How to Get to Dunhuang & Jiuquan

Every way to reach the Silk Road: flights, trains, buses, and driving routes. Pros and cons for each option, with current prices.

The practical answer: fly into Dunhuang (DNH) if you are coming from Beijing, Shanghai or Chengdu, and take the high-speed train if you are already in Gansu or Qinghai. Dunhuang's rail station sits on the Lanzhou-Xinjiang high-speed line, 6-8 hours from Lanzhou and 2.5 hours from Jiayuguan. From the station to the city centre is 20 minutes and about CNY 30.

Getting to Dunhuang

By Air (2-4 hours from major cities, CNY 500-2000)

Dunhuang Mogao International Airport (DNH) has domestic flights from Beijing, Xi'an, Lanzhou, Chengdu, and Urumqi
Most international travelers fly into Lanzhou (LHW) and connect by train (6-8 hours)
Airport is 13 km from Dunhuang city center. Airport shuttle bus CNY 10, taxi CNY 30-40

By High-Speed Train (6-8 hours from Lanzhou, CNY 300-400)

Dunhuang Station is 10 km from city center. Bus No. 3 connects to the city (CNY 2)
High-speed line opened in 2023. Connects to Lanzhou, Zhangye, and Jiayuguan/Jiuquan
Book on Trip.com or at the station. Second class seats are comfortable with AC

By Long-Distance Bus (12-14 hours from Lanzhou, CNY 150-200)

Overnight sleeper buses available from Lanzhou Bus Station
Slower and less comfortable than trains. Use only if trains are sold out
Dunhuang Bus Station is on Mingshan Road in the city center

Dunhuang to Jiuquan: Route Comparison

Method	Duration	Cost (CNY)	Frequency
High-Speed TrainBest	2.5 hours	CNY 150-200	10+ daily
Long-Distance Bus	5-6 hours	CNY 60-80	4-6 daily
Private Car	4-5 hours	CNY 600-900	By arrangement
Flight	1 hour	CNY 800-1500	1-2 daily

The high-speed train is the clear winner for most travelers. Book on Trip.com, Ctrip, or at the station.

Dunhuang Railway Station & Airport: Practical Info

Both the rail station and the airport sit outside the city. Neither is walkable, but transfers are cheap and quick, and the city centre itself is compact.

Dunhuang Railway Station

10 km from city centre

Taxi to city centre

CNY 25-30, ~20 min

City bus to centre

Bus No. 3, CNY 2

Dunhuang Airport (DNH)

13 km from city centre

Airport shuttle

CNY 10

Airport taxi

CNY 30-40

Your passport is your train ticket — there is no separate paper ticket to collect. Allow 30 minutes before departure for security and passport checks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a high-speed train to Dunhuang?

Yes. Dunhuang has a high-speed rail station on the Lanzhou-Xinjiang line, with direct services from Lanzhou (about 6-8 hours), Xining, Zhangye and Jiayuguan (about 2.5 hours). There is no high-speed line from Beijing or Shanghai yet — from those cities you either fly or take an overnight sleeper.

How far is Dunhuang railway station from the city centre?

About 10 km, roughly 20 minutes and CNY 25-30 by taxi. City bus No. 3 also runs the route for CNY 2. Most hotels are within a short walk of the night market, so the total journey is quick.

Should I fly or take the train to Dunhuang?

Fly if you are coming from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou or Chengdu — the train takes 20+ hours. Take the train if you are already in Gansu or Qinghai; the Hexi Corridor scenery between Zhangye and Dunhuang is part of the experience, and the fares are far lower.

Do I need to book train tickets in advance?

Yes, especially from May to October. Chinese rail tickets open for sale roughly 15 days before departure and popular Dunhuang services sell out quickly. Book through Trip.com or Ctrip with your passport number — your passport is your ticket at the gate.

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