China
DjiboutiShanghai to Djibouti shipping route.
5,985 nautical miles via Strait of Malacca, about 17.8 days of steaming at 14 knots.
Sea Distance Between Ports: Shanghai and Djibouti
Port to Port Distance on the map, along real shipping lanes.
ShanghaiStrait of MalaccaDjiboutiShipping time from Shanghai to Djibouti
| Route | Distance | 12 kn | 14 kn | 18 kn |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| via Strait of Malacca (shortest) | 5,985 nm | 20.8 d | 17.8 d | 13.9 d |
| via Sunda Strait | 6,554 nm | 22.8 d | 19.5 d | 15.2 d |
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Reverse: Djibouti to ShanghaiShip Shanghai to Djibouti with Navo
Live numbers for this lane from Navo apps, updated 2026-10-31.
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About the Shanghai to Djibouti shipping route
The shipping route from Shanghai, China to Djibouti, Djibouti covers 5,985 nautical miles port to port, via Strait of Malacca. On a globe the two ports sit 8,251 km apart, so the ship sails 1.34 times the straight line distance. On the way the vessel passes Strait of Malacca.
Pure steaming time is 17.8 days at 14 knots. A carrier that slow steams at 12 knots to save fuel needs 20.8 days, and a fast 18 knot string about 13.9. Liner schedules on the lane quote 21 to 31 days port to port, because the services call at other ports and some transship. Over the last 30 days we counted 10 sailings by 3 carriers (CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk).
The next option is via Sunda Strait, 6,554 nautical miles, 569 nm longer than the main route. Carriers pick it when Sunda Strait is congested or closed.
Recent freight rates for CNSHA to DJJIB start at $4,137 for a 20GP and $5,887 for a 40GP ($6,732 for a 40HC). These are spot market prices from carriers that sail the lane; your quote will also include terminal handling, documentation and any bunker surcharge. At Djibouti (DJJIB) carriers give about 10 free days before demurrage and detention charges start, so plan the truck or rail pickup before the box lands.
Of the 64 port to port routes from Shanghai in this directory, Djibouti is the 31st shortest. Closer destinations include Los Angeles (5,749 nm), Jebel Ali (5,710 nm) and Salalah (5,593 nm).
FAQ
How many nautical miles from Shanghai to Djibouti?
The port to port distance from Shanghai to Djibouti is 5,985 nautical miles (11,084 km), via Strait of Malacca. The route passes Strait of Malacca.
What is the shipping time from Shanghai to Djibouti?
About 17.8 days at 14 knots and 13.9 days at 18 knots of steaming, without port calls. Scheduled liner services on this lane quote 21 to 31 days.
What are freight rates from Shanghai to Djibouti?
Recent spot rates for CNSHA to DJJIB start at $4,137 per 20GP and $5,887 per 40GP, before local charges. Rates change weekly.
Is the return route the same?
The reverse route Djibouti to Shanghai has its own page with the same distance and route.
More port to port distance
- Shanghai to Qingdao410 nm
- Shanghai to
Busan469 nm - Shanghai to Incheon538 nm
- Shanghai to Dalian553 nm
- Shanghai to Xiamen589 nm
- Shanghai to
Kaohsiung635 nm 
Jeddah to Djibouti693 nm
Salalah to Djibouti742 nm
Port Said to Djibouti1,376 nm
Karachi to Djibouti1,601 nm
Jebel Ali to Djibouti1,675 nm
Mersin to Djibouti1,747 nm
How we count: sea routes follow shipping lanes and canals, time is pure steaming at 14 knots without port calls. Engine navo-distance-time 0.3.0. See all sea distance between ports or the Shipping Routes Directory.