- Four bunks in a compartment with a door that closes. More privacy, quieter, but more expensive.
- The bunks are slightly wider than hard sleeper.
- If you’re traveling as a couple, book a soft sleeper – you’ll get the whole compartment to yourselves.
- North of Urumqi: Rolling hills, wind farms (lots of wind turbines – Xinjiang is a big wind energy province), and in spring, these incredible apricot orchards.
- Near Aksu: The landscape gets more dramatic. Red rock formations, deep valleys, and if you’re on the right side of the train (I think it’s the left side going south, but don’t quote me), you’ll see the Tianshan mountains in the distance.
- Approaching Kashgar: The landscape flattens out into desert, but then you’ll see the city appear out of nowhere – this massive oasis of greenery and buildings in the middle of brown nothingness. It’s a striking sight.
- [How to get to Xinjiang – flights, trains, overland routes](/how-to-get-to-xinjiang-flights-trains-overland-routes-2026/)
- [Xinjiang travel costs – budget guide](/xinjiang-travel-costs-budget-guide-2026/)
- [Best time to visit Xinjiang – when to go](/best-time-to-visit-xinjiang/)
- Three bunks per section. Lower bunk = most expensive, most space, you can sit up. Middle bunk = cheapest, but you can’t sit up straight. Upper bunk = cheapest, quietest, but climbing up there with a big bag is… an experience.
- No door, so you’re in the open car. It’s safe (I’ve never had anything stolen), but it’s not private.
- Bring a sleep mask and earplugs. The lights stay on low, and the guy on the middle bunk might snore.
- Four bunks in a compartment with a door that closes. More privacy, quieter, but more expensive.
- The bunks are slightly wider than hard sleeper.
- If you’re traveling as a couple, book a soft sleeper – you’ll get the whole compartment to yourselves.
- North of Urumqi: Rolling hills, wind farms (lots of wind turbines – Xinjiang is a big wind energy province), and in spring, these incredible apricot orchards.
- Near Aksu: The landscape gets more dramatic. Red rock formations, deep valleys, and if you’re on the right side of the train (I think it’s the left side going south, but don’t quote me), you’ll see the Tianshan mountains in the distance.
- Approaching Kashgar: The landscape flattens out into desert, but then you’ll see the city appear out of nowhere – this massive oasis of greenery and buildings in the middle of brown nothingness. It’s a striking sight.
- [How to get to Xinjiang – flights, trains, overland routes](/how-to-get-to-xinjiang-flights-trains-overland-routes-2026/)
- [Xinjiang travel costs – budget guide](/xinjiang-travel-costs-budget-guide-2026/)
- [Best time to visit Xinjiang – when to go](/best-time-to-visit-xinjiang/)
- Peak season (July-August, October 1-7 for National Day holiday): Book 10-15 days in advance.
- Shoulder season (April-May, September): 3-7 days is fine.
- Winter: You can probably get a ticket the day before.
- Three bunks per section. Lower bunk = most expensive, most space, you can sit up. Middle bunk = cheapest, but you can’t sit up straight. Upper bunk = cheapest, quietest, but climbing up there with a big bag is… an experience.
- No door, so you’re in the open car. It’s safe (I’ve never had anything stolen), but it’s not private.
- Bring a sleep mask and earplugs. The lights stay on low, and the guy on the middle bunk might snore.
- Four bunks in a compartment with a door that closes. More privacy, quieter, but more expensive.
- The bunks are slightly wider than hard sleeper.
- If you’re traveling as a couple, book a soft sleeper – you’ll get the whole compartment to yourselves.
- North of Urumqi: Rolling hills, wind farms (lots of wind turbines – Xinjiang is a big wind energy province), and in spring, these incredible apricot orchards.
- Near Aksu: The landscape gets more dramatic. Red rock formations, deep valleys, and if you’re on the right side of the train (I think it’s the left side going south, but don’t quote me), you’ll see the Tianshan mountains in the distance.
- Approaching Kashgar: The landscape flattens out into desert, but then you’ll see the city appear out of nowhere – this massive oasis of greenery and buildings in the middle of brown nothingness. It’s a striking sight.
- [How to get to Xinjiang – flights, trains, overland routes](/how-to-get-to-xinjiang-flights-trains-overland-routes-2026/)
- [Xinjiang travel costs – budget guide](/xinjiang-travel-costs-budget-guide-2026/)
- [Best time to visit Xinjiang – when to go](/best-time-to-visit-xinjiang/)
- 12306.cn (the official China Railway website). You’ll need a Chinese phone number and a Chinese bank card (or Alipay/WeChat Pay linked to a Chinese bank account). Foreign credit cards don’t always work.
- Travel agencies in Urumqi. If you’re staying at a hotel that caters to foreign travelers, they can often book train tickets for you for a small fee (20-50 RMB per ticket).
- At the station. Possible, but risky in peak season. Lines are long, and not all ticket windows have English-speaking staff.
- Peak season (July-August, October 1-7 for National Day holiday): Book 10-15 days in advance.
- Shoulder season (April-May, September): 3-7 days is fine.
- Winter: You can probably get a ticket the day before.
- Three bunks per section. Lower bunk = most expensive, most space, you can sit up. Middle bunk = cheapest, but you can’t sit up straight. Upper bunk = cheapest, quietest, but climbing up there with a big bag is… an experience.
- No door, so you’re in the open car. It’s safe (I’ve never had anything stolen), but it’s not private.
- Bring a sleep mask and earplugs. The lights stay on low, and the guy on the middle bunk might snore.
- Four bunks in a compartment with a door that closes. More privacy, quieter, but more expensive.
- The bunks are slightly wider than hard sleeper.
- If you’re traveling as a couple, book a soft sleeper – you’ll get the whole compartment to yourselves.
- North of Urumqi: Rolling hills, wind farms (lots of wind turbines – Xinjiang is a big wind energy province), and in spring, these incredible apricot orchards.
- Near Aksu: The landscape gets more dramatic. Red rock formations, deep valleys, and if you’re on the right side of the train (I think it’s the left side going south, but don’t quote me), you’ll see the Tianshan mountains in the distance.
- Approaching Kashgar: The landscape flattens out into desert, but then you’ll see the city appear out of nowhere – this massive oasis of greenery and buildings in the middle of brown nothingness. It’s a striking sight.
- [How to get to Xinjiang – flights, trains, overland routes](/how-to-get-to-xinjiang-flights-trains-overland-routes-2026/)
- [Xinjiang travel costs – budget guide](/xinjiang-travel-costs-budget-guide-2026/)
- [Best time to visit Xinjiang – when to go](/best-time-to-visit-xinjiang/)
- Book a hard sleeper (硬卧 – *ying wo*). It’s not “hard” as in uncomfortable – it’s three bunks per section (lower, middle, upper), and the lower one is actually pretty comfortable. Cost: 450-550 RMB.
- Soft sleeper (软卧 – *ruan wo*) is more expensive (700-900 RMB) and gets you a private compartment with four bunks and a door that closes. If you’re traveling as a couple or with a friend, this is worth it.
- Bring: earplugs (the train makes noise), a sleep mask (the lights don’t always go al the way off), and snacks (the dining car food is… functional, not good).
- 12306.cn (the official China Railway website). You’ll need a Chinese phone number and a Chinese bank card (or Alipay/WeChat Pay linked to a Chinese bank account). Foreign credit cards don’t always work.
- Travel agencies in Urumqi. If you’re staying at a hotel that caters to foreign travelers, they can often book train tickets for you for a small fee (20-50 RMB per ticket).
- At the station. Possible, but risky in peak season. Lines are long, and not all ticket windows have English-speaking staff.
- Peak season (July-August, October 1-7 for National Day holiday): Book 10-15 days in advance.
- Shoulder season (April-May, September): 3-7 days is fine.
- Winter: You can probably get a ticket the day before.
- Three bunks per section. Lower bunk = most expensive, most space, you can sit up. Middle bunk = cheapest, but you can’t sit up straight. Upper bunk = cheapest, quietest, but climbing up there with a big bag is… an experience.
- No door, so you’re in the open car. It’s safe (I’ve never had anything stolen), but it’s not private.
- Bring a sleep mask and earplugs. The lights stay on low, and the guy on the middle bunk might snore.
- Four bunks in a compartment with a door that closes. More privacy, quieter, but more expensive.
- The bunks are slightly wider than hard sleeper.
- If you’re traveling as a couple, book a soft sleeper – you’ll get the whole compartment to yourselves.
- North of Urumqi: Rolling hills, wind farms (lots of wind turbines – Xinjiang is a big wind energy province), and in spring, these incredible apricot orchards.
- Near Aksu: The landscape gets more dramatic. Red rock formations, deep valleys, and if you’re on the right side of the train (I think it’s the left side going south, but don’t quote me), you’ll see the Tianshan mountains in the distance.
- Approaching Kashgar: The landscape flattens out into desert, but then you’ll see the city appear out of nowhere – this massive oasis of greenery and buildings in the middle of brown nothingness. It’s a striking sight.
- [How to get to Xinjiang – flights, trains, overland routes](/how-to-get-to-xinjiang-flights-trains-overland-routes-2026/)
- [Xinjiang travel costs – budget guide](/xinjiang-travel-costs-budget-guide-2026/)
- [Best time to visit Xinjiang – when to go](/best-time-to-visit-xinjiang/)
- Book a hard sleeper (硬卧 – *ying wo*). It’s not “hard” as in uncomfortable – it’s three bunks per section (lower, middle, upper), and the lower one is actually pretty comfortable. Cost: 450-550 RMB.
- Soft sleeper (软卧 – *ruan wo*) is more expensive (700-900 RMB) and gets you a private compartment with four bunks and a door that closes. If you’re traveling as a couple or with a friend, this is worth it.
- Bring: earplugs (the train makes noise), a sleep mask (the lights don’t always go al the way off), and snacks (the dining car food is… functional, not good).
- 12306.cn (the official China Railway website). You’ll need a Chinese phone number and a Chinese bank card (or Alipay/WeChat Pay linked to a Chinese bank account). Foreign credit cards don’t always work.
- Travel agencies in Urumqi. If you’re staying at a hotel that caters to foreign travelers, they can often book train tickets for you for a small fee (20-50 RMB per ticket).
- At the station. Possible, but risky in peak season. Lines are long, and not all ticket windows have English-speaking staff.
- Peak season (July-August, October 1-7 for National Day holiday): Book 10-15 days in advance.
- Shoulder season (April-May, September): 3-7 days is fine.
- Winter: You can probably get a ticket the day before.
- Three bunks per section. Lower bunk = most expensive, most space, you can sit up. Middle bunk = cheapest, but you can’t sit up straight. Upper bunk = cheapest, quietest, but climbing up there with a big bag is… an experience.
- No door, so you’re in the open car. It’s safe (I’ve never had anything stolen), but it’s not private.
- Bring a sleep mask and earplugs. The lights stay on low, and the guy on the middle bunk might snore.
- Four bunks in a compartment with a door that closes. More privacy, quieter, but more expensive.
- The bunks are slightly wider than hard sleeper.
- If you’re traveling as a couple, book a soft sleeper – you’ll get the whole compartment to yourselves.
- North of Urumqi: Rolling hills, wind farms (lots of wind turbines – Xinjiang is a big wind energy province), and in spring, these incredible apricot orchards.
- Near Aksu: The landscape gets more dramatic. Red rock formations, deep valleys, and if you’re on the right side of the train (I think it’s the left side going south, but don’t quote me), you’ll see the Tianshan mountains in the distance.
- Approaching Kashgar: The landscape flattens out into desert, but then you’ll see the city appear out of nowhere – this massive oasis of greenery and buildings in the middle of brown nothingness. It’s a striking sight.
- [How to get to Xinjiang – flights, trains, overland routes](/how-to-get-to-xinjiang-flights-trains-overland-routes-2026/)
- [Xinjiang travel costs – budget guide](/xinjiang-travel-costs-budget-guide-2026/)
- [Best time to visit Xinjiang – when to go](/best-time-to-visit-xinjiang/)
The dining car: It exists. The food is… well, it’s Chinese train food. Edible, cheap (30-50 RMB for a meal), but don’t expect gourmet. I usually bring snacks – nuts, fruit, the naan bread you bought that morning in Urumqi.
Scenic Highlights (Why the Train is Worth It)
The Urumqi-Kashgar route, especialy the newer high-speed sections, goes past some spectacular scenery:
Is It Worth It? (Honest Opinion)
If you’re on a tight budget: Yeah, the train is way cheaper than flying. A hard sleeper to Kashgar is maybe 40% of the cost of a flight.
If you love train travel: Obviously yes. The scenery, the people you meet, the slow pace… it’s a great way to see Xinjiang.
If you’re short on time: Fly. You don’t want to spend 24 hours of your 10-day Xinjiang trip on a train.
My personal take? I did the train to Kashgar on my first trip (budget reasons, mostly) and I’m glad I did. But on my second trip, when I had more money and less time, I flew. Both are valid choices – it just depends on what you value more, time or money.
—
Quick Reference – Xinjiang Train Routes (2026):
| Route | Distance | Time (High-Speed) | Time (Regular) | Hard Sleeper Cost |
|——–|———-|———————|——————-|———————-|
| Urumqi—Kashgar | 1450 km | 12-14 hrs | 24-26 hrs | 450-550 RMB |
| Urumqi—Kanas (Beitun) | ~800 km | 10-12 hrs | N/A | 400-600 RMB |
| Urumqi—Turpan | 150 km | 1 hr | 2-3 hrs | 50-80 RMB (seat) |
| Urumqi—Hotan | ~1500 km | 14-16 hrs | 28-30 hrs | 500-600 RMB |
Internal links:
Soft sleeper (ruan wo):
The dining car: It exists. The food is… well, it’s Chinese train food. Edible, cheap (30-50 RMB for a meal), but don’t expect gourmet. I usually bring snacks – nuts, fruit, the naan bread you bought that morning in Urumqi.
Scenic Highlights (Why the Train is Worth It)
The Urumqi-Kashgar route, especialy the newer high-speed sections, goes past some spectacular scenery:
Is It Worth It? (Honest Opinion)
If you’re on a tight budget: Yeah, the train is way cheaper than flying. A hard sleeper to Kashgar is maybe 40% of the cost of a flight.
If you love train travel: Obviously yes. The scenery, the people you meet, the slow pace… it’s a great way to see Xinjiang.
If you’re short on time: Fly. You don’t want to spend 24 hours of your 10-day Xinjiang trip on a train.
My personal take? I did the train to Kashgar on my first trip (budget reasons, mostly) and I’m glad I did. But on my second trip, when I had more money and less time, I flew. Both are valid choices – it just depends on what you value more, time or money.
—
Quick Reference – Xinjiang Train Routes (2026):
| Route | Distance | Time (High-Speed) | Time (Regular) | Hard Sleeper Cost |
|——–|———-|———————|——————-|———————-|
| Urumqi—Kashgar | 1450 km | 12-14 hrs | 24-26 hrs | 450-550 RMB |
| Urumqi—Kanas (Beitun) | ~800 km | 10-12 hrs | N/A | 400-600 RMB |
| Urumqi—Turpan | 150 km | 1 hr | 2-3 hrs | 50-80 RMB (seat) |
| Urumqi—Hotan | ~1500 km | 14-16 hrs | 28-30 hrs | 500-600 RMB |
Internal links:
Foreign passport holders: You can book tickets. Your passport is your ticket – you’ll need to show it at security, at the platform entrance, and sometimes on the train. Keep it handy.
The Sleeper Experience (What to Expect)
I’ve now done maybe 8 overmight train trips in China, and the Xinjiang routes are… they’re fine. Not luxury, but fine.
Hard sleeper (ying wo):
Soft sleeper (ruan wo):
The dining car: It exists. The food is… well, it’s Chinese train food. Edible, cheap (30-50 RMB for a meal), but don’t expect gourmet. I usually bring snacks – nuts, fruit, the naan bread you bought that morning in Urumqi.
Scenic Highlights (Why the Train is Worth It)
The Urumqi-Kashgar route, especialy the newer high-speed sections, goes past some spectacular scenery:
Is It Worth It? (Honest Opinion)
If you’re on a tight budget: Yeah, the train is way cheaper than flying. A hard sleeper to Kashgar is maybe 40% of the cost of a flight.
If you love train travel: Obviously yes. The scenery, the people you meet, the slow pace… it’s a great way to see Xinjiang.
If you’re short on time: Fly. You don’t want to spend 24 hours of your 10-day Xinjiang trip on a train.
My personal take? I did the train to Kashgar on my first trip (budget reasons, mostly) and I’m glad I did. But on my second trip, when I had more money and less time, I flew. Both are valid choices – it just depends on what you value more, time or money.
—
Quick Reference – Xinjiang Train Routes (2026):
| Route | Distance | Time (High-Speed) | Time (Regular) | Hard Sleeper Cost |
|——–|———-|———————|——————-|———————-|
| Urumqi—Kashgar | 1450 km | 12-14 hrs | 24-26 hrs | 450-550 RMB |
| Urumqi—Kanas (Beitun) | ~800 km | 10-12 hrs | N/A | 400-600 RMB |
| Urumqi—Turpan | 150 km | 1 hr | 2-3 hrs | 50-80 RMB (seat) |
| Urumqi—Hotan | ~1500 km | 14-16 hrs | 28-30 hrs | 500-600 RMB |
Internal links:
How far in advance?:
Foreign passport holders: You can book tickets. Your passport is your ticket – you’ll need to show it at security, at the platform entrance, and sometimes on the train. Keep it handy.
The Sleeper Experience (What to Expect)
I’ve now done maybe 8 overmight train trips in China, and the Xinjiang routes are… they’re fine. Not luxury, but fine.
Hard sleeper (ying wo):
Soft sleeper (ruan wo):
The dining car: It exists. The food is… well, it’s Chinese train food. Edible, cheap (30-50 RMB for a meal), but don’t expect gourmet. I usually bring snacks – nuts, fruit, the naan bread you bought that morning in Urumqi.
Scenic Highlights (Why the Train is Worth It)
The Urumqi-Kashgar route, especialy the newer high-speed sections, goes past some spectacular scenery:
Is It Worth It? (Honest Opinion)
If you’re on a tight budget: Yeah, the train is way cheaper than flying. A hard sleeper to Kashgar is maybe 40% of the cost of a flight.
If you love train travel: Obviously yes. The scenery, the people you meet, the slow pace… it’s a great way to see Xinjiang.
If you’re short on time: Fly. You don’t want to spend 24 hours of your 10-day Xinjiang trip on a train.
My personal take? I did the train to Kashgar on my first trip (budget reasons, mostly) and I’m glad I did. But on my second trip, when I had more money and less time, I flew. Both are valid choices – it just depends on what you value more, time or money.
—
Quick Reference – Xinjiang Train Routes (2026):
| Route | Distance | Time (High-Speed) | Time (Regular) | Hard Sleeper Cost |
|——–|———-|———————|——————-|———————-|
| Urumqi—Kashgar | 1450 km | 12-14 hrs | 24-26 hrs | 450-550 RMB |
| Urumqi—Kanas (Beitun) | ~800 km | 10-12 hrs | N/A | 400-600 RMB |
| Urumqi—Turpan | 150 km | 1 hr | 2-3 hrs | 50-80 RMB (seat) |
| Urumqi—Hotan | ~1500 km | 14-16 hrs | 28-30 hrs | 500-600 RMB |
Internal links:
2. Urumqi—Kanas (Seasonal Tourist Train)
This one is newer and, honestly, a bit of a hidden gem.
In peak season (June-October), there’s a tourist-focused train that runs from Urumqi to Beitun (the town nearest to Kanas Lake), and it’s… I don’t know, it’s scnic. The route goes past the northern grasslands, past Sayram Lake (if you’re on the right side of the train), and the observation car is actualy decent.
Cost: 400-600 RMB for a sleeper, depending on season.
Time: About 10-12 hours (overnight).
Worth it?: If you’re going to Kanas and you want the journey to be part of the experience, yeah. If you just want to get there, fly to Kanas Airport (1 hour from Urumqi, 600-1000 RMB).
3. Urumqi—Turpan (The Quick Day Trip)
This is an easy one. Turpan is only about 150 km from Urumqi, and the high-speed rail gets you there in 1 hour for about 50-80 RMB.
I’ve done Turpan as a day trip from Urumqi, and it works fine. You take the 8 AM train, spend 6-7 hours seeing the Grape Valery, the Fire Mountain, the Jiaohe Ruins, and take the 6 PM train back.
Tip: Turpan is HOT. Like, really hot. In July-August, we’re talking 40-45°C. If you’re doing this as a day trip, bring water, a hat, and sunscreen. And maybe reconsider the day trip and just spend the night.
Booking Tickets (The Practical Stuff)
Where to book:
How far in advance?:
Foreign passport holders: You can book tickets. Your passport is your ticket – you’ll need to show it at security, at the platform entrance, and sometimes on the train. Keep it handy.
The Sleeper Experience (What to Expect)
I’ve now done maybe 8 overmight train trips in China, and the Xinjiang routes are… they’re fine. Not luxury, but fine.
Hard sleeper (ying wo):
Soft sleeper (ruan wo):
The dining car: It exists. The food is… well, it’s Chinese train food. Edible, cheap (30-50 RMB for a meal), but don’t expect gourmet. I usually bring snacks – nuts, fruit, the naan bread you bought that morning in Urumqi.
Scenic Highlights (Why the Train is Worth It)
The Urumqi-Kashgar route, especialy the newer high-speed sections, goes past some spectacular scenery:
Is It Worth It? (Honest Opinion)
If you’re on a tight budget: Yeah, the train is way cheaper than flying. A hard sleeper to Kashgar is maybe 40% of the cost of a flight.
If you love train travel: Obviously yes. The scenery, the people you meet, the slow pace… it’s a great way to see Xinjiang.
If you’re short on time: Fly. You don’t want to spend 24 hours of your 10-day Xinjiang trip on a train.
My personal take? I did the train to Kashgar on my first trip (budget reasons, mostly) and I’m glad I did. But on my second trip, when I had more money and less time, I flew. Both are valid choices – it just depends on what you value more, time or money.
—
Quick Reference – Xinjiang Train Routes (2026):
| Route | Distance | Time (High-Speed) | Time (Regular) | Hard Sleeper Cost |
|——–|———-|———————|——————-|———————-|
| Urumqi—Kashgar | 1450 km | 12-14 hrs | 24-26 hrs | 450-550 RMB |
| Urumqi—Kanas (Beitun) | ~800 km | 10-12 hrs | N/A | 400-600 RMB |
| Urumqi—Turpan | 150 km | 1 hr | 2-3 hrs | 50-80 RMB (seat) |
| Urumqi—Hotan | ~1500 km | 14-16 hrs | 28-30 hrs | 500-600 RMB |
Internal links:
Railway Travel in Xinjiang – Scenic Routes & Practical Guide
I love trains. There, I said it.
I know, they’re slower than flights, they’re sometimes crowded, and yeah, the bathroom situation on a 12-hour overnight train isn’t exactly luxury. But there’s something about watching a landscape roll by that you just don’t get at 30,000 feet.
And Xinjiang? It’s one of the best places I’ve ever done by train.
The Xinjiang railway network has expanded massively in the last five years. What used to be a 24-hour grind from Urumqi to Kashgar is now… well, it’s still long, but the new high-speed (okay, “high-speed” by Chinese standards – we’re talking 160-200 km/h in some sections) rail has cut travel times significantly.
Here’s the real talk about train travel in Xinjiang – the routes, the tickets, the sleeper cars, and whether it’s actually worth it.
The Main Routes (What’s Actually Useful)
1. Urumqi—Kashgar (The Big One)
Distance: ~1450 km
Old line (regular rail): 24-26 hours
New line (high-speed, partial): 12-14 hours (still being fuly upgraded as of 2026)
This is the route everyone asks about, because if you’re flying into Xinjiang at Urumqi and you want to get to Kashgar (and you should – Kashgar is incredible), you’re looking at a choice: fly (1.5 hours, 800-1500 RMB) or take the train (12-24 hours, 300-600 RMB).
My take: If you’re on a budget and you have the time, the train is… it’s an experience. You’ll see the landscape change from the northern desert to the southern mountains. You’ll meet locals (the guy in the bunk above me on my first trip ended up inviting me to his sister’s wedding in a village outside Kashgar – true story). And you’ll save money for more kebabs.
If you take this route:
2. Urumqi—Kanas (Seasonal Tourist Train)
This one is newer and, honestly, a bit of a hidden gem.
In peak season (June-October), there’s a tourist-focused train that runs from Urumqi to Beitun (the town nearest to Kanas Lake), and it’s… I don’t know, it’s scnic. The route goes past the northern grasslands, past Sayram Lake (if you’re on the right side of the train), and the observation car is actualy decent.
Cost: 400-600 RMB for a sleeper, depending on season.
Time: About 10-12 hours (overnight).
Worth it?: If you’re going to Kanas and you want the journey to be part of the experience, yeah. If you just want to get there, fly to Kanas Airport (1 hour from Urumqi, 600-1000 RMB).
3. Urumqi—Turpan (The Quick Day Trip)
This is an easy one. Turpan is only about 150 km from Urumqi, and the high-speed rail gets you there in 1 hour for about 50-80 RMB.
I’ve done Turpan as a day trip from Urumqi, and it works fine. You take the 8 AM train, spend 6-7 hours seeing the Grape Valery, the Fire Mountain, the Jiaohe Ruins, and take the 6 PM train back.
Tip: Turpan is HOT. Like, really hot. In July-August, we’re talking 40-45°C. If you’re doing this as a day trip, bring water, a hat, and sunscreen. And maybe reconsider the day trip and just spend the night.
Booking Tickets (The Practical Stuff)
Where to book:
How far in advance?:
Foreign passport holders: You can book tickets. Your passport is your ticket – you’ll need to show it at security, at the platform entrance, and sometimes on the train. Keep it handy.
The Sleeper Experience (What to Expect)
I’ve now done maybe 8 overmight train trips in China, and the Xinjiang routes are… they’re fine. Not luxury, but fine.
Hard sleeper (ying wo):
Soft sleeper (ruan wo):
The dining car: It exists. The food is… well, it’s Chinese train food. Edible, cheap (30-50 RMB for a meal), but don’t expect gourmet. I usually bring snacks – nuts, fruit, the naan bread you bought that morning in Urumqi.
Scenic Highlights (Why the Train is Worth It)
The Urumqi-Kashgar route, especialy the newer high-speed sections, goes past some spectacular scenery:
Is It Worth It? (Honest Opinion)
If you’re on a tight budget: Yeah, the train is way cheaper than flying. A hard sleeper to Kashgar is maybe 40% of the cost of a flight.
If you love train travel: Obviously yes. The scenery, the people you meet, the slow pace… it’s a great way to see Xinjiang.
If you’re short on time: Fly. You don’t want to spend 24 hours of your 10-day Xinjiang trip on a train.
My personal take? I did the train to Kashgar on my first trip (budget reasons, mostly) and I’m glad I did. But on my second trip, when I had more money and less time, I flew. Both are valid choices – it just depends on what you value more, time or money.
—
Quick Reference – Xinjiang Train Routes (2026):
| Route | Distance | Time (High-Speed) | Time (Regular) | Hard Sleeper Cost |
|——–|———-|———————|——————-|———————-|
| Urumqi—Kashgar | 1450 km | 12-14 hrs | 24-26 hrs | 450-550 RMB |
| Urumqi—Kanas (Beitun) | ~800 km | 10-12 hrs | N/A | 400-600 RMB |
| Urumqi—Turpan | 150 km | 1 hr | 2-3 hrs | 50-80 RMB (seat) |
| Urumqi—Hotan | ~1500 km | 14-16 hrs | 28-30 hrs | 500-600 RMB |
Internal links: