The China–Iran Rail Corridor: State of the Routes, Autumn 2026

With the autumn shipping season underway, the usual yearly pattern repeats: demand pressure rises on the eastern corridors and wagon capacity turns competitive before winter. Here is where the routes stand today.

The northern route (Trans-Siberian and Kazakhstan)

• East China to Tehran typically runs 18 to 24 days; allow 3–5 extra days in the cold months.
• Acceptance capacity at northern borders tightens through late autumn — early wagon booking is the condition for getting quoted rates at all.

The middle route (Khorasan and Sarakhs)

• The Sarakhs border remains the main eastern entry point for high-tonnage consignments.
• Border-station waiting time in peak weeks runs 2 to 4 days; filing declarations in advance absorbs that wait.

Practical advice for the season

1. Close the shipping window for temperature-sensitive cargo before the freeze.
2. In annual contracts, include a rate-adjustment clause tied to fuel and currency indices.
3. Check the seasonal licence status of your goods with the responsible authority before placing the order.

This overview is not a substitute for a dedicated shipping plan — contact Lihu's specialists about your specific consignment.

Lihu Rail Transport sends quarterly corridor-status reports to contract customers. Get in touch to join that list.