Complete Guide to the Urumqi - Almaty International Bus: A Direct and Easy Cross-Border Journey
For travelers planning to journey from Urumqi in Xinjiang to Almaty in Kazakhstan, taking the international coach is a cost-effective and uniquely rewarding option. This route connects two key cities along the historic Silk Road while offering a convenient overland crossing between the two countries. Below is a detailed guide to help you plan and book your trip smoothly.
This international coach operates once daily, departing in the evening and arriving the next day. Please note that during major public holidays in either China or Kazakhstan, border crossings may be closed and the service suspended—be sure to check in advance.
Departure time: 19:00 daily (Beijing Time)
Itinerary:
Depart from Urumqi and travel overnight on the bus.
The next morning, arrive at the Khorgos border crossing to complete exit procedures from China.
After clearing customs, continue the journey for 400 km to Almaty.
Arrive at Sayran Bus Station in Almaty at 18:00 the following day (Beijing Time).
Total duration: 20 hours (including border crossing and rest stops)
Estimated fare: USD 60, plus a USD 10 booking service fee
To make navigation easier, here are the departure and arrival station details in Chinese, English, and local language:
1. Departure Station: Urumqi High-Speed Rail International Bus Station
This is the official departure point for international coaches. The station is well-equipped, making ticket purchase and waiting convenient.
Chinese address: 新疆维吾尔自治区乌鲁木齐市沙依巴克区高铁北五路236号
English address: No. 236, Gaotie North Fifth Road, Saybagh District, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region
2. Arrival Station: Almaty Sayran Bus Station
One of the main bus stations in Almaty, with convenient access to public transport and taxis for onward travel.
Chinese address: 哈萨克斯坦阿拉木图市托列比大街294号
Russian/Kazakh address: Ул. Толе би, 294, Алматы / Төле би көшесі, 294, Алматы
Currently, tickets must be booked in advance through online platforms or authorized agents. You cannot board directly at the station using just an ID, so advance planning is essential.
Booking platform: Tickets can be reserved online via ETripChina
Booking time: Tickets must be issued at least 3 days in advance
Required documents: A passport copy is needed for booking. You must present both the original passport when collecting tickets and boarding.
As this route crosses the border via the Khorgos checkpoint, its operating schedule is directly affected by border closures. During major public holidays—such as New Year and Chinese New Year in China, or Nauryz (Nowruz) in Kazakhstan—the border is typically closed for 2–3 days, and the bus service will be suspended accordingly.
Example: New Year 2026
The Khorgos highway port will be closed from January 1 to January 2, 2026.
The Urumqi international bus will not operate on December 31, 2025 and January 1, 2026, and will resume normal service from January 2, 2026.
Recommendation:
When planning your trip, be sure to check the official public holiday schedules in both China and Kazakhstan. Try to avoid travel dates that coincide with border closures to prevent disruptions to your journey.
Arrive early: It is recommended to arrive at the Urumqi High-Speed Rail International Bus Station at least 1–2 hours before departure to complete luggage security checks and passport verification.
Bring food and drinks: As this is a long overnight journey, it's a good idea to prepare some snacks and drinking water in advance.
Connectivity & power: The bus usually has charging ports, but it's still advisable to carry a power bank. Download offline maps or entertainment (movies, shows, etc.) beforehand for use during the trip.
Travel Guide for Urumqi
Bus Journey Tips
