Can you please tell me when trains depart from Urumqi to Astana, how much they cost and how I can book tickets?

It leaves at 23:58 from U. I remember the train ticket costs CNY1,250 for a soft-sleeper in a 4-berth compartment and CNY1,100 for a hard-sleeper. You can book the ticket from TravelChinaGuide. Their email address is travelchinaguide.com|booking

Many thanks, Daniel - it is a big help. Do you know which day of the week it leaves U? (Sorry - I should have asked in the first place), and is there a difference in trains between the train to Astana and the train to Almaty? All help very much appreciated!

Henry.

Sorry, I typed in the wrong price. Actually, the soft sleeper costs CNY1,600 and a hard sleeper costs CNY1,200. It leaves from U on Thursday weekly and arrives in Astana on Sunday. The train is different from the one to Almaty by the way.

Very many thanks for your help, Daniel. I look forward to it and wish you luck!
Henry.

Here is more Info for your reference :
China -Kazakhsatn raild road size is not same standard , so train stop at the border nearly
10hours for exchange all wheels .

I dont know its easy to book/buy tickets to Astana ,Daily sleeper bus is also available from Urumqi to Almaty .
You can take a flight to Almaty and Astana .

Good lcuk !

Many thanks for that extra information, Ablajan - it is all gratefully received! I am now definitely considering going the Almaty route rather than the Astana one, since it seems to be better served by trains and buses. I am trying to get from my home here in Thailand to visit my family and friends in the UK by land (yes, it's mad, I know!), so I would prefer not to fly if possible.

Thanks again -

Henry.