INDUSTRY NEWS · CHINA–IRAN LOGISTICS | Published August 2026 · EW TRANS CO., LTD
With the Strait of Hormuz remaining significantly disrupted through 2026, the China–Iran overland rail corridor has shifted from a backup option to the primary viable logistics channel for time-sensitive cargo. Merchant-vessel strandings and elevated war-risk surcharges on Gulf routes have pushed more shippers toward the railway — and departure frequency from China to Tehran has intensified in response.
As of August 2026, block-train services to Tehran are operating from nine Chinese origin cities, with departures running as frequently as every 3–4 days on the busiest lanes. Below is a consolidated overview of the stations, routing, and September 2026 schedules.
Core Route
Xi’an → Khorgos → Bolashak → Incheborun → Tehran
The main corridor runs through Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan into Iran’s Incheborun border crossing, completely bypassing maritime chokepoints. Transit is approximately 23 days from Xi’an to Tehran, and around 25 days from Chengdu.
Departure Stations & September 2026 Schedules
| Origin City | Service | Transit | September 2026 Departures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xi’an | FCL (SOC 40HQ) | ~23 days | Sep 5, Sep 20 |
| Wuhan | FCL (SOC 40HQ) | — | Sep 16, Sep 29 (via Xinjiang corridor) |
| Shijiazhuang | FCL (station-to-station, excl. container) | — | Sep (TBD) — no liquids / batteries accepted |
| Zhengzhou | FCL (SOC 40HQ) | — | Sep 10, Sep 19 |
| Chengdu | FCL (SOC 40HQ) | ~25 days | Sep 10, Sep 18 |
| Caofeidian | FCL (SOC 40HQ, station-to-station) | — | Sep 15, Sep 26 |
| Hefei | FCL (SOC 40HQ, station-to-station) | — | Sep 12 |
| Gaoyi | FCL (SOC 40HQ, station-to-station) | — | Sep 29 |
| Qingdao | FCL (COC 40HQ, station-to-station) | — | On enquiry |
Service Basics
- FCL & LCL: Full container load and less-than-container-load rail consolidation from China to Tehran.
- Container options: SOC (shipper-owned) and COC (carrier-owned) 40HQ containers available.
- Door-to-station: Pickup + customs clearance + loading + consolidation handled end-to-end.
- Documentation: T1 transit customs, commodity inspection, and third-country arrival filings.
- Bonded warehouse: Own facility with free storage available for consolidation.
- Verified credentials: WCA Member No. 140026 & JCtrans Member No. 110483.
Market Outlook
Capacity on the China–Iran rail corridor remains tight, with rates having risen roughly 10–15% since early August. Shippers are advised to confirm slots 7–10 days ahead of the desired departure. As the corridor continues to add origin cities and frequency, rail is set to remain the most reliable bridge between Chinese manufacturing hubs and the Iranian market for the foreseeable future.
Book Your China–Iran Rail Space
EW TRANS CO., LTD is a Ministry of Commerce-approved Class I international freight forwarder headquartered at the Xi’an International Port, with direct China Railway booking access.
Archer Xu · Logistics Director
EW TRANS CO., LTD Co., Ltd.
WCA Member No. 140026 ｜ JCtrans Member No. 110483