How to Get from Zhangye to Urumqi: By Flight or Train

The famous ancient “Silk Road” started from Xian, passed by Lanzhou, Zhangye, Jiayuguan, Dunhuang in Gansu, linked Urumqi and more places in Xinjiang, and ultimately going to Central and West Asia. Tracing the original route and visiting different landscape, historical sites in Northwestern China has been an unusual adventure to unlock the mysterious ancient civilization. If you are planning such a Silk Road trip from Zhangye to Urumqi, check the following transportation to find the best and most convenient option for your Urumqi Xinjiang tour.

Where is Urumqi? How Far is Urumqi from Zhangye?

Urumqi (乌鲁木齐) is the capital and transportation hub of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, which is located in the Northwestern China, central of Xinjiang and the heart of Eurasia, north foot of middle Tianshan Mountains, south of Junggar Basin. It is known as an important gateway city to the west in China and a city farthest from the sea in the world. In Xinjiang, Urumqi is surrounded by Turpan City (吐鲁番市), Bayingolin (Bayinguoleng) Mongol Autonomous Prefecture (巴音郭楞蒙古自治州) and Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture (昌吉回族自治州).

Zhangye (张掖) is in the northwest of Gansu Province and the middle of Hexi Corridor. It is located next to the Jiuquan City (酒泉) and about 500 km, 3 ~ 3.5 hours' bullet train journey from Lanzhou (兰州).

Urumqi is situated in the northwest of Zhangye. The distance between Zhangye and Urumqi is nearly 1,380 km (857.5 mi).

Zhangye to Urumqi Transportation Map (Zoom in to enlarge map)

Option 1: Travel from Zhangye to Urumqi by Train

Compared with long journeys of driving and flight with extra transfer, taking a direct train to get to Urumqi from Zhangye is the most popular choice. You can choose from more than 20 trains daily, including faster bullet trains and cheap but slower normal trains. During the train journey, you may visit Jiayuguan and Turpan, two famous tourist destinations to appreciate unique landscape in Northwest region of China.

● Zhangye to Urumqi Bullet Train - More Recommended

● Train Time: about 7 hours ~ 7.5 hours

● Frequency: about 3 trains per day

● From & To: Zhangye West Railway Station 张掖西站 → Urumqi Railway Station 乌鲁木齐站

● Running Speed: about 200 km/h

Based on the Lanzhou-Xinjiang High Speed Railway, Zhangye sends about 3 bullet trains from Zhangye West Railway Station (张掖西站) in Zhangye to Urumqi Railway Station (乌鲁木齐站) in Urumqi. The bullet trains (all are D trains) are scheduled in the afternoon every day, from about 12:00 to 14:00. First Class Seat and Second Class Seat are provided on board.

Useful Links:

◆ Zhangye West Railway Station | Urumqi to Zhangye Bullet Trains

Zhangye West Railway Station

Bullet Train First Class Seat

You can check the following real-time Zhangye to Urumqi (Wulumuqi) bullet train schedule with detailed train number, departure station, time, duration, stations, etc.

Referential Currency: RMB=1USD

Train No.
Departure / Train Staiton
Duration
Seat Type / USD Price / Availability

Note: Train information is subject to final confirmation due to the delay of data occasionally.

● Zhangye to Urumqi Normal Train - The Cheapest Way

● Train Time: about 12 hours ~ 18.5 hours

● Frequency: about 20 trains per day

● From & To: Zhangye Railway Station 张掖站 → Urumqi Railway Station 乌鲁木齐站

● Running Speed: about 120 km/h

Moreover, there are more than 20 ordinary trains departing from Zhangye Railway Station (张掖站) to Urumqi Railway Station (乌鲁木齐站) in Urumqi, Xinjiang. The whole train trip need more than half a daytime, and most are overnight trains arriving in Urumqi next day. On the normal trains, better book a Soft Sleeper, rather than a Hard Sleeper or Hard Seat.

Our Suggestion: The bullet train is a good choice to save your time and experience new and better facilities. Normal train is suitable for budget travelers with enough time and less care about the simple and basic travel conditions.

Zhengye Railway Station

Urumqi Railway Station

Railway Stations Information

Zhangye West Railway Station 张掖西站
Location: Danxia Road, Ganzhou District, Zhangye, Gansu 甘肃省张掖市甘州区丹霞路
Transportation: just 2 km, 5 minutes’ drive from Zhangye City; about 38 km, 50 minutes’ drive from Zhangye Danxia Geopark; only 4 km, 10 minutes’ drive from Dafo Temple; around 60 km, 1 hour 10 minutes’ drive from Mati Temple; around 57 km, 1 hour’s drive from Pingshanhu Grand Canyon.

Zhangye Railway Station 张掖站
Location: Zhanghuo Road, Dongyuan Town, Ganhzou District, Zhangye, Gansu 甘肃省张掖市甘州区东园镇张火公路
Transportation: about 9 km, 20 minutes’ drive from downtown Zhangye; nearly 46 km, 1 hour 10 minutes’ drive from Zhangye Danxia Geopark; about 8 km, 20 minutes’ drive from Dafo Temple; around 65 km, 1.5 hours’ drive from Mati Temple.

Urumqi Railway Station 乌鲁木齐站
Location: No.1, Gaotie Beiliu Road, Tunhe District, Urumqi, Xinjiang 新疆维吾尔自治区乌鲁木齐市头屯河区高铁北六路1号
Transportation: about 10 km, 20 minutes’ drive to the city center; about 15 km, 30 minutes’ drive to Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar; about 7 km, 15 minutes’ drive to Xinjiang Museum; about 71 km, 1 hour 10 minutes’ drive to Tianchi Lake of Tianshan Mountain; about 65 km, 1.5 hours’ drive to Nanshan Pasture.

China Train Travel Tips

Class of Ticket

You can usually choose from the First Class Seat, the Second Class Seat or Business Class Seat on the high speed trains. While, there are three types offered on the normal train, including Soft Sleeper, Hard Sleeper and Hard Seat. learn more >>

Book, Collect, Alter and Cancel

Foreign tourists can book train ticket online or via a ticket agency, or buy the tickets physically at the train station with your valid passport. Train ticket alteration and cancellation are only available at ticket counters. learn more >>

Board & Get off

1) Prepare your passport and China Visa; 2) Get to the right train station at least 30 mins in advance; 3) Collect your train ticket; 4) Read your train ticket; 5) Pass the security control; 6) Pass through Security & Luggage Checks; 7) Find the right waiting room; 8) Cross the ticket checking gate; 9) Get to the right platform; 10) Get on your train. learn more >>

Baggage Allowance

Passengers don’t need to check luggage separately. Each passenger is allowed to carry luggage in certain weight and volume, but without limitation of amount and types. learn more >>

Facilities and Service

All high speed trains in China are equipped with advanced facilities and good service, including luggage racks, air-conditioner, power socket, dining car, hot water, etc. learn more >>

Option 2: Travel from Zhangye to Urumqi by Flight - Time-consuming Plus Layover

So far, there is no non-stop flight flying from Zhangye to Urumqi, except a few daily connecting flights. Zhangye Ganzhou Airport (张掖甘州机场, IATA: YZY) only has direct flights with Lanzhou and Xian. The air travel from Zhangye Airport to Urumqi Diwopu International Airport (乌鲁木齐地窝堡国际机场, IATA: URC) takes at least 6.5 hours if you transit via Lanzhou. (Note: If you are going to fly to Zhangye from other cities in China, then you need a layover or transfer in Lanzhou or Beijing first.)

Our Advice: If you have to or insist on flying to Urumqi (Xinjiang) from Zhangye (Gansu), please be prepared the long waiting hours at the airport and going through related procedures.

Below are some Zhangye to Urumqi flight schedules for your reference:

Flight Route	Airline Cpmpany & Flight No.	Type	Departure & Arrival Time	Duration	Frequency
Zhangye Ganzhou Airport (YZY) → Urumqi Diwopu Airport (URC)	China United Airline+China Southern Airlines (KN5676+CZ6916)	connecting Flight	12:25-21:40	about 9 hours	daily
	China Southern Airlines+Hainan Airliens (CZ3206+HU7888))	connecting Flight	17:00-23:15	about 6.5 hours	daily
	Chengdu Airlines+Shandong Airlines (EU2272+SC4927)	connecting flight	18:30-12:45 (2nd day)	about 18 hours	daily

How to Plan A Zhangye Urumqi Tour

Exploring the ancient “Silk Road” has always been an incredible travel to witness and talk to diverse nature, culture and history of China. Even in the neighboring areas between Gansu and Xinjiang, Urumqi reveals another different look of Northwestern China not similar with Zhangye in all sides.

Zhangye is recommended for a quick visit between Dunhuang and Lanzhou. Among all the top things to do, make half a day trip to Danxia Landform Geopark, an amazing creation by nature, where thousands mile of “Rainbow Mountains” spreading far. If time allows, get to Mati Temple to see the Buddhist grottoes carved by the ancients, to Giant Buddha Temple to view the biggest Reclining Buddha in the world, or watch a local night show for leisure.

Useful Links: Popular Zhangye Tours / Zhangye Travel Guide / Zhangye Attractions

Recommended Zhangye Tour: 3 Days Zhangye Danxia Classic Tour

Urumqi usually is used as the first stop for a Xinjiang tour and a transfer hub to Kashgar, Turpan and other destinations in Xinjiang. The special location and geographic features make Xinjiang rich in natural sightseeing, like alpine snows, mountain forest, splendid grassland, etc., and mixed ethnic culture and customs. When you are in Urumqi, don’t miss the superior beautiful Tianchi Lake of Tianshan Mountain and Xinjiang International Grand Bazzar - the largest bazaar in the world and interesting Xinjiang Museum.

Useful Links: Popular Urumqi Tours / Urumqi Travel Guide / Popular Xinjiang Tours

Our USA Family Customers Enjoyed Trip to Zhangye Danxia Geopark

Snowy Tianchi Lake in Urumqi

Travel Zhangye & Urumqi with China Discovery

China Discovery is a professional, reliable and experienced travel companion offering best tour services for our guests. We not only provide travel guide and tips online, but also try our best to make sure you enjoy your China travel, supporting you on Chinese Visa application, transportation, sightseeing, accommodation, dining and more details. Travel with us, we will use the best convenient transfer and local vehicle to ensure you travel worry-free! You may select from our popular tour packages, or contact us to customize a special one based on your own hobbies, budget and itinerary.

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