iContainers is an online logistics platform optimized to help your business easily access the global trade environment. We digitalize international freight forwarding services to simplify global logistics & facilitate trade.
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.
Your options for shipping freight from Spain to India are ocean freight or air freight.
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.
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.
The cost of shipping cargo from Spain to India will depend on a few factors, including:
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:
TRADE LANE RATES
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:
Ocean freight from Spain to India will take around 15 to 50 days.
Air freight from Spain to India takes around 2 to 8 days.
For the most accurate estimate, we recommend using our transit time calculator.
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:
Look at our full documents list for examples of each customs clearance requirement.
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 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.
LCL is best for your shipment if your cargo is:
FCL might be better for you if your cargo is:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
About Us
Shipping cargo requires considering various factors, such as the season, the size of the cargo, the shipping method, and the origin and destination.
With years of industry expertise, iContainers combines traditional freight forwarding services with advanced technology for your convenience. Our digital platform allows you to oversee your entire shipment—from requesting a quote to booking and tracking your cargo—all from your mobile device.
Feel free to contact us for a free quote at any time. We are always available to provide the information you need.