How to Travel from Lanzhou to Zhangye: By Train, Flight or Bus

As a very important transportation hub in Northwestern China with rich cultural and historical relics, natural wonders, Gansu Province, undoubtedly, is the golden part of the ancient “Silk Road”. In Gansu, Lanzhou, the capital city is usually used as air, railway and road gateway city to start the “Silk Road” adventure, tour Zhangye, Jiayuguan, Dunhuang and make extended trip to Urumqi (Xinjiang) and far destinations. So far, taking a bullet train to get from Lanzhou to Zhangye is the most popular choice, while flight and long-distance bus are also available. Read our guide below to find more details about the three transplantation to better plan your trip.

How far is Zhangye City from Lanzhou City?

Both Lanzhou (兰州, capital) and Zhangye (张掖, prefecture-level city) are cities located in Gansu Province (甘肃省), Northwestern China. Lanzhou is situated in the middle of Gansu Province and is the geometric center of land territory of China, while Zhangye lies in northwest of Gansu Province, middle of Hexi Corridor. Zhangye is in the northwest of Lanzhou, separated by Wuwei City (武威).

The driving distance between Lanzhou and Zhangye is: about 508 km/ 6 hours.

Lanzhou to Zhangye Transportation Map

Option 1: Get from Lanzhou to Zhangye By Train (Most Recommended)

Nowadays, in China, train travel becomes very common and popular for its convenience, comfort, short duration, easy access and opportunity to view scenery along the rail. Taking a fast train is regarded as the best way to travel from Lanzhou to Zhangye. Each day, there are over 40 trains running from Lanzhou to Zhangye, with a journey of half a day. Among the trains, bullet trains are more recommended for higher speed and better environment.

● Lanzhou to Zhangye Bullet Train - the Best Option

Every day, Lanzhou delivers more than 10 bullet trains (all D trains) from Lanzhou West Railway Station (兰州西站) and Lanzhou Railway Station (兰州站) in Lanzhou to Zhangye West Railway Station in Zhangye. The trains are available from about 06:30 in the early morning to 17:00 in the afternoon. The whole bullet train ride is close to 4 hours to 4.5 hours. Two kinds of seats you can choose: Second Class Seat and First Class Seat. Ticket price is 150 RMB ~ 250 RMB.

Useful Links: Lanzhou to Zhangye Bullet Train Schedules / Zhangye to Lanzhou Bullet Train Schedules / China Train Travel Guide / China D Trains

Recommended Lanzhou Zhangye Bullet Train Tours:

>> 6 Days Hexi Corridor Discovery (Lanzhou/Zhangye/Jiayuguan/Dunhuang)

>> 7 Days Ancient Silk Road Treasure Tour

>> 10 Days Qinghai and Gansu Highlights Tour

>> 11 Days Northwestern China Cultural Relic & Desert Landscape Tour

● Lanzhou to Zhangye Normal Train

Besides the bullet trains, there are still nearly 30 ordinary trains (K, T, Z trains) running from Lanzhou to Zhangye daily, from 04:00 am to 10:00pm. Some re overnight trains getting to Zhangye the next morning. Please note that, the trains depart from Lanzhou Railway Station (兰州火车站) and arrive at Zhangye Railway Station (张掖火车站). Train journey is about 5.5 hours to 7 hours. Soft Sleeper and Hard Sleeper are offered, which are almost the same price on bullet trains.

Useful Links: China Normal Trains / How to Book China Train Tickets

Our Advice: It’s highly suggested to take a bullet train, because the duration is shorter, ticket is priced decently, service and facilities are better than the normal trains.

Lanzhou West Railway Station

Bullet Train Arrivaing at Zhangye West Station

Zhangye Railway Stations Location Map (click to enlarge)

Option 2: Get from Lanzhou to Zhangye By Flight - the Fastest Way

Apart from the trains, some tourists can fly to Zhangye from Lanzhou by 1 hour’s air travel, which costs the shortest time. There is 1 to 3 daily flights arranged by different airline company, all leaving from Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport (兰州中川国际机场, IATA: LHW) to Zhengye Ganzhou Airport (张掖甘州机场, IATA: YZY). After arrival, a longer transfer is needed from the airport to Danxia Landform Geopark or Zhangye City center. Those who have tight schedule, carry a lot of luggage may choose to take a flight.

Useful Links: Zhangye Airport and Flights to Zhangye / Get to & around Zhangye

Zhangye Ganzhou Airport

Lanzhou to Zhangye Flight Timetable:

Tips: The above flight information are given for reference only, and they are subject to change. You can contact us to check up-to-dated flights and seek for more travel guide about Lanzhou, Zhangye and other destinations.

Option 3: Get from Lanzhou to Zhangye By Bus - the Cheapest Choice (Not Recommended)

Lanzhou runs express bus to Zhangye each day as well. The journey is around 515 km and takes nearly 5.5 hours. You can take bus from Lanzhou Passenger Transportation Center (兰州客运中心) or Lanzhou East Bus Station (兰州汽车东站) and get to Zhangye Bus Station. Ticket fare is less than 150 RMB.

However, the buses from Lanzhou to Zhangye are sleepers in simple conditions, and the roads are extremely bumpy and dangerous, cold seasons would be cut off. Thus, it’s certainly a bad idea to take a bus, when you have more safe and convenient options to choose.

Lanzhou East Bus Station

How to Plan A Lanzhou Zhangye Tour

Lanzhou is more used as a connecting point to Zhangye, Dunhuang, Jiayuguan, and more places in Gansu and Qinghai, and cities along the “Silk Road” rather than a tourist destination. With more time, you can extend journey further to Northwest China, seeing varied landscape and enjoy featured ethnic customs and culture.

1 to 2 days are enough to tour Lanzhou. During the short transit in Lanzhou, you can have a quick Lanzhou city tour, visit major landmarks, such as the White Pagoda Mountain, Yellow River and the Gansu Provincial Museum, firstly adapt to the rough cityscape and climate. Side trips to Labrang Temple and Langmu Temple in Gannan, Bingling Temple in Linxia, Gansu are also popular among Buddhist culture fans.

Useful Links: Top Lanzhou Tours / Things to Do in Lanzhou / Hotels in Lanzhou

Recommended Lanzhou Tour: 4 Days Lanzhou Labrang Monastery Tour

When travelling in Zhangye, the Colorful Danxia Landform Geopark is the must-see spot. Prepare to be marvel at the natural wonder, where “rainbow mountain”waves stretches out in an endless vista. Or you can spend 1 to 2 days more, witness more exotic rock formations in Binggou Danxia and know more Buddhist cultural relics, like Giant Buddha Temple and Mati Temple in Zhangye.

Useful Links: Popular Zhangye Danxia Tours / Zhangye Travel Guide / Zhangye Attractions

Recommended Zhangye Tour: 3 Days Zhangye Danxi Classic Tour

White Pagoda Temple in Lanzhou

Our Customers Enjoyed Trip to Zhangye Danxia Geopark

Travel Zhangye with China Discovery

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