Getting Around
How to get to and from Ürümqi Tianshan International Airport — taxis, public transport, shuttles and car rental.
Transport Options at URC
Ürümqi Tianshan International Airport is connected to Ürümqi and the wider China transport network by multiple ground transport options.
Ürümqi Metro Line 1 connects Diwopu (Tianshan) Airport to the city, with an in-terminal 'Airport MTR' link providing free rides to the International Airport Station; from there Line 1 runs to Santunbei and other central stops in about 50 minutes total, with a fare of roughly CNY7.
Local bus lines 27, 51 and 535 serve the airport for budget travelers, while a dedicated airport shuttle bus network (fare around CNY15) covers major destinations including the railway station, running from first to last flight.
Metered taxis queue outside arrivals; the fare to central Ürümqi is typically CNY30–40 by meter, with the ride taking 30–45 minutes depending on traffic.
Didi is the standard ride-hailing option, as Uber does not operate in mainland China; a Didi account is worth setting up in advance with an international card if you plan to move around Ürümqi independently.
Rental counters exist but are limited compared to eastern Chinese cities, and self-driving in Xinjiang involves additional bureaucracy for foreign visitors — most travelers rely on metro, taxi or organized tours instead.
Ürümqi is one of the most remote major airports in China, and as the far-western Xinjiang region, security and ID checks can be more thorough than at eastern hubs — carry your passport accessible at all times, including for internal transport.
Pre-Book Your Transfer
Skip the taxi queue. Book a private transfer from URC to Ürümqi in advance and have a driver waiting when you land.
Recommended · Airport TransferPrivate and shared airport transfers — fixed price, no meter surprises. Driver meets you in arrivals.
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Car Rental at URC
Exploring China beyond Ürümqi? Renting a car at the airport gives you maximum flexibility from the moment you land.
Recommended · Car RentalCompare rates from major and local car rental companies. Free cancellation on most bookings.
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