How to Get to Xi'an

Complete Transport Guide 2026

All ways to reach Xi'an, ancient capital and home of Terracotta Warriors: by plane, high-speed train, or bus. Complete guide with verified prices and times.

By Plane

Xi'an Airport (XIY)

Name: Xi'an Xianyang International Airport

Distance to city: 40 km from city center

To city center: Airport shuttle bus (¥25, 60 min), Metro Line 14 (50 min, ¥7), taxi (¥100-150, 50 min)

Direct Flights From

Beijing
2h Multiple daily
Shanghai
2.5h Multiple daily
Guangzhou
2.5h Multiple daily
Chengdu
1.5h Multiple daily
Shenzhen
3h Daily
Tip: Xi'an is a major aviation hub for central China. Metro Line 14 connects airport to city center. High-speed train is often faster for nearby cities.

By High-Speed Train

Xi'an North Railway Station

Location: Major high-speed rail hub, 15 km from city center

One of China's most important rail hubs. Metro Line 2 connects to city center and Bell Tower.

Popular Routes

From Duration Price Notes
Beijing 4h10m-6h ¥430-720 ✅ Verified: 23 G-trains daily, fastest 4h10m! Very convenient from Beijing!
Shanghai 6-7h ¥500-800 Multiple daily G-trains via Zhengzhou
Chengdu 3-4h ¥250-400 Multiple daily G-trains, perfect for Xi'an-Chengdu combo
Luoyang 1.5h ¥150-200 Frequent G-trains, perfect for combining Terracotta + Longmen Grottoes
Tip: ✅ Data verified via 12306 on 2026-05-26. IMPORTANT: Xi'an is central China's rail hub! 23 daily G-trains from Beijing (fastest 4h10m). Excellent connections to all major cities. Luoyang (Longmen Grottoes) is only 1.5h away. Perfect for combining ancient capitals.

By Long-Distance Bus

Xi'an Long-distance Bus Station

Location: Near Railway Station

Routes: Routes to Terracotta Warriors, Huashan, nearby cities

Tip: Bus to Terracotta Warriors: Tourist bus 5 (306) from East Square, ¥7, 1h. Bus to Huashan: 2h, ¥40. Train is faster for inter-city travel.

By Car

From Beijing

Distance: 1,100 km

Duration: 11h

Route: G5 Jingkun Expressway

From Luoyang

Distance: 380 km

Duration: 4h

Route: G30 Lianhuo Expressway

From Huashan

Distance: 120 km

Duration: 1.5h

Route: G30 Lianhuo Expressway

Parking: Parking available throughout city (¥5-15/hour). City Wall area is walkable.

Getting Around Xi'an

Public Transport

Metro has 8+ lines, covers major areas including Terracotta route (¥2-8). Bus network extensive.

Taxi & Ride-Hailing

Taxis affordable (starting ¥9, ¥2/km). Didi app works. To Terracotta: taxi ¥100-150 (1h).

Bike Rental

Bike rental available. Cycling on City Wall is a must-do experience! Rent bike on the wall (¥45, 3 hours).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fastest way to get to Xi'an from Beijing?

✅ Verified: High-speed train is fastest - 23 daily G-trains, fastest 4h10m! Tickets ¥430-720. Faster than flying when including airport time. Very convenient.

How do I get to the Terracotta Warriors from Xi'an?

From Xi'an Railway Station East Square: Tourist bus 5 (306), ¥7, 1h. From city center: Bus 307 from Big Wild Goose Pagoda, ¥8. Or take taxi (¥100-150, 1h). Terracotta is 40 km east of city center. Book tickets online in advance!

Can I visit Xi'an and Luoyang together?

YES! Xi'an and Luoyang are only 1.5h apart by high-speed train (¥150-200). Perfect combo: Xi'an for Terracotta Warriors, Luoyang for Longmen Grottoes. Both were ancient capitals. 4-5 days total is perfect.

How do I get to Mount Huashan from Xi'an?

High-speed train: Xi'an North → Huashan North, 30 min, ¥60. Then free shuttle bus to entrance. Or bus from Xi'an Bus Station (2h, ¥40). Huashan is one of China's 5 sacred mountains - famous for plank walk and stunning views.

What makes Xi'an special?

Xi'an was capital of 13 dynasties: (1) Terracotta Warriors - 8,000 life-size clay soldiers, UNESCO World Heritage; (2) Ancient City Wall - largest intact city wall in China, bike on top; (3) Muslim Quarter - street food, Great Mosque; (4) Big Wild Goose Pagoda - Tang dynasty Buddhist pagoda; (5) Starting point of Silk Road.

How many days should I spend in Xi'an?

Minimum 3 days: Terracotta Warriors (1 day) + City Wall + Muslim Quarter + city highlights. 4 days allows Mount Huashan day trip or more relaxed exploration. Xi'an is an excellent base for central China - Luoyang, Huashan, and even Dunhuang (flight) are accessible.