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INSURANCE EXPERTS

Rail freight

Rail Freight from China offers a fast, cost-effective shipping solution to Europe and Russia. DDPCH ensures reliable delivery with competitive rates and expert logistics.

We Ship Almost Anywhere

We handle cargo from China to many countries with full logistics coordination illnesses from concussions.

Clear Prices, No Surprises

All costs are clearly listed with no unexpected charges or unclear terms

Quick and Smooth Delivery

From pickup to final destination all steps are managed with speed and accuracy

Table of Contents

Why use Rail Freight Service from China?

id you when our customers feel like road, sea, and air aren’t their best options, they turn to rail freight? Yes, you read it right because it’s the perfect balance. Rail freight shipping is faster than sea, cheaper than air, and more reliable for long-distance transport from any city in China.

At DDPCH, we make rail freight simple with smooth booking, reliable tracking, and end-to-end support. If you are looking for an alternative that works, rail freight might be your best choice.

By the end of this article, you will learn about these things:

  • How rail freight service saves time and money when shipping from China
  • Key routes from China to major destinations worldwide
  • How DDPCH can simplify your rail shipping needs from China

So, keep reading to discover why rail freight is a smart choice for your next shipment from China!

Rail Freight Shipping Cost from China

Did you know that rail freight shipping is cheaper than air freight and faster than sea shipping, making it a great middle option? Yes, you read it right. That's why many of our customers choose this shipping solution when they need to stick within their budget.

Please note that shipping cost by rail from China depends on a few key things like how far your goods are traveling, how heavy they are, and what kind of container you use. The shipping rates can also change based on fuel costs, customs fees, and the time of year.

Check the table below for a simple guide to understanding rail freight shipping cost from China to Asia and Europe.

Origin in ChinaRail Freight Cost from China to Asian Countries (USD – Full Container Load)Rail Freight Cost from China to European Countries (USD – Full Container Load)
Xi’an (西安)$3,500 per full container$5,550 per full container
Yiwu (义乌)$3,890 per full container$5,785 per full container
Wuhan (武汉)$4,350 per full container$7,060 per full container
Chengdu (成都)$4,200 per full container$6,450 per full container
Shenzhen (深圳)$4,500 per full container$7,200 per full container



Rail Freight Shipping Time from China

Based on our experience, rail freight shipping time from China depends on a few key factors. The distance and route play a big role, which means longer routes take more time. Customs clearance at borders can also cause delays if paperwork isn’t ready.

Check our table to see the rail freight transit time for your route so you’ll know when to expect your shipment.

egionOrigin City in China (中文名)Destination CountryEstimated Transit Time (Days)
EuropeChongqing (重庆)Germany15-17
EuropeYiwu (义乌)Spain15-20
EuropeWuhan (武汉)France15-20
EuropeChengdu (成都)Italy15-19
EuropeZhengzhou (郑州)Netherlands15-25
EuropeSuzhou (苏州)Czech Republic18-25
EuropeXi’an (西安)Poland14-20
EuropeShenzhen (深圳)United Kingdom18-20
EuropeLianyungang (连云港)Belgium14-23
EuropeNanjing (南京)Russia15-20

How to track your shipment by rail freight from China?

In this guide, you will learn how to track your shipment using the Bill of Lading (B/L) number, which rail carriers provide for real-time updates. With DDPCH, you stay informed and in control of your cargo every step of the way:

Carrier NameTracking Website LinkB/L or Booking Number Format
COSCO (China COSCO Shipping)COSCO TrackingCOSU + 9 digits (e.g., COSU123456789)
Maersk LineMaersk TrackingMAEU + 9 digits (e.g., MAEU123456789)
Ocean Network Express (ONE)ONE TrackingONEY + 9 digits (e.g., ONEY123456789)
CMA CGMCMA CGM TrackingCMDU + 9 digits (e.g., CMDU123456789)
Hapag-LloydHapag-Lloyd TrackingHLCU + 9 digits (e.g., HLCU123456789)
China Railway Express (CR Express)CR Express TrackingMixed letters and numbers (varies by shipment)
DB Cargo EurasiaDB Cargo TrackingUnique numeric format per shipment

Main Documents for Rail Freight from China

When shipping by rail from China, having the right documents is key to avoiding delays and ensuring smooth delivery. These documents help with customs clearance, tracking, and verifying shipment details. Missing or incorrect paperwork can lead to extra costs and longer transit times.

Check the table below for your guide on the main documents needed by DDPCH sales team for rail freight.

DocumentPurpose in Rail Freight ShippingProvided By
Commercial InvoiceDetails the value, description, and quantity of goods; used for customs clearance and valuation.Supplier
Packing ListLists product names, weights, dimensions, and packaging details for inspection and logistics handling.Supplier
Railway Bill of Lading (B/L)Serves as a contract of carriage and official proof that the goods were handed over for transport.Freight Forwarder (DDPCH)
Certificate of Origin (COO)Certifies the country of manufacture for customs and tariff classification.Supplier
MSDS or DGM ReportRequired for hazardous materials; includes safety data and handling instructions.Supplier
Loading StationStates the origin rail terminal where goods are initially loaded.Supplier
Receiving StationIdentifies the final destination terminal for unloading the cargo.Customer (You)
Collection Address in ChinaIndicates the exact pickup location for goods before shipping.Supplier
Recipient InformationProvides name, address, and contact info of the consignee receiving the goods.Customer (You)
Product & Packaging PhotoVerifies condition and packaging of goods before shipment as visual documentation.Supplier

Step by Step Process for Rail Freight

One of the first things our customers ask when inquiring about rail freight from China is, “How does it work?” Well, it is actually pretty simple, especially when you have an experienced freight forwarder like DDPCH handling it for you. To make things easy for you, here’s a quick breakdown of how we simplify the process from China.

StepStageWhat Happens
Step 1Request a Price QuoteSubmit details like cargo type, destination, packing list, and proforma invoice to get an accurate quote.
Step 2Confirm Your BookingFinalize the shipment booking with DDPCH to secure space on the rail freight schedule.
Step 3Supplier CoordinationDDPCH contacts your supplier to confirm shipping details, labels, and warehouse address.
Step 4Make PaymentAfter cargo arrival and inspection at our warehouse, you receive the invoice and make payment.
Step 5Export Customs ClearanceDDPCH handles all export customs declarations and compliance for smooth departure from China.
Step 6Cargo in TransitYour goods are now shipped via rail freight from China to the destination country.
Step 7Import Customs HandlingUpon arrival, DDPCH manages the import clearance to avoid delays and ensure regulatory compliance.
Step 8Final DeliveryAfter customs, DDPCH schedules and completes the last-mile delivery to your door or warehouse.

Rail Freight Routes from China

Knowing the rail freight routes from China can help you save both time and money when shipping goods. Rail freight is a faster and more cost-effective option compared to sea shipping, especially for inland destinations.

By understanding the main routes, you can choose the best path for your shipment, avoid delays, and reduce unnecessary costs.

Origin City in China (中文名)Destination CountryRail Freight Route NameKey Route Stops
Chongqing (重庆)GermanyChongqing–Xinjiang–Europe Railway (Yuxinou Railway)Chongqing – Chengdu – Xi’an – Lanzhou – Ürümqi – Alashankou (China) – Dostyk (Kazakhstan) – Aktobe – Samara (Russia) – Moscow – Minsk (Belarus) – Warsaw (Poland) – Duisburg (Germany)
Yiwu (义乌)SpainYiwu–Madrid Railway LineYiwu – Zhengzhou – Xi’an – Ürümqi – Alashankou (China) – Dostyk (Kazakhstan) – Moscow (Russia) – Minsk (Belarus) – Warsaw (Poland) – Hamburg (Germany) – Madrid (Spain)
Wuhan (武汉)FranceWuhan–Lyon Railway LineWuhan – Zhengzhou – Xi’an – Ürümqi – Alashankou (China) – Dostyk (Kazakhstan) – Moscow (Russia) – Minsk (Belarus) – Warsaw (Poland) – Duisburg (Germany) – Lyon (France)
Chengdu (成都)ItalyChengdu–Milan Railway LineChengdu – Xi’an – Lanzhou – Ürümqi – Alashankou (China) – Dostyk (Kazakhstan) – Moscow (Russia) – Minsk (Belarus) – Warsaw (Poland) – Duisburg (Germany) – Milan (Italy)
Zhengzhou (郑州)NetherlandsZhengzhou–Rotterdam Railway LineZhengzhou – Xi’an – Lanzhou – Ürümqi – Alashankou (China) – Dostyk (Kazakhstan) – Moscow (Russia) – Minsk (Belarus) – Warsaw (Poland) – Duisburg (Germany) – Rotterdam (Netherlands)
Suzhou (苏州)Czech RepublicSuzhou–Prague Railway LineSuzhou – Zhengzhou – Xi’an – Ürümqi – Alashankou (China) – Dostyk (Kazakhstan) – Moscow (Russia) – Minsk (Belarus) – Warsaw (Poland) – Prague (Czech Republic)
Shenzhen (深圳)TurkeyShenzhen–Istanbul Railway LineShenzhen – Guangzhou – Changsha – Zhengzhou – Xi’an – Ürümqi – Alashankou (China) – Dostyk (Kazakhstan) – Moscow (Russia) – Minsk (Belarus) – Warsaw (Poland) – Sofia (Bulgaria) – Istanbul (Turkey)
Lianyungang (连云港)KazakhstanNew Eurasian Land BridgeLianyungang – Zhengzhou – Xi’an – Lanzhou – Ürümqi – Alashankou (China) – Dostyk (Kazakhstan) – Aktobe (Kazakhstan)
Nanjing (南京)RussiaNanjing–Moscow Railway LineNanjing – Zhengzhou – Xi’an – Lanzhou – Ürümqi – Alashankou (China) – Dostyk (Kazakhstan) – Moscow (Russia)
Kunming (昆明)LaosChina–Laos RailwayKunming – Yuxi – Pu’er – Xishuangbanna – Boten (China-Laos Border) – Luang Prabang – Vang Vieng – Vientiane (Laos)

Top 20 Destinations that Accept Rail Freight from China

If you are shipping from China, you might be wondering if rail freight is an option for your country, right? Well, we’ve got you covered! In this part, we have listed the top 20 destinations that commonly receive rail shipments from China, places where many of our customers already use rail freight service. Check if your country made the list.

Destination CountryMajor Cities Receiving Rail Freight from China
GermanyDuisburg, Hamburg, Munich, Frankfurt, Leipzig
RussiaMoscow, Yekaterinburg, Vladivostok, Novosibirsk, St. Petersburg
PolandWarsaw, Lodz, Poznań, Gdańsk, Wrocław
NetherlandsRotterdam, Amsterdam, Venlo, Eindhoven, Utrecht
BelgiumAntwerp, Brussels, Liege, Ghent, Charleroi
FranceParis, Lyon, Strasbourg, Marseille, Lille
United KingdomLondon, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Glasgow
SpainMadrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Zaragoza, Seville
ItalyMilan, Rome, Turin, Bologna, Genoa
Czech RepublicPrague, Brno, Ostrava, Plzeň, Hradec Králové
HungaryBudapest, Debrecen, Szeged, Miskolc, Győr
AustriaVienna, Linz, Graz, Salzburg, Innsbruck
SlovakiaBratislava, Košice, Žilina, Prešov, Nitra
SwedenStockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö, Uppsala, Västerås
FinlandHelsinki, Tampere, Oulu, Turku, Jyväskylä
BelarusMinsk, Brest, Gomel, Vitebsk, Mogilev
KazakhstanNur-Sultan (Astana), Almaty, Shymkent, Aktobe, Karaganda
TurkeyIstanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Bursa, Mersin
SwitzerlandZurich, Geneva, Basel, Bern, Lausanne
DenmarkCopenhagen, Aarhus, Odense, Aalborg, Esbjerg

Advantages and Disadvantages of Rail Freight

If you are shipping from China, you might be wondering if rail freight is an option for your country, right? Well, we’ve got you covered! In this part, we have listed the top 20 destinations that commonly receive rail shipments from China, places where many of our customers already use rail freight service. Check if your country made the list.

AdvantagesDisadvantages
Lower Shipping Cost – Cheaper than air freight for high-volume cargo.More Expensive than Sea Freight – Not ideal for very bulky low-cost goods.
Faster Transit Time – Quicker than ocean shipping.Slower than Air Freight – Not suitable for urgent shipments.
High Service Reliability – Fixed train schedules reduce delays.Limited Accessibility – Requires rail infrastructure at origin & destination.
Large Loading Capacity – Good for heavy/bulk industrial goods.Not Ideal for Perishables – Lacks cold chain solutions.
Greater Safety – Fewer accidents than road transport.Risk of Damage – More handling points increase loss/damage potential.
Access to Landlocked Countries – Reaches inland regions efficiently.Less Route Flexibility – Fixed routes reduce adaptability.
Weather-Resistant – Less affected by storms compared to sea transport. 
7000

Shipmern/Year

Why Choose Us

Why choose DDPCH for air freight?

Rail freight is the perfect balance between cost and speed, making it cheaper than air freight and much faster than sea shipping. But to get the most out of it, you need a reliable freight forwarder who knows the process inside out. That’s where us, DDPCH shipping company, comes in.

At DDPCH, we specialize in rail freight shipping from China and handle everything from booking to final delivery.

We offer competitive rates, ensuring you get the best price for your cargo without compromising on service quality. So, contact DDPCH today and let us handle your rail freight needs efficiently.

  • 40+ Expert Staff
  • 10+ Years Experience
  • 3+ Offices China
120 +

Destination Country

OUR TESTIMONIALS
Don’t Believe Us? People Talk About It

Here you can read what our clients have shared about their shipping experience and cooperation with our team.

"As an electronics importer, I need a freight forwarder who understands handling fragile shipments. DDPCH has been exceptional in ensuring my goods arrive safely and on time."

Kristin Watson

E-commerce Supply Chain

"I needed a reliable freight forwarder for my Amazon FBA business, and DDPCH exceeded expectations. They handled everything from customs clearance to final delivery with perfection!"

Merry Jiucy

Sourcing Manager

"We’ve been using DDPCH for our bulk shipments, and their service has been flawless. They ensure timely deliveries and provide regular updates, which is crucial for our operations"

Jacob Jones

Import Specialist
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Got Any Questions?

Rail freight shipping rates from China depend on distance, cargo weight, and container type. Prices typically range from 3,500 to 7,200 USD per full container. Seasonal demand and fuel costs can also impact pricing.

Transit times vary based on the route and customs processing. Shipments to Europe take 15-25 days, while Asian destinations can take as little as 10 hours (Laos) or up to 30 days (Turkey).

Popular routes include Yiwu–Madrid Railway, Chongqing–Germany (Yuxinou Railway), and Wuhan–Lyon Railway, connecting major trade hubs across Asia and Europe.

You can track shipments via major rail carriers like CR Express, DB Cargo Eurasia, COSCO, and Maersk using their online tracking portals with your booking reference number.

Essential documents include a commercial invoice, packing list, railway bill of lading, certificate of origin, and any required safety documents for hazardous goods.

Rail freight is cheaper than air freight and faster than sea freight, making it a cost-effective and reliable option for bulk shipments.

Key destinations include Germany (Duisburg, Hamburg), Russia (Moscow, St. Petersburg), Spain (Madrid, Barcelona), and Turkey (Istanbul, Ankara), among others.