Rail freight from China to Kazakhstan
Rail from China takes 18–30 days to Almaty, at a lower cost per kg than trucking. Equipment, building materials and appliances in bulk travel this way.
- Transit
- 18–30 days to Almaty
- Rate
- on request: per kg, m³ or container
- Light cargo
- under 200 kg/m³ priced per m³
- Formats
- groupage, 20/40ft containers, wagons
- Border crossings
- Dostyk–Alashankou, Altynkol–Khorgos
How rail freight moves
Cargo is loaded into a container or wagon at a station in China, booked on an SMGS waybill and sent to the border. China runs on 1435 mm gauge and Kazakhstan on 1520 mm, so containers are moved to other platforms at Dostyk or Altynkol. The train continues to the destination station, and a truck covers the last leg.
What goes by rail
Rail carries heavy and large shipments, as groupage, containers or full wagons:
- machine tools and industrial equipment
- tiles, metal, building materials
- appliances and furniture in bulk
- seasonal goods ordered in advance
Rail price and transit
Price depends on cargo density, origin station and format (groupage, container or wagon). Transit depends on congestion at the border crossings and the wait for the train to be made up. In peak season we add a buffer.
SMGS waybill and delivery from the station
Required: a contract, invoice, packing list and SMGS rail waybill. From the station, the cargo goes on to your warehouse.
FAQ
How long does rail from China take?
18–30 days to Almaty depending on the origin station and border congestion.
What does rail freight cost per kg?
Dense cargo is charged per kg, light cargo per cubic metre and containers per unit. The origin station and season affect the total, so a manager quotes it after calculation.
Can I send a small batch by rail?
Yes, as groupage, in 18–30 days. By road the same batch takes 10–18 days.
Which border crossings do trains use?
Mainly Dostyk (Alashankou) and Altynkol (Khorgos).
Is door delivery possible?
Yes, the last leg from the station goes by truck and is included in the quote.