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About Urumqi Diwopu Intl. Airport

Urumqi Diwopu International Airport, now officially known as Urumqi Tianshan International Airport, serves Urumqi in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China. Located in Diwopu, Xinshi District, about 16 kilometers northwest of the city center, the airport opened to civil air traffic in the early 1970s and is operated by Xinjiang Airport Group Co., Ltd. As Xinjiang's primary aviation gateway, it plays a central role in connecting the region with major Chinese cities, Central Asia and wider international markets.

The airport has moved its passenger operations into the new northern terminal area, where domestic and international services are handled through modern, separated process flows designed for efficient transfers and higher service reliability. With capacity planned at around 48 million passengers per year, the airport offers expanded check-in, baggage, immigration, retail, dining, ground transport and cargo infrastructure. Traffic is typically strongest in the summer and holiday travel seasons, when tourism, business trips and demand for flight tickets rise, while winter operations place greater emphasis on reliability, weather management and regional connectivity.

Airlines operating from Urumqi include major Chinese carriers such as China Southern Airlines, Air China, China Eastern Airlines and Urumqi Air, alongside regional and international operators serving cross-border routes. Main direct destinations include Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xi'an and other major domestic flights, as well as international flights to cities in Central Asia and nearby markets such as Almaty, Astana, Bishkek, Tashkent and Dushanbe. Overall demand is supported by Xinjiang's tourism growth, trade links, visiting friends and relatives traffic, and the airport's strategic position as a western China hub.

Urumqi Diwopu Intl. Airport to Urumqi City Center Transport

Travelers arriving at Urumqi Diwopu International Airport can reach Urumqi city center by municipal bus, airport shuttle bus, metro, taxi, car rental, or private transfer. The airport is about 16 km northwest of central Urumqi, so most trips take around 20 to 50 minutes depending on traffic and destination.

Bus

Municipal buses are a low-cost option from Urumqi Diwopu International Airport to districts across the city. Travel time to central areas is usually around 40 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic and the exact stop.

• Bus Line 27: useful for Yingbin Road, Hangzhou Road, Tianjin Road, and Wangjialiang.
• Bus Line 51: serves Yingbin Road, Nianzigou, Hongshan, and nearby central areas.
• Bus Line 535: connects the airport with parts of northern and urban Urumqi.

Airport Shuttle

Airport shuttle buses, sometimes searched for as Havas or Havabus-style airport buses, operate regularly between the airport and key points in Urumqi. The average journey to the city center is about 30 to 45 minutes.

• Hongshan area: convenient for central hotels and business districts.
• Nianzigou Long-distance Bus Station: useful for onward regional bus connections.
• Urumqi Railway Station: suitable for passengers connecting to train services.
• Southern Airlines Pearl International Hotel: a common downtown shuttle stop.

Metro

Urumqi Metro Line 1 serves the airport via International Airport Station and connects with central stops such as Nanmen, Beimen, Xinxing Street, Nanhu Square, and Erdaoqiao. The trip to central Urumqi usually takes about 35 to 50 minutes, depending on the destination station.

• Line 1: International Airport Station to Nanmen for the old city and central districts.
• Line 1: International Airport Station to Erdaoqiao for bazaar and shopping areas.
• Line 1: International Airport Station to Nanhu Square for hotels and government-area offices.

Taxi

Taxis are available 24/7 outside the arrivals area and are one of the easiest ways to travel from Urumqi Diwopu International Airport to the city center. The average journey takes about 20 to 30 minutes in normal traffic.

• Use the official taxi rank at the terminal exit.
• Ask the driver to use the meter before departure.
• Allow extra time during peak traffic or winter weather.

Car Rental

Car rental is available through airport rental offices and local providers serving Urumqi Diwopu International Airport. Vehicles are typically collected after arrival, with pickup arranged near the terminal exit or airport parking area.

• Best for travelers planning to explore Urumqi, Tianchi Lake, or wider Xinjiang by road.
• Book in advance to secure an automatic vehicle or larger car.
• Confirm local driving requirements, deposit rules, and pickup instructions before arrival.

Transfer

A private airport transfer is the most convenient door-to-door option from Urumqi Diwopu International Airport to hotels, apartments, or business addresses in the city center. The average journey takes about 20 to 35 minutes, and advance booking is recommended, especially for late-night arrivals, families, groups, or travelers with heavy luggage.

• Meet-and-greet service can be arranged in the arrivals area.
• Fixed prices help avoid language barriers and route uncertainty.
• Choose a larger vehicle in advance if carrying ski gear, outdoor equipment, or multiple suitcases.