Rail freight connectivity between China and Europe has become an increasingly important component of Eurasian trade logistics. Over the past decade, the China–Europe Railway Express has developed into a key transportation corridor linking Chinese manufacturing centers with European markets through Central Asia and Eastern Europe. The service forms part of China’s broader effort to strengthen international logistics connectivity and support cross-border trade.

According to a report published on 9 March 2026 by the China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. and released through the official website of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, the China–Europe Railway Express operated more than 3,500 freight train services during the first two months of 2026. During this period, the trains transported approximately 370,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of cargo.

The data highlights the continued expansion of rail-based trade between China and Europe, despite ongoing adjustments in global logistics networks and geopolitical uncertainty affecting international trade routes. The growth of the China–Europe Railway Express reflects both increasing demand for diversified transport options and the strategic role of rail connectivity within China’s international trade framework.

For businesses engaged in manufacturing, logistics, and international trade, the development of the China–Europe Railway Express provides insights into the evolving structure of global supply chains linking Asia and Europe.

Executive Summary

• In the first two months of 2026, the China–Europe Railway Express operated more than 3,500 train services, according to China State Railway Group Co., Ltd.
• The trains transported around 370,000 TEUs of cargo, reflecting continued growth in Eurasian rail logistics.
• The railway service connects over 200 cities in more than 25 European countries with over 120 cities across China.
• The expansion reflects sustained demand for stable, diversified supply chain routes between Asia and Europe.
• Rail freight offers a middle-ground logistics solution, faster than maritime transport and more cost-effective than air freight.
• The continued development of the China–Europe Railway Express supports China’s broader strategy of strengthening international trade connectivity and logistics infrastructure.

The Development of the China–Europe Railway Express

The China–Europe Railway Express has emerged as one of the most visible logistics initiatives connecting Asia and Europe. Since its launch in 2011, the rail service has grown rapidly, linking major Chinese manufacturing centers with European logistics hubs through transcontinental rail corridors.

The service operates across several routes that pass through Central Asia, Russia, and Eastern Europe, eventually reaching key destinations in Western Europe. Over time, the network has expanded significantly, both in terms of geographic coverage and cargo volumes.

According to official data, the China–Europe Railway Express now connects over 120 cities across China with more than 200 cities in Europe. These routes span over 25 European countries, reflecting the scale and geographic reach of the railway network.

The service has therefore become an increasingly important component of Eurasian trade infrastructure.

Performance in Early 2026

Operational data for early 2026 indicates that the railway network continues to expand in both capacity and usage.

During January and February 2026, the China–Europe Railway Express completed more than 3,500 freight train trips, transporting roughly 370,000 TEUs of cargo. These figures represent sustained operational activity despite seasonal fluctuations in trade volumes and adjustments in global logistics markets.

The data was released by China State Railway Group Co., Ltd., the state-owned enterprise responsible for managing China’s national railway system and international freight rail services.

The continued high frequency of rail services highlights the growing role of rail freight as a reliable transportation option for international trade.

Logistics Advantages of Rail Freight

Rail freight between China and Europe occupies a unique position within global logistics networks.

Compared with maritime transport, rail freight offers significantly shorter transit times. While sea freight shipments between China and Europe can take between 30 and 45 days, rail transport typically requires around 12 to 18 days, depending on the route and customs procedures.

At the same time, rail transport remains substantially more cost-effective than air freight. As a result, the China–Europe Railway Express provides an attractive alternative for companies seeking a balance between transportation speed and cost efficiency.

This intermediate position within the logistics spectrum has contributed to the growing popularity of rail freight for goods such as electronics, machinery, automotive components, and consumer products.

Expanding the Network of International Logistics Hubs

Another important factor behind the expansion of the China–Europe Railway Express is the development of logistics hubs along the railway routes.

Major Chinese cities such as Chongqing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Zhengzhou, and Yiwu have become important departure points for rail freight services bound for Europe. These cities have invested heavily in logistics infrastructure, including rail terminals, bonded logistics zones, and customs processing facilities.

On the European side, logistics hubs in cities such as Duisburg, Hamburg, and Warsaw play a critical role in distributing goods to regional markets.

The development of these logistics hubs has helped improve the efficiency and reliability of cross-border rail freight operations.

The Role of Rail Freight in Supply Chain Diversification

The growth of the China–Europe Railway Express also reflects broader shifts in global supply chain strategies.

In recent years, companies have increasingly sought to diversify their logistics options in response to disruptions affecting traditional transport routes. Factors such as port congestion, geopolitical tensions, and supply chain bottlenecks have highlighted the importance of having multiple transportation alternatives.

Rail freight provides an additional logistics channel that can complement maritime shipping routes. This diversification helps companies manage risks and maintain supply chain continuity.

For many businesses, the availability of rail freight has therefore become an important element of supply chain resilience.

Integration with China’s International Trade Strategy

The expansion of the China–Europe Railway Express is also linked to China’s broader efforts to strengthen international trade connectivity.

Rail freight corridors connecting China and Europe play a role in supporting trade flows across the Eurasian continent. By improving logistics connectivity, these corridors can help reduce transportation times, improve trade efficiency, and strengthen economic cooperation between participating regions.

The development of cross-border rail infrastructure is therefore viewed as part of China’s broader strategy to enhance global logistics networks and support international trade.

Operational Improvements and Service Efficiency

Authorities have also focused on improving the operational efficiency of the China–Europe Railway Express.

In recent years, measures have been introduced to streamline customs procedures, improve cross-border coordination, and enhance scheduling efficiency. These improvements aim to reduce transit times and increase the reliability of rail freight services.

Operational coordination between railway operators in different countries remains a key factor in ensuring the smooth functioning of transcontinental rail services.

Continued investment in infrastructure and digital logistics systems is expected to further improve the performance of the railway network in the coming years.

What This Means for Business

The continued expansion of the China–Europe Railway Express carries several implications for companies involved in international trade and logistics.

• The growth of rail freight provides businesses with an additional transportation option linking Asian production centers with European markets. This flexibility can help companies optimize their supply chains by balancing cost, speed, and reliability.
• The expansion of logistics hubs along the railway corridors may create new opportunities for companies involved in logistics services, warehousing, and supply chain management.
• Rail freight can play a role in supply chain risk management. By offering an alternative to maritime shipping, rail transport can help companies maintain continuity when disruptions affect traditional shipping routes.
• The continued development of Eurasian rail logistics suggests that intercontinental rail transport will remain an important component of global trade infrastructure.

For companies engaged in manufacturing, trade, and logistics, understanding the evolution of the China–Europe Railway Express can therefore provide valuable insights into the future structure of Eurasian supply chains.

Sources

• China–Europe Railway Express Operates More Than 3,500 Train Services in First Two Months of 2026
  https://www.gov.cn/yaowen/liebiao/202603/content_7062281.htm
• China Government Network – China–Europe Railway Express Operations Update
  https://www.gov.cn/yaowen/liebiao/202603/content_7062281.htm
• China State Railway Group – Operational Data on China–Europe Freight Rail Services
  https://www.china-railway.com.cn/