Xiahe is reached by bus from Lanzhou, the provincial capital, in about three to three and a half hours. Buses run several times daily. From Linxia, the nearest large town, the journey is about two hours. There is no train station in Xiahe — the nearest rail connection is Linxia, itself served by a branch line.
Some travellers reach Xiahe as part of a loop through the Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, continuing on to Hezuo, Langmusi, or crossing into Sichuan toward Zoige. The roads are paved but the distances are large and services infrequent — allow full days between stops.