How to Travel from Beijing to Urumqi: Flights, Trains...

Beijing, the massive capital of China for centuries, is the gateway city to visit China and known for the Great Wall, Forbidden City, traditional Hutongs, and countless treasures, while Urumqi the capital of Xinjing, is usually a starting point to explore western China, Xinjiang with breathtaking lakes, picturesque grasslands, and desolate desert scenery...

These two cities are 2770km away from each other. For the long distance, it is most recommended to travel to Urumqi from Beijing by air, and it takes about 4 hours. There are also some normal overnight trains available to Urumqi from Beijing but it will take about 31-38 hours. For travelers, visiting both Beijing and Xinjiang is a good tour combination if you want to experience the traditional vibes of China and the stunning natural beauty and wildness in the exotic Xinjiang. The article has provided you with more specific information about how to travel from Beijing to Urumqi to help you plan a better Beijing Xinjiang tour.

12 Days Silk Road Tour from Beijing

Itinerary: Beijing / Xian / Dunhuang / Turpan / Urumqi
Highlights: Mutianyu Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors, Mogao Grottoes, Kashgar Old City, Jiaohe Ancient City

Beijing Urumqi Transportation Map

Beijing to Urumqi by Flight - Top Recommended

Taking a flight is the most recommended way to travel from Beijing to Urumqi. You can choose the direct flights from Beijing to Urumqi and it takes about 4 hours to reach Urumqi from Beijing.

Since Urumqi is a popular tourist destination during the summer and autumn peak season, please book your flight in advance. Flight schedules can be influenced by many factors. Please feel free to contact us for the most suitable flight for you according to the date of your travel plan. Also, there are two airports in Beijing. Please figure out the right location for your departure.

8 Days Classic Xinjiang Tour including Urumqi Turpan Kashgar Tashkurgan

Itinerary: Urumqi - Turpan - Kashgar - Tashkurgan
Highlights: Heaven lake, Bezeklik Caves, Kashgar Bazaar, Kashgar Old Town, Karakul Lake, Tashkurgan Fort, Golden Grassland, Muztagh Ata

Check the real-time Beijing to Urumqi (Wulumuqi) flight schedule below with updated airline company, flight numbers, times, tickets and fares.

Beijing to Urumqi by Train

Besides taking a flight, the other choice to Urumqi is taking a train from Beijing. For the long distance, there is not any bullet train connecting the two cities yet, and two overnight trains Z69, Z179 depart from Beijing West Railway Station and arrive at Urumqi Railway station and the duration is about 31 to 38 hours. The price for a hard seat ticket is about CNY 317 (updated on 1, June 2021), and CNY 536 for the hard sleeper, CNY 849 for a soft sleeper.

▶ Check the Real-Time Beijing to Urumqi Train Schedules.

How to Plan a Beijing Xinjiang Tour

How to Travel in Beijing

It usually needs 2 to 3 days to cover the highlights of Beijing. When you are in Beijing, you can get to know the ancient capital by visiting the magnificent historic sites like Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Beijing Hutongs, National Museum of China, Tiananmen Square, and modern architectures such as 798 Art Zone, Olympic Park, etc. Beyond countless attractions, do not miss the tasteful local snacks such as Peking ducks! Later, you can pay a visit to different Great Wall sections of China in the suburban areas of Beijing, such as Mutianyu Great Wall, Badaling Great Wall, Simatai Great Wall, and Jinshanling Great Wall, etc.

Recommended Beijing Tours

☛ 4 Days Classic Beijing Tour
☛ 3 Days Visa-free Beijing Essential Tour

Mutianyu Great Wall

How to Travel in Xinjiang

Tourists often start a Xinjiang tour from Urumqi. With about 3 to 7 days, you can explore the highlights in Xinjiang and Urumqi, Turpan and Kashgar are usually the three most unmissable destinations. You can have one or two days visiting the top attractions in & near Urumqi city, including Tianchi Lake and Tianshan Mountain and then leave for Turpan to visit the Flaming Mountains, Grape Valley and Thousand Buddha Caves. Later, you can head to Kashgar to visit the famous Abakh Khoja Tomb and Kashgar Bazaar. After that, you can fly back to Urumqi or explore more attractions in Hotan. Also, for those who are interested in natural scenery, you can travel more of the southern Xinjiang such as the Kanas Lake, Sayram Lake, Swan Lake, Tangbula Grassland, Hemu village, Kalajun Grassland, etc. Traveling from Urumqi from/to Xining, Dunhuang, Zhangye, Jiayuguan along the ancient Silk Road is also an awesome and rewarding experience highly suggested for you.

Recommended Xinjiang Tours

☛ 4 Days Urumqi Tianchi Lake Leisure Tour
☛ 8 Days Xinjiang Classic Tour (Urumqi - Turpan - Kashgar)

Tianchi Lake

Travel Worry-free with China Discovery

If you just want to focus on the trip itself without worrying too much about anything else, you can consider travelling with us! We at China Discovery provide comfortable and efficient private travel service for our clients who have booked one of our tour packages. No matter when your flight/train arrives, our friendly tour guide and driver in every city will wait for you there, then escort you to your hotel or any location you want to visit with an air-conditioned and non-smoking vehicle. During the trip, everything such as a ticket, transfer, accommodation, the meal will all be taken care of and you only need to focus on what you are interested in. The tour can be tailor-made according to your plan, time, interests, and demands. If you are interested, please feel free to contact us and tell us your needs.