Rail Freight from Europe to China
Fast, cost-effective cargo across the New Silk Road — connecting European markets to Chinese manufacturers in 14–18 days.
Why Choose Rail Freight Over Air and Sea?
Rail freight has become one of the most competitive options for cargo moving between Europe and China. Compared to ocean freight, rail is significantly faster — reducing transit times from 30–40 days by sea to just 14–18 days by rail. Compared to air freight, rail offers substantial cost savings, often 3–5x lower for comparable shipments.
For importers and exporters who need reliable schedules, trackable shipments, and a middle-ground solution on price and speed, rail freight is the smart choice.
| Transport Mode | Transit Time | Cost vs Rail | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rail Freight | 14–18 days | — | High |
| Sea Freight | 30–40 days | 30–50% cheaper | High |
| Air Freight | 5–7 days | 3–5x more expensive | Very High |
Key Rail Routes We Operate
BETWEEN operates rail freight on all major Trans-Eurasian corridors, including:
- China – Kazakhstan – Russia – Europe (Trans-Siberian Corridor)
- China – Kazakhstan – Caspian Sea – Azerbaijan – Georgia – Europe (Middle Corridor / Trans-Caspian)
- China – Mongolia – Russia – Europe (Northern Corridor)
- Chengdu, Xi’an, Zhengzhou, Wuhan, Yiwu — to Germany (Duisburg/Hamburg), Poland (Lodz/Malaszewicze), and the Baltics
Transit Times and What to Expect
Rail transit from China to Europe typically takes 14–18 calendar days, depending on departure city in China, destination in Europe, border crossing efficiency, and seasonal demand.
BETWEEN provides full shipment tracking, proactive updates at each border crossing, and dedicated customer support throughout the journey. We manage all documentation including CMR, CIM, and customs paperwork for EU entry.
Our Rail Freight Services
We offer a complete range of rail cargo solutions to fit your volume and schedule:
- Full Container Load (FCL) — 20ft and 40ft ISO containers
- Less-than-Container Load (LCL) — consolidated groupage for smaller shipments
- Express rail services with priority loading
- Temperature-controlled and hazmat cargo (upon request)
- Door-to-door rail delivery with customs clearance at both ends
- Multimodal options combining rail with road last-mile delivery
Industries We Serve
BETWEEN regularly ships rail freight for clients in automotive, electronics, retail, chemicals, machinery, and consumer goods. Whether you’re sourcing goods from Guangzhou or shipping machinery to Shanghai, our team builds a solution around your cargo type, incoterms, and delivery timeline.
How to Get Started
Getting a rail freight quote from BETWEEN takes minutes. Share your cargo details — origin, destination, weight, dimensions, and commodity type — and we’ll provide a tailored proposal within 24 hours.
Our freight forwarding team in Riga, Latvia coordinates every Europe–China rail shipment end-to-end. Learn more about BETWEEN Logistics →
