Lanzhou serves as a major transportation hub in northwestern China, offering several ways to navigate the city and its surrounding regions. Depending on your itinerary, you can choose from rail, bus, metro, or local transit options.
Getting to the City from Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport
There are two primary ways to travel from the airport into the heart of the city:
- Shuttle Bus: A dedicated shuttle bus runs from the airport to a specific intersection in the city (TianShui South Road / DongGan West Road). The journey takes just over an hour, and the fare is approximately ¥30 per person.
- Commuter Train: A dedicated rail line connects the airport directly to Lanzhou Railway Station, with an intermediate stop at Lanzhou West Station. This train typically runs about once per hour in each direction, with a travel time of roughly 50-55 minutes to the main station.
Rail Travel
Lanzhou is a significant rail hub connecting the eastern and western parts of China. The city utilizes two primary stations:
- Lanzhou West Railway Station: This modern facility serves as the main hub for long-distance trains, including high-speed rail services to cities such as Xining, Xi'an, Beijing, and Urumqi.
- Lanzhou Railway Station (Old Station): Located at the south end of Pingliang Lu, this station handles conventional trains and a small number of high-speed trains. It also serves as a stop for the airport commuter train.
Metro and Local Transit
For navigating within the city limits, several public transportation options are available:
- Metro System: The city features two main metro lines. Line 1 (blue) runs east-west, connecting the downtown area with the West Railway Station. Line 2 (red) provides additional coverage. Fares for these lines typically range between ¥2 and ¥4.
- City Buses: Local buses are an affordable way to move around, with fares generally between ¥2 and ¥3. The #1 bus is particularly useful for travelers as it connects the main railway station to the Lanzhou Hotel, various parks, and the point where the airport shuttle begins.
- Bicycle Sharing: For shorter trips or local exploration, a city bike scheme is available with numerous pick-up and drop-off stations located throughout the city.
Long-Distance Bus Travel
If you plan to travel to neighboring regions by road, Lanzhou features several long-distance bus stations:
- East Long-Distance Bus Station: Located on Pingliang Lu, serving destinations such as Dunhuang, Jiayuguan, and Xi'an.
- West Long-Distance Bus Station: Located on Xijin Xilu, providing routes to areas like Linxia and Xining.
- South Long-Distance Bus Station: Serves regional routes toward Xiahe.