Beijing to Lanzhou: 2 Ways from Beijing to Lanzhou (Flight & Train)

Beijing to Lanzhou Distance: About 1,700 km

Beijing, the capital of China, is located in the northeast of the country. Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu Province, is situated in the north-central region of China, along the Yellow River (黄河). The distance from Beijing to Lanzhou is approximately 1,700 kilometers (1,056 miles).

Lanzhou Location on Map

Lanzhou Attractions Map

1. Beijing to Lanzhou Flight: About 2.5 Hours (Faster)

• Duration: About 2.5 hours
• Departure: Beijing Capital or Beijing Daxing International Airport (北京首都国际机场/北京大兴国际机场)
• Arrival: Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport (兰州中川国际机场)

Flying from Beijing to Lanzhou is faster than taking the train. There are over 10 daily direct flights from Beijing to Lanzhou, with a flight time of around 2.5 hours, covering about 1,200 kilometers. Flights depart from Beijing Capital or Beijing Daxing International Airports and land at Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport, with departure times ranging from 07:55 to 22:35.

Scenic Views from the Beijing to Lanzhou Flight

During your flight from Beijing to Lanzhou, you may enjoy various scenic views, including:

• Taihang & Lüliang Mountains (太行&吕梁山脉): You might fly over the Taihang or Lüliang Mountains, offering breathtaking views from above.
• Loess Plateau (黄土高原): As you enter the northwest, the plane will cross the Loess Plateau, where you can observe its rugged terrain.
• Yellow River (黄河): Near Lanzhou, you may catch sight of the Yellow River, especially its impressive course through the city.
• Danxia Landforms (丹霞地貌): Approaching Lanzhou, the unique red sandstone formations of the Danxia landforms might come into view.

Lanzhou City & the First Bridge of Yellow River

Danxia National Park in Zhangye

2. Beijing to Lanzhou Train: 6.5 - 21 Hours (Slower)

Trains connect Beijing to Lanzhou, covering a distance of over 1,700 kilometers, with two main options: high-speed trains that take 6.5-9.5 hours or normal-speed trains that take 16.5-21 hours. Due to the extended travel time, we generally don’t recommend normal-speed trains.

The train journey from Beijing to Lanzhou is a scenic experience, crossing China’s northern landscapes:

• Hebei Plain (河北平原): After leaving Beijing, the train passes through Hebei’s vast plains, a significant agricultural region with expansive farmlands and typical northern rural scenery.
• Loess Plateau (黄土高原): In Shaanxi, you’ll see layers of loess hills and deep ravines.
• Qilian Mountains (祁连山脉): Approaching Lanzhou, the train passes the majestic Qilian Mountains, a key mountain range in Northwest China, featuring grasslands, forests, and snow-capped peaks.
• Yellow River (黄河): In Lanzhou, the train crosses the Yellow River, China’s second-longest river, known as the “Mother River” of the Chinese civilization.

Gansu High Speed Train

Lanzhou West Railway Station

Beijing to Lanzhou High-Speed Train: 6.5 - 9.5 Hours

• Time Required: About 6.5-9.5 hours
• Price: ¥700+ per adult (one-way)
• Departure: Beijing West Railway Station (北京西站)
• Arrival: Lanzhou West Railway Station (兰州西站)
• Speed: 300-350 km/h

There are 3 daily high-speed trains from Beijing to Lanzhou, with travel times ranging from 6.5 to 9.5 hours depending on the train route and stops. These trains depart from Beijing West Railway Station, pass through Hebei, Henan, and Shaanxi provinces, and arrive at Lanzhou West Railway Station.

The fastest option is Train G91, which covers the 1,784 km journey in just 6.5 hours. This train is highly popular, so be sure to set an alarm and grab your ticket early!

Note: The schedule is subject to change. Always verify the latest information.

Beijing to Lanzhou Normal-Speed Train: 16.5 - 21 Hours

• Time Required: About 16.5-21 hours
• Price: ¥189.5+ per adult (one-way)
• Departure: Beijing West Railway Station (北京西站)
• Arrival: Lanzhou Railway Station / Lanzhou West Railway Station (兰州站/兰州西站)
• Speed: 140-160 km/h

There are 7 daily normal-speed trains from Beijing to Lanzhou, taking 16.5-21 hours for the 1,700+ km journey. These trains also depart from Beijing West Railway Station, travel through Hebei, Henan, and Shaanxi provinces, and terminate at either Lanzhou Railway Station or Lanzhou West Railway Station.

Though slower, these trains offer sleeper options, but we don’t generally recommend this option as it consumes too much of your valuable travel time.

Note: The schedule is subject to change. Always verify the latest information.

Insider Tips for Traveling from Beijing to Lanzhou

1. Gansu's dry climate requires extra hydration, so get plenty of water and bring moisturizing creams, hand lotion, and lip balm.
2. Lanzhou's temperature can vary greatly between day and night, so even in summer, consider packing a light jacket or long sleeves.
3. The train journey is lengthy (at least 6.5 hours), so pack snacks and entertainment.
4. If flying, arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight; for trains, aim to be at the station 30 minutes in advance.
5. Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport is far from the city center and lacks a metro line, so plan on taking a shuttle bus to and from the airport.

How to Plan a Tour from Beijing to Lanzhou

Beijing (3-4 Days)

To travel from Beijing to Lanzhou, you can first spend 3-4 days in Beijing to visit the highlights here, including the Mutianyu Great Wall (慕田峪长城), Bird's Nest (鸟巢) & Water Cube (水立方), Tian'anmen Square (天安门广场), Forbidden City (故宫) and Summer Palace (颐和园).

Beijing Mutianyu Great Wall

Beijing Forbidden City

Lanzhou (1-2 Days)

Spend 1 day to visit Lanzhou’s landmarks, including Zhongshan Bridge, White Pagoda Park, the Yellow River Mother Statue, and Waterwheel Park.

Or take one more day to explore the Liujiaxia Reservoir (刘家峡水库) and take a speedboat to the Bingling Temple Grottoes (炳灵寺石窟), an UNESCO World Heritage Site near Lanzhou.

View White Pagoda Park from Zhongshan Bridge

The Yellow River (green one) & The Tao River (yellow one)

Extend Your Trip to More Destinations in Northwest China

Gansu has more attractions to explore in the major tourist destinations.

Zhangye (1-2 Days): Spend one day in Zhangye to see the spectacular reclining Buddha statue in Dafo Temple (大佛寺) and the fantastic colourful Danxia landforms in Zhangye National Geopark. Or, stay one more day to explore the Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon.

Jiayuguan (1 Day): Jiayuguan Pass (嘉峪关关城) and Jiayuguan Great Wall (悬臂长城，a UNESCO site) are must-visit attractions in Jiayuguan, which takes 1 day.

Dunhuang (2-3 Days): Dunhuang deservers 2-3 days explore. There are a wealth of historical relics and natural wonders like Mogao Grottoes (莫高窟), a UNESCO World Heritage, Singing Sand Dunes (鸣沙山), Crescent Moon Spring (月牙泉) and Dunhuang Yardang National Geopark.

Xinjiang (5-13 Days): Stay 5-13 days in Xinjiang to see the diverse landscapes such as Turpan Basin, Pamir Plateau (帕米尔高原), Baisha Lake (白沙湖), Taklamakan Desert (塔克拉玛干沙漠) and Karakul Lake (喀拉库勒湖), and a wealth of cultural heritage such as Kashgar Ancient City (喀什老城), Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves (柏孜克里克千佛洞), Jiaohe Ancient City Ruins (交河古城遗址), Karez System (坎儿井系统), Emin Minaret (苏公塔), Tashkurgan Fort (塔什库尔干古堡).

Camel Riding, Mingsha Mountain

Kashgar Old City

Recommended Tours:

8 Days China Silk Road Tour from Dunhuang to Turpan, Urumqi & Kashgar

Suggested Classic Gansu Travel Itinerary

Here comes a classic itinerary for a 6-day Silk Road tour in Gansu. The following itinerary is offered for your reference:

Recommended Tours:

6 Days Gansu Silk Road Tour: Lanzhou, Zhangye, Jiayuguan & Dunhuang

Get from Beijing to Lanzhou with Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT)

Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) offers a seamless travel experience, managing the logistics from Beijing to Lanzhou and beyond. With AOT, travelers benefit from expertly planned itineraries, professional guidance, and personalized service every step of the way.

Whether you prefer the speed of a flight or the scenic journey by train, AOT ensures that your travel from Beijing to Lanzhou is smooth and stress-free, allowing you to focus on enjoying the sights and cultural highlights of Gansu. AOT’s team also provides valuable insider tips, from choosing the best travel times to exploring Gansu's attractions.