Getting Around
Getting to and Around Xi'an
Every route on this page has been tested by our team. Prices, times, and transfer instructions are based on our most recent trips — July and August 2026. This guide covers how to reach Xi'an from major cities, how to navigate the metro, and how to get to every major attraction.
Written by Chen Yu
Photography & Practical Guides Writer · Xi'an since 2021
Chen Yu is a Xi'an-based photographer who has shot the Terracotta Warriors in every season and lighting condition since 2021. He handles all the practical infrastructure content — transportation, payments, SIM cards, visa guides — because he has personally test-run every route and setup process described on this site.
By Air: Xi'an Xianyang Airport (XIY)
Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) is 40 km northwest of the city center. It serves direct flights from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Shenzhen, Seoul, Bangkok, Singapore, Tokyo, and Dubai.
| Route | Duration | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Beijing (PEK/PKX) to XIY | 2 hours | $75-$180 |
| Shanghai (PVG/SHA) to XIY | 2.5 hours | $90-$220 |
| Guangzhou to XIY | 3 hours | $100-$270 |
| Chengdu to XIY | 1.5 hours | $60-$130 |
| Seoul to XIY | 3.5 hours | KRW 150,000-400,000 |
Airport to City Center: 3 Options Compared
Metro Line 14 — Best Value
40 minutes to city center. $1 one-way. Connects to Metro Line 2 and Line 4 at Xi'an North Station. Runs 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Clean, English signage, luggage-friendly. This is what our team uses.
Taxi — Most Convenient
50-60 minutes. $18-$22 to Bell Tower area. Use the official taxi queue outside arrivals. Do not accept rides from touts inside the terminal — they charge 2-3x the meter rate. Have your destination written in Chinese.
Airport Shuttle Bus — Budget Option
60 minutes. $4. Multiple routes to different parts of the city. Route 1 goes to the Bell Tower. Buses run every 30-60 minutes depending on time of day. Less convenient with luggage.
By Train: High-Speed Rail
Xi'an has two main stations: Xi'an North Station (all high-speed trains) and Xi'an Station (conventional trains, some overnight). High-speed trains are fast, punctual, and comfortable — the preferred way to reach Xi'an from other Chinese cities.
| Route | Duration | 2nd Class | 1st Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing to Xi'an | 4.5 hours | $75 | $120 |
| Shanghai to Xi'an | 6 hours | $100 | $160 |
| Chengdu to Xi'an | 3.5 hours | $39 | $60 |
| Luoyang to Xi'an | 1.5 hours | $26 | $40 |
How to Buy Train Tickets
You have three main options for buying Chinese train tickets:
- Trip.com (recommended for foreigners): English interface, accepts international credit cards. Service fee $3-$6 per ticket. Book up to 15 days in advance. You will receive a QR code — scan it at the station gate. No paper ticket needed.
- 12306 app (Chinese only): The official railway app. Cheapest (no service fee) but requires a Chinese phone number and Chinese ID verification. Not practical for most foreign tourists.
- At the station: Ticket counters and machines at Xi'an North Station. Bring your passport. English-speaking staff are rare but the ticket machines have an English option. Expect queues during peak travel periods.
Money-saving tip: Flying into Chengdu and taking the high-speed train to Xi'an saves $75-$120 per person. Chengdu Shuangliu Airport has more international routes and lower fares than XIY. The 3.5-hour train ride passes through the Qinling Mountains and is scenic in its own right.
Metro: Xi'an's Subway System
Xi'an's metro has 10 lines covering almost every tourist destination. It is clean, safe, and has English signage and announcements on all lines. Fares are distance-based: $0.3 for the first 6 km, increasing by $0.1 per additional 4-6 km, capped at $1.
Key Metro Lines for Tourists
Line 1East-West artery. Transfer to Line 2 at Beidajie for Bell Tower area.
Line 2North-South spine through the city center. Stops: Zhonglou (Bell Tower/Drum Tower/Muslim Quarter, 5 min walk), Xiaozhai (Shaanxi History Museum, 10 min walk), Nanshaomen (South Gate of City Wall).
Line 3Connects Xiaozhai to Dayanta (Big Wild Goose Pagoda, 5 min walk) and Qinglongsi (Qinglong Temple).
Line 4From Xi'an North Station to downtown. Stops: Daminggong (Daming Palace ruins).
Line 9East to Lintong District. Huaqingchi Station: connect to bus 306/307 for Terracotta Warriors (15 min) or walk to Huaqing Pool (5 min).
Line 14Airport Express. XIY Airport to Xi'an North Station in 40 minutes ($1). Transfer to Line 2 or 4 for downtown.
How to Reach Every Major Attraction by Metro
| Attraction | Nearest Metro | Walk |
|---|---|---|
| Bell & Drum Towers | Zhonglou (Line 2) | 2 min |
| Muslim Quarter | Zhonglou (Line 2) | 5 min |
| City Wall (South Gate) | Yongningmen (Line 2) | 1 min |
| Shaanxi History Museum | Xiaozhai (Line 2/3) | 10 min |
| Big Wild Goose Pagoda | Dayanta (Line 3/4) | 5 min |
| Tang Paradise | Datangfurongyuan (Line 4) | 5 min |
| Daming Palace | Daminggong (Line 4) | 5 min |
| Huaqing Pool | Huaqingchi (Line 9) | 5 min |
| Terracotta Warriors | Huaqingchi (Line 9) + Bus 306 | 15 min bus |
| Han Yangling | Han Yangling (Line 14) | 10 min |
Taxis, Didi & Bike Rentals
Didi (Ride-Hailing) — Recommended
Didi is the Chinese equivalent of Uber. Download the app before arriving in China. It has an English interface. You set your destination in the app — no language barrier, no haggling, no risk of being overcharged. A typical 15-minute ride inside the city costs $2-$4. Payment is via the app (linked to international cards through Alipay).
Taxis — Use with Caution
Taxis are plentiful but drivers rarely speak English. Always have your destination written in Chinese characters. Most drivers use the meter, but airport taxi touts are a known problem — use the official taxi queue. A ride from Bell Tower area to the South Gate should cost $1.5-$2 on the meter.
Shared Bikes — Best for City Wall Area
Meituan Bike and Hellobike are everywhere. Scan the QR code with Alipay or the bike app to unlock. $0.1.5 per 30 minutes. Ideal for exploring inside the city wall where attractions are close together. The City Wall itself has dedicated bike rentals on top of the wall ($7 for 3 hours) — a completely separate system from the street bikes.
Walking: Old City Walkability
Xi'an's old city (inside the City Wall) is one of the most walkable urban areas in China. The grid street layout from the Ming Dynasty remains intact, and most attractions inside the wall are within a 20-minute walk of each other.
Bell Tower to Drum Tower: 1 min
Drum Tower to Muslim Quarter entrance: 2 min
Bell Tower to South Gate (City Wall): 12 min
Bell Tower to Stele Forest Museum: 18 min
South Gate to Small Wild Goose Pagoda: 20 min
A recommended walking route: Start at Bell Tower → Drum Tower → Muslim Quarter for lunch → walk south to South Gate → cycle the City Wall for sunset. Takes about half a day and covers four major attractions entirely on foot (plus bike).