Japan → Istanbul: service and transit time
The container terminals around Istanbul serve as the distribution point for Turkey and neighbouring countries. Services from Japan transit the Suez Canal into the Mediterranean and usually involve a transhipment en route. Transit is around 45–60 days, varying by carrier, schedule and season. Delays can occur due to weather, port congestion or omitted calls.
The trunk service via the Suez Canal is the basis, but depending on conditions it can be switched to the Cape of Good Hope routing, which extends the transit considerably. Using a transhipment service at a nearby hub increases the number of sailings and makes space easier to secure. We will propose to suit your required delivery date.
| Port of loading | Main Japanese ports (Yokohama, Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka/Kobe and others) |
|---|---|
| Port of discharge | Istanbul (TRIST) / Turkey, Mediterranean |
| Transit time (guide) | 45–60 daysDelays can occur |
| Containers | 40HCFCLSOC |
Transit times are a guide for representative services and are not guaranteed. They differ by carrier and service, and delays can occur due to weather, port congestion or omitted calls. Confirmed schedules are provided with your quote.
40HC ocean freight rates to Istanbul and what moves them
Turkey is served mainly through Mediterranean hub ports, so congestion at the hub drives both cost and transit time. There are several terminals and the nominated one changes the local charges, so confirming your consignee preference first makes the quote more accurate.
We compare rates from multiple carriers side by side and present the best available at that moment. Card payment is supported, so you can book without straining your cash flow.
Ports, customs and inland transport for Turkey
Some commodities require an import licence or certificate of conformity for Turkey. There are several terminals, so please make the nominated one clear.
We will guide you through the required documents and deadlines, so please ask even if this is your first shipment to Turkey. For inland destinations, confirming drayage and onward transport in advance makes the schedule easier to plan.
SOC container also available
A lot of Middle East cargo is re-exported from the hub, so depending on the onward destination there is no fixed place to return the container. SOC containers are easier to handle where re-export is intended.
Other routes in Mediterranean
We also handle other routes to Mediterranean. If the destination is not yet fixed, we will compare options on the all-in cost including the inland leg.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Japan to Istanbul take?
45–60 days is the guide. It varies with carrier schedules and peak-season congestion, and delays can occur due to weather, port congestion or omitted calls. Confirmed schedules are provided with your quote.
Which terminal should I nominate?
There are several container terminals around Istanbul and the port of call differs by carrier. Please tell us at the time of booking if your consignee has a preference.
Are there formalities to complete in advance for Turkey?
Some commodities require an import licence or certificate of conformity. Requirements differ by commodity, so please confirm the local requirements in advance.
Why is there such a range in the transit time?
After transiting the Suez Canal into the Mediterranean, a transhipment en route is usual. Congestion at the transhipment port also causes variation.
What is the maximum payload of a 40HC?
Internal capacity is roughly 76 cubic metres and the maximum payload is up to 26.5 tonnes (this can differ by carrier and equipment). Send us your cargo details and we will advise the right container and an estimate.
Are quotes free? How can I pay?
Quotes are free. We accept credit cards (VISA / Mastercard / American Express / JCB). Once you have an account you can quote, book and manage shipments from My Page.
Japan to Istanbul 40HC, at today’s best rate
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