What are the delivery times to receive an AliExpress package?

AliExpress has evolved significantly in recent years. Long known for its endless delivery times, the Chinese giant now offers faster options, including in Europe, where some orders can arrive in less than 5 days. But beware: everything depends on several factors.

In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know to understand AliExpress delivery times and avoid unpleasant surprises.

 

Faster delivery than before, but still variable

AliExpress remains a Chinese site, which often involves international shipping. However, thanks to its European warehouses and improvements in its logistics network, delivery times can be very competitive.

Before you order, you’ll see an estimated delivery date displayed on the product page, right above the “Add to Cart” button. This estimate depends on your country, the seller, and the shipping method.

Here are the delivery times according to the chosen option:

Good to know: delivery times can sometimes be shorter if the product is already in stock in a local warehouse (France, Spain, UK, Poland, etc.).

Why can these delivery times vary?

Many factors affect how fast an AliExpress package is delivered. Below are the main points to consider:

1. The shipping method used

The delivery time greatly depends on the shipping method chosen by the seller. AliExpress mainly uses three types of transport for international shipments:

• By air: this is the fastest. Small, light parcels can arrive in just a few days, especially if they ship from a European warehouse.
• Overland: more economical, often used for countries bordering China. Expect around 20 days.
• By sea (maritime route): the slowest, reserved for bulky parcels. Delivery can take over a month, especially if the product goes through several logistics hubs.

In summary: the lighter and smaller a package is, the more likely it’s shipped by air and therefore gets to you faster.

2. The size and weight of the package

The size and weight of the parcel directly affect the type of shipping chosen… and therefore the delivery times.

• Small, light parcels are often shipped in grouped parcels by air, through services like ePacket or AliExpress Standard Shipping. The result: faster delivery, sometimes in under 10 days.
• By contrast, bulky or heavy parcels are sent by truck or ship, which can add several weeks of waiting.

Tip: for quicker delivery, choose less bulky items, such as accessories, light clothing, or small electronic devices.

3. The seller’s reliability

The speed of shipment also depends on the seller. On AliExpress, not all sellers are the same. A reliable seller:

• Often has more orders and a well-established process.
• Has a more efficient logistics network.
• Sometimes has priority access to AliExpress’s fast shipping services.

How to spot a good seller:

• Check their overall rating (at least 4.7/5).
• Read the most recent customer reviews.
• See if they’re labeled “Top Brand“ or “Best Seller”.

💡 Advice: A well-rated seller usually means faster handling, better-packaged parcels, and better tracking. To learn more, check out our article: how to recognize a good seller on AliExpress?

4. The destination country

Even if your package arrives quickly in your country, final delivery depends on your local postal service. And delivery times can vary greatly from one country to another.

• In Europe and the USA, postal services are relatively efficient, especially if the parcel is handled by La Poste or Colis Privé.
• In other countries, the parcel may remain on hold for several days, even after arriving on national territory.

👉 Good to know: sometimes, it takes less time to come from China than to travel the final miles to your door.

Advice: track your parcel regularly. If you see it’s stuck in your country, contact the local carrier with your tracking number.

5. Sensitive periods (holidays, public holidays)

Holiday periods have a direct impact on delivery times, both in China and in your own country. During these times, logistics centers are overloaded, and some services can even come to a standstill.

Below are the risky periods to avoid if you’re in a hurry:

• Chinese New Year (January/February): this is the most important festival in China. Factories and warehouses sometimes close for several weeks.
• National holidays and local public holidays: in Europe too, postal services slow down during certain periods.
• End of year (Black Friday, Christmas, Sales): order surges lead to extended delays, even for express shipping.

Tip: if you order during these periods, plan ahead. Delivery times can easily double.

6. What about customs?

In rare cases, your AliExpress parcel may be temporarily held by customs authorities, especially if the order value exceeds €150. This may cause a slight delay while customs calculate and request any applicable duties or taxes.

👉 No worries: in most cases, even if there are custom duties to pay, the parcel is delivered as usual, and payment is made after delivery through your local carrier (such as La Poste, Colissimo, or DHL).

💡 Tip: if you're ordering an expensive product, allow for a small additional delay just in case, even though such situations are quite rare.

Can you track an AliExpress package?

Once your order is shipped, you receive a tracking number. With it, you can monitor each step of your parcel’s journey:

• When it leaves China
• When it arrives in your country
• When it’s handled by the local carrier

Good habit: download the AliExpress app for smoother tracking and real-time notifications.

Want to know more? Check out our full guide: How do I track my AliExpress package?

Our tips for faster delivery on AliExpress

Getting your order quickly on AliExpress is possible… as long as you know the right steps.

Here are our best tips to reduce delivery times and avoid nasty surprises.

Filter your searches by shipping location

By using the filter “Ship from: Europe”, you’ll find products shipped from warehouses close to you. These orders are typically delivered in 3 to 7 days.

AliExpress now has several warehouses in France, Spain, Germany, and Poland. More and more sellers store their items in Europe, especially in categories like electronics, home, DIY, or fashion accessories.

Avoid holiday periods

Public holidays and commercial events (in China as well as in Europe) slow down shipments. In China, Chinese New Year, which takes place between January and February, causes a mass shutdown of factories and warehouses for several days, or even weeks.

In Europe, periods like Black Friday, Christmas, or the January sales overload carriers. Even express services can experience delays. Ideally, order outside these periods if you want a speedy delivery.

Choose reliable sellers

A well-rated seller is often experienced and responsive. On AliExpress, look at the overall rating (at least 4.7/5), the number of orders completed, and recent reviews. These indicators help you spot sellers who handle orders quickly.

In addition, some sellers have the “Top Brand” label: they often have local stocks and access to faster shipping options. The result: faster processing of your package and more reliable delivery times.

Select premium shipping if necessary

Standard shipping is enough for non-urgent orders. But if you’re in a hurry, opt for AliExpress Premium Shipping or a private carrier such as DHL, UPS, or FedEx. These services can deliver your parcel in 3 to 7 days, even if it ships from China.

However, note that these options are more expensive and aren’t always available for every product. It’s wise to compare the estimated delivery times before confirming your order, based on your budget and how urgent it is.

Choose small, lightweight products

Compact and lightweight items usually ship faster because they can travel by air in grouped parcels. This is especially true for accessories, light clothing, gadgets, small tools, or electronic components.

On the other hand, bulkier products like furniture, heavy tools, or home appliances are generally shipped by sea or overland, which automatically extends delivery times. If speed is a priority, stick to items that are easy to ship.

Conclusion: how long does it take to receive an AliExpress package?

When you order on AliExpress, you accept a certain flexibility in delivery times… but you also get very competitive prices. The real secret is not looking for a fixed delivery promise, but rather understanding the variables that affect shipping.

By knowing how shipping methods, sellers, and filters work, you gain more control over your shopping experience. You’ll know when you need to be patient… and when you can actually receive your package faster than expected.

AliExpress is no longer what it was 5 years ago. Used wisely, it’s a reliable platform, even for fast deliveries — as long as you purchase with the right knowledge.