Getting There and Away

Written by Alexander Kopp, Wei Li
19/08/2025
A stunning vista of Crescent Lake surrounded by Mingsha Sand Dunes in Dunhuang, China.
Lovesa Chang, Pexels

Dunhuang is served by Dunhuang Mogao International Airport (DNH), Dunhuang Railway Station, and Dunhuang Long-Distance Bus Station, providing various travel connections.

By Air:

Dunhuang Mogao International Airport (DNH) is approximately 13 kilometers (8 miles) east of the city center. Direct flights are available from major Chinese cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Lanzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Urumqi, and Xining. International flights also connect to Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur. A taxi from the airport to downtown Dunhuang costs around CNY 30-40. Shuttle buses from the airport to Dunhuang Bus Station are available three times a day, costing approximately CNY 10 and taking about 18 minutes.

By Train:

Dunhuang has two main railway stations: Dunhuang Railway Station and Liuyuan Railway Station.

  • Dunhuang Railway Station: Located about 4.5 to 15 kilometers (2.8 to 9.3 miles) from the city center, it is the primary station for both high-speed and normal-speed trains. High-speed trains connect Dunhuang with cities such as Lanzhou (around 7.5-9 hours, CNY 324 for a second-class seat), Xi'an (around 9-20.5 hours), Jiayuguan (around 2.5 hours, CNY 109 for a second-class seat), and Zhangye (around 4 hours, CNY 174.5 for a second-class seat). Taxis from Dunhuang Railway Station to downtown cost approximately CNY 30. Public buses are also available for around CNY 3.
  • Liuyuan Railway Station: Situated about 128-130 kilometers (79.5-81 miles) northwest of Dunhuang, this station serves trains from cities like Urumqi and Turpan, as well as direct trains from Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Chongqing. Travel from Liuyuan to Dunhuang typically takes about 2 hours by bus, costing around CNY 15-20. Taxis are also an option, with fares ranging from CNY 80-120.

By Bus:

Dunhuang Long-Distance Bus Station, located at No. 2 Yingbin Avenue, offers frequent bus services to cities including Xining, Lanzhou, Xi'an, Urumqi, Golmud, Jiayuguan, and Zhangye. Buses to Lanzhou, Xining, Golmud, and Zhangye are often sleeper coaches.

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