Railway Freight from China

China–Europe & Eurasia rail — balanced speed, cost and carbon footprint.

Rail freight connects China with Europe and Central Asia through the China–Europe Express lines, offering transit of roughly 16–22 days — faster than sea and cheaper than air. NorthLine consolidates and books FCL and LCL rail from Chongqing, Chengdu, Xi'an, Zhengzhou and other hubs to Duisburg, Warsaw, Madrid, Moscow and beyond.

Why choose rail freight

Rail is the sweet spot for mid-value, time-sensitive cargo that cannot wait 30+ days for sea but does not justify air rates. It also supports lower-emission supply chains, which matters for brands with sustainability targets.

Main rail routes we book

Common China–Europe / Eurasia corridors (planning estimates).
CorridorTypical terminalsNotes
China → Germany / BeneluxChongqing / Xi'an → DuisburgMost mature network
China → PolandChengdu → Warsaw / ŁódźStrong LCL hub
China → Russia / BelarusXi'an / Zhengzhou → MoscowAlso via road for last mile
China → Central Asia→ Almaty / TashkentRail + truck options

How rail shipping works

  1. Confirm cargo and destination terminal or inland city.
  2. We book container space and arrange pickup to the rail hub.
  3. Export clearance in China; sealed container moves by rail.
  4. Arrival at destination terminal; clearance and final delivery.

Transit time ranges

Working-day estimates (subject to border/terminal queues).
DestinationFCL railLCL rail
Germany / Benelux16–20 days18–24 days
Poland / Hungary15–19 days17–22 days
Russia (Moscow)14–18 days16–21 days
Central Asia12–18 days14–22 days

Documents

  • Commercial invoice & packing list
  • Rail consignment note (CIM/SMGS)
  • HS code and origin statement
  • Any TIR / transit paperwork for road leg

Frequently asked questions

Is rail cheaper than air?+
Usually yes — often 60–80% less than air for the same lane, at the cost of a few extra days.
Can you do LCL by rail?+
Yes. We consolidate LCL rail shipments at major hubs and deconsolidate at European terminals.
Do you handle the last mile?+
Yes, we arrange trucking from the rail terminal to your warehouse in most EU countries.

Get a Railway Freight quote

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