How to Get to Xinjiang: Flights, Trains, Roads, and Border Crossings

Xinjiang is remote – there’s no way around it. The capital, Ürümqi, is closer to Istanbul than it is to Shanghai. But that remoteness is exactly what makes the region special. Getting here is part of the adventure.

This guide covers every way to reach Xinjiang: flights, trains, driving routes, and border crossings. I’ve used all of them (except the Kazakhstan border crossing – paperwork is a nightmare). Here’s what you need to know.

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Flying to Xinjiang (Fastest Option)

Flying is how most travelers arrive. Ürümqi Diwopu International Airport (URC) is the main hub, but there are smaller airports closer to specific destinations.

Main Airports in Xinjiang

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Flying from Within China

From Beijing:
– Direct flights: 4-5 hours, 3-5 flights per day
– Price: ¥1,200-2,500 (one-way, economy)
– Airlines: Air China, China Southern, Hainan Airlines

From Shanghai:
– Direct flights: 5-6 hours, 2-3 flights per day
– Price: ¥1,500-3,000
– Note: Often more expensive than Beijing route

From Guangzhou / Shenzhen:
– Direct flights: 5-6 hours, 2-3 flights per day
– Price: ¥1,800-3,500

From Xi’an:
– Direct flights: 3.5 hours, multiple daily flights
– Price: ¥800-1,800
– Best value route – Xi’an is a good connecting point

From Chengdu:
– Direct flights: 3.5-4 hours, multiple daily flights
– Price: ¥900-2,000
– Good option if combining with Sichuan travel

Money-saving tip: Book 3-4 weeks in advance. Prices spike during Chinese holidays (National Day, Spring Festival). Use flight comparison sites like Qunar (去哪儿) or Ctrip (携程) – they have English versions.

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Flying from Outside China

There are limited international flights to Xinjiang. Most international travelers connect through a major Chinese city.

Direct international flights to Ürümqi:
– Almaty, Kazakhstan – 2 hours, 3-4 flights per week
– Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan – 2.5 hours, 2 flights per week
– Tashkent, Uzbekistan – 2.5 hours, 2 flights per week (seasonal)
– Moscow, Russia – 5 hours, 2-3 flights per week
– Istanbul, Turkey – 6 hours, 2-3 flights per week
– Dubai, UAE – 5 hours, daily

For most international travelers: Fly to Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou first, then connect to Ürümqi. The domestic connection adds 4-6 hours but gives you many more flight options.

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Taking the Train to Xinjiang

The train is a classic way to reach Xinjiang. It’s slower than flying, but you’ll see the landscape change gradually – and overnight trains save on one night of accommodation.

High-Speed Rail (Lanzhou–Ürümqi)

The Lanzhou–Ürümqi high-speed line opened in 2014. It cut travel time significantly.

Booking: Through 12306.cn (Chinese railway official site) or Ctrip. English-friendly booking sites exist, but 12306 is cheapest.

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Overnight Sleeper Trains (Traditional)

If you have more time and want the classic experience:

Sleeper types explained:
– Hard seat (硬座): Not recommended for long journeys. You will regret this.
– Hard sleeper (硬卧): Open berth, 3 beds per section, no door. Fine for solo travelers.
– Soft sleeper (软卧): Enclosed 4-bed compartment, more privacy. Worth the upgrade for overnight trips.

Pro tip: The train is a great way to meet Chinese travelers. Bring snacks to share and your phrasebook app.

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Driving to Xinjiang

If you’re already in China and have your own car (or are renting one), driving to Xinjiang is an epic road trip. The highways are excellent; the distances are long.

From Beijing

– Route: G7 Beijing–Ürümqi Expressway (the world’s longest desert highway)
– Distance: ~2,800 km
– Driving time: 30-35 hours (split over 3-4 days)
– Highlights: The G7 passes through the Gobi Desert – surreal, empty, beautiful

From Xi’an

– Route: G30 Lianyungang–Khorgos Expressway
– Distance: ~2,500 km
– Driving time: 28-32 hours (split over 3 days)

From Kashgar (if entering from Pakistan or Kyrgyzstan)

– Note: Cross-border driving is extremely complicated. You need special permits, a guide, and usually a tour group. Not recommended for independent travelers.

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Renting a Car in Xinjiang

Can you rent a car and drive yourself? Yes, but:

1. International Driving Permit (IDP): China doesn’t recognize the IDP. You need a Chinese driver’s license.
2. Temporary driver’s license: Some cities (including Ürümqi) can issue a temporary license to foreign visitors with a valid license from their home country. It’s a bureaucratic process – allow 1-2 days.
3. Alternative: Hire a car with a driver. This is what most travelers do. Cost: ¥800-1,500/day. The driver handles navigation, parking, and sometimes acts as a basic guide.

My recommendation: Hire a car with driver. It’s not that much more expensive when you factor in insurance, parking, and navigation hassles – and it lets you focus on the scenery.

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Crossing Borders into Xinjiang

Xinjiang borders eight countries. Some borders are open to tourists; others are restricted or closed.

Kazakhstan Border (Khorgos / Horgos)

– Status: Open to tourists with proper visas
– From: Yining → Khorgos → Zharkent (Kazakhstan)
– Requirements: Kazakhstan visa (or visa-free for many nationalities), passport
– Note: This is a popular crossing for overland travelers doing the “Silk Road route”

Kyrgyzstan Border (Torugart Pass / Irkeshtam)

– Status: Open seasonally (May – October, weather permitting)
– From: Kashgar → Irkeshtam → Osh (Kyrgyzstan)
– Requirements: Kyrgyzstan visa (check current visa-free agreements), organized tour sometimes required
– Note: High-altitude crossing (Torugart is at 3,752m). Not for the faint of heart.

Pakistan Border (Khunjerab Pass)

– Status: Open seasonally (May – October)
– From: Kashgar → Khunjerab Pass → Gilgit (Pakistan)
– Requirements: Pakistan visa, sometimes organized tour required
– Note: One of the highest border crossings in the world (4,693m). Spectacular scenery.

Other Borders

– Mongolia (Bulgan): Open seasonally, very remote, few facilities
– Tajikistan (Kulma): Open seasonally, requires permits
– Afghanistan, India, Russia: Closed or severely restricted

Important: Border regulations change. Check the latest requirements before planning a cross-border trip.

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Getting Around Xinjiang (Once You’re Here)

Once you’ve arrived in Xinjiang, you still need to get around. The region is huge.

By Air (Domestic Flights)

Useful for covering long distances quickly:

By Train

Good for overnight routes:

By Bus

The budget option, but slow:

Private Car with Driver

The most flexible option:

– Cost: ¥800-1,500 per day (8-10 hours, up to 300-400 km)
– What’s included: Driver, fuel, basic insurance
– What’s not included: Driver’s meals and accommodation (customary to cover these if the driver is with you for multiple days)
– Where to find: Through hotels, travel agencies, or platforms like Ctrip and Qyer

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Sample Arrival Scenarios

Scenario 1: Flying from Beijing, focusing on Northern Xinjiang

1. Fly Beijing → Ürümqi (4-5 hours)
2. Spend 1 day in Ürümqi (acclimatize, buy supplies)
3. Hire car in Ürümqi → drive to Sayram Lake (6-7 hours)
4. Continue to Kanas (long drive, or fly Kanas Airport in season)

Scenario 2: Entering from Almaty, doing Southern Xinjiang

1. Fly Almaty → Ürümqi OR cross land border at Khorgos
2. Fly Ürümqi → Kashgar (2 hours)
3. Spend 3-4 days in Kashgar area
4. Fly or train back to Ürümqi

Scenario 3: Overland from Pakistan

1. Arrive at Khunjerab Pass (May-October only)
2. Taxi/bus to Kashgar (3-4 hours from the border)
3. Explore Southern Xinjiang
4. Fly out from Kashgar or Ürümqi

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Common Mistakes

1. Booking flights too close to travel dates. Xinjiang flights fill up fast in summer and autumn. Book at least 3-4 weeks ahead.

2. Assuming visa-on-arrival is available. It’s not. Get your Chinese visa before arriving.

3. Underestimating travel times. Xinjiang is not like traveling in Europe, where you can hop between countries in 2 hours. Distances are vast. Plan accordingly.

4. Not carrying your passport. You need it for hotel check-in, some scenic area entries, and random security checks. Don’t leave it in your hotel room.

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FAQ

Q: Do I need a special permit to visit Xinjiang?
A: No, not for most of Xinjiang. Some border areas (like Baihaba Village near the Kazakhstan border) require a border pass, but this is arranged locally. If you’re just visiting the main tourist areas, your regular Chinese visa is enough.

Q: Is it safe to travel independently?
A: Yes. Security is tight but unobtrusive for tourists. Read our safety guide for Xinjiang for detailed info.

Q: Can I use ride-sharing apps (DiDi) in Xinjiang?
A: Yes, in cities. In remote areas, no. Have your hotel call a taxi for you if needed.

Q: What if my flight is cancelled?
A: It happens (weather, occasionally security). Have a buffer day in your itinerary, especially if you have an international flight to catch.

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The Bottom Line

Getting to Xinjiang takes time and planning, but it’s worth it. My recommendation: fly to Ürümqi or Kashgar, then hire a car with driver to explore. The combination of fast long-distance travel + flexible local transport is the sweet spot for most travelers.

If you’re planning a Xinjiang travel budget, factor in that transportation will likely be your biggest expense. But that first view of the mountains? Priceless.

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Written by the XinjiangTravels team, based on multiple trips to and around Xinjiang. For more planning help, check our best time to visit Xinjiang guide and Kanas Lake travel guide.

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