Quick answer: Total door-to-port time from China is typically 45–65 days: about 20 days in China (order → inspection → paperwork → loading) plus sailing time by route — Jebel Ali 20–30 days, Mombasa 30–40, Lagos 35–45, and Vladivostok just 3–7. The fastest routes to Central Asia run overland or by rail via Khorgos in 12–20 days.
"How long does shipping take?" is the second question every buyer asks after price — and the honest answer is a range, not a number, because schedules, congestion and vessel availability all move it. Below is the table we quote from, based on shipments we actually run in 2026, plus the factors that push a date in either direction.
Sailing and door-to-port times by route
| Destination | Port | Sailing time | Total door-to-port* |
|---|---|---|---|
| UAE | Jebel Ali | 20–30 days | ≈ 45 days |
| Saudi Arabia | Jeddah / Dammam | 25–35 days | ≈ 50 days |
| Kenya | Mombasa | 30–40 days | ≈ 55 days |
| Tanzania | Dar es Salaam | 35–45 days | ≈ 60 days |
| Nigeria | Lagos (Tin Can / Apapa) | 35–45 days | ≈ 55–65 days |
| Russia (Far East) | Vladivostok | 3–7 days | ≈ 25–30 days |
| Kazakhstan / Central Asia | Khorgos crossing, overland/rail | 12–20 days | ≈ 30–40 days |
| Mexico | Manzanillo | 25–35 days | ≈ 50 days |
| Chile | San Antonio / Valparaíso | 35–40 days | ≈ 55–60 days |
*Total = ~20 days in China (order to loading) + sailing. 2026 typical ranges from Tianjin or Shanghai; confirm the live schedule at booking.
What happens during the 20 days in China
The pre-shipment window is the part buyers underestimate. In sequence: refurbishment and detailing (if contracted), the final inspection, export documentation (commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, per-vehicle export licence), customs declaration, and container loading or Ro-Ro drop-off. Skipping refurbishment compresses this to 7–10 days; a batch of 6+ vehicles can stretch it slightly.
Four factors that move your dates
- Sailing schedules. Container services on major lanes (Jebel Ali, Mombasa) are near-weekly. Ro-Ro sailings on thin routes can leave every 2–3 weeks — waiting for the next vessel is the most common delay.
- Port congestion. Destination-side congestion (Lagos is the classic case) can add days to weeks before berthing and discharge.
- Peak seasons. Space tightens ahead of summer and year-end. Book 2–3 weeks earlier than you normally would.
- Documentation readiness. If the buyer-side paperwork (Form M, agent details, consignee details on the bill of lading) is not final when the vessel is ready, loading slips to the next departure.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to ship a used car from China?
Total door-to-port is typically 45–65 days: ~20 days in China from order to loading, plus 20–45 days sailing depending on destination. Vladivostok is the outlier at just 3–7 days sailing.
What is the fastest route from China?
Vladivostok, Russia (3–7 days sailing from northern ports). Central Asia is second — 12–20 days by truck or rail via Khorgos. West Africa and Latin America are the longest.
Is RoRo faster than container?
Sailing time is similar; schedule frequency is the difference. Ro-Ro departures are less frequent on thin routes, so the wait for the next vessel often dominates. Container services on major lanes run weekly.
How do I track the car at sea?
Track the bill of lading number with the carrier (and container + seal numbers for boxes). We send loading photos and video before departure and notify buyers at departure and arrival.
Want a quote with a real sailing schedule?
Tell us the destination port and quantity. The quote comes with the current vessel option and its departure window.
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