For travelers exploring China’s Silk Road, the journey from Turpan in Xinjiang to Dunhuang in Gansu—a desert oasis famed for the Mogao Caves and Singing Sand Dunes—is an essential leg of the adventure. While there’s no direct train to Dunhuang, the most efficient route combines high-speed trains and buses via Liuyuan South Station.
The Fastest Route: Turpan to Liuyuan South by D-Train
The recommended option is taking a D-series bullet train from Turpan North Station (Tulufanbei Station) to Liuyuan South Station (Liuyuan Station), followed by a bus or taxi to Dunhuang.
Step 1: Turpan North → Liuyuan South (D-Train)
- Frequency: 3 daily departures (check schedules via Trip.com or China Railway website).
- Duration: ~3 hours 25 minutes.
- Ticket Price: Starts at ¥195.5 for second-class seats.
Check Live Train Schedule
Why Choose D-Trains?
These modern, air-conditioned trains offer comfort and speed compared to older Z/T-series trains (which take 5–7 hours). Liuyuan South Station is also newer and better connected to onward transport than the older Liuyuan Station.
 | Jiayuguan to Dunhuang train, Zhangye to Dunhuang train, Yumen to Dunhuang train, Lanzhou to Dunhuang train |
 | Hotels in Dunhuang |
 | Mogao Grottoes (entrance tickets, shuttle bus), Mingsha Mountain & Crescent Lake (tickets, day tours), |
 | Flights to or from Dunhuang Mogao Airport |
Step 2: Liuyuan South → Dunhuang by Bus or Taxi
After arriving at Liuyuan South Station, head to Dunhuang via:
Option 1: Direct Bus
- Location: Buses wait outside the station exit.
- Duration: ~2 hours.
- Cost: ¥60–70 per person.
- Drop-off: central Dunhuang (convenient for downtown hotels).
Option 2: Shared Taxi
- Cost: ~¥80 per person (4 passengers per car).
- Advantage: Drivers drop you directly at your hotel.
Alternative Routes: Yumen or Jiayuguan South Transfers
If Liuyuan South isn’t ideal, consider these all-D-train routes. However, they take longer and have limited connections:
1. Via Yumen Station
- Turpan North → Yumen: 3 daily D-trains, ~4.5 hours, from ¥245.5.
- Yumen → Dunhuang: 2 daily D-trains, ~2 hours, from ¥70.
- Total Time: ~6.5 hours (excluding layovers).
2. Via Jiayuguan South Station
- Turpan North → Jiayuguan South: 4 daily D-trains, ~5.5 hours, from ¥284.5.
- Jiayuguan South → Dunhuang: 2 daily D-trains, ~3 hours, from ¥109.
- Total Time: ~8.5 hours (excluding layovers).
Avoid Z/T Trains to Liuyuan Station
Some older Z/T trains terminate at Liuyuan Station (not Liuyuan South). Avoid them because:
- Slower: 5–7 hours vs. 3.5 hours on D-trains.
- Less Convenient: Liuyuan Station has fewer buses/taxis, and the transfer to Dunhuang takes longer.
Essential Travel Tips
- Buy Train Tickets Early: Use apps like Trip.com (English-friendly) or visit station counters.
- Carry Cash: Some buses/taxis may accept cash.
- Dunhuang Accommodation: Stay near the city center or Dunhuang Night Market for easy access to food and transport.
- Timing: Last buses from Liuyuan South depart by early evening—plan your train arrival accordingly.
Trusted Online Ticket Agents:
Option 1: China Highlights is a reliable online agency for China train ticketing. They get positive reviews on TripAdvisor & Trustpilot. Sharon and her team help you buy tickets & plan rail routes even deliver tickets to your hotels with a service fee.
Option 2: Trip.com is an internatioal brand owned by Ctrip Group, China's largest online travel booking platform. Trip.com offers booking service for flight, train, hotel, activities, etc
