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Zhangye to Dunhuang Train: High Speed & Regular Train (4-8 Hrs)

Written by Celine Schneider|Updated: 2025-06-16

How to Get from Zhangye to Dunhuang, famous for the incredible Mogao Caves. Your main choice is between the modern high-speed train and the classic overnight train. There are about 5 trains daily, covering 612 kilometers (380 miles) in roughly 4.5 to 8 hours.

The bullet train is the best way to travel, getting you to Dunhuang in just 4.5 hours. For those on a tighter budget, the conventional overnight train is a great alternative, taking about 7 hours.

Thinking of taking the train? This comprehensive Zhangye to Dunhuang train guide including distance, schedules, tickets, prices, stations, and travel tips. Our goal is to make your trip from Zhangye to Dunhuang as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

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  • triangleZhangye to Dunhuang Train Distance & Train Maps
  • triangleZhangye to Dunhuang High Speed Train: Best Way from Zhangye to Dunhuang
  • triangleZhangye to Dunhuang Regular Train (Overnight): Schedule, Tickets & Seats
  • triangleZhangye to Dunhuang Train Station: Departure Railway Station in Zhangye
  • triangleArrival Railway Station: Dunhuang Railway Station (敦煌站)
  • triangleAlternative Options from Zhangye to Dunhuang
  • triangleWhat to See in Dunhunag: Top 5 Attractions in Dunhuang
  • triangleHow to Plan a Trip from Zhangye to Dunhuang
  • trianglePrivate Transfer Service by Asia Odyssey Travel
  • triangleTravel with Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) to Explore Dunhuang, Gansu

Zhangye to Dunhuang Train Distance & Train Maps

Zhangye to Dunhuang Train Route Map
Zhangye to Dunhuang Train Route Map

The distance from Zhangye to Dunhuang is about 612 kilometers (380 miles). The train heads west, passing through famous Silk Road cities like Jiayuguan. You will arrive in Dunhuang, a city known for the amazing Mogao Caves.

A map of the railway can help you see this historic route. If you decide to drive or take a regular train, you will follow almost the exact same path.

Zhangye to Dunhuang High Speed Train: Best Way from Zhangye to Dunhuang

Gansu High Speed Train
Gansu High Speed Train
Take Gansu High Speed Train for Beautiful View Outside
Take Gansu High Speed Train for Beautiful View Outside

The best way to get from Zhangye to Dunhuang is by high-speed train.

There are about 2 high-speed trains each day, like the D2749 and D2737, that leave from Zhangye West Station for Dunhuang. The train is very fast, traveling at speeds of 250 to 360 kilometers per hour. The whole trip takes only about 4.5 hours.

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Zhangye to Dunhuang High Speed Train Tickets Prices & How to Choose Seats (with Facilities)

Seats Second Class First Class
Prices ¥174.5 ¥278

Second Class Seat ( Popular Choice): Most people choose a second class seat for the train ride from Zhangye to Dunhuang. The seats are soft, and you get plenty of legroom. The seats are arranged with 2 on one side of the aisle and 3 on the other.

First Class Seat (Business Travel): If you want more comfort, first class is the best choice, and it's great for business travelers. The seats in first class are bigger, and you get more legroom. There are only two seats on each side of the aisle, so it feels more spacious.

Zhangye to Dunhuang Regular Train (Overnight): Schedule, Tickets & Seats

Train K9667
Duration 00:13-07:16 (7h)
Stations From Zhangye Railway Station (张掖站) to Dunhuang Railway Station(敦煌)
Hard Seat ¥81
Hard Sleeper ¥144
Soft Sleeper ¥222

For travelers on a tight budget, the regular train is a great choice. There is only one of these trains each day, the K9667. It's an overnight train that leaves from Zhangye Station very early in the morning. The trip takes about 7 hours.

A ticket costs between 81 and 222 RMB. Based on current exchange rates, that is about 11-31 US dollars.

Hard Seat: Budget Choice

Taking a hard seat from Zhangye to Dunhuang is the most economical option, offering basic comfort with a 3+2 seating arrangement. While not as spacious as other classes, it's a budget-friendly choice for travelers looking to save money. The ticket price is 81 RMB (about 12.5 USD), making it affordable even for a 7-8 hour journey.

Hard Sleeper: Comfort Meets Affordability

The hard sleeper is a step up from the hard seat, featuring a compartment with 6 berths arranged in 3 tiers, allowing passengers to rest lying down. It's an economical choice for overnight travel, offering reasonable comfort and privacy. Tickets cost about 144 RMB (approximately 22 USD).

Soft Sleeper: Comfortable Overnight Travel

For more comfort, the soft sleeper has enclosed compartments with four berths, providing more privacy and a quieter environment. It's the top choice for travelers seeking a relaxed journey. The ticket price is around 222 RMB (about 34 USD).

Zhangye to Dunhuang Train Station: Departure Railway Station in Zhangye

Zhangye Railway Station
Zhangye Railway Station
Zhangye West Railway Station
Zhangye West Railway Station

Zhangye West Station (张掖西站): Main Railway Station

Location: Danxia Road, Ganzhou District, Zhangye (张掖市甘州区丹霞路)

Zhangye West Station is where all the high-speed trains arrive and depart. It's located right in the city centre of Zhangye, so it's the top choice for most travelers.

From here, the famous Zhangye National Geopark, also known as the Danxia Park, is about 35 kilometers away. The drive usually takes 35-45 minutes.

Zhangye Railway Station (张掖站)

Address: Zhanghuo Raod, Dongyuan Town, Ganzhou District, Zhangye (张掖市甘州区东园镇张火公路)

Zhangye Station is on the north side of the city. It's about 10 kilometers from the city center. A taxi ride downtown takes about 20 minutes, or you can take Bus Line 1, which takes about 45 minutes. This station is a bit further from the Danxia park, about 47 kilometers away, which is roughly an hour's drive.

Shandan Railway Station (山丹站)

Address: National Highway 321, Qingquan Town, Shandan County, Zhangye (张掖市山丹县清泉镇321国道)

Shandan Railway Station is approximately 75 kilometers from Zhangye city center. Travelers can reach Zhangye by taking a long-distance bus or taxi, which typically takes about 1.5 hours.

Shandan Machang Railway Station (山丹马场站)

Address: Shandan County, Zhangye City, Gansu Province (张掖市山丹县)

Shandan Machang Railway Station is about 85 kilometers from Zhangye city center. Travelers can reach Zhangye by taking a long-distance bus or taxi, with the journey typically taking around 2 hours.

Arrival Railway Station: Dunhuang Railway Station (敦煌站)

Dunhuang Station to Mogao Caves Map
Dunhuang Station to Mogao Caves Map

Address: Highway 314, Dunhuang, Jiuquan (酒泉市敦煌市314省道)

Dunhuang Railway Station is about 12 kilometers from the city center. Travelers can reach downtown Dunhuang by taxi or local bus, with a taxi ride taking about 20 minutes.

How to Get to Mogao Caves from Dunhuang Railway Station

Almost everyone who visits Dunhuang comes to see the Mogao Caves. Getting there from the Dunhuang Railway Station is easy. The station is only about 1.8 kilometers from the Mogao Caves Digital Center. Just turn right when you exit the station, and it's about a 30-minute walk.

If you are carrying bags, it's much easier to take a taxi or a bus. This will get you there in just 5 to 20 minutes.

Remember, every visitor must go to the Digital Center first. This is where you will buy your ticket and watch a 40-minute movie about the caves. After the film, a free shuttle bus will take you to the caves themselves.

Alternative Options from Zhangye to Dunhuang

Dunhuang Mogao International Airport
Dunhuang Mogao International Airport
Dunhuang Airport
Dunhuang Airport

Zhangye to Dunhuang Flight: Fastest Way

If you are short on time, flying is the quickest option. The flight itself only takes about 80 minutes.

When you add up all the travel and airport time, the entire journey takes around 2.5-4 hours, making it the fastest way to get to Dunhuang. However, it runs only 1 flight daily.

Zhangye to Dunhuang by Car: 6-7 Hrs Ride

Dunhuang Crescent Lake
Dunhuang Crescent Lake
Explore the spectrum of Zhangye National Geopark
Explore the spectrum of Zhangye National Geopark

For more flexibility, you can drive from Zhangye to Dunhuang. The journey covers a distance of about 600 kilometers. Driving gives you the freedom to stop along the way, but it is a longer trip. You can expect the ride to take 6-7 hours to complete.

What to See in Dunhunag: Top 5 Attractions in Dunhuang

Mogao Caves: most famous buddist caves in China
Mogao Caves: most famous buddist caves in China
Mingsha Mountain is Must-Visit in Dunhuang
Mingsha Mountain is Must-Visit in Dunhuang

Dunhuang, a captivating city nestled in the Gobi Desert, is a treasure trove of history and natural beauty. With its ancient Silk Road heritage and stunning desert landscapes, Dunhuang offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience. Here are some of the top attractions you must visit:

Mogao Caves (莫高窟)

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a collection of over 492 Buddhist cave temples dating back to the 4th century. Admire the intricate murals, sculptures, and frescoes that depict scenes from Buddhist mythology and history.

Crescent Moon Spring (月牙泉)

This oasis in the heart of the desert is a remarkable natural wonder. Surrounded by towering sand dunes, the spring's crystal-clear waters create a peaceful and serene atmosphere.

Mingsha Mountain (鸣沙山)

Hike up these towering sand dunes for panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape. You can also enjoy sandboarding or camel riding for a thrilling adventure.

Yumen Pass (玉门关)

As a gateway to the Western Regions, Yumen Pass played a crucial role in the Silk Road trade. Explore the ancient fortress and learn about its historical significance.

Shazhou Night Market(沙洲夜市)

Shazhou Night Market is a vibrant and bustling food haven located in Dunhuang, China. This bustling market is a must-visit for foodies and anyone looking to experience the local culture.

The market offers a wide variety of dishes, from traditional Chinese street food to international flavors. You'll find everything from grilled skewers, noodles, and dumplings to kebabs, pizza, and ice cream.

How to Plan a Trip from Zhangye to Dunhuang

Strawberry Cake layers
Strawberry Cake layers
Big Buddha Temple, Zhangye
Big Buddha Temple, Zhangye

When planning a trip from Zhangye to Dunhuang, you are setting yourself up for an unforgettable journey through some of the most iconic and visually stunning landscapes on the Silk Road.

This route offers a deep dive into the history and natural beauty of Gansu, and typically, allocating around 4-7 days for the entire trip will allow you to fully experience each location.

Zhangye (1-3 Days)

Zhangye, a city famed for its spectacular Rainbow Mountains at the Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park. Spend 1-3 days here to explore the colorful rock formations that illuminate the desert landscape in a blaze of color at sunrise and sunset.

Additionally, visit the Giant Buddha Temple to see one of the largest reclining Buddha statues in Asia. The city's historical sites and vibrant landscapes provide a perfect introduction to the region's unique geological and cultural heritage.

Dunhuang (1-3 Days)

In Dunhuang, give yourself 1-3 days to explore the treasures of this ancient oasis city on the Silk Road. The highlight here is undoubtedly the Mogao Caves, a complex of Buddhist cave temples featuring exquisite murals and statues that date back over a millennium.

Additionally, don't miss the chance to visit Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake, where the echoes of the singing sands fill the air and provide a serene setting against the backdrop of the desert.

Here is the Zhangye to Dunhuang Itinerary you can refer to:

Day 1: Arrival in Zhangye

Day 2: Zhangye to Jiayuguan - Travel to Jiayuguan and explore the Great Buddha Temple and the Overhanging Great Wall.

Day 3: Jiayuguan to Dunhuang - Visit the Jiayuguan Pass, an essential part of the Great Wall of China, with an optional visit to the Great Wall Museum.

Day 4: Explore Dunhuang - Discover the Mogao Caves, a World Heritage site, and enjoy the natural beauty of the Singing Sand Mountains and Crescent Lake, with an optional evening at the Dunhuang Shazhou Night Market.

Day 5: Departure from Dunhuang

Extend Your Journey to Gansu and China Silk Road Destinations

Built in 1372, Jiayuguan Pass
Built in 1372, Jiayuguan Pass
Statues of Huo Qubing in Lanzhou
Statues of Huo Qubing in Lanzhou

Gansu

  • Jiayuguan (1-2 Days): Enhance your understanding of China's military history by visiting Jiayuguan Fort. This well-preserved fort marks the western end of the Ming dynasty Great Wall and offers a historical gateway between China and the vast deserts of Central Asia.
  • Lanzhou (1-2 Days): Spend a day or two in Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu. Enjoy a stroll along the Yellow River and try the famous Lanzhou beef noodles. Visit the Gansu Provincial Museum to see Silk Road artifacts and the Iron Bridge of Yellow River for a glimpse of the city's industrial past.

Xinjiang (7-8 Days): Spend a week visiting key highlights: Turpan's ancient cities and Karez irrigation system, Urumqi's regional museum and Heavenly Lake, Kashgar's bustling bazaar, The scenic beauty of Kanas Lake in the Altai Mountains, and Tashkurgan's historic Stone City.

Qinghai (1-3 Days): Visit the Kumbum Monastery, one of the most important religious sites for Tibetan Buddhism. Spend time at Qinghai Lake, China's largest saltwater lake, offering peaceful views and birdwatching opportunities.

Private Transfer Service by Asia Odyssey Travel

The image ambassador of China Post
The image ambassador of China Post
Gansu Province Museum, Lanzhou
Gansu Province Museum, Lanzhou

Navigating travel in China can be challenging, especially for international visitors. With Asia Odyssey Travel, you can enjoy a hassle-free journey from Zhangye to Dunhuang. Our private transfer service ensures a smooth, comfortable ride between these two fascinating destinations. Avoid the complexities of station transfers and language barriers with our professional drivers who manage everything, including your heavy luggage.

Whether you're planning to explore the stunning landscapes of Zhangye or the historical treasures of Dunhuang, our team is dedicated to making your travel experience seamless and enjoyable. Let us handle the details, so you can focus on enjoying your adventure.
 

Travel with Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) to Explore Dunhuang, Gansu

Travel to Dunhuang with Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) and discover the stunning treasures of the Silk Road in Gansu, China. With years of expertise in crafting tours in Northwestern China, AOT offers a variety of customizable tour packages that cater to all types of travelers.

Tour Packages: Dunhuang Tours, Gansu Tours, Silk Road Tours, Silk Road Group Tours, China Silk Road Tours, China Northwest Tours

Popular Attractions: Mogao Caves, Hexi Corridor

Dunhuang Travel Guide: Dunhuang Attractions, Best Time to Visit Dunhuang, Dunhuang Map

Dunhuang Transportation: How to Get to Dunhuang, Beijing to Dunhuang, Xi’an to Dunhuang, Zhangye to Dunhuang

Silk Road Travel: Silk Road Travel Guide, Silk Road Cities, Silk Road Trip Planning Guide, Silk Road Itinerary, Silk Road Attractions, Silk Road Map, Silk Road Facts

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