Japan → Mombasa: service and transit time
Mombasa is the largest port in East Africa and the starting point for transit traffic to landlocked countries including Uganda, Rwanda and South Sudan, as well as serving Kenya. Services from Japan tranship at a hub in the Middle East or Asia. Transit is around 45–60 days, varying by carrier, schedule and season. Delays can occur due to weather, port congestion or omitted calls.
Services to Mombasa mostly involve a transhipment. Cargo can sit at the transhipment port, which widens the range of transit times, but we compare several routings and present the best available at that moment. If your deadline is tight, we can look for a routing optimised for speed.
| Port of loading | Main Japanese ports (Yokohama, Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka/Kobe and others) |
|---|---|
| Port of discharge | Mombasa (KEMBA) / Kenya, Africa |
| 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 Mombasa and what moves them
East Africa is served by few carriers, so securing space feeds straight into the cost. For landlocked destinations the road leg beyond Mombasa is a large share of the total. Whether you use an SOC container also changes the figure, since there is nowhere to return the box.
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 Kenya
For transit traffic to landlocked countries, the customs documentation and inland transport need to be arranged together. Using SOC containers removes the constraint of returning the box.
We will guide you through the required documents and deadlines, so please ask even if this is your first shipment to Kenya. For inland destinations, confirming drayage and onward transport in advance makes the schedule easier to plan.
SOC container also available
For Africa, and especially landlocked destinations, there is often nowhere to return the container and detention builds up. This is where the advantage of SOC containers, which need no return, is greatest.
Other routes in Africa
We also handle other routes to Africa. 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 Mombasa 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.
Can you carry to landlocked countries such as Uganda or Rwanda?
Yes. Mombasa is a principal starting point for transit traffic to the landlocked countries of East Africa. The destination country customs documents and the inland leg need to be arranged together, so please tell us the final destination.
What is the advantage of SOC containers for landlocked destinations?
There is no need to return the container, which makes arrangements much easier where there is nowhere to return it. You also avoid detention tied to return deadlines.
How long does it take to reach Nairobi?
There are rail and truck connections inland from Mombasa. The duration of that leg varies through the year, so we will advise at the time of booking.
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 Mombasa 40HC, at today’s best rate
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