By Plane

Urumqi Airport (URC)

Name: Urumqi Diwopu International Airport

Distance to city: 16 km from city center

To city center: Airport shuttle bus (¥15, 30 min), taxi (¥40-60, 20 min), or Metro Line 1

Direct Flights From

Beijing

4h Multiple daily

Shanghai

5h Multiple daily

Guangzhou

5.5h Daily

Shenzhen

5.5h Daily

Chengdu

3.5h Multiple daily

Xi'an

3.5h Multiple daily

Kashgar

1.5h Multiple daily

Lanzhou

2.5h Multiple daily

Almaty (ALA)

2h Multiple weekly

Istanbul (IST)

6h Weekly

Moscow (SVO)

5h Weekly

Dubai (DXB)

5h Seasonal

Tip: Urumqi Airport is a major hub for Xinjiang and Central Asia routes. International flights to Almaty, Istanbul, Moscow available. 144-hour visa-free transit supported for eligible travelers.

By High-Speed Train

Urumqi Railway Station (乌鲁木齐站)

Location: Main railway terminal, 8 km from city center

Take Metro Line 1 or taxi to reach city center from the station.

Popular Routes

From	Duration	Price	Notes
Beijing	30-33h	¥350-1,200	High-speed via Lanzhou (30h) or direct sleeper (33h)
Shanghai	36-40h	¥400-1,400	Sleeper train recommended for long journey
Xi'an	14-16h	¥200-600	Multiple daily trains, high-speed available
Lanzhou	8-10h	¥150-400	High-speed trains available, most popular route
Kashgar	12-14h	¥150-400	Scenic route through Taklamakan Desert edge

Tip: Train travel in Xinjiang is scenic but long. High-speed rail connects to Lanzhou and beyond. Book sleeper berths for overnight journeys.

By Long-Distance Bus

Urumqi Nianzigou Bus Station

Location: City center, near railway station

Routes: Destinations across Xinjiang including Turpan, Kashgar, and regional cities

Urumqi Military Region Bus Station

Location: Southern suburbs

Routes: Long-distance routes to other provinces

Tip: Long-distance buses useful for smaller Xinjiang destinations not served by rail. Journey times can be very long due to distances.

By Car

From Lanzhou

Distance: 1,900 km

Duration: 20-22h

Route: G30 Lianhuo Expressway

From Kashgar

Distance: 1,500 km

Duration: 16-18h

Route: G3012 Turpan-Kashgar Expressway

From Turpan

Distance: 180 km

Duration: 2-2.5h

Route: G30 Lianhuo Expressway

Parking: Parking available at major attractions and hotels. City center parking can be limited during peak hours.

Getting Around Urumqi

Public Transport

Urumqi has Metro Line 1 and extensive bus network. Single metro ride ¥2-5. Buses cover all major areas.

Taxi & Ride-Hailing

Taxis are affordable (starting ¥8, ¥1.6/km). Didi app works well. Useful for reaching Grand Bazaar and attractions.

Bike Rental

Bike sharing available but limited due to climate. Best for short distances in spring/autumn.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fastest way to get to Urumqi from Beijing?

Flight takes 4h (most popular). High-speed train via Lanzhou takes about 30h. Sleeper train takes 33h but saves a hotel night.

How much does a train ticket from Beijing to Urumqi cost?

High-speed train: ¥350 (second class) to ¥1,200 (business class). Sleeper trains: ¥400-800 depending on berth type.

Are there international flights from Urumqi?

Yes, Urumqi has international flights to Almaty (2h), Istanbul (6h), Moscow (5h), and seasonal Dubai routes. It is a major Silk Road aviation hub.

Is 144-hour visa-free transit available in Urumqi?

Yes, Urumqi Diwopu International Airport supports 144-hour visa-free transit for eligible travelers from 54 countries.