Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport - Flight Information and Guide (LHW)

Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport serves the capital of Gansu province, a historic Silk Road hub along the Yellow River, about 75 km from the city centre, among the airports farthest from their urban centre in China.

Lanzhou is a good starting point for exploring the western section of the Silk Road.

Content verified on 03/09/2026

Official source: lzzcairport.com/Home/Index

How to get to Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport

Lanzhou city center is approximately 75 km from the airport: the transfer takes roughly 1-1.5 hours by bus or taxi.

By Car

Those arriving by car reach Lanzhou's center in approximately 1-1.5 hours.

By Train

Lanzhou does not have a direct railway connection between the airport and the city center; the city railway station is an important hub towards Xinjiang and Tibet.

By Bus

A dedicated shuttle bus service connects the airport to Lanzhou's city center, with departures coordinated with flight schedules.

💡

Tips Given the considerable distance, the dedicated shuttle bus is almost always the most practical and economical choice compared to a taxi. If you continue to other Silk Road cities (Dunhuang, Jiayuguan), check rail connections or internal flights.

Average travel time to LHW

TrainNo direct connection

Shuttle bus1-1.5 hours

Taxi / Private hire1-1.5 hours

Parking near Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport

The official parking is located in front of terminal T3.

First 30 minutes free; days 1-2: 6 CNY/30min-1h then 6 CNY/hour, capped at 50 CNY/24h; days 3-7: 5 CNY/hour, capped at 35 CNY/24h; from day 8: 4 CNY/hour, capped at 30 CNY/24h.

How to get to Lanzhou from LHW

By Train

Lanzhou has no direct railway connection between the airport and the city center.

By Bus

A dedicated shuttle bus service connects the airport to Lanzhou city center.

By Taxi

Official taxis wait in the arrivals area; metered fares are standard for rides to the city center, approximately 150-200 CNY (21-28 USD) given the roughly 75 km distance; ride-hailing services (Didi) are often 10-20% cheaper.

Need an airport transfer?

Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com

Search airport taxis and shuttles

Car rental at Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport

Only some car rental operators are available in the arrival area.

Most visitors rely on organized tours to explore the Silk Road, given that distances between destinations are considerable.

Hotels near Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport

Zhongchuan is among the airports farthest from their own city in China: over 67 km north of Lanzhou, a good hour by taxi or shuttle, with the high-speed train as an alternative taking about 45 minutes to the railway station. Over such a long distance the choice is clear-cut: anyone with a very early morning flight or a late departure is better off stopping in the new Gaolan area, a few minutes from the terminal, while anyone who wants to see Lanzhou and the Yellow River still has to accept the hour-long transfer into town.

Airport area

Zhongchuan airport area (Gaolan)

About 11 km from the terminal in Gaolan county; central Lanzhou remains over 67 km away, a good hour by taxi or shuttle.

Best for: Very early morning flights or late-night landings, when the hour-long transfer to Lanzhou would cost too much sleep.

Pros

By far the closest point to the terminal among the properties in this guide
Designed specifically for transit passengers, with dedicated shuttles to the airport

Cons

A newly built, isolated area, without Lanzhou's city life
Visiting the city still requires about 60 minutes of travel, in both directions

Recommended hotels

Ibis Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport About 11 km from the terminal, designed specifically for transit passengers or anyone with an odd-hour flight; among the closest properties to the airport in the whole area. View availability

See more hotels in this area

City centre

Anning and the Yellow River

About 55-60 km from Zhongchuan Airport, an hour by taxi or shuttle; the airport shuttle departs right in front of the hotel every half hour.

Best for: Anyone who wants to see Lanzhou, the riverfront and Zhongshan Bridge, accepting the hour-long transfer from the airport.

Pros

On the bank of the Yellow River, near the Gansu Provincial Museum and Zhongshan Bridge
Airport shuttle stop right at the entrance, with departures every 30 minutes

Cons

Still an hour from the airport: best avoided for very early morning flights
A more residential and university district than a touristy one, unlike the old town near the railway station

Recommended hotels

Sheraton Lanzhou Anning Opened in 2024, on the bank of the Yellow River in Anning district; 354 rooms, an indoor pool and an airport shuttle stopping at the entrance every half hour. View availability

See more hotels in this area

Airport services

The airport provides services fitting its role as a hub for Gansu province and the western Silk Road.

Shopping & Duty Free

The duty-free area features Chinese tea, baijiu, and Gansu specialties including dried lily bulbs, a renowned local specialty.

Lounges & relaxation

Hours tied to terminal flight operations and paid day-pass access are standard for these lounges.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal area. For a local SIM, China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom have service desks at the airport.

Families & Children

The terminal provides basic attention to families traveling with small children.

Terminal guide

The internal route takes about 15 minutes through a terminal designed for regional traffic.

Customs processing times vary: for international flights, it is prudent to arrive at least 3 hours early.

Map of Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. Why is Lanzhou airport so far from the city centre?

Because of the area's geography, between mountains and the course of the Yellow River: it is among the airports furthest from their own city centre in China, about 75 km.