Turkey in the Middle Corridor: Hub between Europe and Asia

The ÖBB Rail Cargo Group (RCG) connects Europe and Turkey through a powerful logistics network. As a vital link between continents, Turkey plays a central role in the Middle Corridor connecting Europe, Central Asia and China.

The Middle Corridor has become a key route in international freight transport. As a land bridge between Europe and Asia, it offers a stable and time-efficient alternative to sea and air freight. Within this corridor, Turkey functions as a logistics hub, linking the most important economic regions of the Eurasian market. This makes the region a crucial part of RCG’s cross-border rail freight operations between the continents. 
One of the key infrastructure advantages is the Marmaray Tunnel, which connects the European and Asian parts of Istanbul beneath the Bosphorus. As the only rail logistics provider currently authorised to transport trailers through the tunnel, RCG enables seamless freight transport with containers, swap bodies and semi-trailers. 

Intermodal: efficient TransFER connections

With a comprehensive network of intermodal TransFER connections, RCG strengthens the logistics bridge between Europe and Asia. Containers, swap bodies and semi-trailers – whether cranable or not – are transported safely and smoothly to their destinations. 
Established TransFER routes include the TransFER Budapest–Istanbul with onward connections from Budapest to Vienna, Duisburg and Zeebrugge, as well as the TransFER Tekirdag–Curtici with further links via the TransFER Genk–Curtici. From November 2025, the TransFER Budapest–Curtici will expand the network with new connections to South-Eastern Europe. 

Multimodal door-to-door solutions

In addition to intermodal transport, RCG also offers conventional wagonload services – for example for bulk goods, steel, construction materials, automotive and consumer goods. If required, first and last mile by truck can be added. With wagon provision, door-to-door services and the combination of rail and road, tailored solutions are created along the entire supply chain – from production site to final recipient. This facilitates transit traffic between Europe, the CIS countries and Asia, offering a cost-efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to road-only transport. At the same time, transit times are significantly shorter compared to short-sea shipping.

19.11.2025