Town in Gansu, China
Getting around Dunhuang
How to get around Dunhuang
Taxis and DiDi cover the town and sights. Mogao is about 25 km away, reached by bus or taxi. Trains and flights link Lanzhou, Xi'an and Urumqi.
Ways to get around Dunhuang
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi | 8 CNY start, cheap in town | Metered in town; sights use fixed fares |
| Mogao Caves shuttle bus | Check with the visitor center | Pre-booked visitors arrive via the Digital Center, then board shuttle |
| Tour car | Often 200–400 CNY a day | Hire a driver for Yardang and Yumen Pass |
| Train or flight | Check 12306 | Trains from Liuyuan, Lanzhou; flights from Xi'an, Lanzhou, Urumqi |
Taxis in Dunhuang
- No ride-hailing apps operate here. Taxis are metered in town; agree fares for sights. Hotels and tour agencies book day trips to Mogao and the Yardang.
Arriving in Dunhuang
Dunhuang Mogao International (DNH)
About 13 km from town. Taxi roughly 40–60 CNY, 20 min; some hotels offer pickup.
Driving and onward travel
- Driving: on the right. IDPs aren't recognised. Visitors need a temporary Chinese driving permit (up to 90 days) or a Chinese licence.
- Onward travel in China: High-speed trains link nearly every big city, often faster than flying; book with a passport on 12306 or Trip.com. Cheap domestic flights and sleeper trains cover long distances.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Dunhuang?
No ride-hailing apps work here. Taxis are metered in town; agree fares for sights. Hotels and tour agencies book day trips to Mogao and the Yardang.
What's the best way to get around Dunhuang?
Taxis and DiDi cover the town and sights. Mogao is about 25 km away, reached by bus or taxi. Trains and flights link Lanzhou, Xi'an and Urumqi.
How do I get from the airport to Dunhuang?
About 13 km from town. Taxi roughly 40–60 CNY, 20 min; some hotels offer pickup.
Is Dunhuang walkable?
Walkable center.
More about Dunhuang
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Sources
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.