Shipping from Turkey to Greece: 2026 Prices, Routes & Service Guide

Greece freight services represent one of the routes where Turkey makes the most efficient use of its geographical proximity advantage. Turkey–Greece freight services stand out for short transit times of 1–2 days via the Ipsala border crossing. The Turkey–Greece bilateral trade volume exceeds 5 billion dollars per year, and road transport forms the backbone of this trade.

Gökay Transport, since 2010 has been operating regular services on the Greece route. We offer full truckload (FTL), groupage (LTL), and refrigerated transport services to all regions of Greece — primarily Thessaloniki, Athens, Kavala, and Alexandroupolis. Across our 14-country service network, Greece is one of the routes where we achieve the fastest delivery times thanks to its geographical proximity. You can find general information covering all countries on our international freight rates guide page.

Greece Freight Rates 2026

Greece freight rates vary by route, cargo type, and transport model. In the table above we share current 2026 road Greece freight rates on a route-by-route basis. Unlike our competitors, we take a transparent approach by providing specific EUR-denominated price information.

Important Note: Prices are 2026 estimated averages. They may change depending on cargo type, volume, season, and customs conditions. Istanbul–Greece freight services on our lane operate on fixed Wednesday and Friday departures.

For a current price quote tailored to your route, contact us via WhatsApp or call +90 533 302 33 10 directly.

Factors That Affect the Price

how much Greece shipping costs depends on the following factors:

1. Distance: A significant price difference arises between Istanbul–Thessaloniki (~570 km) and Izmir–Athens (~1,000 km)
2. Cargo weight and volume: Pricing is based on tonnage and m³; heavy loads limit trailer capacity
3. Season: Summer months (June–September) and public holidays bring price increases due to higher demand
4. Customs costs: Additional customs duties on products without an ATR certificate affect the price
5. Fuel surcharge: Fluctuations in international diesel prices are reflected in freight rates
6. Refrigerated surcharge: Cold-chain transport adds 20–30% on top of the standard rate

Istanbul – Greece Transit Times

how long Istanbul–Greece freight takes is the most critical point in shipment planning. In the table above we share route-based distance and transit time information.

Transit times Ipsala border crossing customs waiting time is included. live GPS tracking system, you can monitor your cargo's real-time location and receive updates at border crossing and delivery stages.

Greece Road Freight Routes

Greece road freight offers fast and cost-effective transport thanks to the direct connection from Turkey's western border. Turkey–Greece road freight routes are planned via two main corridors.

Main Route from Istanbul

TIR trucks departing from Istanbul follow the E-80 motorway via Edirne to reach the Ipsala border gate. On the Greek side, entry is made through the Kipi customs point. From there, the route continues via the E-90 highway towards Kavala, Thessaloniki, and Athens. This route is the most frequently used and shortest option for Greece freight.

Route from Izmir

Izmir–Greece freight lane, cargo is routed from Izmir towards Istanbul, then directed along the Edirne–Ipsala corridor. Among Izmir–Greece freight companies, Gökay Transport organises consolidation services with weekly collections from the Izmir depot. Izmir–Thessaloniki transit time is approximately 2 days, and Izmir–Athens is 2–3 days.

Alternative Route via Bulgaria

It is possible to reach Thessaloniki via Bulgaria by exiting through the Kapikule border gate and crossing at the Promachonas/Ilinden border. This route is considered during periods of congestion at Ipsala. For more information you can visit our Bulgaria alternative route page. Romania transit routing can also be used as an alternative for reaching northern Greece.

Greece Full Truckload (FTL) Transport

Among Greece TIR freight companies, Gökay Transport provides reliable full-load transport solutions with its own fleet. Greece transport service. Our 13.6-metre curtainsider and mega trailers have a capacity of 24 tonnes and 86 m³ in volume.

Advantages of full truckload transport:

• Direct delivery: Door-to-door delivery from loading point to unloading point with no transhipment
• Shorter transit: Shipments depart without waiting for consolidation
• Cargo security: The trailer is dedicated exclusively to your cargo
• Flexibility: You choose the loading and delivery date

Greece freight service operates on weekly scheduled departures. We run fixed departures on Wednesdays for the Thessaloniki lane and Fridays for the Athens lane. If your cargo volume exceeds 50 m³, a full truckload gives you both a cost and a time advantage. For your full TIR shipment to Greece, Contact us now.

Greece Groupage (LTL) Shipping

Greece groupage shipping is the most economical solution for small and medium-sized loads that do not require a full trailer capacity. Greece groupage transport service uses per-pallet pricing. We accept shipments from a minimum volume of 0.5 m³.

Advantages of groupage shipping:

• Lower cost: You share the freight charge with other shippers
• Weekly departures: Consolidation services on the Istanbul–Thessaloniki–Athens lane every week
• Small consignments: Flexible loading starting from 1 pallet
• LDM-based pricing: Transparent pricing based on loading metres (LDM)

For detailed information, visit our groupage shipping rates page. We offer suitable solutions for your small consignments; request a quote now.

Groupage or Full TIR?

Consider the following criteria when deciding which transport model is right for you:

10–50 m³ you can find the most accurate comparison in our groupage vs. full TIR guide.

Greece Refrigerated Transport

Greece refrigerated transport service we carry your fresh fruit and vegetables, dairy products, meat, and frozen food products while maintaining complete cold-chain integrity. Our ATP/FRC-certified refrigerated vehicles operate within the temperature ranges shown above.

Temperature data is monitored in real time via GPS and recorded throughout the shipment. For detailed information on refrigerated transport, visit our cold-chain transport guide page.

Greece Door-to-Door Removal Prices 2026

Greece door-to-door removal service provides a complete door-to-door solution for your personal relocation needs. Professional packing of your belongings, loading, customs procedures, and delivery to your address in Greece are all managed under one roof. Pricing is determined based on the volume of items, packing requirements, and delivery city.

Customs exemption may apply to personal effects. Message us on WhatsApp to plan your move together, or call +90 533 302 33 10. For more details, visit our moving to Greece guide page.

Why Gökay Transport?

Among Greece freight companies, we have concrete reasons for you to choose Gökay Transport. When evaluating Greece freight carriers, very few companies meet all of the criteria listed below. Among Greece road freight companies, we are the leading firm that combines an L2 licence, CMR insurance, and GPS tracking in one package.

• L2 Licence & U.NET Registration: We hold an L2 operating licence approved by the Turkish Ministry of Transport. As a U.NET (UNECE)-registered company, we are authorised to carry out international road transport to EU standards.
• 16 Years of Experience: We have been providing uninterrupted service on the Greece lane since 2010, with regular shipments to Thessaloniki, Athens, Kavala, and Alexandroupolis.
• CMR Insurance (on Every Shipment): Every load is covered by CMR insurance from the start of the transport process. In the event of damage or loss, we manage the claims process on your behalf. For more information, visit our freight insurance information page.
• Live GPS Tracking: You can track your cargo's location live 24/7. We provide real-time updates at the Ipsala border crossing and at delivery.
• 14-Country Service Network: We provide regular road freight services to 14 countries including Greece. We operate weekly services on Balkan, Caucasian, and Western European routes.
• Weekly Scheduled Departures: We run fixed scheduled departures on the Istanbul–Thessaloniki–Athens lane every Wednesday and Friday.

carriers operating to Greece — meet Gökay Transport, the most comprehensive service provider. Turkey–Greece freight companies, we want to be your trusted business partner. Greece logistics companies — for our standout service, call now for a free consultation and quote.

Ipsala Border Crossing & Customs Procedures

The Ipsala border crossing is the main customs transit point used in Turkey–Greece road transport. The corresponding gate on the Greek side is the Kipi customs gate. Greece customs procedures are carried out at these two points, and the process proceeds as follows:

1. Export declaration and document inspection at Turkish customs
2. Vehicle inspection and TIR carnet stamping
3. Import declaration and document verification at Greek customs
4. Physical cargo inspection (when required)

Under normal conditions, crossing time at the Ipsala border gate averages 2–4 hours. During public holidays and summer months this can exceed 6 hours. As Gökay Transport, we manage the customs clearance process on your behalf with our professional team. For detailed information, visit our customs procedures guide page.

What Is the ATR Certificate and Is It Required for Greece?

The ATR certificate is a movement certificate under the Turkey–EU Customs Union that enables industrial goods to circulate free of customs duties. Greece is an EU member. Under the Turkey–EU Customs Union, the ATR certificate grants customs duty exemption on industrial goods. This represents a significant cost advantage for companies exporting to Greece. However, agricultural and food products fall outside the scope of ATR; for these products an EUR.1 movement certificate may be required.

Documents Required for Customs

which documents are needed for export to Greece:

1. CMR consignment note — the official document for road shipments
2. Commercial invoice — goods value and details
3. Packing list — contents list for each package
4. ATR movement certificate — for customs duty exemption on industrial goods
5. Certificate of origin — document confirming the country of production
6. TIR carnet — customs guarantee in transit countries

For food products, a phytosanitary certificate is additionally required; for animal products, a veterinary certificate is required. You can find detailed information on all documentation processes in our required export documents guide.

Main Cargo Types Shipped to Greece

exports to Greece — the main cargo types most frequently shipped from Turkey are:

1. Textiles and ready-to-wear clothing: Turkey's largest export item to Greece. You can find details on hanging garment and carton transport on our textile export transport solutions page.
2. Food products: Fresh fruit and vegetables, dry food, pulses. May require refrigerated transport.
3. Construction materials: Cement, ferrous metals, ceramics, marble. Heavy-tonnage loads.
4. Automotive spare parts: A sector requiring regular shipments. High share of groupage transport.
5. Chemical products: Hazardous goods transport requiring IMCO classification.
6. Household goods and personal effects: Individual relocation requests.

companies exporting to Greece for sector-specific transport solutions. We plan the right vehicle, packaging, and customs arrangements based on the type of your cargo.

Turkey–Greece Trade Relations and Foreign Trade

Turkey–Greece trade volume is growing year on year thanks to the geographical proximity of both countries and the Turkey–EU Customs Union advantage. Turkey is one of Greece's most important trading partners. Greek export process, road transport is the most preferred method for its speed and cost advantage.

Greece also serves as a gateway to the EU market. The ports of Thessaloniki and Piraeus are of strategic importance for transhipping goods from Turkey to other parts of Europe by sea. Germany freight (via Greece) routing can use Thessaloniki as a transit point. Similarly, Italy freight (sea connection) has a Ro-Ro alternative via the port of Piraeus.

Greece cargo transport, road freight offers the best cost-time balance compared to sea and air freight. Particularly for commercial loads over 200 kg for commercial loads over Greece cargo rates, road groupage shipping is far more economical than express courier companies.

Let us plan your shipment to Greece together. Get a free quote via our WhatsApp line or reach us at +90 533 302 33 10 to reach us.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much does Greece freight cost?

As of 2026, Istanbul–Thessaloniki full truckload rates are 1,200–1,800 EUR and Istanbul–Athens full TIR rates are 1,800–2,500 EUR. Greece groupage rates start from 200 EUR per pallet. Prices vary depending on cargo type, volume, season, and customs conditions.

How long does shipping from Turkey to Greece take?

Transit times to Greece vary by route. Istanbul to Thessaloniki takes 1–2 days; Istanbul to Athens takes 2–3 days. The Istanbul–Alexandroupolis lane is completed the same day or within 1 day. Transit times include customs waiting time at the Ipsala border crossing. During peak periods, border crossing may add extra time.

What are the groupage shipping rates to Greece?

Greece groupage rates range from 200–500 EUR per pallet. On the Istanbul–Thessaloniki lane they are approximately 200–350 EUR, and on the Istanbul–Athens lane approximately 250–400 EUR. Rates vary by volume, weight, and delivery city. Weekly consolidation departures provide an economical solution for smaller loads.

How long does it take to cross the Ipsala border gate?

Under normal conditions, the Ipsala–Kipi border crossing takes an average of 2–4 hours. During public holidays, summer months, and weekend peak times this can exceed 6 hours. Customs declaration, document inspection, and vehicle examination are included in the process. As Gökay Transport, we manage customs clearance on your behalf throughout the Greece shipping process.

Is the ATR certificate required for Greece?

Yes. Since Greece is an EU member, the ATR certificate grants customs duty exemption on industrial goods under the Customs Union. Agricultural and food products fall outside the ATR scope; for these an EUR.1 movement certificate may be required. For detailed information, visit our export documentation guide page.

Is refrigerated transport available to Greece?

Yes. We provide temperature-controlled transport between +2°C and -18°C using ATP/FRC-certified refrigerated vehicles. Temperature data is monitored in real time via GPS. We transport fresh fruit and vegetables, dairy products, meat, and frozen food.

Should I choose full TIR or groupage for Greece?

In our Greece freight service, groupage is more economical for loads under 10 m³. For loads over 50 m³ a full truckload is advantageous in both cost and transit time. Loads between 10–50 m³ should be evaluated based on cargo type, urgency, and budget. You can refer to our pricing tables for a detailed comparison.

How much does door-to-door removal to Greece cost?

For a 1-bedroom apartment: 1,500–2,500 EUR; for a 2-bedroom apartment: 2,000–3,500 EUR; for a 3-bedroom apartment: 3,000–5,000 EUR. Pricing is determined by the volume of items, packing requirements, and delivery city. Customs exemption may apply to personal effects.

What documents are needed for export to Greece?

Key documents: CMR consignment note, commercial invoice, packing list, ATR movement certificate or EUR.1, certificate of origin. For food products a phytosanitary certificate is additionally required; for animal products a veterinary certificate is required.

How do I choose a Greece freight company?

L2 licence and U.NET registration — check if they have these. Ask about the scope of CMR insurance. Prefer companies that offer live GPS tracking. Evaluate companies with a regular departure schedule, verifiable references, and a transparent pricing policy. These criteria are decisive when choosing Greece TIR freight companies.

How much does Greece cargo cost?

Greece cargo rate varies by the dimensions and weight of the shipment. For commercial loads, groupage shipping runs 200–500 EUR per pallet. For small parcel deliveries courier companies may be more suitable; for pallets and bulky loads, road groupage shipping is far more economical.

Is Greece an EU country — is there customs?

Yes, Greece is an EU member. Under the Customs Union, customs duties are not applied to industrial goods, but customs controls and document inspections do take place at the border. Different tax rates apply to agricultural products. For detailed information, visit our customs guide page.

For your freight needs to Greece, Gökay Transport is here with 16 years of experience. For all your transport requirements — including full truckload, groupage, refrigerated, and door-to-door removal — we guarantee service that is fully insured, on fixed departure schedules, and professional. Get a free quote via WhatsApp or call us at +90 533 302 33 10 to reach us.