Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport (LHW)

Getting Around

How to get to and from Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport — taxis, public transport, shuttles and car rental.

Transport Options at LHW

Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport is connected to Lanzhou (Yongdeng) and the wider China transport network by multiple ground transport options.

Rail & Metro

The Lanzhou–Zhongchuan Airport intercity railway runs from a dedicated station at Terminal 3 (Zhongchuan Airport Railway East Station) to Lanzhou West Railway Station in about 38 minutes, with onward connections toward Lanzhou Railway Station and beyond.

Bus & Shuttle

Three Airport Express Shuttle Bus routes (CNY 30 each) run into the city: Line 1 to the Lanzhou Eastern Hotel area (~1 hour), Line 2 toward Lanzhou West Railway Station, and Line 3 to Qingshuiqiao in the west of the city.

Taxi

Taxis are notably expensive here given the airport's distance from downtown — confirm the fare or use the meter before departing.

Rideshare

Uber does not operate in mainland China — DiDi is the standard app-hailing option, though pickup can be limited this far from the city.

Car Rental

Very limited; most visitors rely on the intercity train or shuttle buses given the distance involved.

Insider tip

Lanzhou Zhongchuan sits about 71km (44 miles) northwest of downtown — the intercity train to Lanzhou West is by far the most reliable option, since taxi fares balloon over that distance and traffic on the connecting expressway can be unpredictable.

Transport routes, fares and operators change frequently. Verify current options on the official Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport website before travel.

Pre-Book Your Transfer

Skip the taxi queue. Book a private transfer from LHW to Lanzhou (Yongdeng) in advance and have a driver waiting when you land.

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Car Rental at LHW

Exploring China beyond Lanzhou (Yongdeng)? Renting a car at the airport gives you maximum flexibility from the moment you land.

Recommended · Car Rental
Rent a Car at LHW

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Ground Transport Tips for LHW

Only use official taxi ranks or pre-booked apps at Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport. Avoid unofficial drivers approaching you in arrivals.
If a rail or metro connection exists, it is usually the fastest and most reliable option during rush hour.
Allow extra time for ground transport during peak hours. Lanzhou (Yongdeng) city traffic can significantly extend journey times.
Download offline maps for Lanzhou (Yongdeng) before landing — useful if your data connection is slow on arrival.
If travelling with heavy luggage, a private transfer or taxi is often more practical than public transport.
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