Red Sea crisis makes China-Europe rail cheaper than ship
Track rate remains stable
According to Eurasia Rail Alliance (ERA) figures, shipping rates in 2024 were 59% above the average rail rate on the China-Europe route. The rail rate on the route remained stable at $3,500 per 40' container equivalent.

The situation, according to Djoomart Otorbaev, former prime minister of Kyrgyzstan and correspondent for the China Daily, is due to the conflict on the Red Sea, which resulted in a 67% drop in sea cargo volume between China and Europe via the Suez Canal. He refers to the Drewry World Container Composite Index, which from January to mid-August 2024 showed an increase in the transportation cost for a 40' container between Shanghai and Rotterdam by 78% to $7,961.
Rail transport on the rise
According to Otorbaev, Eurasian rail transport increased significantly this year. He said this trend is due to improved cooperation between countries along the route and substantial infrastructure improvements. Moreover, a train journey between China and the Polish border takes 9 days on average, compared to 35-40 days for the sea route. A ship, however, can carry a multiple of containers compared to a train.
From January to September 2024, a total of over 14,600 roundtrips by train took place between China and Europe, up 13% from 2023. Underlying this growth is the increasing trade between China and Europe.
Source: Flows