Xian Transport

Xian, steeped in history and still giving up secrets, is your gateway to ancient Chinese civilization. In its 3,100 recorded years of evolution. As one of the most important cradles of Chinese civilization, it marked the start of the famous "Silk Road" that linked China with central Asia and the Roman Empire. As one of the most important cradles of Chinese civilization, Xi’an has always been a transportation hub. In modern times, its transport network has become even more comprehensive, making travel to and within the city increasingly convenient for visitors from around the world.

External Transport: Getting to Xi'an

Xi’an Xianyang International Airport lies to the northwest of Xi’an City, in the suburban area of Xianyang. As the largest airport in northwest China, it now offers an extensive network of domestic routes—including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Shenzhen, Kunming, Chongqing, and dozens of other major cities—along with a steadily growing selection of international connections. Direct international flights operate to destinations such as Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and select European cities depending on the season.

 

The airport is 47 km from downtown Xi’an, and thanks to the expressway, the journey generally takes about 50–60 minutes.

• Taxi: around 100–130 Yuan depending on traffic.
• Airport Shuttle Bus: 26 Yuan, operating from early morning until late evening, with multiple lines serving Xi’an Railway Station, Bell Tower area, High-tech Zone, and the Xi’an North Railway Station.
• Metro Line 14: connects the airport with Xi’an North Railway Station in around 35 minutes, providing an efficient and budget-friendly option for travelers.

The airport terminals have been expanded in recent years to handle increasing passenger capacity, and a second major terminal is scheduled for further upgrades, ensuring smoother operations for domestic and international arrivals.

 

Xian is the traffic hub connecting North China, East China, South Central of China and Northwest China. Longhai Railway runs though Xian. There are also other railway lines such as Anhou Railway, Baotian Railway, Lanxin railway, etc.. Xian Railway Station is located at the east of Shangde Gate, the northeast part of Xian City. Driving from downtown, it takes 30 min to get to the station.

 

In modern times, the city is even more connected thanks to China’s extensive high-speed rail (HSR) network. High-speed lines link Xi’an with Beijing, Zhengzhou, Shanghai, Wuhan, Chengdu, Chongqing, Lanzhou, Urumqi, and many other key cities, dramatically shortening travel times.

 

►Xi'an North Railway Station (西安北站):

• Function: This is one of Asia's largest and Xi'an's primary high-speed rail (HSR) station, handling all G and D-series bullet trains.

Key HSR Routes & Travel Times:

• From Beijing West: 4.5 - 5.5 hours.
• From Shanghai Hongqiao: 6 - 7 hours.
• From Zhengzhou East: 1.5 - 2 hours (a major transfer hub).
• From Chengdu East: 3 - 4 hours.
• From Lanzhou/Xining: 2.5 - 3.5 hours.
• Direct services also run to Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Wuhan, Hangzhou, and many other cities.

Transfer: Connected directly to the city metro Line 2 (to city center, ~30 mins) and Line 4 and Line 14 (airport line).

►Xi'an Railway Station (西安站):

• Function: The city's historic main station, recently renovated, primarily serves conventional trains (K, T, Z series). It is located just outside the ancient city walls, offering incredible convenience.
• Connectivity: Provides direct, often overnight, services to hundreds of cities across China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Lhasa, Urumqi, and Yinchuan.
• Transfer: Adjacent to the city's main long-distance bus station and served by multiple metro lines (Line 4) and bus routes.

Several official ticket offices operate across the city, typically open from 08:00 to 18:00, with a few 24-hour offices such as Longhai Ticket Agency, Dongli Mansion Ticket Agency, and Xianglong Company Ticket Agency. However, most travelers today purchase tickets online through the official 12306 platform.

 

Xian is the second largest traffic hub in China. There are 9 national highways through Xian to all parts of the China. There are several long-distance bus stations in Xian and 300 bus routes to areas both in Shanxi and other provinces. The main bus stations are: Xian Bus Station, Shanxi Bus Station, Sanfuwan Bus Station, Chengdong Bus Station, Chengdong Bus Station, Chengxi Bus Station, Chengnan Bus Station and Chengbei Bus Station.

 

Major Bus Stations:

• Xi'an Bus Station (陕西省西安汽车站): Located next to the Xi'an Railway Station, it is the main hub for buses to Huashan Mountain (~1.5 hours), Hancheng, and other directions.
• Xi'an Fangzhicheng Bus Station (西安纺织城客运站): Connected to Metro Line 1, it is the primary station for buses to Huashan (express route), as well as services east and southeast.
• Xi'an Chengnan Bus Station (西安城南客运站): Serves destinations to the south, such as the Famen Temple and southern Shanxi.
• Major Highways: Key routes include the Lianhuo Expressway (G30) running east-west, Jingkun Expressway (G65) to the north, and Fuyin Expressway (G70) to the south, ensuring swift road connections.

From these stations, travelers can easily reach Mount Huashan, Baoji, Yan’an, Xianyang, Tongchuan, and further destinations such as Henan, Sichuan, Gansu, and Ningxia. In recent years, major expressways such as the Xi’an–Huashan Expressway and Xi’an–Chengdu Expressway have significantly reduced travel time, making bus travel a practical budget option.

 

Urban Traffic: Getting Around Xi'an

Xi'an's modern and expanding metro system is the most efficient way to navigate the city, especially for beating traffic. As of 2024, 9 lines are operational, covering major urban areas, all main railway stations, the airport, and key attractions.

Key Tourist Lines:

• Line 1: Connects the city center to the Banpo Museum and eastern suburbs.
• Line 2: The main east-west artery, connecting the Bell Tower, Xi'an North Railway Station, and the ancient city wall's South and North Gates.
• Line 3: Runs from the northeast to southwest, passing by the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
• Line 4: Connects the Xi'an Railway Station, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and Xi'an North Railway Station.
• Line 9: Provides direct access to the Terracotta Army Museum (Huaqingchi station, then transfer to bus 613).

Fare: Ranges from ¥2-8 depending on distance. Use single-journey tickets, a Chang'antong transport card, or scan QR codes via Alipay/WeChat.

 

The city's extensive bus network complements the metro, reaching every corner.

Types & Fares:

• Regular Bus: Most charge a flat fare of ¥1 or ¥2.
• Air-conditioned Bus: Typically ¥2.
• Payment is via cash (exact change), QR code, or transport card.

Tourist Bus Lines: These are incredibly useful for visitors:

• Bus 306 (Tourist Bus 5): The classic route from the east square of Xi'an Railway Station to the Terracotta Army Museum, with stops at Huaqing Palace. Fare: ¥7-10.
• Bus 610: A convenient line connecting the Bell Tower, Small Wild Goose Pagoda, Shaanxi History Museum, and Big Wild Goose Pagoda.

 

3. Taxis & Ride-Hailing
 

• Taxis: Abundant but can be hard to hail during peak hours (especially 4:00-5:00 PM during shift changes).
• Daytime Fare (06:00-23:00): Flag fall ¥9 for the first 3 kilometers, then ¥2.0/km.
• Night Fare (23:00-06:00): Flag fall ¥10 for the first 3 kilometers, then ¥2.3/km.
• Ride-hailing: Didi Chuxing is the dominant and highly recommended app, offering various vehicle classes and predictable pricing.

4. Sightseeing Buses & Bicycle Rentals

• Sightseeing Buses: Double-decker sightseeing buses operate on loops connecting major attractions like the City Wall, Bell Tower, and Muslim Quarter. A day pass offers hop-on, hop-off convenience.
• Bicycle Rental: The ancient City Wall has multiple gates where you can rent bicycles (¥45 for 3 hours) to cycle atop this magnificent structure. Shared public bikes are also available throughout the city.

Practical Travel Tips

Best for Arrival: For most domestic travelers, high-speed rail to Xi'an North Station is optimal. For international travelers, fly into Xi'an Xianyang Airport and take Metro Line 14.
 

Getting to the Terracotta Army: Take Metro Line 9 to Huaqingchi Station, then transfer to Bus 613 (¥3) for the final leg. Alternatively, take the direct Tourist Bus 5 (306) from the Xi'an Railway Station square.
 

City Exploration: Purchase a 3-day metro tourist pass for unlimited rides. Use the metro for long distances and taxis/Didi for short hops or nighttime travel.

Avoid Traffic: The city center, especially within the walls, is prone to congestion. Rely on the metro and walking within the historic core.

 

More Information about Xian

Xian Travel Guide
Xian Tours