Ürümqi Diwopu Airport serves the capital of the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region in China's far north-west, among the world's cities most distant from the sea, about 16 km from the centre.
Ürümqi is an important cultural crossroads between China, Central Asia and the Turkish-Muslim world, a historic stop on the northern Silk Road.
How to get to Ürümqi Diwopu International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to URC
Parking near Ürümqi Diwopu International Airport
Authorized parking by the airport is positioned in front of the terminal.
First hour 8 CNY, then 4 CNY/hour, maximum 40 CNY per 24 hours.
How to get to Ürümqi from URC
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Need an airport transfer?
Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com
Car rental at Ürümqi Diwopu International Airport
Only some car rental operators function in the arrivals area.
Most visitors rely on organized tours to explore the vast distances of Xinjiang.
Hotels near Ürümqi Diwopu International Airport
Grand Bazaar and Tianshan district
About 20-24 km from Diwopu airport, 20-25 minutes by taxi.
Best for: Those visiting Ürümqi for the first time and wanting the Grand Bazaar, the markets and the Silk Road Museum within walking distance.
- 600 metres from the international Grand Bazaar, the city's main tourist landmark
- The district with the highest concentration of restaurants and night markets in Ürümqi
- A very busy area, with heavy traffic in the evening around the bazaar
- A more limited choice of upscale hotels than in the city's newer neighbourhoods
Beijing Road and Nanhu
About 15-20 km from Diwopu airport; the Grand Bazaar is 15-20 minutes away by metro or taxi.
Best for: Those who prefer a more modern neighbourhood, well connected by metro, without necessarily staying right next to the bazaar.
- Metro just steps from both hotels, handy for getting around without a taxi
- A quieter neighbourhood in the evening than the bazaar area
- You need the metro or a taxi to reach the Grand Bazaar and the night markets
- Fewer street-food restaurants than in Tianshan district
Recommended hotels
- Atour Hotel Urumqi Zhongyinggong South Beijing Road 100 metres from Zhongyinggong metro station, on the southern Beijing Road in Xinshi district; opened in 2022. View availability
- JinJiang International Hotel Urumqi A 10-minute walk from Nanhu Square and the Ürümqi Museum, 15 from Hongshan Park; an indoor pool, spa and four restaurants. View availability
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal is appropriately sized for its role as a hub for the far northwest of China. From check-in to gate you typically walk 15 minutes.
Customs and security checks are generally more thorough compared to other parts of China: for international flights, it's advisable to arrive at least 3 hours in advance.
Map of Ürümqi Diwopu International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Is Ürümqi really the city farthest from the sea in the world?
It is often cited as such or among the farthest, given its position in the heart of Central Asia, far from any coastline.
Q. Does Xinjiang have a culture different from the rest of China?
Yes, the Uyghur Autonomous Region has a strong multicultural identity, with influences from Central Asia and the Turkic-Muslim world, visible in its cuisine, architecture and spoken languages.
Q. Are special permits needed to visit Xinjiang besides the standard Chinese visa?
Unlike Tibet, no additional permit is required for foreign visitors, although it is common to encounter more frequent security checks than in the rest of China, especially near stations and public places.
Q. What to buy at Ürümqi's duty free?
Dried fruit from Xinjiang, especially raisins and apricots, among the region's most famous products.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights