Ürümqi Metro: Practical tips for tourists

Chinese city of Urumqi

Getting around Ürümqi on the cheap and reliable public transit system is a breeze. The city’s bus system is very comprehensive, with lines that reach all of the city’s major neighborhoods. You can also take a taxi, but be warned that they might be pricey. The city’s large subway system provides residents and visitors with quick and easy access to other parts of the city. The Ürümqi Metro and the city’s extensive tram and light rail network connect the majority of the city’s neighborhoods.

Metro system in Ürümqi (乌鲁木齐地铁) – lines

The metro in Ürümqi, China, is a fast and convenient means to get around the city. Urumqi Metro Line 1 and Urumqi Metro Line 2 are its two branches. The East Railway Station, People’s Square, and the South Bus Station are all on Line 1, which travels from the north to the south of the city. Line 2 travels across the city, beginning at the East Bus Terminal and ending at the West Bus Terminal. Getting to many of Ürümqi’s most famous landmarks and attractions is a breeze thanks to the city’s clean, modern, and trustworthy metro system.

line 1: blue

In Ürümqi, Line 1 of the subway system achieved a milestone on October 25, 2018, when the northern segment concluded construction. The southern segment, linking Balou and Santunbei, officially opened its doors in June, 2019. Line 1, spanning 27.6 kilometers with 21 stops, operates entirely underground.

Line 2: Green

Ürümqi’s Metro Line 2 is rapidly taking shape, promising improved city connectivity with its 16 stations spanning from Yan’an Road to Huashan Street. The line strategically serves the Ürümqi Railway Station, enhancing commuting convenience. The initial stretch from Huashan Street to Nanmen is set to open in July 2024, providing a glimpse of the line’s efficiency. The remaining sections are scheduled for completion in 2027, ensuring a comprehensive and seamless urban transit experience. Ürümqi Metro Line 2 is a transformative step towards a more connected and dynamic future for the city.

Yan’an Road – Xiangyangpo – Dawan – Heijiashan – Xingfu Road Middle – Xingfu Road West – Nanmen – Zhongqiao – Nianzigou – Nanliangpo – Xinjiang Agricultural University – Maliaodi – Pingchuan Road – Jiujiawan – Urumqi Railway Station – Huashan Street

Line 3: Yellow

Currently in construction

Line 4: Red

Currently in construction

Map of Ürümqi Metro 2024: Free Download in PDF

Click and download the map of Ürümqi’s underground system for 2024

PDF copies of the Ürümqi Metro Map 2024 are now accessible at no cost. This map shows the entire Ürümqi metro system, from the existing lines to the upcoming ones that won’t be finished until 2024. It’s user-friendly and clear, with information on stations, lines, and connections laid out. This map will provide you with all the information you need to navigate the metro system in Ürümqi. Get it now, and you’ll be ready to ride the Metro in Ürümqi in 2024!

tickets for Public transport: best types for travelers & actual prices

Do you need to purchase Ürümqi subway or bus tickets? You’ve found the proper location! Visitors and residents alike can choose from several different public transportation services in Ürümqi. In this article, we’ll go through the various ticket options and their rates to help you get around the city with ease.

Single-ride tickets are the norm for Ürümqi’s public transit system. You can ride the bus, subway, or tram with this ticket. An individual ride might cost anything from 1 yuan to 4 yuan in China. Multi-ride tickets are also offered for frequent riders of the public transportation system. These tickets can be used on any kind of public transportation and cost 10 yuan for 20 journeys.

In addition, students and seniors can save money on tickets in Ürümqi. Discounted single-ride tickets are available for 0.3 yuan for students and 0.2 yuan for seniors. These tickets are valid for usage on trams, metro, and buses.

The best option for short-term visitors to Ürümqi is the 3-day tourist ticket. There is no other type of public transportation that is not covered by this 45-yuan ticket. It also includes savings on admission to local museums and other sights.

Summary of fares for public transport in Ürümqi

  • Prices for one-way tickets range from 1 to 4 yuan.
  • Twenty-ride passes are available for 10 yuan.
  • Students and elders can purchase one-way tickets at a discounted rate of 0.3 yuan.
  • All public transportation and discounts at local museums and attractions are included in the 45 yuan price of a 3-day tourist ticket.

Timetables & Schedules of Ürümqi subway

The Ürümqi subway system is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. At 6 a.m., the first train of the day leaves the Ürümqi South Station, and at 10 p.m., it returns. There are four lines in the subway system, and each one operates on a different schedule and along a different path. Depending on the time of day and the route used, a trip can take anything from 30 minutes to an hour. Single rides, day passes, and monthly passes are just some of the fare options available on the metro.

What Are Other Options for Public Transportation in Ürümqi?

In addition to the metro, Ürümqi also has several alternative options for public transit. Transportation options range from buses and taxis to minibuses (“dolmuş”) and trolleys to bike-sharing programs. Getting around Ürümqi is easy because of the robust bus network. You can move around the city cheaply and easily by taking a taxi. Minibuses (“dolmuş”) are another cheap mode of transportation in Turkey. You can also take advantage of the convenient trolley service throughout the city. Bike-sharing programs have recently been established in Ürümqi, making it possible for both tourists and locals to travel around in a more eco-friendly and cost-effective manner.

how does the public bus transportation work in Ürümqi

Ürümqi, the capital of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in northwest China, relies heavily on its public bus system. The city’s public bus system is large and meets the transportation demands of both residents and visitors. This article takes a closer look at the Ürümqi bus system.

The Ürümqi Public Transportation Corporation (UPTC) is in charge of the city’s bus system. Over a thousand different bus lines serve the city, making it one of the largest public transit providers in the area. Some of these coaches offer reclining seats and climate control within the cabin.

There are two types of public buses: the city buses and the suburban buses. Suburban buses largely serve the city’s suburbs, while city buses focus on the central business district. Typically, a journey on a city bus will cost you about 1 RMB. However, depending on the route’s length, suburban bus fares could be more.

Among Ürümqi’s many bus routes, the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 are among the city’s most frequently used. These buses are convenient for sight-seers because they run routes that take them to both urban and suburban sections of the city. In addition, numerous other bus lines serve Ürümqi, some of which travel to even farther-flung locations.

There are various private bus companies in Ürümqi, in addition to the city’s standard public bus system. Those who need to travel to outlying areas may find it more practical to use one of these businesses, despite the higher cost.

The city of Ürümqi relies heavily on its public bus system. The city’s vast bus system provides visitors and residents with a convenient and inexpensive means of transportation. Although Buses 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 are the most frequently taken routes, many additional bus lines will get you where you need to go. There are many different bus routes available, so it’s simple to choose one that suits your needs.

How do the public TRAINS work in Ürümqi?

Public trains run frequently to and from Ürümqi, the capital of China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. Both high-speed and traditional services exist, linking the city to numerous locations in the surrounding area and beyond.

Trains in Ürümqi mostly depart and arrive at the city’s central train station. You may find it in the western section of town, not far from People’s Square. Transportation options to adjacent cities and other Chinese provinces are plentiful for anyone arriving here.

The three most significant cities to which Ürümqi has train access are Urumqi South, Hami, and Turpan. Other important Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou are also serviced. Travel times to these locations range from 8 hours to 17 hours, depending on the mode of transportation chosen.

Ürümqi is connected to other cities via both traditional and high-speed rail services. These services typically arrive at their destinations in half the time it would take on a regular train. Urumqi South, Hami, and Turpan are the primary destinations accessible via high-speed train from Ürümqi.

Public train rates in Ürümqi are not uniform and depend on factors like distance traveled and service level. In general, high-speed Internet costs more than slower connections. Tickets can be bought in advance, either online or at the station.

How To Get From Ürümqi Diwopu International Airport (URC) To The City Center With Public Transport?

Taking public transportation from Ürümqi Diwopu International Airport to the heart of the city may be the most time- and cost-efficient alternative.

Several different modes of public transit serve the airport. The airport shuttle bus operates from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm and is the first choice. The shuttle buses depart every 30 minutes and drop you off near the heart of the city, among other stops. The airport ticket counter is where you can purchase shuttle bus tickets, and they’re usually cheap.

The Ürümqi Rail Transit is another alternative that operates from 06:00 to 22:00 daily. The trip into the heart of town takes around 30 minutes on the train, which departs every 10 minutes. You can reach to the heart of the city from the airport in a reasonable amount of time. The airport usually features a ticket counter where you may purchase cheap rail tickets.

Lastly, you can take a taxi from the airport to the heart of the city. Taxis are a safe, economical, and readily available mode of transportation that operates around the clock. The fee for a cab from the airport to the city center is approximately 50-60 yuan.

How to spend 3 days in Ürümqi?

Here you can find the ideal itinerary for spending three days in Ürümqi. Located in western China, Ürümqi is a bustling metropolis with a rich cultural heritage that is ideal for first-time visitors. There’s something for everyone here, from excellent dining options to exciting nightlife venues. Get the most out of your trip to Ürümqi by following our three-day itinerary.

Day One: Exposure to Different Cultures

The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum should be your first stop in Ürümqi. Ancient artifacts sit alongside cutting-edge displays to tell the complete narrative of the region’s past and present. Now it’s time to visit People’s Park, where you can stroll at your own pace and watch the inhabitants go about their day.

For lunch, I recommend Laghman, a dish consisting of homemade noodles, vegetables, and spices. Take a stroll across Zhongshan Square after lunch to take in the sights.

Why not enjoy a night out with a traditional Uyghur performance? You’ll learn about a culture that’s thousands of years old and get to immerse yourself in its music, dancing, and clothing.

Excellent Dining on Day Two

On your second day in Ürümqi, eat at any of the city’s many excellent eateries. Traditional Uyghur meals sit alongside Chinese, Korean, and European options on the menus. The locals will gladly recommend some of their favorite eating establishments.

If you’ve worked up an appetite from all that excellent cuisine, why not take a stroll through Hong Shan Park? Take a stroll and take in the sights while getting a bird’s eye view of the city below.

Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the city at night for a bit of romance. This is a wonderful opportunity to soak up the atmosphere of Ürümqi.

The Third Night Out

On your third day in Ürümqi, you should hit the town. Get the night started at one of the many bars or clubs in the city. You may get a taste of the local brews and liquors, dance the night away, and meet interesting people.

Why not try a quieter, more traditional teahouse if that’s what you’re after? Enjoy the best teas and foods the city has to offer while unwinding here.

After three days in Ürümqi, you will have had an adventure unlike any other. With our help, you can take advantage of all that this exciting city has to offer.

What other metro systems exist in China?

China, known for its extensive and efficient public transportation, boasts some of the most important metro systems in the world. The Beijing Subway, with its vast network and high passenger turnover, is one of the busiest and most crucial. The Shanghai Metro System, another key player, holds the distinction of being the longest metro system globally. Other significant metro systems include Guangzhou Metro, Shenzhen Metro, and Chengdu Metro. These systems are indispensable for daily commuting, significantly reducing traffic congestion and playing a vital role in China’s urban infrastructure development.

AWESOME VIDEO TOUR GUIDE ABOUT PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IN Ürümqi

Summary of our tour guide for Ürümqi

Having lived in Ürümqi, China, I’ve used the city’s public transit system. As a human summarizing the transportation system, I can attest to its efficacy and dependability. Subway systems are becoming increasingly popular as a means of urban transportation due to their relative youth and rapid expansion. Numerous bus routes cover the entirety of the city. Taxis are readily available, whether you hail one on the street or use a mobile app, and they won’t break the bank. In general, Ürümqi’s public transit system is a wonderful method to go throughout the city.

Top 5 FAQs and answers about Ürümqi public transport?

Can you tell me about the different public transportation options?
  • Buses and taxis make up the bulk of Ürümqi’s public transportation options. Buses are the most frequently used mode of public transportation since they link neighborhoods and are the most cost-effective and time-efficient option for getting around the city. Taxis are another option, albeit a more pricey one.
What is the fare for taking the bus?
  • Using Ürümqi’s public transportation might cost anywhere from free to several dollars, depending on the mode of transportation you opt for. Fares on buses are quite low, typically costing between 0.5 and 2 RMB. For a short trip, you should expect to pay roughly 12 RMB for a taxi.
How can I buy a fare on the bus?
  • In Ürümqi, you can pay for the public bus system with either cash or a transport card. You can get these reloadable transportation cards at any convenience store. This is a handy method of paying for public transportation because it eliminates the need to carry along spare change.
Do late-night buses and cabs operate?
  • In Ürümqi, you can take a bus or a taxi late at night. Between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m., night buses operate, while taxis stay on the road until 4 a.m.
Is there anything stopping me from taking public transportation?
  • Using the public transportation system in Ürümqi does have its limits. For instance, if you try to fit more than two persons and/or too much stuff into a taxi, the driver may reject the service. Do not forget that you are not permitted to record or take photographs on public transportation.

Useful links

Leave a Comment