Shipping to Spain: Costs, Duration & Providers

Spain is more than sun, beaches and tapas. It is also one of Germany’s most important trading partners.

Whether it’s spare parts to Barcelona, fashion to Madrid or groceries to the Balearic Islands, anyone who ships parcels or pallets regularly knows that success is in the details. Duty-free movement within the EU simplifies many steps, yet differences in delivery times, rates and parcel sizes remain. Each shipment to Spain is different, from a component leaving Stuttgart to a pallet of machinery from Bremen but the route varies by carrier, service type and weight. Having a clear overview can lead to significant savings, especially with shipping to Spain.

Three factors determine whether your shipment remains profitable: speed, transparency and rates.

A fast provider is of little use if surcharges double the price and low rates lose appeal if deliveries arrive days late. Thousands of trucks cross France toward the Iberian Peninsula every day and for shippers in Germany, the key is how shipping costs to Spain, lead times and service quality differ. This guide clarifies which providers are reliable, what a parcel to Spain actually costs and how to plan efficiently: from packaging to tracking.

Recommended carriers for shipping to Spain

For German businesses, shipping to Spain is daily business, from B2C shop orders to spare parts and pallets of industrial goods, yet Spain presents logistical challenges due to long distances, mainland–island differences and varying service levels.

If you regularly ship a parcel to Spain, compare the major carriers using the same criteria: network coverage, transit times, added services, digital integrations and business reliability.

Below is a structured overview of leading carriers with strengths, timings, service options and fit for different business profiles.

DHL

Profile: European market leader with strong B2B and e-commerce dominance; dense road network to Spain via France.

Transit time: typically 2–4 business days for standard, 1–2 days for express.

Special features:

• Broad coverage: over 10,000 drop-off points and partner locations in Spain.
• Integrated returns system for online retailers.
• Stable track & trace with real-time status updates.
• GoGreen sustainability option for climate‑neutral shipping.
• Business customer rates with volume discounts.

Best for: companies with consistent shipping volumes and a strong focus on predictable delivery windows, such as online retailers, spare parts logistics and serial suppliers.

DPD

Profile: Strong European footprint with transparent communication and delivery precision.

Transit time: 3–5 business days depending on region and service class.

Special features:

• Predict service: recipients receive precise delivery time windows in advance.
• Wide shop network with over 2,000 pickup stations in Spain.
• Digital interfaces for e-commerce systems.
• Stable performance even at high shipping volumes.
• Clear, easy-to-manage online administration for business accounts.

Best for: mid-sized shippers needing predictable processes and cost transparency.

GLS

Profile: Cross-border specialist across Europe with reliable standard and express services.

Transit time: 2–4 business days; express under 48 hours.

Special features:

• Detailed tracking with in‑transit milestone data.
• Consistent service quality on the Spanish mainland and the Balearic Islands.
• Convenient return options for B2C shops.
• Easy integration with ERP systems.
• Dedicated account managers for business customers.

Best for: e-commerce with higher return rates and customer experience focus.

UPS

Profile: Global premium provider focused on precision, security and express speed. 

Transit time: 1–3 business days depending on service level. 

Special features:

• Money‑back guarantee for late delivery.
• Multiple express options (Saver, Plus, Critical).
• High standards for shipment security and traceability.
• Globally consistent processes, including customs integration.
• Ideal for valuable or time‑critical goods.

Best for: tight delivery windows, sensitive products and high transport quality requirements.

FedEx

Profile: International leader in express and time-definite logistics, strong in B2B. 

Transit time: 2–3 days; many express services under 24 hours. 

Special features:

• Digital pre‑clearance for faster customs processing.
• Precise tracking with minute‑by‑minute updates.
• Stable service coverage, including the Canary Islands.
• Highest reliability for high‑value or sensitive goods.
• Close, hands‑on customer support for business clients.

Best for: exporters and industrial shippers prioritizing speed and traceability.

TNT

Profile: Time-critical specialist now within the FedEx network. 

Transit time: 1–3 business days; overnight express possible. 

Special features:

• Broad range of shipping options (Economy, Express, Same Day).
• Clear pricing structure with transparent transit‑time guarantee.
• Flexible customer service with German‑ and Spanish‑speaking support.
• Strong coverage of industrial areas across Spain.
• Optional additional insurance for high‑value shipments.

Best for: frequent urgent or sensitive shipments in sectors like tech, medtech or spare parts.

How much does it cost to send a package to Spain?

Many companies ask the same question: how much does it cost to send a parcel to Spain? 

There is no single answer because total costs depend on weight, dimensions, service type, destination region and additional services. Differences between Madrid and the Canary Islands can be significant due to routing and surcharges.

Parcel shipping cost to Spain results from a mix of technical and logistical parameters; understanding them helps you calculate precisely and secure better rates.

What businesses should consider

For professional shippers, the goal is not the cheapest but the most economical rate. A fast, reliable delivery reduces returns, claims and internal process costs, which is why price and transit time should always be assessed together in the broader context.

Anyone shipping abroad regularly knows this: shipping costs to Spain depend heavily on organization and carrier selection. Digital platforms and multi‑carrier systems make comparisons easier and help automatically select the right service provider for each shipment, so companies keep full control with no manual research, no time lost and maximum transparency.

How to pack a parcel for shipping to Spain

A sturdy box alone does not guarantee a safe delivery.

Anyone who regularly manages shipping to Spain knows this: packaging is both a key cost driver and a form of self‑insurance. The materials you choose, the cushioning and how well everything is secured determine whether your shipment arrives intact or triggers complaints later on.

Proper packaging begins not with tape, but with understanding the journey.    
To ship a parcel to Spain means it will pass through multiple sorting hubs, vehicles and occasionally ferries. Every handover involves vibration, pressure and temperature changes. The rule of thumb: prioritize stability first, aesthetics later.

Pallet shipping

Pallets are the safest option for large or fragile goods.

In pallet shipping, precision matters: In the choice of pallet type and the way the load is secured. Euro pallets (120 х 80 cm) are the standard; for larger items, industrial pallets or custom sizes may be more suitable.

Ensure the load is evenly distributed with nothing protruding over the edges.    
Stretch wrap, edge protectors and anti‑slip sheets prevent transit damage. Clear labeling with recipient details and barcodes also speeds up automated handling.

If you ship to Spain frequently, reusable pallets are worth adopting.    
They reduce waste, lower long‑term costs and make reverse logistics easier. Many logistics providers also offer pallet return options, especially for B2B flows.

Oversized shipments

Not every consignment fits standard dimensions: Machinery parts, furniture or trade show materials often exceed typical sizes.

For oversized shipping, weight distribution, secure fixation and handling marks such as “Heavy” or “Top Load Only” are critical. The transport route must be coordinated in advance, since sorting systems are optimized for standard sizes.

For safe transport, use robust wooden crates or reinforced cartons with internal bracing. Metal parts or sensitive surfaces should be protected with edge guards and foam layers. Depending on the provider, collection can be carried out using a pallet jack or forklift.

To make cheap shipping to Spain cost‑effective, consolidate oversized items efficiently, for example, combine multiple parts on a single pallet rather than sending separate parcels. This keeps costs transparent and reduces the damage rate.

Allowed size and weight for shipments to Spain

For parcel shipping to Spain, the same general EU rules apply, but exact limits vary by carrier.

As a rule of thumb, standard parcels may weigh up to 31.5 kg and have a combined length, width and height of up to 300 cm. The longest side is typically capped around 120 cm; anything beyond that is treated as bulky cargo.

Pallet shipments are far more flexible. Many forwarders carry up to 1,000 kg per pallet, depending on service level. Importantly, volumetric (dimensional) weight may be charged if the shipment is large but light and exceeds the physical weight.

Practical tip: check how each carrier calculates dimensional weight in advance.    
Knowing the formula helps avoid surprises in the freight invoice.

Prohibited items for shipping to Spain

Even within the EU, there are clear restrictions that every business should know when shipping to Spain.

These rules protect consumers, ensure transport safety and uphold customs and regulatory compliance. Violations, even unintentional ones, can result in delays, fines or seizure.

Prohibited or restricted items include, among others:

• Dangerous goods (batteries, aerosols, flammable liquids, paints, chemicals): only permitted with specific transport licenses and compliant packaging.
• Weapons, ammunition and components: even deactivated models or replicas may fall under the same rules.
• Perishable foods without a controlled cold chain: only allowed via certified logistics partners with temperature monitoring.
• Live animals: Shipment via parcel carriers is generally excluded.
• Precious metals, cash and high‑value jewelry: many carriers exclude these items because standard insurance does not cover them.
• Plants, seeds and organic materials without a phytosanitary certificate proving freedom from pests.

If you plan to ship a parcel to Spain, review the carrier’s terms and conditions carefully. Many providers distinguish between private and commercial shipments and maintain exclusion lists that go beyond legal requirements.

For commercial shipments, note that certain products, especially electronics, cosmetics or medical devices, may only be transported with a product conformity declaration (e.g., CE marking), even within the EU. Spot checks still occur, so documentation should be in order.

Being informed in advance saves time, prevents returns and ensures a smooth process, whether you are sending merchandise, spare parts or sample shipments.

Delivery time and duration to Spain

Transit time depends on several factors: distance, service type, season and pickup location.

Road shipments to Spain typically take 2 to 5 business days; express services often reach major cities within 1 to 2 days. Deliveries to the Balearic Islands usually take one extra day and the Canary Islands 2 to 3 extra days.

During peak periods, such as the run‑up to Christmas or regional public holidays, build in additional buffer time. Strikes or severe weather in southern France can also affect transit times.

Digital parcel tracking tools let you check the status in real time. To make parcel tracking to Spain straightforward, most carriers offer push notifications or email updates that keep you informed from pickup to final delivery.

Address format for parcels to Spain

A correctly formatted address is crucial for successful delivery.    
In Spain, each province has its five‑digit postal code that appears before the city name, unlike Germany, where postcodes map more directly to regions.

A correctly formatted label should contain:  

Recipient name   
Street and house number   
Postal code + city + province (in brackets)   
SPAIN

Example:  

Juan García   
Calle Mayor 15   
28013 Madrid (Madrid)   
SPAIN

Important: In Spain, house numbers may include letters or be added retroactively (e.g., “15B,” “S/N”—sin número). If you ship to Spain regularly, maintain addresses in your CRM with the province name and the full postal code field, it speeds up sorting and reduces delivery errors.

Customs rules for shipping to Spain

Within the EU, the movement of goods is generally duty‑free, including parcel shipping to Spain.

Nonetheless, there are formal requirements, especially for businesses. For excisable goods, alcohol or electronics, intra‑Community proof (e.g., the recipient’s VAT ID and shipping evidence) may be required.

Different rules apply to shipments to the Canary Islands, Ceuta or Melilla.  
These regions are politically part of Spain but lie outside the EU tax territory. German VAT does not apply; local import and excise taxes (IGIC or IPSI) are due instead.

For such destinations, a simplified customs declaration is required, similar to exports to third countries. Key documents include the commercial invoice, delivery note and, if applicable, a certificate of origin. Shipstage supports shippers by generating documents automatically and transmitting data digitally to customs systems.

Tip: For pallets or larger consignments, check in advance whether the goods fall under special EU regulations (e.g., food, chemicals or dual-use items). This helps avoid queries or transit holds.

Tracking shipments to Spain

Whether B2C or B2B, customers want to know where their delivery is and when it will arrive. Modern parcel tracking to Spain offers more than a simple status link; it can show intermediate scans, customs status, estimated delivery time and even temperature logs for sensitive goods.

Leading providers rely on API‑based systems that integrate with ERP and e‑commerce platforms. This gives businesses centralized oversight, enables early detection of delays and supports proactive customer communication.

For international routes, multi‑carrier tracking systems are recommended.  
They consolidate status data from different carriers on a single platform which is a decisive advantage for complex supply chains with interim storage or cross‑docking in France.

For those sending a small parcel to Spain regularly, such tools save time and reduce support workload: fewer inquiries, more predictability.

Sending a package from Germany to Spain with Shipstage

Shipstage brings together what is often scattered in international shipping: price comparison, shipment execution and real‑time monitoring in one system. Companies that frequently send a parcel from Germany to Spain gain more than a tool: they get a strategic partner for efficient logistics.

The platform automates, validates and optimizes each step: From label printing to digital invoicing, the platform automates every step.

For pallet shipping to Spain, Shipstage connects experienced forwarding partners specialized in B2B transport for maximum reliability.

Why companies trust Shipstage:

• Automatic carrier selection  
  Shipstage analyzes weight, dimensions, destination region and service type. It selects the cheapest and fastest option accordingly. No guesswork, no side‑by‑side spreadsheets.
• Digital customs data and document creation  
  All documents, from commercial invoices to customs information, are generated automatically, correctly formatted and stored digitally.
• Seamless tracking  
  Every shipment to Spain is traceable in real time. A central dashboard consolidates statuses, delays and proofs of delivery across carriers.
• Integration with existing systems  
  Interfaces to ERP, CRM and shop systems ensure end‑to‑end processes without manual data entry.
• Transparent cost control  
  Shipstage calculates shipping prices dynamically and highlights potential savings, keeping budgets predictable and auditable.
• B2B focus and peer‑level support  
  Dedicated contacts guide onboarding, advise on complex shipments and respond quickly, including special cases or express jobs.
• An adaptive system for frequent shippers  
  Based on past orders, Shipstage detects patterns: which service is most efficient and which carriers deliver on time consistently. The system adapts for ever‑better results.

Whether for a one‑off test or daily recurring shipments, Shipstage connects the dots: shipping, tracking, billing and analytics in one clean, modern dashboard.

That’s how international logistics becomes truly predictable, transparent and trustworthy, as it should be in the 21st century.

FAQ

Which holidays in Spain can delay delivery?

Nationwide holidays such as Constitution Day (6 December) or Epiphany (6 January) regularly cause delivery pauses. In addition, many regions, such as Catalonia or Andalusia, have their own public holidays, which can delay local deliveries by one to two days.

What is the cheapest way to send a package to Spain?

The cheapest option depends on weight, size and desired transit time. For standard parcels, economy tiers from major carriers usually offer the best value for money, especially with regular shipping via digital platforms like Shipstage.

How fast is express shipping to Spain?

Express parcels typically reach major cities like Madrid or Barcelona within 24 to 48 hours. For island deliveries, transit often extends by one to two days.

Are packages delivered on Saturdays in Spain?

Yes, some carriers, such as DHL or UPS, offer Saturday delivery as an additional option. It must be booked when shipping and is particularly useful for time‑critical deliveries.

Is my package insured for shipping to Spain?

Most standard tariffs include basic coverage, the amount of which depends on the carrier. For high‑value or sensitive goods, additional insurance can be added to cover the full value.

How can I claim compensation for damaged or lost packages to Spain?

Claims are submitted directly to the carrier, typically via an online form with proof of damage and invoices. Be sure to file within the specified deadline, typically 7 to 14 days.

Are there special rules for returns from Spain?

Yes, returns are governed by your contractual terms. For B2C merchants, integrated return solutions make returns in Spain easier and more transparent for customers.