Ocean & Air Freight Shipping From Singapore to India

Singapore’s exports to India increase in value year after year, amounting to $16.4 billion in 2021. The top product shipped is gold, which accounts for $1.42 billion in shipments. Other commodities include integrated circuits and computers. 

Here’s everything you need to know about your ocean and air freight options for shipping goods from Singapore to India.

What Are the Options for Shipping Freight From Singapore to India?

Shipping freight from Singapore to India can be done via ocean or air freight, depending on your needs and priorities. 

Ocean Freight From Singapore to India

Ocean freight is the most economical shipping option. It’s also the most flexible, accommodating a wide range of cargo. Ocean freight allows shippers to choose between two options: less than container load and full container load. 

LCL is best for shippers transporting small goods. They share the space in the container with other shippers through the consolidation process and only pay for the space their cargo occupies. This makes LCL very cost-efficient, although it does have longer transit times. 

On the other hand, FCL is for shippers transporting larger volumes of goods. They rent the space in an entire unit to ship their cargo without sharing the container, which translates to more security and control over the shipping process. FCL has faster transit times than LCL but can be more expensive. 

Air Freight from Singapore to India

Air freight is the fastest and most secure way of transporting goods from Singapore to India. Thanks to stricter airport regulations, you can opt for this mode of shipment for high-value and time-sensitive goods. It’s worth noting, however, that air freight is the most expensive shipping option. It also regulates what you can and cannot ship more stringently. 

How Much Does it Cost to Ship Cargo From Singapore to India?

The cost of shipping cargo from Singapore to India will depend on a variety of factors, which include: 

• Your choice of ocean or air shipping




• Your preference for door-to-door, port-to-port, port-to-door, or door-to-port shipment




• Your consignment’s weight, volume, and size




• Weight and size limits

For an estimate of your shipping costs, use our freight costs calculator online. The table below lists the current cost for shipping a standard 20-foot container from Singapore to India:

How long does it take to ship cargo from Singapore to India?

Shipping goods from Singapore to India varies in transit time, primarily based on the international shipping mode you choose. Additional factors impacting this include:

• The shipping season (peak or low)




• The directness of the shipment's route




• The popularity of the trade lane




• Geopolitical issues




• Potential incidents at ports

How long does it take to ship cargo by sea from Singapore to India?

Ocean freight from Singapore to India can take about 15 to 50 days.

How long does it take to ship cargo by air from Singapore to India?

Air freight from Singapore to India is much faster, only taking 2-8 days.

For the most accurate estimate, we recommend using our transit time calculator.

Customs Clearance in Singapore and India

When your goods arrive in India, they will need to go through the customs clearance process. This requires that you prepare and submit the following paperwork: 

• A commercial invoice




• A packing list




• A certificate of origin




• A letter of credit or other payment terms (depending on the contract between the parties involved)




• A bill of lading for ocean freight or an Airway Bill for air freight

If you need examples of these customs clearance documents, check out our complete list of documents. 

Should You Choose Ocean Freight or Air Freight?

The choice between ocean freight and air freight should depend on your needs and priorities as a shipper, as well as the requirements of your cargo. Here are some pointers to help you make the best decision. 

Ocean Freight

Ocean freight is the suitable shipping mode for you if you prioritize cost savings and flexibility. It can accommodate a range of different cargo types and volumes. When you opt for ocean freight, you’ll also have to choose between LCL and FCL. 

Considerations for LCL Freight Shipping

LCL is right for you if your cargo is: 

• Small in size and quantity 




• Lightweight




• Suitable for consolidation with cargo belonging to other shippers 




• Not delicate, fragile, or high-value 




• Not requiring special handling or movement 

Considerations for FCL Freight Shipping

On the other hand, FCL might be a better choice if your cargo is: 

• Large in size and quantity 




• Heavy or overweight




• Not suitable for consolidation with cargo belonging to other shippers 




• Delicate, fragile, or high-value 




• Requiring special handling or movement 

Air Freight

If your priority is to get your cargo to India fast, then you should opt for air freight, which only takes a couple of days to complete a shipment from Singapore to India. This is also the most secure option, perfect for shipping high-value and time-sensitive goods. 

However, air freight is also the most expensive shipping mode, so consider the cost before making a decision. Also, do your due diligence and check for its restricted and regulated cargo rules to see if it can accommodate your goods. 

Ocean Cargo Port Guide

Cargo ports of origin in Singapore

Port of Singapore

The Port of Singapore is the busiest and largest port in the world. It is located on the southern end of the Malay Peninsula and within close proximity to the Port of Johor in Malaysia. The port connects Singapore to 600 ports in 123 countries. It handles 37.2 million TEUs per year. 

Cargo ports of arrival in India

V.O. Chidambaranar Port

The V.O. Chidambaranar Port, also known as the Tuticorin Port, houses India's fourth-largest container terminal facility. It handles 698,000 TEUs annually, with main imports and exports including coal, grain, salt, cooking oil, and petroleum. 

Kandla Port

The Kandla Port in the Kandla Creek area is one of India’s oldest ports, with construction beginning in the 1950s. This port was also the first export processing port in the country and is hailed as the biggest container port in India. 

Mumbai Port

The Mumbai Port is the largest in India by size and shipping traffic. It is an important seaport for the Indian economy, handling 20% of all foreign trade and 2 million TEUs annually. It was also India’s first container terminal. 

Air Freight from Singapore to India: An airport guide

Airports of origin in Singapore

Singapore Changi Airport

The Singapore Changi Airport is located near the Marina Bay in downtown Singapore. Thanks to its advanced facilities, performance, and value, it is ranked as the world’s best global air cargo hub. It is also the eighth-largest cargo hub in the world for international freight. 

Airports of arrival in India

Chennai International Airport

The Chennai International Airport serves Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, and its metropolitan area. It is hailed as the fifth busiest airport in the country and the third by international traffic. A hub for IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, Jet Airways, Indian Airlines, and more, the airport handles 342.74 thousand metric tons of freight per year.

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport

The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport serves Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana, India. It was built to replace the Begumpet Airport. Today, the Rajiv Gandhi airport serves as a hub for IndiGo, SpiceJet, Alliance Air, Amazon Air, TruJet, JetLite, Blue Dart Aviation, and Flyington Freighters, which handle 142.43 thousand metric tons of cargo per year. 

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport

The Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport serves Kolkata, India, and its metropolitan region. It is eastern and northeastern India’s primary aviation hub. The airport is a hub for IndiGo, SpiceJet, Go First, Alliance Air, Indian Airlines, Zoom Air, Blue Dart Aviation, Zav Airways, and Airways (India), which help it handle 136.02 thousand metric tons of freight per year.