Manage and streamline operations across multiple locations, sales channels, and employees to has improve efficiency and your bottom line.
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 handle cargo from China to many countries with full logistics coordination illnesses from concussions.
All costs are clearly listed with no unexpected charges or unclear terms
From pickup to final destination all steps are managed with speed and accuracy
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:
So, keep reading to discover why rail freight is a smart choice for your next shipment 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 China | Rail 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 |
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.
egion | Origin City in China (中文名) | Destination Country | Estimated Transit Time (Days) |
---|---|---|---|
Europe | Chongqing (重庆) | Germany | 15-17 |
Europe | Yiwu (义乌) | Spain | 15-20 |
Europe | Wuhan (武汉) | France | 15-20 |
Europe | Chengdu (成都) | Italy | 15-19 |
Europe | Zhengzhou (郑州) | Netherlands | 15-25 |
Europe | Suzhou (苏州) | Czech Republic | 18-25 |
Europe | Xi’an (西安) | Poland | 14-20 |
Europe | Shenzhen (深圳) | United Kingdom | 18-20 |
Europe | Lianyungang (连云港) | Belgium | 14-23 |
Europe | Nanjing (南京) | Russia | 15-20 |
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 Name | Tracking Website Link | B/L or Booking Number Format |
---|---|---|
COSCO (China COSCO Shipping) | COSCO Tracking | COSU + 9 digits (e.g., COSU123456789) |
Maersk Line | Maersk Tracking | MAEU + 9 digits (e.g., MAEU123456789) |
Ocean Network Express (ONE) | ONE Tracking | ONEY + 9 digits (e.g., ONEY123456789) |
CMA CGM | CMA CGM Tracking | CMDU + 9 digits (e.g., CMDU123456789) |
Hapag-Lloyd | Hapag-Lloyd Tracking | HLCU + 9 digits (e.g., HLCU123456789) |
China Railway Express (CR Express) | CR Express Tracking | Mixed letters and numbers (varies by shipment) |
DB Cargo Eurasia | DB Cargo Tracking | Unique numeric format per shipment |
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.
Document | Purpose in Rail Freight Shipping | Provided By |
---|---|---|
Commercial Invoice | Details the value, description, and quantity of goods; used for customs clearance and valuation. | Supplier |
Packing List | Lists 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 Report | Required for hazardous materials; includes safety data and handling instructions. | Supplier |
Loading Station | States the origin rail terminal where goods are initially loaded. | Supplier |
Receiving Station | Identifies the final destination terminal for unloading the cargo. | Customer (You) |
Collection Address in China | Indicates the exact pickup location for goods before shipping. | Supplier |
Recipient Information | Provides name, address, and contact info of the consignee receiving the goods. | Customer (You) |
Product & Packaging Photo | Verifies condition and packaging of goods before shipment as visual documentation. | Supplier |
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.
Step | Stage | What Happens |
---|---|---|
Step 1 | Request a Price Quote | Submit details like cargo type, destination, packing list, and proforma invoice to get an accurate quote. |
Step 2 | Confirm Your Booking | Finalize the shipment booking with DDPCH to secure space on the rail freight schedule. |
Step 3 | Supplier Coordination | DDPCH contacts your supplier to confirm shipping details, labels, and warehouse address. |
Step 4 | Make Payment | After cargo arrival and inspection at our warehouse, you receive the invoice and make payment. |
Step 5 | Export Customs Clearance | DDPCH handles all export customs declarations and compliance for smooth departure from China. |
Step 6 | Cargo in Transit | Your goods are now shipped via rail freight from China to the destination country. |
Step 7 | Import Customs Handling | Upon arrival, DDPCH manages the import clearance to avoid delays and ensure regulatory compliance. |
Step 8 | Final Delivery | After customs, DDPCH schedules and completes the last-mile delivery to your door or warehouse. |
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 Country | Rail Freight Route Name | Key Route Stops |
---|---|---|---|
Chongqing (重庆) | Germany | Chongqing–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) | Spain | Yiwu–Madrid Railway Line | Yiwu – Zhengzhou – Xi’an – Ürümqi – Alashankou (China) – Dostyk (Kazakhstan) – Moscow (Russia) – Minsk (Belarus) – Warsaw (Poland) – Hamburg (Germany) – Madrid (Spain) |
Wuhan (武汉) | France | Wuhan–Lyon Railway Line | Wuhan – Zhengzhou – Xi’an – Ürümqi – Alashankou (China) – Dostyk (Kazakhstan) – Moscow (Russia) – Minsk (Belarus) – Warsaw (Poland) – Duisburg (Germany) – Lyon (France) |
Chengdu (成都) | Italy | Chengdu–Milan Railway Line | Chengdu – Xi’an – Lanzhou – Ürümqi – Alashankou (China) – Dostyk (Kazakhstan) – Moscow (Russia) – Minsk (Belarus) – Warsaw (Poland) – Duisburg (Germany) – Milan (Italy) |
Zhengzhou (郑州) | Netherlands | Zhengzhou–Rotterdam Railway Line | Zhengzhou – Xi’an – Lanzhou – Ürümqi – Alashankou (China) – Dostyk (Kazakhstan) – Moscow (Russia) – Minsk (Belarus) – Warsaw (Poland) – Duisburg (Germany) – Rotterdam (Netherlands) |
Suzhou (苏州) | Czech Republic | Suzhou–Prague Railway Line | Suzhou – Zhengzhou – Xi’an – Ürümqi – Alashankou (China) – Dostyk (Kazakhstan) – Moscow (Russia) – Minsk (Belarus) – Warsaw (Poland) – Prague (Czech Republic) |
Shenzhen (深圳) | Turkey | Shenzhen–Istanbul Railway Line | Shenzhen – Guangzhou – Changsha – Zhengzhou – Xi’an – Ürümqi – Alashankou (China) – Dostyk (Kazakhstan) – Moscow (Russia) – Minsk (Belarus) – Warsaw (Poland) – Sofia (Bulgaria) – Istanbul (Turkey) |
Lianyungang (连云港) | Kazakhstan | New Eurasian Land Bridge | Lianyungang – Zhengzhou – Xi’an – Lanzhou – Ürümqi – Alashankou (China) – Dostyk (Kazakhstan) – Aktobe (Kazakhstan) |
Nanjing (南京) | Russia | Nanjing–Moscow Railway Line | Nanjing – Zhengzhou – Xi’an – Lanzhou – Ürümqi – Alashankou (China) – Dostyk (Kazakhstan) – Moscow (Russia) |
Kunming (昆明) | Laos | China–Laos Railway | Kunming – Yuxi – Pu’er – Xishuangbanna – Boten (China-Laos Border) – Luang Prabang – Vang Vieng – Vientiane (Laos) |
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 Country | Major Cities Receiving Rail Freight from China |
---|---|
Germany | Duisburg, Hamburg, Munich, Frankfurt, Leipzig |
Russia | Moscow, Yekaterinburg, Vladivostok, Novosibirsk, St. Petersburg |
Poland | Warsaw, Lodz, Poznań, Gdańsk, Wrocław |
Netherlands | Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Venlo, Eindhoven, Utrecht |
Belgium | Antwerp, Brussels, Liege, Ghent, Charleroi |
France | Paris, Lyon, Strasbourg, Marseille, Lille |
United Kingdom | London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Glasgow |
Spain | Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Zaragoza, Seville |
Italy | Milan, Rome, Turin, Bologna, Genoa |
Czech Republic | Prague, Brno, Ostrava, Plzeň, Hradec Králové |
Hungary | Budapest, Debrecen, Szeged, Miskolc, Győr |
Austria | Vienna, Linz, Graz, Salzburg, Innsbruck |
Slovakia | Bratislava, Košice, Žilina, Prešov, Nitra |
Sweden | Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö, Uppsala, Västerås |
Finland | Helsinki, Tampere, Oulu, Turku, Jyväskylä |
Belarus | Minsk, Brest, Gomel, Vitebsk, Mogilev |
Kazakhstan | Nur-Sultan (Astana), Almaty, Shymkent, Aktobe, Karaganda |
Turkey | Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Bursa, Mersin |
Switzerland | Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Bern, Lausanne |
Denmark | Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense, Aalborg, Esbjerg |
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.
Advantages | Disadvantages |
---|---|
✅ 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. |
Shipmern/Year
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.
Destination Country
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."
"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!"
"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"
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.