AliExpress offers multiple shipping methods ranging from free economy shipping (20-45 days, basic tracking) to premium express options (5-12 days, full tracking). The main methods are: Standard Shipping (free or cheap, 15-30 days, decent tracking), AliExpress Standard Shipping (best balance, 10-25 days, reliable tracking), ePacket (10-20 days, good for US/UK), Cainiao (AliExpress’s logistics, 15-30 days), and Express options like DHL/FedEx (7-15 days, expensive, premium tracking). Choose based on urgency, budget, and how much you value tracking reliability.
The Main Shipping Methods on AliExpress
What it is: AliExpress’s recommended balanced option, combining speed and cost.
Delivery time: 10 to 25 days typically Cost: Free on many items, or 2 to 8 USD Tracking: Yes, reliable tracking throughout journey Best for: Most orders where you want decent speed without paying premium prices
This is usually your best choice. It’s fast enough that you’re not waiting forever, cheap enough that it doesn’t hurt your wallet, and tracking actually works so you know where your package is.
Standard Shipping (Free Shipping)
What it is: Economy shipping via China Post or similar carriers.
Delivery time: 15 to 45 days, sometimes longer Cost: Free Tracking: Basic tracking, updates can be spotty Best for: When you’re not in a hurry and want to save every dollar
This is the slowest option but costs nothing. Tracking exists but updates irregularly. Package might show “shipped” for two weeks then suddenly appear at your door. Fine if you can wait and don’t need constant tracking updates.
ePacket
What it is: China Post service designed for small packages to specific countries (mainly US, UK, Australia, Canada, France).
Delivery time: 10 to 20 days Cost: Low, often 2 to 5 USD Tracking: Yes, good tracking with updates Best for: US, UK, and select country shoppers wanting affordable tracked shipping
ePacket only ships to certain countries. If available for your location, it’s a solid middle ground between free shipping and premium options. Tracking is reliable and delivery reasonably fast.
Cainiao Super Economy / Cainiao Standard
What it is: AliExpress’s own logistics network (Cainiao is Alibaba’s logistics arm).
Delivery time:
- Super Economy: 20 to 40 days
- Standard: 15 to 30 days
Cost: Free to low cost Tracking: Yes, integrated tracking through Cainiao system Best for: Budget shipping with better tracking than basic free shipping
Cainiao has been expanding and improving. Their tracking integrates well with AliExpress app. Super Economy is the budget option, Standard is faster. Both give you decent visibility into where your package is.
Express Shipping (DHL, FedEx, UPS, SF Express)
What it is: Premium courier services for fast delivery.
Delivery time: 5 to 15 days Cost: Expensive, 15 to 60 USD depending on weight and destination Tracking: Excellent, real-time tracking with delivery notifications Best for: Urgent orders, valuable items, when speed matters more than cost
These are the premium options. You’re paying for speed, reliability, and peace of mind. DHL and FedEx clear customs faster, deliver faster, and give you precise tracking. Only worth it if you need something quickly or the item is valuable enough that premium shipping makes sense.
Seller’s Shipping Method
What it is: Whatever method the specific seller uses, varies by seller.
Delivery time: Varies, 15 to 45 days typically Cost: Varies Tracking: Depends on seller Best for: When it’s the only option or seller has good reviews about their shipping
Some sellers list “Seller’s Shipping Method” without specifics. Check seller reviews to see what others say about shipping speed and tracking. Sometimes sellers use reliable methods, other times it’s a gamble.
Special Line / Dedicated Line
What it is: Specialized logistics routes optimized for specific countries or regions.
Delivery time: 15 to 30 days Cost: Low to moderate Tracking: Usually yes Best for: When available for your country and reviews are positive
These are logistics services that optimize routes to specific countries. For example, “Spain Special Line” or “Brazil Line.” They can be faster than standard shipping because they use optimized customs clearance. Worth considering if available and well-reviewed for your location.
How to Choose the Right Shipping Method
Step 1: Check what’s available for your address
Not all shipping methods ship to all countries. When you add an item to cart and enter your address, AliExpress shows only methods available for your location. Your choices might be limited based on where you live.
Step 2: Decide your priority
Choose free/economy shipping if:
- You can wait 4 to 6 weeks without stress
- You’re buying cheap items (under 10 USD) where shipping costs don’t make sense
- You’re ordering multiple items and want to minimize costs
- Tracking updates don’t matter much to you
Choose AliExpress Standard Shipping if:
- You want balance between speed and cost (most common choice)
- You want reliable tracking
- You can wait 2 to 3 weeks but not 6 weeks
- You’re buying items worth 10 to 50 USD
Choose Express shipping if:
- You need the item within 1 to 2 weeks
- The item is valuable (over 100 USD) and you want security
- You’re buying a gift with an approaching deadline
- Reliable tracking and fast delivery are worth the premium cost
Step 3: Check estimated delivery dates
AliExpress shows estimated delivery for each shipping method. These estimates are usually conservative. Most packages arrive within the window or earlier, but occasionally take longer.
Compare the estimates with when you actually need the item. Build in buffer time for delays.
Step 4: Read shipping reviews
Some products show reviews that mention shipping speed. Look for comments like “arrived in 12 days via AliExpress Standard” or “took 5 weeks with free shipping.” Real experiences from other buyers help set realistic expectations.
Step 5: Consider tracking importance
If you’re the type who needs to know where your package is, pay for a method with good tracking (AliExpress Standard, ePacket, Express). If you’re comfortable with “it’ll show up when it shows up,” free shipping works fine.
Understanding Tracking on Different Methods
Excellent tracking:
- Express options (DHL, FedEx, UPS)
- AliExpress Standard Shipping
- ePacket
These give you regular updates: shipped, in transit, arrived in your country, cleared customs, out for delivery, delivered. You can track every step.
Decent tracking:
- Cainiao Standard
- Special/Dedicated Lines
- Some Seller Shipping Methods
You get updates but they might be less frequent. Package might show “in transit” for a week, then update when it reaches your country.
Basic tracking:
- Free Standard Shipping
- Cainiao Super Economy
- Some economy options
You get a tracking number but updates are sparse. Might see “shipped” then nothing for weeks, then “delivered.” The tracking exists but doesn’t tell you much during the journey.
How to track:
Use the AliExpress app or website. Go to your orders, click the order, view tracking. AliExpress aggregates tracking from multiple carriers so you see everything in one place.
For more detailed tracking, use:
- 17track.net (aggregates tracking from 2000+ carriers)
- Parcel app (mobile tracking aggregator)
- AfterShip
- The specific carrier’s website once you know who’s delivering
Common Shipping Method Questions
Why do some products offer more shipping methods than others?
Sellers choose which methods they support. Some sellers partner with multiple carriers, others only use one or two. Large sellers usually offer more options. Small sellers might only offer free shipping.
Product size and weight also matter. Heavy items can’t ship via ePacket (weight limits). Large items might only ship via specific carriers that handle bigger packages.
Can I change shipping method after ordering?
Sometimes, but only immediately after ordering and only if the seller hasn’t shipped yet. Contact the seller quickly via AliExpress messaging. Once shipped, you can’t change methods.
Does faster shipping mean my item ships from a closer location?
Not necessarily. Most items still ship from China regardless of shipping method. Express methods just use faster planes, more direct routes, and faster customs clearance. Some sellers have warehouses in other countries (listed as “Ships from Spain” or “Ships from US”), and those ship faster because they’re already in your region.
Why is shipping to my country so slow?
Several factors:
- Distance from China
- Customs efficiency in your country
- Carrier relationships and infrastructure
- Package volume during peak seasons
- Local delivery network quality
Countries with heavy AliExpress traffic (US, UK, Spain, Russia, Brazil) usually have better shipping infrastructure. Smaller markets might have fewer direct shipping routes and longer times.
What if estimated delivery date passes and nothing arrives?
Wait a few extra days as estimates are guidelines, not guarantees. If it’s been significantly longer (2+ weeks past estimate), check tracking. If tracking shows no movement, contact the seller. If they can’t help, open a dispute for “item not received” before buyer protection expires.
Shipping Costs: What You Actually Pay
Free shipping considerations:
Free shipping isn’t really free. Sellers build shipping costs into product prices. That’s why the same item might cost 5 USD with free shipping from one seller and 3 USD + 2 USD shipping from another. Total cost is the same.
Sometimes paying for shipping actually costs less overall. Compare total prices, not just shipping costs.
How shipping costs are calculated:
Based on:
- Package weight
- Package dimensions
- Destination country
- Shipping method speed
- Seller’s carrier partnerships
Small, light items ship cheaply. Large, heavy items cost more regardless of method.
Combining orders to save shipping:
If buying multiple items from the same seller, shipping costs are often combined and reduced. Instead of 3 USD per item × 3 items = 9 USD, you might pay 5 USD total.
Buying from different sellers means separate shipping per seller. Can’t combine shipping across sellers.
Special Shipping Situations
Shipping during peak seasons:
Chinese New Year (late January/February), Singles Day (November 11), Black Friday, Christmas season all create massive shipping volume. During these times:
- Free shipping takes even longer (add 1-2 weeks to estimates)
- Standard shipping is slower than usual
- Express shipping is more reliable but may still face delays
- Tracking updates may be less frequent
Plan accordingly and order earlier than normal during peak seasons.
Shipping large or heavy items:
Items over 2kg often have limited shipping options. Free shipping might not be available. Express shipping gets very expensive as weight increases.
Check total shipping cost before ordering large items. Sometimes buying locally makes more sense when international shipping costs 30-50 USD.
Shipping hazardous materials:
Batteries, liquids, aerosols, flammable items have shipping restrictions. Many carriers won’t accept them, or charge huge premiums. Products with built-in lithium batteries (power banks, some electronics) often can’t use certain shipping methods.
AliExpress usually shows which methods are available based on product type. If an item has limited shipping options, this might be why.
Shipping to remote areas:
Rural addresses, islands, remote regions take longer than major cities. Standard shipping to a rural address might take 25-35 days instead of 15-25. Express shipping still works but adds days compared to shipping to urban areas.
Some carriers don’t deliver to certain remote locations at all. Check shipping availability for your specific address before ordering.
Red Flags and What to Avoid
Sellers with only “Seller’s Shipping Method” and no details
If the seller doesn’t specify what carrier they use, check reviews carefully. Some sellers use unreliable methods or provide fake tracking. Look for buyer reviews mentioning shipping experiences.
Extremely cheap items with expensive shipping
Some sellers list items at 1 USD with 15 USD shipping to make the product appear in low-price searches. Check total cost, not just item price. This is sometimes a scam tactic.
Tracking numbers that never update
Occasionally you get a tracking number that shows no information or never updates. This could mean:
- The seller printed a label but hasn’t shipped yet
- The seller provided fake tracking
- The package is stuck in processing
Wait 5-7 days. If tracking still shows nothing, contact the seller. If they don’t respond or can’t explain, consider opening a dispute.
Shipping times that seem too good to be true
A seller promising “3-5 days delivery” with standard shipping from China to the US is lying. Free or cheap shipping from China takes minimum 2 weeks in best cases. Be skeptical of unrealistic promises.
Tips for Smarter Shipping Choices
Compare the same product from different sellers
Same item might be available from multiple sellers with different shipping options and costs. One seller might offer free shipping (slow), another might offer AliExpress Standard for 3 USD. Compare total costs and delivery times.
Pay attention to “Ships from” location
Some sellers have inventory in local warehouses. “Ships from Spain” or “Ships from US” means the item is already in your region. It’ll arrive in 3-7 days instead of 3-4 weeks. Usually costs more but worth it for faster delivery.
Filter search results by “Ships from: [Your Country/Region]” to find locally stocked items.
Order well in advance for gifts or deadlines
Never count on items arriving by a specific date, even with express shipping. Order minimum 4-6 weeks before you need something if using standard shipping, 2-3 weeks if using faster methods. Customs delays, shipping backlogs, and other issues happen.
Use the AliExpress app for better tracking
The mobile app integrates tracking better than the website. You get push notifications when packages update status. Easier to track multiple orders simultaneously.
Consider shipping insurance for valuable items
Some shipping methods or sellers offer shipping insurance (usually 1-2 USD extra). For items over 50-100 USD, this provides protection if the package gets lost or damaged in transit. Worth considering for expensive purchases.
Takeaway
Shipping method choice comes down to your priorities: speed, cost, tracking reliability, or some balance of all three.
For most AliExpress orders, AliExpress Standard Shipping hits the sweet spot. It’s affordable, reasonably fast, and has tracking you can actually follow. You’re not waiting two months like with free shipping, but you’re not paying 30 USD like with express options.
Use free shipping when buying cheap items in bulk and time doesn’t matter. Use express shipping when you actually need something quickly or the item is valuable enough that premium shipping makes sense.
Check what’s available for your specific address and product, compare total costs including shipping, read reviews about shipping experiences, and choose based on when you actually need the item.
Most importantly, be patient. International shipping from China takes time no matter which method you choose. Build in buffer time, track your packages, and remember that even slow shipping eventually gets there.