Zalantun is served by two transport links that make it accessible without being crowded: the Harbin-Manzhouli Railway and the Zhalantun Chengjisihan Airport.
By train: The railway is the most practical option for most visitors. Direct services run from Harbin (roughly six to eight hours) and from Hailar to the west. Zalantun sits on the line as a natural stop for travellers crossing Inner Mongolia by rail, and the journey itself — through taiga forest and river valleys — is scenically worthwhile.
By air: Zhalantun Chengjisihan Airport (IATA: NZL) opened in 2016 and handles domestic flights, primarily to and from Harbin, Beijing, and Hohhot. It sits 14 km from the city centre; taxis are available. Services are limited and seasonal, so check schedules before relying on this option.
By road: Long-distance buses connect Zalantun to Hailar and to various points in Heilongjiang. The roads are paved but the journey from Harbin by bus takes considerably longer than the train.