China to Europe Rail Expansion: New Routes for Faster, More Sustainable Freight

In recent years, rail transport between China and Europe has been developing rapidly. With the continuous expansion of rail networks and the opening of new routes, rail transport has become an increasingly important logistics solution for freight between China and Europe. Below is a detailed introduction:

Growth of China-Europe Railway Express

• Impressive Statistics: In 2024, the ports of Alashankou and Horgos in Xinjiang handled 16,400 China-Europe freight train trips, a year-on-year increase of 14%. As of May 2025, Horgos Port had processed over 4,000 China-Europe (Central Asia) freight train trips, with a cumulative total exceeding 46,000 trips. Alashankou Port had handled over 3,000 China-Europe (Central Asia) freight train trips during the same period.
• Expanding Routes: Currently, 87 operational routes via Horgos Port connect 46 cities and regions across 18 countries. Alashankou Port boasts 123 routes linking 21 countries, including Germany and Poland.

Major Routes of the China-Europe Railway Express

• Eastern Route: Trains depart from China, pass through Russia and Belarus, and arrive in Poland. From there, they can reach destination countries such as Germany via the Kaunas–Vilnius–Brest–Warsaw–Berlin corridor. This route has the shortest transit time, typically 10–12 days.
• Central Route: Trains depart from China, travel through Kazakhstan and Russia, and enter Europe via Belarus. This route is shorter and avoids transit through Ukraine, with transit times generally ranging from 12 to 14 days.
• Western Route: Trains depart from China, pass through Kazakhstan, cross the Urals into Russia, and enter Europe through Latvia, Lithuania, or Estonia. From there, they can reach Poland and Germany. Transit times on this route are approximately 10–12 days.

Key Ports and Their Roles

• Alashankou Port: Located on the China-Kazakhstan border, it is one of Xinjiang’s two primary rail gateways. In recent years, Xinjiang’s railway authorities have continuously strengthened port logistics capacity. Alashankou Port now handles over 50% of China’s total China-Europe freight train volume. It operates a 24/7 “green channel” to ensure the smooth operation of China-Europe freight trains, processing an average of over 21 trips daily, with a peak of 30 trips in a single day.
• Horgos Port: Another major railway hub in Xinjiang, it has seen cumulative China-Europe (Central Asia) freight train traffic exceed 46,000 trips. The port plays a critical role in connecting China with Europe and Central Asia.

Advantages of China-Europe Railway Transport

• Cost-Effective: Rail transport offers a cost advantage over air freight. For example, shipping a 40-foot container by rail costs between USD 7,000 and USD 9,000, while air freight costs around USD 32,000.
• Time Efficiency: Rail transport is significantly faster than sea freight. China-Europe rail transit typically takes 14–22 days, whereas sea freight can take up to one month. This makes rail transport a better choice for time-sensitive goods.
• Environmental Sustainability: Rail transport produces fewer carbon emissions per tonne-kilometer compared to road transport, making it more environmentally friendly. As a result, rail transport aligns well with global sustainability goals and has become a key focus of the China-Europe Railway’s sustainable practices.
• Stability and Reliability: Rail transport is less affected by weather conditions and natural disasters compared to air and sea freight. It also avoids risks such as pirates, ensuring stable and reliable operations.

Future Development Trends

• Infrastructure Upgrades: Further investment in rail infrastructure between China and Europe is expected. This includes track upgrades, station expansions, and improved cargo handling facilities to enhance transportation capacity and efficiency.
• Service Quality Improvement: With the growing demand for rail transport, service providers will focus on improving service quality. This includes optimizing train schedules, enhancing cargo tracking systems, and strengthening customs clearance capabilities to offer businesses more convenient and efficient rail freight services.
• Expanded Market Reach: As the China-Europe Railway Express continues to gain prominence, its market influence will expand beyond traditional Europe and Central Asia to encompass more regions, such as South Asia and the Middle East. This will create new opportunities for international trade and economic cooperation.
• Multimodal Integration: Rail transport will increasingly integrate with other modes of transport, such as road and sea freight, to form multimodal logistics networks. This will provide businesses with more flexible and diverse transportation solutions, enabling seamless cargo transfers and further improving logistics efficiency.