Services
Overland options faster than sea and cheaper than air, hubbed through Germany
China–Europe rail departs from mainland hubs direct to Duisburg, Germany, with a warehouse-arrival time of about 18–25 working days; road freight runs across Eurasia door to door in about 20–28 working days with flexible departures. Hong Kong cargo is first trucked to a mainland consolidation hub or rail terminal. Both options currently centre on the Germany route; other destinations are assessed on request.
The rail running times quoted in the press cover only the rail leg from the origin terminal to Duisburg station. The figures on this site are warehouse-arrival times, which add transshipment at the border, customs release in the destination country and last-mile delivery from the hub to the warehouse. Check which segment a quoted number covers before comparing.
Rail applies its own rules to battery goods and not every battery category is accepted; provide the UN38.3 summary and packing details before dispatch so we can confirm the channel.
FAQ
Rail hubs through Duisburg and currently serves the Germany route; neighbouring countries can be reached by onward truck from Duisburg and are assessed on request.
Compared with sea, overland is less exposed to port congestion, but border queues and winter road conditions can affect individual departures; plan on the upper end of the range.
Next step