China to Iran Rail Freight: Block Trains from 9 Chinese Cities to Tehran | WideS
INDUSTRY NEWS · CHINA–IRAN LOGISTICS | Published August 2026 · WideSafe International Logistics
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.
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.
| 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 |
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.
WideSafe International Logistics 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
WideSafe International Logistics Co., Ltd.
WCA Member No. 140026 ｜ JCtrans Member No. 110483
