Beijing to Dunhuang Flight & Train | Beijing to Dunhuang Travel Plan

Beijing to Dunhuang Distance: 2278 KM (1414Miles), 3.5-35.5 H

The distance from Beijing to Dunhuang is about 2,278 kilometers (around 1,414 miles). That's like going from London to Rome. The fastest way to get there is by plane, which takes about 3.5-5 hours. If you prefer, you can take a train, which takes around 35.5 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the scenery. If direct flights or trains aren't convenient, consider stopping over in Xi'an or Lanzhou for a transfer.

Beijing to Dunhuang Flight vs Beijing to Dunhuang Train

Beijing to Dunhuang Flight: Fastest Way From Beijing to Dunhuang

The quickest and easiest way to get from Beijing to Dunhuang is a direct flight. These flights are seasonal. From April to October, there's a 3.5-hour flight from Beijing Capital International Airport to Dunhuang Mogao Airport. From October to April, flights take 5 hours with a 50-minute stop in Lanzhou. Since flight schedules change with the seasons, contact us for the latest info on flights from Beijing to Dunhuang.

Departure Airports: Beijing Capital International Airport & Beijing Daxing International Airport

Beijing Capital International Airport: It is one of the busiest airports in the world. This bustling airport is located northeast of the city, about 32 kilometers from the city center. The specific address is 3JH3+W6X, Shunyi District, Beijing.

It's pretty easy to get to the airport from downtown Beijing. You can take the airport express train, which only takes about 20-30 minutes. Taxis and buses can also get you there.

Beijing Daxing International Airport: The city's newest and largest air hub, is situated about 46 kilometers south of downtown Beijing. Travel time to the airport can vary from 40 minutes to 90 minutes, depending on the mode of transport. The airport's address is GC56+W6C, Daxing District, Beijing.

Arrvial Airports: Dunhuang Mogao International Airport

Dunhuang Mogao International Airport is your gateway to the cultural wonders of Dunhuang. Located about 13 kilometers east of the city center, the airport sits at 3VWX+9WJ, Dunhuang, Gansu Province.

Getting to Dunhuang and the Mogao Caves:

To Dunhuang City: It's a quick 20-minute drive from the airport. Taxis are readily available, offering a convenient and affordable option.

To Mogao Caves: The world-famous caves are approximately 25 kilometers from the airport. You can reach them in about 30-40 minutes by taxi or shuttle bus.

Beijing to Dunhuang Flight Transit Option: Via Lanzhou & Xi'an

There's only one direct flight daily, so options are limited. A good idea is to connect through Lanzhou or Xi'an.

Beijing to Dunhuang Via Lanzhou

One of the best ways to get to Dunhuang is through Lanzhou. There are about 15 flights a day from Beijing to Lanzhou, and then 5 to 11 flights from Lanzhou to Dunhuang. This gives you more flexibility. The trip takes about 4-6 hours and costs between 480 to 1428 RMB (around $74 to $220, but prices can vary).

Beijing to Dunhuang Via Xi'an

Another option is flying through Xi'an, a major hub with over 30 flights daily from Beijing, taking about 2 to 2.5 hours. Once in Xi'an, you can catch a flight to Dunhuang, which takes about 2.5 hours. If you have time, it's worth stopping in Xi'an to explore the famous Terracotta Army!

Beijing to Dunhuang By Train: A Good Choice

There's a direct train from Beijing to Dunhuang, covering 2,584 kilometers. It leaves from Beijing Railway Station and passes through Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, Zhangye, and Jiayuguan before reaching Dunhuang. The trip takes about 35.5 hours. However, this train is seasonal and might not always run. So, make sure to check with us for the latest info when planning your trip.

For those wanting to experience train travel, you can take a train from Beijing to Xi'an or Lanzhou, then continue to Dunhuang. Plus, you can catch a faster high-speed train from Beijing to Lanzhou or Xi'an to cut down travel time.

Beijing to Dunhuang Direct train: Budget Friendly

The direct train from Beijing to Dunhuang ranges from 273.5 to 734.5 RMB (about 42 to 113 USD). For a journey of over 2,000 kilometers, this train is a top choice for budget-conscious travelers. However, it also means you'll spend around 35.5 hours on the train.

Beijing Railway Station (北京站): No. 13, Jian Guo Men Nei Avenue, Dongcheng District, Beijing. The station is about 3 kilometers (approximately 1.9 miles) from Tiananmen Square. You can reach it by taking Subway Line 2, buses, and more.

Dunhuang Railway Station (敦煌站): Dunhuang Railway Station is located in Dunhuang City, Gansu. It's about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) from downtown, taking around 20 minutes by taxi (30-50 RMB). To reach the Mogao Caves, 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) away, a taxi takes 30-40 minutes (60-100 RMB).

Beijing to Dunhuang Train: Transit Via Xi'an and Lanzhou

There are a ton of high-speed trains running from Beijing to both Lanzhou and Xi'an every day! In fact, there are about 24 trains a day going from Beijing to Xi'an. However, there are only around 3 high-speed trains going from Beijing to Lanzhou each day.

On the other hand, if you're looking to go from Lanzhou to Dunhuang, you have more options. There are about 8 trains total (both high-speed and regular) going from Lanzhou to Dunhuang daily. But if you're starting your trip in Xi'an, you'll have fewer choices, with only about 2 trains going to Dunhuang each day.

Option 1: Via Xi'an

1. Beijing to Xi'an: High-speed train(4.5-6 hours)
2. Xi'an to Dunhuang: High Speed Train and Overnight train (11-22 hours)

Option 2: Via Lanzhou

1. Beijing to Lanzhou: High-speed train (6.5-9 hours)
2. Lanzhou to Dunhuang: High Speed Train and Overnight train (8.5-14.5 hour

Top Attractions in Dunhuang to Visit

Mogao Caves

The Mogao Caves, also known as the "Caves of a Thousand Buddhas," are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They house a vast collection of Buddhist art, including over 700 caves with murals and sculptures dating back to the 4th century. These caves offer a glimpse into the spiritual and cultural exchanges along the Silk Road, making them a must-visit for history and art enthusiasts.

Crescent Lake and Singing Sand Dunes

Nestled in the Gobi Desert, Crescent Lake is a stunning oasis surrounded by the towering Singing Sand Dunes. The lake's crescent shape and clear water provide a stark contrast to the golden sands. Visitors can climb the dunes for panoramic views or try sandboarding. The dunes produce a musical sound when the wind blows, adding to the magical atmosphere of this natural wonder.

Yumen Pass and Yang Pass

These ancient passes were crucial gateways on the Silk Road, facilitating trade and cultural exchange between China and the West. Yumen Pass, also known as the Jade Gate, and Yang Pass have remnants of ancient fortifications and offer insight into the strategic importance of Dunhuang in ancient times. Exploring these sites provides a tangible connection to the storied history of the Silk Road.

Dunhuang Museum

The Dunhuang Museum offers a comprehensive overview of the region's history, particularly its role in the Silk Road trade. The museum features artifacts such as silk, pottery, and ancient manuscripts, showcasing the cultural diversity and economic significance of Dunhuang. Interactive exhibits and informative displays make it an excellent starting point for understanding the area's rich heritage.

Yadan National Geological Park

Known for its otherworldly landscape, Yadan National Geological Park features unique rock formations sculpted by wind and water over millennia. The park's dramatic scenery, often compared to alien landscapes, includes towering cliffs and intricate shapes. Visitors can explore the park via guided tours, making it a perfect spot for photography and appreciating the raw beauty of nature.

Shazhou Night Market

The Shazhou Night Market in Dunhuang is a vibrant hub of local culture and cuisine. It's the perfect place to experience the city's lively atmosphere, offering a wide variety of local snacks, handmade crafts, and souvenirs. Stroll through the bustling stalls to try traditional dishes like lamb skewers and Dunhuang noodles. The market is not only a food lover's paradise but also a great spot to mingle with locals and enjoy live entertainment.

How to Plan a Beijing to Dunhuang Tour

Beijing and Dunhuang are among China's top travel spots, and when you're mapping out your journey from Beijing to Dunhuang, nailing down how much time to spend at each destination is key. Generally, you'll want about 2-5 days to really dive into Beijing's scene. For Dunhuang, a shorter stay of 1-3 days should do the trick. Combine the two, and you're looking at a sweet trip of around 6-8 days total.

Beijing (2-5 Days)

Spend about 2-5 days exploring this bustling metropolis. Hit up must-see spots like the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven to really dig into the city's rich historical tapestry. And don't skip a stroll through the lively hutongs to catch a glimpse of old Beijing at its authentic best.

Dunhuang (1-3 Days)

Dunhuang, a true gem on the ancient Silk Road, and give yourself 1-3 days to explore. This oasis city is famous for the Mogao Caves, where you can marvel at a millennium's worth of incredible Buddhist art. Beyond the caves, make sure to check out the singing sands at Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake—a must for that full Dunhuang experience.

Connect Your Beijing to Dunhuang Trip with the Silk Road

Xi'an (1-3 Days): Spending 1-3 days in this ancient city. Xi'an, one of the oldest cities in China, is home to the famous Terracotta Army and offers a vibrant street food scene at the Muslim Quarter. The city's historical significance as the eastern terminus of the Silk Road makes it an essential stop to understand the route's impact on trade and culture throughout Asia.

Gansu (6-8 Days): Spend 6-8 days exploring Gansu, a vital part of the Silk Road. Visit Lanzhou to enjoy the famous beef noodles, explore the ancient Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, marvel at the Rainbow Mountains at Zhangye Danxia, and see the historic Jiayuguan fort.

Xinjiang (7-8 Days): With 7-8 days in Xinjiang. This region offers a dramatic change in landscape and culture. Visit the bustling bazaars of Urumqi, enjoy a serene morning by the Heavenly Lake, and don't miss the vibrant city of Kashgar, where you can witness a fascinating mix of cultures.

Here is a travel itinerary you can refer to:

Day 1: Arrival in Beijing - Airport pickup and hotel check-in.

Day 2: Explore Beijing - Visit Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Summer Palace.

Day 3: Great Wall Tour - Explore Mutianyu Great Wall and visit the Bird's Nest and Water Cube.

Day 4: Travel from Beijing to Xi'an - Take a high-speed train to Xi'an.

Day 5: Xi'an Highlights - Visit the Terracotta Warriors, Bell Tower, and Muslim Street.

Day 6: More of Xi'an - Tour the Ancient City Wall, visit a local family, see the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and explore Tang Paradise.

Day 7: Xi'an to Dunhuang - Fly to Dunhuang; explore the Singing Sand Dunes and Crescent Lake.

Day 8: Dunhuang Tour - Visit the Mogao Caves, a World Heritage site; travel by high-speed train to Turpan.

Day 9: Discover Turpan - Visit the Jiaohe Ruins, a World Heritage site, the Karez Well System, an irrigation engineering heritage, and the Emin Minaret; then drive to Urumqi.

Day 10: Urumqi Day Trip - Visit Heavenly Lake and Tianshan, with breakfast and lunch included.

Day 11: Urumqi to Kashgar - Fly to Kashgar; explore the Old City including the Id Kah Mosque and an ancient teahouse, and visit the livestock market if it's Sunday.

Day 12: Kashgar Outing - Travel to Karakul Lake through the Pamir Plateau, visit White Sand Lake and Karakul Lake.

Day 13: Depart Kashgar - Hotel checkout and airport transfer.