Shipping from China to Russia is a vital logistics corridor that continues to expand in both volume and complexity. Whether you’re delivering small e-commerce parcels or bulk shipments of machinery, selecting the cheapest way to ship from China to Russia in 2025 requires more than just price comparison—it demands strategic planning, reliable partners, and a clear understanding of customs clearance procedures, transit times, and available transport services.
Given the political, geographic, and infrastructural differences between China and Russia, not all shipping methods are created equal. From rail freight via the China–Europe Railway Express to air freight for time-sensitive cargo, businesses now have a variety of international shipping options tailored to different budgets and timelines.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the most cost-effective ways to ship goods from China to Russia—including real shipping costs, estimated delivery times, and the best freight forwarding strategies—so you can make informed decisions that benefit your bottom line.
What Are the Shipping Options from China to Russia?
When shipping goods from China to Russia, choosing the right shipping method is crucial. The ideal option depends on your budget, delivery timeline, cargo size, and whether you need door to door shipping or port-to-port services. Below are the main transportation services available in 2025:
Rail Freight from China to Russia
Rail freight has become the most popular choice for businesses looking for a balance between cost and speed. The China-Europe Railway Express connects major cities like Yiwu, Chengdu, and Chongqing to Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and other Russian hubs via Kazakhstan or Mongolia.
- Transit Time: 12–18 days
- Best For: Electronics, machinery, general goods
- Advantages: Reliable schedules, lower carbon footprint than air, lower costs than truck or air
Truck Transport (Road Freight)
Truck freight (also called road transport) is ideal for door-to-door service and inland cities not easily reached by rail. It’s especially useful for small shipments, fragile goods, or locations without railway terminals.
- Transit Time: 10–20 days (depending on customs)
- Best For: Light industrial products, packaged consumer goods
Air Freight from China to Russia
If time is critical, air freight is the fastest but most expensive option. Airlines like AirBridgeCargo and China Southern offer regular services from Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Shanghai to Moscow (Sheremetyevo), Yekaterinburg, and Novosibirsk.
- Transit Time: 3–7 days
- Best For: Urgent shipments, electronics, fashion, medical supplies
Sea Freight from China to Russia
Although not commonly used for central Russia, sea freight is a cost-effective option when shipping to Russian Far East ports like Vladivostok or Nakhodka. From there, goods can be forwarded inland by train or truck.
- Transit Time: 25–40 days
- Best For: Large-volume or bulk shipments
Express Courier (DHL, FedEx, SF Express)
For parcels under 30 kg, express delivery services offer the most convenient solution. While more expensive per kilogram, they include customs clearance, tracking, and fast delivery to your recipient’s door in Russia.
- Transit Time: 5–10 days
- Best For: Samples, personal goods, urgent lightweight items
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure which mode to choose, consult a trusted freight forwarder who offers comprehensive services, including route planning, insurance, and customs documentation support.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship from China to Russia?
Understanding shipping costs is essential when selecting the cheapest way to ship from China to Russia. Prices vary significantly depending on the shipping method, cargo weight/volume, origin and destination cities, and whether you require door to door service or just terminal-to-terminal delivery.
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay in 2025:
Rail Freight Cost
Rail transport is the most cost-effective option for medium to large shipments that are not urgent.
- Example:
- Yiwu to Moscow (LCL): approx. $60–$120/CBM
- Full container (FCL 40HQ): approx. $3,200–$3,800
- Transit Time: 15–18 days
- Best Value For: General cargo, e-commerce goods, building materials
Air Freight Cost
Air freight rates depend on the chargeable weight, which takes into account volume and actual weight. It is ideal for high-value or time-sensitive goods.
- Example:
- Shanghai to Moscow:
- $2.50–$3.00/kg (100kg)
- $2.00–$2.50/kg (300kg or more)
- Shanghai to Moscow:
- Transit Time: 3–5 days
- Includes: airport-to-airport or door-to-door options
Truck Freight Cost
Road transport offers flexibility, especially for inland Russia, and is a popular choice for door-to-door delivery.
- Example:
- Shenzhen to Moscow (LCL): approx. $100–$200/CBM
- Full truck load (22–24 tons): $6,000–$7,500
- Transit Time: 12–20 days
Sea Freight Cost
Although slower, sea shipping is the cheapest per CBM for bulk shipments to eastern Russia.
- Example:
- Shanghai to Vladivostok (LCL): $60–$80/CBM
- Full container (FCL 40HQ): $1,500–$2,200
- Transit Time: 25–40 days
Express Courier Cost
For lightweight shipments, express couriers like DHL, FedEx, and SF Express offer fast and all-inclusive pricing.
- Example:
- 5 kg package: $45–$65
- 10 kg package: $80–$120
- Transit Time: 5–9 days
- Includes: tracking, customs clearance, and final mile delivery
Reminder: Prices may vary depending on fuel surcharges, seasonal demand, and whether you require additional services like insurance, warehousing, or customs clearance.
Cheapest Shipping Method for Different Types of Cargo
Choosing the most cost-effective shipping method depends on the type, weight, and urgency of your cargo. Below we break down the best shipping options for different shipment categories when importing from China to Russia.
Small Parcels and Lightweight Cargo (Under 30kg)
For small packages such as samples, accessories, or e-commerce products, express delivery via DHL, FedEx, or SF Express offers the most streamlined solution.
- Best Option: Express courier
- Cost: $6–$12/kg depending on destination
- Includes: Customs clearance, final delivery, tracking
- Why: Door-to-door, no minimum CBM, fastest delivery
- Keywords used: express delivery, shipping small packages, delivery services
Medium Shipments (50–500kg or 1–5 CBM)
This is a common volume for general cargo. In this case, rail freight or truck freight offers the lowest cost per unit with reliable delivery times.
- Best Option: Rail freight (preferred), or truck freight
- Cost: $60–$100/CBM (rail), $80–$120/CBM (truck)
- Why: Lower than air freight, faster than sea freight
Large Cargo & Bulk Shipments (10+ CBM or FCL)
When shipping bulk shipments, like building materials, machinery, or wholesale goods, the lowest cost per cubic meter is via sea freight (to eastern Russia) or full container rail freight (to central Russia).
- Best Option:
- Rail freight FCL (to Moscow)
- Sea freight FCL (to Vladivostok or Vostochny)
- Why: Economies of scale, lower rates per CBM
Urgent or Time-Sensitive Goods
For high-value or time-sensitive goods such as electronics, medical supplies, or fashion, air freight is the go-to method—even if it’s more expensive.
- Best Option: Air freight
- Transit Time: 3–7 days
- Why: Speed outweighs cost for critical deliveries
Return Shipments, Samples, and One-Off Deliveries
For one-time deliveries, samples, or returns, use courier services with integrated services that handle paperwork, insurance, and customs with minimal user input.
- Best Option: DHL/FedEx/EMS
- Why: Simplifies entire shipping process
Tip: Work with a reliable freight forwarder who can evaluate your shipment and recommend the most cost-effective shipping method based on weight, volume, and urgency.
How Long Does It Take to Ship from China to Russia?
Transit time from China to Russia can vary widely depending on the shipping method, origin and destination cities, and whether customs or border delays occur. Choosing the right service helps avoid unexpected slowdowns and keeps your supply chain efficient.
Here’s an overview of typical delivery times by method:
Rail Freight Transit Time
- Main Route: Yiwu/Chengdu/Xi’an → Moscow via Kazakhstan
- Transit Time: 12–18 days
- Stability: High — predictable schedules
- Best for: General cargo, mid-size shipments
Truck Freight Transit Time
- Main Route: Guangdong/Zhejiang → Moscow/St. Petersburg by road
- Transit Time: 14–22 days (varies by route and customs)
- Flexibility: High — good for inland delivery
Air Freight Transit Time
- Origin: Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Shanghai
- Destination: Moscow, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg
- Transit Time: 3–7 days
- Best for: Time-sensitive goods
Sea Freight Transit Time
- Route: Shanghai/Ningbo → Vladivostok or Vostochny
- Transit Time: 25–40 days
- Limitations: Port access only in eastern Russia
Express Courier Transit Time
- Providers: DHL, FedEx, EMS, SF
- Transit Time: 5–10 days
- Best for: Small parcels, documents, urgent delivery
Note: Delays may occur during customs clearance, peak seasons, or due to route-specific factors. Strategic planning and tracking tools help reduce risk.
Explore more shipping guides:
- Rail Freight from China to Russia
- Road Freight from China to Russia
- Guide To Exporting And Shipping Cars From China To Russia
- How Long Does It Take to Ship from China to Russia
- Shipping Costs for 20ft & 40ft Containers from China to Russia
Customs Clearance When Shipping to Russia
One of the most important—but often overlooked—steps in shipping from China to Russia is the customs clearance process. Without proper documentation and accurate declarations, your goods may be delayed, fined, or even returned.
Whether you’re using air freight, rail, truck, or sea freight, understanding how to handle customs paperwork and duties is critical.
Documents Required for Russia Customs Clearance
Here’s what you’ll typically need to prepare:
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Bill of Lading / Air Waybill / CMR
- Contract with Russian buyer (for formal imports)
- HS Code classification
- Import License (if applicable)
- Certificates of Origin or Conformity (e.g., EAC)
- Insurance certificate (optional but recommended)
Keywords used: customs clearance, documents, paperwork, shipment
Customs Duties and Taxes
Customs duties in Russia are calculated based on:
- CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight)
- HS Code rates (typically 5%–20%)
- VAT (usually 20%)
Ensure that your invoice reflects the true value of goods and matches supporting documents.
Common Clearance Issues
- Incomplete or incorrect invoices
- Undervalued goods triggering red flags
- Missing product certifications (e.g., EAC, GOST)
- Language mismatches in documents
- Discrepancies in cargo quantity or HS codes
DDP vs. DDU Shipping Terms
Depending on who handles the customs process, you can choose:
- DDP (Delivered Duty Paid):
- Seller (or freight forwarder) handles all taxes, paperwork, and clearance
- Best for hassle-free shipping
- Usually includes door to door delivery
- DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid):
- Buyer handles import duties and clearance
- Lower cost upfront, but risk of delays if buyer is unfamiliar
Pro Tip: Partner with a reliable logistics company or freight forwarder familiar with Russian import procedures. They can handle the entire customs process under DDP terms, allowing you to focus on sales instead of red tape.
Best Freight Forwarders for Shipping from China to Russia
Choosing a reliable freight forwarder is essential for anyone looking to minimize risk, reduce costs, and streamline the shipping process from China to Russia. A good logistics company does more than just move cargo—they provide comprehensive services including:
- Route planning & cost optimization
- Customs clearance assistance
- Real-time tracking
- Warehousing and consolidation
- Door to door shipping
- Insurance & paperwork support
What to Look for in a Freight Forwarder
When evaluating freight forwarding companies, look for these qualities:
- Experience with Russia routes
They should know the complexities of rail freight, border customs, and inland transport within Russia. - DDP capabilities
Ensure they offer Delivered Duty Paid services if you want to simplify customs clearance. - Transparent pricing
Hidden fees kill profit. A trustworthy company offers favorable rates and breaks down the total cost clearly. - Customer service & tracking
You should be able to track shipments and get updates. Good forwarders provide real-time tracking and multilingual support.
Why Choose Tonlexing as Your China–Russia Freight Partner
At Tonlexing, we specialize in shipping from China to Russia, offering end-to-end logistics solutions that prioritize efficiency, affordability, and reliability.
- Over 15 years of experience in international shipping
- Strong presence in rail freight, air freight, and truck delivery
- Full support for DDP, customs clearance, and documents
- Competitive pricing with no hidden costs
- Door to door service across major Russian cities
- Russian-speaking customer service team
- Custom shipping plans for small parcels or bulk shipments
Whether you’re shipping 100 kg by rail or a full container by truck, our team ensures every shipment is delivered safely and on time.
Contact us now to get a free quote or consult our specialists for your next China–Russia shipment.
FAQs: Cheapest Shipping from China to Russia – Common Questions
Below are answers to the most frequently asked questions about shipping from China to Russia. These quick insights help importers make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
What is the cheapest way to ship from China to Russia?
The cheapest method depends on your cargo type and urgency. In general:
- Rail freight is the most cost-effective for medium to large cargo (1–10 CBM).
- Sea freight is cheaper for bulk shipments to eastern Russia.
- Express courier is the cheapest for lightweight parcels (under 5 kg).
How long does delivery from China to Russia take?
Typical delivery times are:
- Air freight: 3–7 days
- Rail freight: 12–18 days
- Truck freight: 14–22 days
- Sea freight: 25–40 days (to Vladivostok)
- Express courier: 5–10 days
Keywords used: delivery, shipping process, shipping time
What documents are needed for customs clearance in Russia?
You will need:
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
- HS code
- Certificates (EAC/GOST, if applicable)
- Contract and import license (for formal clearance)
Do I need an import license to ship to Russia?
In most cases, yes—especially for commercial quantities. However, freight forwarders like Tonlexing can assist with customs brokerage and ensure compliance with Russian regulations.
Can I ship DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) from China to Russia?
Yes. Many logistics companies offer DDP shipping, where they handle duties, customs clearance, and deliver directly to your address in Russia.
How can I track my shipment in real-time?
Freight forwarders and express couriers typically provide real time tracking via web portals or apps. This helps you monitor your cargo from origin to final destination.
Is insurance necessary for shipments to Russia?
While not mandatory, cargo insurance is strongly recommended, especially for high-value goods or long-distance routes like rail or sea. It protects against theft, damage, or loss.