Found something brilliant on AliExpress and wondering how long it'll take to land on your doorstep? You're not alone. AliExpress delivery can feel a bit like waiting for a bus — nothing for ages, then suddenly it all happens at once. The good news? Once you understand how their shipping system works, those “where is my parcel?” moments become far less stressful.

This guide breaks down UK delivery times, shipping options, tracking quirks, and what actually happens behind the scenes. And before you checkout, have a quick look at Groupon’s latest AliExpress discount codes to make the wait feel even more worth it. If you’re still checking whether AliExpress is legit, rest assured that millions of UK shoppers use it successfully — you just need realistic expectations around delivery times.

AliExpress UK Shipping Options (Fastest to Slowest)

AliExpress offers several delivery methods to the UK, each balancing cost and speed differently. Here’s how they compare at a glance:

Quick tip: If you're buying something time-sensitive (gifts, replacement chargers, last-minute essentials), stick to UK warehouse items — the speed is worth the small extra cost.

AliExpress Standard Shipping (7–20 Days)

This is the most common delivery method and is surprisingly reliable for everyday purchases. The broad 7–20 day window exists because your parcel may pass through multiple sorting centres and customs checks. Think of it as the scenic route: slow but dependable, and usually free.

Cainiao Shipping (10–25 Days)

Cainiao is AliExpress’s logistics arm, and while it isn’t always the fastest, it often provides better tracking. Cainiao handles the international journey, then hands your parcel to a UK courier — typically Royal Mail — for the final delivery.

This handoff system confuses some shoppers, but it’s perfectly normal. Your tracking may go quiet for a day or two while it switches systems.

UK Warehouse Shipping (3–7 Days)

Some sellers stock high-demand items in UK warehouses. These ship by Royal Mail or local couriers and arrive within a week. If you see “Ships from: United Kingdom” on the page, you’re getting faster delivery and no customs uncertainty.

Premium Courier Shipping (5–10 Days)

For urgent orders, sellers sometimes offer DHL, FedEx or UPS. These cost noticeably more but come with excellent tracking and faster customs clearance. A great option for gifts or anything you needed... well, yesterday.

The Full Delivery Journey (What’s Really Happening)

Your total wait time includes two stages: the seller’s processing time and the shipping time.

• Processing (1–5 days): Seller picks, packs and hands the parcel to the carrier.
• International transit: Parcel leaves China and passes through logistics hubs.
• UK customs clearance: Can add 1–3 days depending on volume.
• Royal Mail sorting: Your parcel joins the domestic network.
• Final delivery: Handled by Royal Mail or another courier.

Worth noting: Orders placed close to Chinese holidays — like Chinese New Year — face longer processing times. If speed matters, consider items shipped from UK or EU warehouses.

How the Royal Mail Handoff Works

Most AliExpress parcels end up with Royal Mail. The switch happens when Cainiao or another carrier hands the parcel over at hubs like Coventry or Langley. During this time, your tracking may pause — that’s totally normal.

If you're curious whether AliExpress sellers themselves are trustworthy, you can read our guide on how to shop safely on AliExpress.

VAT and Customs: What You’ll Actually Pay

The VAT rules are thankfully simple:

• Orders under £135: VAT is charged at checkout → no extra fees.
• Orders over £135: You may pay VAT + duty on arrival, billed by your courier.

Most AliExpress purchases fall under £135, so the price you see is the price you pay.

How to Track Your AliExpress Order

Tracking looks chaotic until you know what each stage means.

AliExpress Tracking

Go to “My Orders” → “Track Package.” You’ll see updates for each stage of the global journey.

Tracking After the Handoff

Once in the UK, you can often track the same reference on the Royal Mail site. If Royal Mail assigns a new code, AliExpress usually displays both.

If updates stop briefly, don’t panic — this is normal during sorting or customs checks.

Common Causes of Delays

• Chinese New Year: Factories shut for up to 10 days.
• Black Friday / Singles' Day: High parcel volumes slow sorting centres.
• Customs checks: Add 3–5 days occasionally.
• Weekends: Sellers don’t process orders on Saturdays/Sundays.

If your parcel goes beyond the estimated delivery window, check tracking first. If nothing changes, you may be eligible for a refund through AliExpress’s dispute system. For step-by-step help, see our guide on how to cancel AliExpress orders and get refunded.

Tips for Faster Delivery Times

• Filter by “Ships from: United Kingdom” for 3–7 day delivery.
• Check seller dispatch speed ratings.
• Choose premium couriers if timing is critical.
• Avoid ordering during Chinese holidays.
• Don’t confirm receipt until your parcel arrives safely.

If you're curious why AliExpress takes longer than UK retailers, our guide on why AliExpress is so cheap explains how the logistics model keeps prices low.