Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport (LHW) is 70km from the city center, with flights from all major Chinese cities and some international routes. The airport is connected by high-speed rail to Lanzhou city (18 minutes, the first airport-to-city high-speed link in China). Dunhuang Airport (DNH) has flights from Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, and Lanzhou. Jiayuguan Airport (JGN) has limited flights from Beijing and Xi'an. For Zhangye, the nearest airport is Zhangye Ganzhou Airport (YZY) with flights from Lanzhou and Xi'an. For Xiahe, fly to Lanzhou and take a bus (4 hours). Book domestic flights via Ctrip.

The Lanxin (Lanzhou-Urumqi) high-speed railway connects Lanzhou to Zhangye West (1.5h), Jiayuguan South (3h), and Liuyuan South (4.5h, transfer to Dunhuang). Conventional trains also serve the Gansu Corridor. High-speed trains from Xi'an to Lanzhou take 3 hours. From Lanzhou to Urumqi, the high-speed train takes 10-11 hours. For Xiahe (Labrang Monastery), there is no train; take a bus from Lanzhou (4 hours). Book via 12306.cn. The high-speed train through the Gansu Corridor offers views of the Qilian Mountains, desert, and Great Wall remnants.

Buses from Lanzhou to Xiahe (Labrang Monastery) depart from Lanzhou South Bus Station (4 hours, 75 RMB). Buses from Xiahe to Langmusi (3 hours) and Zhagana (via Diebu, 4 hours) serve the Gannan Tibetan region. Buses from Lanzhou to Zhangye (6 hours) are an alternative to high-speed rail. Buses from Dunhuang to Liuyuan Station (for train connections) take 2 hours. For the Gannan region, buses are infrequent; hiring a car with a driver from Lanzhou or Xiahe is recommended (500-700 RMB/day).

In Lanzhou, buses and the metro (2+ lines) cover the city. Taxis start at 8 RMB. In Dunhuang, taxis to the Echoing Sand Dunes cost 5 RMB (5 minutes from town); to the Mogao Caves, 20 RMB (25 minutes). In Zhangye, taxis to the Danxia park cost 40 RMB (one way, 40km). In Xiahe, the monastery is walkable from town; taxis to Sangke Grassland cost 30-50 RMB. For inter-city travel along the Gansu Corridor, high-speed rail is the best option. For the Gannan Tibetan region, hire a car with a driver from Lanzhou. Car rental with driver costs 500-700 RMB/day. Roads in Gansu are generally well-paved.