Multiple airports serve the Silk Road route: Xi'an Xianyang (XIY), Lanzhou Zhongchuan (LHW), Dunhuang Dunhuang (DNH), Urumqi Diwopu (URC), and Kashgar Kashi (KHG). Flights connect all these cities, but the most scenic route is overland. Dunhuang Airport has flights from Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, and Lanzhou. Kashgar Airport has flights from Urumqi (2 hours) and Beijing. For the full Silk Road experience, fly into Xi'an or Lanzhou and travel overland, flying out of Urumqi or Kashgar. Book domestic flights via Ctrip or airline websites.

High-speed rail connects Xi'an to Lanzhou (3h) and Lanzhou to Urumqi (10-11h on the Lanxin high-speed line). The high-speed train to Dunhuang requires a transfer at Liuyuan South Station (conventional train to Dunhuang, 2 hours). Conventional trains connect Urumqi to Kashgar (24-30 hours). The high-speed line to Kashgar is under construction. For the Gansu Corridor (Lanzhou-Jiayuguan-Dunhuang), high-speed trains are available to Jiayuguan South (4 hours from Lanzhou). Book via 12306.cn. The train journey through the Gansu Corridor offers views of the Qilian Mountains and desert landscapes.

Long-distance buses connect Silk Road cities, but trains are generally preferred for comfort and speed. Buses from Dunhuang to Jiayuguan (4 hours) and from Jiayuguan to Zhangye (3 hours) are alternatives to trains. Buses from Urumqi to Kashgar (24 hours) are not recommended over flights. Within the Gansu Corridor, buses connect smaller towns not served by rail. For remote sites like the Bingling Temple (near Lanzhou), buses or hired cars are the only option. Your hotel can arrange car hire with a driver for intercity travel.

Within Silk Road cities, taxis are inexpensive (starting at 6-8 RMB). In Dunhuang, taxis to the Echoing Sand Dunes cost 10 RMB (5 minutes from town). In Kashgar, the Old Town is walkable; taxis to the Sunday Bazaar cost 5-10 RMB. For intercity travel along the Silk Road, a combination of high-speed rail (Xi'an-Lanzhou-Urumqi) and flights (Urumqi-Kashgar) is most efficient. For the Gansu Corridor attractions (Danxia, Jiayuguan, Mogao Caves), hire a car with a driver from the nearest city. Car rental with driver costs 500-800 RMB/day. English-speaking guides can be arranged through travel agencies in Xi'an or Dunhuang.