What is the cheapest way from Ürümqi Airport to the city center?

Ürümqi Metro Line 1 from International Airport station to Beimen station, about CNY 6, plus the free in-terminal Airport MRT — around 55 minutes in total.

How do I get from the new North Terminal (T4) to the metro?

Follow signs to the Level 4 transfer plaza, then down to the Level 3 shared waiting hall for the free 'Airport MRT' — about 3 minutes to International Airport station, where you exit and re-enter for Line 1.

Is there a direct bus to Ürümqi Railway Station?

Yes — Airport Bus Line 1 runs directly to Ürümqi Railway Station for CNY 20, departing roughly every 20 minutes, about 40–45 minutes; it skips the transfer but costs more than triple the metro fare.

Should I take a taxi at Ürümqi Airport?

A licensed, metered taxi from the marked rank costs roughly CNY 30–40 into town — versus about CNY 6 on the metro — but avoid the touts who approach before you reach it; they run unmetered 'black cabs' with no fixed price.

What time does the Ürümqi Metro stop running?

Line 1 operates roughly 07:40 to 23:30 daily; if your flight lands outside those hours, plan on a taxi or the airport bus instead.

What is the best way from URC to downtown Ürümqi?

For budget travellers the best way is the cheapest one: the free in-terminal Airport MRT to International Airport station, then Metro Line 1 to Beimen — about CNY 6 and roughly 55 minutes to People's Square.

How to get from Ürümqi Airport (URC) to downtown Ürümqi — the cheapest way

The cheapest way from Ürümqi Tianshan International Airport (URC, formerly Diwopu) into central Ürümqi is the free in-terminal Airport MRT shuttle to International Airport metro station, then Ürümqi Metro Line 1 south to Beimen station for about CNY 6 (~$1), roughly 55 minutes door to People's Square. Buy the metro ticket with cash or a WeChat Pay/Alipay QR code at the machine, or take the CNY 20 airport bus straight to Ürümqi Railway Station if you'd rather skip the transfer and the walk from Beimen. Ignore the unlicensed 'black cab' touts who approach arriving passengers before the marked taxi rank — they run an unmetered scheme well above the roughly CNY 30–40 a licensed taxi charges.

How to find it

AIRPORTÜrümqi Tianshan International Airport (Diwopu)
01From arrivals at the North Terminal (T4), follow signs up to the Level 4 transfer plaza, then down to the Level 3 shared waiting hall and through security for the free 'Airport MRT' (机场捷运) — it's a free, roughly 3-minute ride to International Airport (国际机场) station, the original Line 1 terminus.
02At International Airport station, exit through the barriers and re-enter (it's an out-of-station transfer) to reach the Ürümqi Metro Line 1 ticket machines and gates.
03Buy a single-journey ticket to Beimen (北门) station for CNY 6, paying by cash or WeChat Pay/Alipay QR code at the machine.
04Board a southbound, Santunbei-direction Line 1 train and ride about 16 stops — roughly 40 minutes — to Beimen (北门) station.
05Exit at Beimen via Exit A; People's Square (人民广场) is about 600m — an 8-minute walk — straight ahead, right in the heart of central Ürümqi.
CITY CENTREÜrümqi

Ticket

Ürümqi Metro Line 1 single-journey ticket, International Airport station to Beimen (北门) station

Where to buy: At the ticket machines just past the free Airport MRT exit inside International Airport (国际机场) metro station — no need to go back outside.

How to pay: Machines take cash or a WeChat Pay/Alipay QR code; tap your paper ticket, phone or transit card at the gate. No separate validation stamp is needed.

Local's trick: The 'Airport MRT' connector inside the terminal is completely free — don't queue for a taxi or paid shuttle just to reach the metro, simply follow the Level 3 signage. Paying by WeChat/Alipay QR at the ticket machine is faster than waiting for cash change.

Trap to avoid: Ignore the unlicensed 'black cab' (黑车) touts who approach arriving passengers before the marked taxi rank or metro signage — they run an unmetered, informal dispatch scheme with no fixed price, often well above the roughly CNY 30–40 a licensed metered taxi charges into town, and no recourse if something goes wrong.

All ways to downtown, compared

Option	Price	Time	Ticket
MetroCheapest route	CN¥6.00	55 min	Ürümqi Metro Line 1 single-journey ticket, International Airport station to Beimen (北门) station
Bus	CN¥20.00	45 min	Airport Shuttle Bus Line 1 one-way ticket to Ürümqi Railway Station (机场大巴1号线)

Frequently asked

What is the cheapest way from Ürümqi Airport to the city center?: Ürümqi Metro Line 1 from International Airport station to Beimen station, about CNY 6, plus the free in-terminal Airport MRT — around 55 minutes in total.
How do I get from the new North Terminal (T4) to the metro?: Follow signs to the Level 4 transfer plaza, then down to the Level 3 shared waiting hall for the free 'Airport MRT' — about 3 minutes to International Airport station, where you exit and re-enter for Line 1.
Is there a direct bus to Ürümqi Railway Station?: Yes — Airport Bus Line 1 runs directly to Ürümqi Railway Station for CNY 20, departing roughly every 20 minutes, about 40–45 minutes; it skips the transfer but costs more than triple the metro fare.
Should I take a taxi at Ürümqi Airport?: A licensed, metered taxi from the marked rank costs roughly CNY 30–40 into town — versus about CNY 6 on the metro — but avoid the touts who approach before you reach it; they run unmetered 'black cabs' with no fixed price.
What time does the Ürümqi Metro stop running?: Line 1 operates roughly 07:40 to 23:30 daily; if your flight lands outside those hours, plan on a taxi or the airport bus instead.
What is the best way from URC to downtown Ürümqi?: For budget travellers the best way is the cheapest one: the free in-terminal Airport MRT to International Airport station, then Metro Line 1 to Beimen — about CNY 6 and roughly 55 minutes to People's Square.

Last verified: Jul 2, 2026. Prices and timetables change — confirm at the official transport source.