Standard Delivery Times
The standard delivery time in parcel shipping describes the average shipping duration from dispatch to delivery. It serves as a guideline for senders and recipients to estimate when a shipment is expected to arrive. These times are based on statistical experience and logistical processes under normal conditions. Within Germany, the standard delivery time is typically 24 hours – meaning your parcel usually arrives the next working day. International shipping times depend on the destination country and can vary between two and eight working days. Weather conditions, public holidays, or country-specific factors such as customs clearance can affect actual delivery times, leading to deviations from the stated standard delivery time. Therefore, the regular shipping time is not a guaranteed delivery period but an estimate based on optimal shipping conditions.
Your parcels reach their destination across Europe quickly
Fast, reliable, and operating across Europe – that’s how parcel shipping with GLS works. Our standard delivery times give you a clear indication of when your shipment will reach the recipient. Whether within Germany or across European borders, we deliver efficiently and on schedule. This saves time, ensures customer satisfaction, and makes your shipping processes more predictable – a real advantage for regular shippers.
National Standard Transit Times in Germany
With a standard transit time of just 24 hours, GLS offers particularly fast parcel shipping within Germany. This means for you: sent today, delivered tomorrow – in most cases, at no extra cost. This is made possible by our dense network of depots, ParcelShops, and state-of-the-art logistics technology. For businesses, this is especially beneficial when short delivery times or high delivery speed are crucial – for example, in e-commerce.
International Standard Transit Times in Europe
GLS also offers predictable standard transit times for Europe-wide shipping – ranging from two to eight working days, depending on the destination country. Whether France, Italy, or Croatia: Thanks to our strong international connections, you always know how long your shipment will take. The exact standard transit times from Germany can be found in our country table – perfect for optimising your delivery processes. Please note: Deliveries to islands or remote regions may take a little longer. With our EuroBusinessParcel, you benefit from a reliable shipping service to numerous European countries – including shipment tracking and high delivery quality. Take a look at the following overview for a clear summary of international standard transit times from Germany:
| Country | Days |
|---|---|
| Albania | 4 |
| Andorra | 3 |
| Belgium | 2 |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | 4-5 |
| Bulgaria | 4-5 |
| Denmark | 2-3 |
| Estonia | 3-5 |
| Finland | 3-5 |
| France | 2-3 |
| Greece | 5-8 |
| United Kingdom | 3 |
| Ireland | 3 |
| Iceland | 2 |
| Italy | 3 |
| Kosovo | 6-8 |
| Croatia | 3-7 |
| Latvia | 3-4 |
| Liechtenstein | 3 |
| Lithuania | 3-4 |
| Luxembourg | 2 |
| Malta | 4 |
| Country | Days |
|---|---|
| North Macedonia | 6-8 |
| Montenegro | 6-8 |
| Netherlands | 2 |
| Norway | 2-6 |
| Austria | 2 |
| Poland | 2 |
| Portugal | 3 |
| Romania | 3 |
| San Marino | 2 |
| Sweden | 2-6 |
| Switzerland | 2 |
| Serbia | 4 |
| Slovakia | 2 |
| Slovenia | 2 |
| Spain | 3-6 |
| Hungary | 2 |
| Czech Republic | 2 |
| Turkey | 4 |
| Vatican City | 3 |
| Croatia | 3-7 |
| Cyprus | 5 |
*Delivery on the mainland. Longer delivery times are possible for deliveries to islands or areas that are supplied by GLS via another country (exclaves).
Difference: Standard Delivery Time vs. Guaranteed Delivery Time
What is the difference between standard delivery time and guaranteed delivery time? Simply put: The standard delivery time is an approximate indication based on experience and usual parcel shipping processes. It estimates how long a parcel will typically take in transit. A guaranteed delivery time, on the other hand, is a fixed commitment – such as with express shipping – ensuring delivery within a specific timeframe. Use standard delivery time information to plan shipping better and give your customers a rough timeframe for their delivery. This creates transparency in the shipping process, ensuring customers know when to expect their orders.
Become a GLS Business Customer!
Do you regularly send parcels and want a shipping partner who thinks ahead and supports you with modern logistics solutions? Become a GLS business customer today! We offer not only attractive rates but also tailored solutions for your parcel shipping needs. From fast standard shipping to returns solutions and reliable international deliveries – GLS is the strong partner by your side. As a business customer, you benefit from personalised services, expert advice, and smart digital tools that make your shipping process more efficient and straightforward.
