Coal is China’s primary energy source in long time. Since the distribution of coal is reverse with the level of economic development, large-scale and long-distance utilization of coal, in the form of coal transportation or electric transmission, is a long-term task. The comparison between coal transportation and power transmission has drawn much attention and also is a long-term controversial problem. This paper focuses on coal transportation by rail and power transmission by ultra high voltage direct current (UHVDC) technology. The comprehensive analysis between coal transportation and power transmission is made in terms of clean and efficient utilization of coal, comprehensive economic benefits, resources of environment, land and water, and security. The quantitative conclusions are provided: the distance of 1800 km is the indicator of balance point. Namely, within 1800 km the power transmission usually has advantage, and coal transportation has advantage beyond 1800 km. This paper predits the developing trend of coal transportation and power transmission and suggests both coal transportation and power transmission should be developed at the same time.