ZGGShip Rail Freight Services
Rail Freight from China to Europe, Fast and Cost Efficient
Move cargo with balanced speed and cost. Typical transit time is 15 to 20 days on main lanes. We run weekly FCL and LCL departures from China hubs, with sea plus rail and rail plus rail options and door to door support.
- 15 to 20 day delivery on key routes
- Weekly FCL and LCL departures
- Sea plus rail and rail plus rail solutions
- Customs clearance, warehousing and last mile

When to Choose Rail
Rail balances speed and cost between sea and air. It is ideal for medium volume cargo on China to Europe lanes.
Faster than sea
Typical rail time is 15 to 20 days on main routes, much quicker than ocean.
Lower cost than air
Cut landed cost for mid weight shipments while keeping delivery times predictable.
Weekly departures
Regular schedules from China hubs such as Chengdu, Xi’an, Chongqing and coastal gateways.
EU coverage
Reliable services to Germany, Poland, Netherlands, France and the United Kingdom.
Shipping Method | Typical Transit Time | Best For | Cost Level |
---|---|---|---|
Rail Freight to Europe | 15 to 20 days | Medium volume, balanced speed and cost | Medium |
Air Freight | 1 to 7 days | Urgent or high-value cargo | Medium to high |
Sea Freight FCL | 28 to 35 days on water | Full containers, bulk pallets | Lowest per unit |
Sea Freight LCL | 32 to 45 days including handling | Smaller volumes, multi SKU, consolidation | Low to medium |
Express Courier | 3 to 5 days | Small parcels, documents, urgent samples | Highest |
Notes: rail time refers to the main rail leg. Ocean time is port to port. LCL usually adds handling at origin and destination. Your quote confirms the exact schedule and charges.
China to Europe Rail Options
ZGGShip offers flexible air freight solutions to meet different timelines, budgets, and shipment needs.
Rail FCL
Move in 20 GP, 40 GP, or 40 HQ with sealed handling and predictable cost.
- Best for medium to high volume to EU hubs
- Guidance on routing, free time, and cut off
- Milestone tracking from station to station
Rail LCL Consolidation
Weekly departures for smaller lots and mixed SKUs.
- Hubs in Chengdu, Xi’an, Chongqing and coastal gateways
- Clear origin and destination charges by CBM or weight
- Ideal for trial orders and multi supplier cargo
Rail plus Rail
Connect domestic rail inside China with inland rail in Europe.
- Reduces truck miles and total cost
- Custom schedules matched to delivery dates
- Works well for inland factories and EU regions
Not sure which option fits your shipment?
Fast and Reliable Routes to Europe
We operate daily and weekly air freight services from major airports in China to key destinations worldwide. Below are some of our most requested routes.
Germany
Ship by rail to Hamburg, Duisburg, and Frankfurt with transit times typically between 15 and 18 days.
United Kingdom
Ship goods to key UK destinations such as London and Birmingham with transit times of approximately 14 to 17 days.
France
Rail service available to Paris and Lyon with reliable delivery in around 18 to 20 days.
Netherlands
Reach Amsterdam and Rotterdam in 16 to 19 days via regular China–Europe rail routes.
Why Choose ZGGShip
China to Europe rail freight with capacity, predictable schedules, and end to end support. We combine rail and multimodal plans to meet your delivery date.
Belt and Road partnerships
We work with railway operators and shipping lines under the Belt and Road framework. Long term agreements support stable schedules, guaranteed space, and special lanes on key corridors.
China wide hub network
Head office in Shenzhen with branches and agents in Shanghai, Ningbo, Qingdao, Qinzhou, Chengdu, Xi’an, Chongqing, and Changsha. We pick up near your suppliers to cut trucking and export cost.
Multimodal plans
FCL and LCL by rail with options for sea plus rail or rail plus rail. We match routes and handovers to your delivery date and budget, including door to door when needed.
Full link services
Container rental, warehousing, customs clearance, online booking, overseas warehousing, and last mile delivery. You get tracking in one place and a single coordinator from start to finish.
How Our rail freight Process Works
From pickup in China to delivery in Europe, our six step process keeps your shipment on time and visible.
Request a Quote
Share volume, weight, route, HS codes and target date. We confirm plan, schedule and a clear rate.
Pickup & Consolidation
We collect from suppliers, check and pack cargo at the nearest hub for FCL or LCL.
Export Customs Clearance
Documents are prepared, declarations are filed and we meet station cut off on time.
Air Transport
Your cargo moves on the planned train with tracking and proactive status updates.
Import Customs Clearance
Local brokers clear the shipment, we guide duties and taxes and resolve any issues.
Final Delivery
We deliver to your warehouse, 3PL or retail DC or DDP is available for eligible cargo.
FAQ about Air Freight from China
How long does rail freight from China to Europe take?
Delivery usually takes 15 to 22 days, depending on the destination country and route frequency.
Can I ship small shipments by rail, or only full containers?
We offer both FCL (full container load) and LCL (less than container load) rail shipping.
Do you provide door-to-door rail freight?
Yes. We can handle the entire process, from pickup at your supplier to delivery in Europe.
What documents are needed for rail shipping?
At minimum, a commercial invoice and packing list. We’ll guide you on any country-specific requirements.
Is rail freight reliable and safe?
Yes. Rail is a stable and secure transport method with fixed routes and real-time tracking.
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