By train: Lanzhou is a major junction on the Chinese rail network. There are regular high-speed (G and D class) trains from Xi'an (about 3.5 hours), Beijing (about 7 hours), and Shanghai (about 12 hours). Lanzhou South Railway Station serves most high-speed services; the older Lanzhou Railway Station handles some conventional trains and is in the city center. Trains continuing west to Dunhuang and Urumqi depart from Lanzhou, making it the natural gateway city for western China overland travel.
By air: Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport is about 70 km north of the city center, connected by an airport bus (around 1 hour) and the Lanzhou–Zhongchuan City Rail Link. There are domestic connections to all major Chinese cities and some international flights to Central Asia.
By bus: Long-distance buses connect Lanzhou to Xining (2.5 hours), Tianshui (3 hours), and other regional destinations not well served by rail. The main bus station is near Lanzhou Railway Station.