Rail freight from China to Russia
Rail is the middle ground between the speed of air and the economy of sea. Container trains from China run on established routes with predictable transit times — 18–30 days to Moscow.
Why rail from China
Rail from China is particularly good value for buyers in the Urals, Siberia and central Russia. Container trains run along the Trans-Siberian Railway and through the border crossings on predictable schedules. At 18–30 days, the transit time is noticeably shorter than sea at a comparable cost for many types of goods. We organise rail shipments from China’s main industrial regions.
For you as the supplier the process is simple: we collect the goods, arrange the documents at origin and take responsibility for the route to your buyer in Russia. Before booking, HS codes and all parties are screened against EU, UK, Swiss and US sanctions; we do not carry sanctioned or dual-use goods. We work B2B only, from 50 kg, with a minimum service fee of €200.
Rail routes and transit times
| From | To | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| China (central / eastern) | Moscow / Yekaterinburg | 18–30 days |
| China | Novosibirsk (Trans-Siberian) | 15–28 days |
| China | St Petersburg | 20–32 days |
Transit times are indicative and depend on the departure station and border crossing.
Typical rail cargo
- ✓Goods from China
- ✓Electronics and appliances
- ✓Equipment
- ✓Clothing and footwear
- ✓Goods for marketplaces
Rail compared with other modes
Air
3–7 days from China, priced by volumetric weight — for urgent and valuable goods.
Rail
18–30 days, predictable schedules — the balance of speed and cost.
Sea
35–50 days via Suez, or 10–30 days to Vladivostok and Vostochny — the lowest cost for large volumes.
How a rail shipment runs
- 1Quote
Send the weight, volume, pick-up city in China and the destination in Russia; we quote by weight and volume. - 2Screening
HS codes and all parties are checked against sanctions lists before anything is booked. - 3Collection and documents
We collect the goods from your factory and arrange the documents at origin. - 4Container train
The container travels by rail through the border crossing and along the Trans-Siberian Railway. - 5Delivery
Customs clearance in Russia and road delivery from the terminal to your buyer’s warehouse.
B2B only, from 50 kg
We carry commercial consignments from 50 kg with a minimum service fee of €200. Sanctioned and dual-use goods are not accepted.
Frequently asked questions
How long does rail freight from China to Moscow take?
About 18–30 days from central and eastern China to Moscow or Yekaterinburg; 15–28 days to Novosibirsk and 20–32 days to St Petersburg.
How much does rail freight from China cost?
It is quoted on request, by weight and volume. The minimum service fee is €200.
Is rail cheaper than air?
Yes, for most goods considerably. Air from China takes 3–7 days but is charged by volumetric weight, so it suits urgent and valuable consignments; rail suits regular volumes.
Which Russian cities can rail reach?
Moscow, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk and St Petersburg by rail, and any other city by road from the terminal.
Do you check goods for sanctions?
Yes. Before booking we screen HS codes and all parties against EU, UK, Swiss and US sanctions; sanctioned and dual-use goods are not carried.
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