – International forwarder from China with customs support and multimodal freight services to Ireland.
Winsky Freight – Offers integrated sea, air, rail, and door‑to‑door solutions from China to major Irish cities including Dublin and Galway.
SpeedWin for shipping from China to Ireland
When you need dependable shipping from China to Ireland in 2026, SpeedWin offers tailored solutions that combine clarity, efficiency, and real market insights. Here’s why SpeedWin stands out for Ireland logistics:
1. Full-Service Shipping
Pickup in China, customs clearance in Ireland, and final delivery.
Covers VAT (23%) and import duties for smooth clearance.
2. Flexible Options
Sea freight: FCL & LCL, 30–40 days via main Irish ports (Dublin, Cork).
Air freight: 4–7 days to main airports in Ireland.
Express/DDP: Quick shipments with all duties included.
3. Accurate Costs
Real-time quotes for sea, air, and express shipping.
Helps plan budgets efficiently.
4. Single Contact Point
One manager tracks your shipment and handles issues promptly.
SpeedWin ensures cost-efficient, reliable, and transparent shipping from China to Ireland, whether by sea, air, or express.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sea freight: 30–45 days
Air freight: 4–8 days
Express courier: 3–5 days
Costs vary by mode and weight/volume.
Sea FCL: approx. $2,000–$4,000 per 40HQ
LCL: $100–$200 per CBM
Air: $5–$8 per kg
Express courier: $8–$15 per kg
Commercial invoice
Packing list
Bill of lading / airway bill
Customs declaration form (EORI required)
Certificates (if applicable for regulated goods)
Yes，we can ship all kinds of battery to Ireland.
Yes, SpeedWin offers door-to-door shipping including customs clearance and delivery.
Shipments must comply with EU and Irish import rules, including product safety, labeling, and prohibited/restricted items.
Duty rates vary by product type. Most goods fall between 0–14%, with electronics often at 0–2%.
No, some goods are duty-free under EU rules or trade agreements, but VAT usually applies.