Ocean & Air Freight Shipping From Spain to India

Spain and India are two of the most vibrant nations in the world, each boasting rich histories and diverse cultures. But that’s not the only thing they share — Spain and India are also pivotal trade partners in the global economy. 

Over the years, economic ties between Spain and India have grown substantially, driven by a mutual interest in expansion and collaboration. In 2022, Spain exported $2.66 billion worth of goods to India, making it the nation’s 25th-largest trading partner. 

The main exported product is crude petroleum, valued at $680 million, followed by refined petroleum ($108 million) and prepared pigments ($103 million). 

If you want to ship from Spain to India, here’s your complete guide to your ocean and air freight shipping options. 

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

Your options for shipping freight from Spain to India are ocean freight or air freight. 

Ocean Freight From Spain to India

Ocean freight is the most economical and flexible way to ship goods from Spain to India. Container shipping might save you some money, especially if you optimize your selection. Ocean freight allows you to choose between less than container load (LCL) or full container load (FCL). 

LCL is for shippers transporting small volumes of goods. Here, your cargo will be consolidated with shipments belonging to other shippers. That way, you’ll only pay for the space their cargo occupies, making it more budget-friendly for small shipments. 

On the other hand, FCL is for those transporting large volumes of goods. A shipper rents the space in an entire container for their shipment alone, giving them more control and security for their cargo. 

Air Freight from Spain to India

Another option for shipping cargo from Spain to India is air freight. It’s the fastest way to get your goods to their destination, making it ideal for time-sensitive shipments, but it’s also the most expensive. This cost, however, is made up for by air freight’s security, with stricter airport regulations ensuring the protection of your high-value goods. 

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

The cost of shipping cargo from Spain to India will depend on a few factors, including: 

• 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 accurate estimate of your shipping costs, utilize our freight costs calculator. Below, you'll find the current cost for shipping a standard 20-foot container from Spain to India:

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

The time it takes to ship goods from Spain to India is largely dependent on the international shipping mode selected. However, the following factors also play a role:

• The season (peak or low) during which you ship
• Whether the shipment route is direct
• The popularity of the trade lane
• Geopolitical instability
• Incidents that might occur at ports

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

Ocean freight from Spain to India will take around 15 to 50 days.

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

Air freight from Spain to India takes around 2 to 8 days.

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

Customs Clearance in Spain and India

When your goods arrive in India, they must be checked and inspected by customs clearance authorities. For the customs clearance process, you will need to prepare and submit the following documents: 

• 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

Look at our full documents list for examples of each customs clearance requirement. 

Should You Choose Ocean Freight or Air Freight?

When choosing between ocean freight and air freight, you need to consider your needs, priorities, and the specific requirements of your cargo. To help you make the right choice, we’ve outlined some things to take into account below. 

Ocean Freight

Ocean freight is your best bet if you’re looking for affordability. Shipping by sea doesn’t cost thousands of dollars, and you can optimize your costs by choosing between LCL and FCL. 

Considerations for LCL Freight Shipping

LCL is best for your shipment 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

FCL might be better for you 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 you want your cargo to arrive in India quickly, you should use air freight. It’s ideal for time-sensitive and perishable goods, only taking 2-8 days for cargo to reach its destination. Air freight also helps protect high-value goods, thanks to stricter airport regulations.

It’s worth noting, however, that air freight is the most expensive international shipping mode. You should also do your due diligence beforehand to determine if it can accommodate your cargo and its weight, volume, and dimensions. 

Ocean Cargo Port Guide

Cargo ports of origin in Spain

Port of Algeciras

The Port of Algeciras is Spain's largest port and the Mediterranean's third-largest port. In terms of trade volume, it ranks 9th among Europe’s largest ports. The port is located in Cadiz, Andalucia, and is an important hub for the shipment of tobacco, oil, and agriculture, among other commodities. 

Port of Valencia

The Port of Valencia is the second busiest port in Spain and is of huge economic importance. It contributes 50% to Spain’s GDP and accounts for half of its employment. The port is the first and last port of call for shipping between the Atlantic and the Western Mediterranean. 

Port of Barcelona

The Port of Barcelona is the third largest port in Spain, boasting a history that spans over 2,000 years. It handles a lot of cargo shipping, seeing 63 million tons of cargo per year. It produces 18% of Spain’s GDP. 

Cargo ports of arrival in India

New Mangalore Port

The New Mangalore Port is located on the Gurupura River’s confluence with the Arabian Sea at Panambur, Karnataka. It began as a hub for accommodation for little boats but expanded to accommodate larger ships over time. The port primarily handles tea, coffee, crude oil, fish, rubber, and fertilizer shipments. 

Mormugao Port

The Mormugao Port is a major iron ore exporter and handles other types of cargo, such as coconuts, cotton, nuts, and manganese. It is one of India’s first developed ports and has access to the Konkan Railway, making it highly popular. 

Ennore Port

The Ennore Port, also known as the Kamarajar Port Limited, is India’s first corporate seaport. It is located 24 kilometers from the Chennai Port in India and is accessible by roads and railways. The port mainly handles the shipment of coal, handling 16 million tons of coal per year. 

Air Freight from Spain to India: An airport guide

Airports of origin in Spain

Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport

The Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport, simply known as the Madrid–Barajas Airport, is the main international airport serving the city of Madrid, Spain. It spans an area of 3,050 hectares, making it the second-largest airport in Europe by physical size. 

Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport

The Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport, simply known as the Barcelona-El Prat Airport, is located 25 kilometers southwest of the Barcelona city center. Specifically, it is in the municipalities of El Prat de Llobregat, Viladecans, and Sant Boi in Catalonia, Spain. 

Zaragoza Airport

The Zaragoza Airport is located 16 kilometers west of Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain, 270 kilometers west of Barcelona, and 262 kilometers northeast of Madrid. It serves as a hub for ASL Airlines Spain and Plaza Servicios Aéreos.

Airports of arrival in India

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport

The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport serves the twin cities of Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India. It was named after India’s first deputy prime minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The airport is a hub for IndiGo, SpiceJet, Go First, Air Deccan, TruJet, JetLite, Simplifly Deccan, and Blue Dart Aviation.

Dabolim Airport

The Dabolim Airport, also known as the Goa International Airport, serves the state of Goa in India. It is operated as a civil enclave in an Indian Navy naval airbase. The airport is a hub for Transportes Aéreos da Índia Portuguesa.

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, located 15 kilometers from the city center.