How to Get to Kashgar Old Town: Insider Routes & Tips

Kashgar's Old Town is a labyrinth of wonder. Getting there, though, can feel like the real puzzle. Most visitors land at Kashgar Airport and get slapped with a 100 RMB taxi fare for a ride that should cost 30. Let me save you time, money, and a headache.

So, how to get to Kashgar Old Town? It's not just about booking a flight. You need to navigate airport transfers, train schedules, and the often-confusing local taxi system. Many tourists assume they can rely on Google Maps — wrong. It's blocked in China, so you'll need a locally friendly map app.

Here's my no-nonsense answer: If you're coming from Urumqi, fly — it's a 2-hour flight and saves you 15 hours of train torture. Once in Kashgar, take a taxi to the West Gate of the Old Town — that's the closest entry to the main walking street. Now, let's dig into every option, so you can choose based on your budget and style.

How Do You Get to Kashgar Old Town from Urumqi?

Two practical ways to cover the 1,500 km between Urumqi and Kashgar: flying or taking the train. Both have their loyal fans, but my advice is clear — fly if you can afford it. Let's break down each option.

Flying from Urumqi to Kashgar

The fastest way to Kashgar Old Town is by air, with a flight time of about 2 hours and multiple daily departures from Urumqi Diwopu International Airport. The flights are operated by China Southern, Air China, and others. I recommend booking via Trip.com or the official China Southern app — they have English interfaces and accept international cards.

Prices vary wildly. In low season, you might snatch a ticket for as little as 500 RMB. In peak season, it can jump to 1,500 RMB or more. Always book a few weeks ahead, especially during summer and Chinese New Year. Once you land at Kashgar Airport (Kashi Airport, code KHG), you'll need to get to the old town. I'll cover that in detail in the next section.

Taking the Train from Urumqi to Kashgar

Trains from Urumqi to Kashgar run daily, but the journey takes anywhere from 14 to 20 hours, depending on the service. You'll find both hard sleeper (6-berth cabins) and soft sleeper (4-berth) options. A hard sleeper costs around 300-400 RMB; soft sleeper is about 500-600 RMB. Dinner and breakfast are sold in the dining car, but the food is nothing to write home about.

To book train tickets, you'll need your passport. The easiest way is through Trip.com or Klook, which handle the booking for foreigners. A word of caution: the official 12306 website and app require Chinese ID or passport verification, and the app is entirely in Chinese — a nightmare for non-fluent speakers. I've seen many travelers stuck at the station, so please use Trip.com to avoid that headache. Now, if you're on a tight budget and have time to spare, the train is your friend. But if you value your time, fly.

Here's a quick comparison:

How Do I Get from Kashgar Airport to the Old Town?

The airport is only 10 km away from Kashgar Old Town, and you have three solid options: airport shuttle bus, public bus, or taxi. Here's my honest take on each.

Pro Tip: Ignore the drivers who swarm you at the airport exit. They'll quote 100 RMB for the ride. The official taxi meter should show around 30-40 RMB. If you can't find a metered taxi, walk to the curb and hail one that's clearly using a meter — or use Didi (China's Uber), which works with Alipay and shows the price upfront.

Airport Shuttle Bus

The airport shuttle bus is the cheapest route, costing about 15 RMB, but it only runs when flights land. It drops you at the southern entrance of the Old Town. From there, it's a 10-minute walk to the main walking street. Keep your passport handy — the bus staff may ask to see it.

Public Bus

Honestly, I don't recommend the public bus unless you're a budget-conscious backpacker. The buses are often crowded, and the signs are only in Chinese. The bus station is a 5-minute walk from the terminal, across a busy road. It'll take you to the central bus station, from where you can walk or take a short taxi (10 RMB) to the Old Town.

Taxi or Ride-Hailing

The fastest and most comfortable option is a metered taxi, costing about 30-40 RMB for the 15-minute journey. If you have international data, call a Didi through Alipay or WeChat. The driver will pick you right at the arrivals gate. Make sure to have your destination written in Chinese: 喀什古城 (Kashgar Old Town).

Remember: I always ask the driver to take me to the West Gate (西门) of the Old Town. It's the quieter entrance, perfect for starting your exploration without the touristy chaos.

How Do I Get from Kashgar Railway Station to the Old Town?

Kashgar Railway Station is about 5 km from the Old Town, and a taxi ride costs around 20 RMB. The station is a brand-new building with a modern concourse, but the taxi queue can be long after major train arrivals. Don't bother with the private drivers offering 'fast' rides — they'll charge you 50 RMB.

There's also a public bus (Line 11) that stops in front of the station and runs to the city center. It costs 2 RMB, but the stop is a 5-minute walk from the Old Town's East Gate. If you're not in a hurry, it's a great way to see a slice of local life.

Insider Advice: If you arrive late at night, avoid the shared taxis that hang around the station exit. They're notorious for extorting foreigners. Instead, use Didi to book a ride — you'll see the price before you confirm.

How to Get to Kashgar Old Town by Road

Driving from Urumqi to Kashgar is a 2-3 day adventure along the G30 and G314 highways, covering about 1,500 km. It's a beautiful road trip across the Taklamakan Desert, but it requires a reliable car and a good dose of energy. Foreigners can rent a car with a Chinese driver's license or use the services of a licensed tour company.

For most independent travelers, this isn't a practical option unless you're part of a guided tour. If you do decide to drive, keep in mind that gas stations can be scarce between towns, and the weather can get extreme in summer and winter. Fill your tank whenever you see a station.

Long-distance buses also run from Urumqi to Kashgar, but they take over 24 hours and are not comfortable. I'd skip them entirely.

How to Get Around Kashgar Old Town

Once you're in the Old Town, walking is your best bet — the entire area is pedestrian-friendly and compact enough to cover in a day. The maze-like alleys are perfect for getting lost; just follow the main route toward Id Kah Mosque and you'll find your way. If your feet get tired, there are traditional rickshaw-style carts that charge around 20-30 RMB for a short ride. Agree on the price before hopping in.

Renting a bicycle isn't common inside the Old Town due to the narrow lanes, but you might find some on the outer roads. For free, download the AMap (高德地图) app with its English interface — it works well for walking directions and is far more accurate than Google Maps in China.

Don't forget that the Old Town is a living neighborhood, not just a tourist attraction. Be respectful of the residents' privacy, especially around residential alleys.

Essential Tips for Your Journey to Kashgar Old Town

These are the little things that make or break your trip. Let's go through them one by one.

Payment

Kashgar is a city where cash is still used, but mobile payment is king. Download Alipay or WeChat Pay before you arrive, and link your international credit card. Nearly every shop, restaurant, and taxi driver accepts QR codes. For taxi rides, Alipay's Didi app is the safest way to avoid cash issues. Some small eateries may not accept foreign cards directly, so keep at least 200 RMB in cash as a backup.

Navigation

Newcomers often get lost because they rely on Google Maps — which is blocked in China. Install AMap (高德地图) or Baidu Maps before you go. AMap now offers an English interface for international visitors. Apple Maps also works in China if you're an iPhone user, but it's less accurate for walking directions in the Old Town's narrow lanes.

Language & Internet

A reliable VPN is non-negotiable if you plan to use Google services, WhatsApp, or Instagram. Without it, you can't access most Western websites. Download a translation app like Apple Translate or Baidu Translate — the latter handles Chinese street signs and menus well. Learning a few basic Mandarin phrases like '多少钱' (how much) will go a long way.

Booking & Passport

Most major attractions in China require advance booking, and the Kashgar Old Town is no exception — though the Old Town itself is free to enter. To visit the Id Kah Mosque (艾提尕尔清真寺) or the ancient city's performance halls, you'll need to book tickets with your passport. Use Trip.com or Klook to book a day in advance; weChat mini-programs are purely in Chinese and can be a battle. Always carry your original passport. Now, a little confession: Even I dread the Chinese-only booking processes on WeChat. It's frustrating for foreigners. My advice? Use Trip.com or ask your hotel's front desk to help you. They're used to it.

FAQ: How to Get to Kashgar Old Town

Verified and fact-checked by the editorial team.