Average shipping and removal costs to Spain from the UK for parcels, boxes and shipping containers. How to get the cheapest quotes if you are moving to Spain. 

Spain continues to be one of the most sought-after cities after relocation, and it’s no surprise considering its exceptional work opportunities and impressive quality of life. Once you’ve decided to make the move to Spain, your next step will likely involve exploring shipping costs to ensure a smooth transition of your personal belongings.

This guide will provide a pricing estimate for shipping parcels, packages, and large boxes as well as dedicated and part-load removals (such as household goods, furniture and shipping containers) to Spain and detail additional costs that might not be included in your primary quote. For many individuals, a shared shipment via road freight is the most cost-effective choice. The frequent relocation to Spain ensures regular availability of ‘European road trains’, which can transport large volumes at economical rates.

Furthermore, we’ll discuss the expenses related to shipping boxes and explore why air freight may surprisingly be a more affordable option than road transport in certain scenarios.

Mailing or posting parcels to Spain is only suitable for very small packages. For large packages and boxes, shipping with courier companies is very expensive. Personal shipping companies like PSS are, therefore, the perfect solution.

NB: For answers to most of your shipping questions, you can also read our comprehensive Guide to Shipping to Spain from the UK.

Get a quote for shipping your belongings to Spain

International Removal Costs and Prices to Spain for 2024

International Shipping Costs & Removal Prices to Spain for 2024
Household Shipping Rates to Spain From the UK

The prices listed here are based on the contents of an average UK property and include delivery to the specified city or location. The cost of international shipping to the south coast and central locations can differ from the east coast due to the different logistics and distances involved.

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Move Size
(Shipment Volume)
UK to Spain
(Average Cost 2024)
2 kg parcel / package £14.15**
5 large boxes £207
10 large boxes £391
Mini Move/studio flat – 250 cft £799
2 bed flat – 500 cft £2,155
3- bed house – 20ft container £3,237
4+ bed house – 40ft container £5,471

*Box shipping prices are for self-pack, economy size cartons.
** Royal Mail parcel service

Prices exclude VAT.

Removals Quote   Quote For Shipping Boxes / Luggage

NB: The shipping prices and rates listed above are approximate shipping costs to Spain for 2024. For more accurate prices, please contact PSS for a quote (see removals to Spain).

These can significantly underestimate the actual costs for non-commercial users. The prices listed here are for a full door-to-door removal service aimed at people shipping their personal effects.

Free Cost Calculator For Shipping Boxes

Get the latest rates for 2024 – this cost calculator can give you an immediate personal estimate for your shipment of packages, boxes, and other items:

How long does international shipping take from the UK to Spain?

Average Road Freight Shipping Times From the UK to Spain

Please note the below transit times have increased in 2023. with delays due to a shortage of truck drivers. Additional time also needs to be added for customs clearance.

Shipping Options
Shipping Times
Road Freight (Dedicated Load) Up to 7 days
Road Freight (Shared / Part Load) 14-28 days
Standard Air Freight Up to 10 days

Removals Quote   Quote For Shipping Boxes / Luggage

Guide to Spain Shipping Costs

Cost of Sending Boxes / Excess Baggage to Spain From the UK

Tea Carton box shipping

Excess Baggage and box shipping services are ideal for shipping smaller quantities of items/luggage. Large items, such as furniture, will require a removal service.

The prices below include self-packing, although professional packing services are available. Costs per box improve as the quantity or volume shipped increases.

Boxes are based on standard economy-size shipping cartons, measuring 46 x 46 x 46 cm (3.4 cubic feet) and weighing no more than 25 kg each.

You can check out the cost for shipping luggage or excess baggage to Spain here.

Cost of Air Freight to Spain

Air freight to Spain is much faster and more cost-effective, especially when compared to airline excess baggage rates.

Air freight prices to Spain are calculated based on volumetric weight, which is a combination of weight in kg and shipment volume.

Our advisers can give you the best quote based on your circumstances. Even though air freight is not cheaper, the cost difference compared to how much time you save may make it worthwhile. Two options are also available – Standard Air Freight and the faster Express Air Freight.

Cost of Sending Parcels to Spain

Shipping small parcels to Spain can be done relatively cheaply via Royal Mail. For example, a small 2 kg parcel can be posted for around £14.15 by airmail. But 2 kg is the maximum size – for larger parcels, they recommend Parcel Force, and the costs very quickly become too expensive. Therefore, if you are moving to Spain or plan to stay for a more extended period, specialist box shipping services to Spain, as offered by PSS International, are a very attractive option.

Getting an Accurate Shipping Quote or Estimate

Your shipping to Spain costs will be based on the volume (cubic feet) you ship. It is important, therefore, to get an accurate quote based on what you want to send.

The best way to do this is through an estimator visiting your house, although now some shipping companies like PSS offer video surveys via a mobile app or online calculators where you list what you wish to send.

Check everything you need to ship. Don’t forget hidden cupboards, attics, sheds, garages and anything stored at another site – it all adds up.

Additional Volume:

If you need to take extra items not included in your original quotation, it will likely increase the amount you need to pay. However, if you reduce your volume, your shipping estimate may decrease.

What’s Included in the Price for International Removals?

The price estimates quoted here are based on a full international removal service to various locations in Spain. This service is designed for people moving overseas or shipping personal effects and is much more comprehensive than using a freight forwarder or shipping port to port.

  • Door-to-door service (including pick up and delivery)
  • Professional export standard packing materials and cartons.
  • Advice & assistance with completing forms, & other paperwork.
  • Customs inventory – numbering and listing of all packages.
  • UK & destination Port/Terminal handling charges.
  • Ocean freight to arrival vessel destination port.
  • Customs Clearance, haulage of container and unloading.
  • Some Storage may be included in the UK or Spain.
  • Delivery of household effects to the residence, unwrapping and removal of packing materials (assumes good access and not above the first floor).

Why Spain Shipping Estimates Vary

The shipping quotation you are given is an estimate, and your final invoice may be different for a number of reasons.

This is the case with all shipping companies; much can change between receiving your quote and your actual moving or shipping day.

Final shipping costs can change due to:

  • Exchange rate fluctuations.
  • Additional items being added that were not included in the original quotation.
  • Increases in port/shipping fees and other charges between receiving your estimate and your actual departure.
  • Varying costs and charges for different ports and shipping lines.
  • Roadsonal variations (time of year).
Getting a Discount On Your Shipping to Spain

Being flexible or planning your move date can help you get a lower price on your shipping/move costs. During peak times, costs are likely to be higher, and in quieter periods, shipping companies may offer discounts and promotions to help fill containers.

Quantity discounts are also available, so it could be cheaper for you to ship more of your belongings rather than buy everything new in Spain, where they may be expensive to replace.

Customs Duties, Taxes and Other Fees

Currently, as the UK has left the EU following Brexit, the rules for customs have changed. Even though the UK and Spain have a trade deal, customs clearance fees, duties, and taxes may apply depending on your residential status.

Spanish customs duties and import taxes are the responsibility of the person shipping and will need to be paid separately to Spain Customs. However, PSS or our agents may handle these for you.

Fortunately, many people, including immigrants, returning expats, students and even people on work and visitor visas, can ship household goods and personal effects to Spain duty-free. However, some restrictions apply, and customs regulations are subject to change, so we suggest you check that you have the most up-to-date information.

A FIDI Guide to Spain Customs is available here.

Shipment Protection and International Removals Insurance

Accredited shipping companies, like PSS, who are members of BAR, are covered by the Advance Payment Guarantee scheme. Although this guarantees the payment and cost of removal if your removal company cannot complete your move, you should also consider protecting your belongings.

Shipment protection and insurance costs vary between companies depending on whether it is self-packed or packed by the shipping/removal company.

Self-packed tends to be higher as it is not packed by professional packers.

Expect to pay anything from 3% to 7% of the total value of your goods.

(Some removal companies will allow you to select which items you wish to cover, significantly saving your insurance costs).

Shipping Costs to Other Countries

You may wish to check out our shipping cost guides to other countries such as Australia, Canada, Cyprus, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, UAE/Dubai, and USA.

Get a Quote For Shipping To Spain From the UK

PSS International Removals will be happy to help if you are moving to Spain. For over 40 years, we have helped thousands of people and families to move or ship belongings to Spain. Whether you are a first-time migrant or a Spanish expat returning home, PSS can offer you the best prices on shipping for household removals, boxes of personal effects and cars.

Spain is one of our top shipping destinations. Due to our years of experience and the high volumes we ship, we can offer our customers the best service at the lowest prices.

Call the PSS team on 020 8686 7733 to get an estimate or quote.

For more information or to get an online quote:

Removals / Shipping Cost Calculator for Spain Box / Luggage Shipping Cost Calculator