How to Get to Xian. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Airport & Airlines

Xi'a Xianyang International Airport (XIY) is the main airport serving Xi'an. It also serves the entire Guanzhong Plain region, functioning as a major gateway to Northwestern China.

Information

The airport is situated about 47 kilometers (29 miles) northwest of Xi'a city center.
XIY serves as a significant hub for several major Chinese airlines, including China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Hainan Airlines, and Sichuan Airlines.
These airlines operate extensive domestic connections, linking Xi'a to nearly every major city inside China.

International Routes & Prices

The airport has a growing number of overseas routes. Flight prices fluctuate with seasons and holidays.

Availability & Cost

Direct flights from major Asian cities like Seoul, Tokyo, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore are available.
Flight prices generally increase during peak tourist seasons (Spring: April-May, Autumn: September-October).
Prices also rise significantly during major Chinese holidays. Booking flights well in advance for these times is highly recommended.

Travel During Low Seasons

Traveling during the shoulder or low seasons usually has more affordable options.

Airport Facilities

Xi'a Xianyang International Airport has two active terminals, T2 and T3. Facilities include duty-free shops, restaurants, currency exchange, ATMs, luggage storage, and lounges. Free Wi-Fi is available, often needing a Chinese phone number for verification.

Flight Deals

Discover affordable flight options from services like Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner.

Airport Transfers

Options and Costs

Airport Bus: Several lines connect XIY to various points in Xi'an. Cost: Approximately ¥25-¥50. Travel time: 60-90 minutes.
Metro Line 14: Directly connects XIY to the city's metro network. Cost: Approximately ¥8-¥16. Travel time: Around 30 a short time to Xi'an North Railway Station.
Taxi/Ride-sharing (Didi Chuxing): Available outside terminals. Cost: Approximately ¥120-¥180 to the city center. Travel time: 45-70 minutes, subject to traffic.
For Didi Chuxing, use the app to book plus check your ride for fair pricing.

Choosing Your Transfer

Choose the transfer option that best suits your budget, time, and comfort preferences.
The metro offers a rapid and economical choice.
Airport buses offer direct routes to central locations.
Taxis and ride-sharing offer door-to-door convenience.

Car Rental Affiliate

DiscoverCars.com

Find car rental options for your journey at DiscoverCars.com.

Car Rental Notes

Self-driving is not recommended for most foreign tourists in China. A Chinese driving license is a requirement. International Driving Permits (IDPs) are not recognized in mainland China.

Road Conditions

Major highways connecting cities are generally well-maintained and modern. Traffic can be dense and aggressive, especially in urban areas. Roadway signs are mainly in Chinese.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Xi'an is a major railway hub with two main stations: Xi'a North Railway Station (Xi'anbei) for high-speed rail and Xi'a Railway Station for conventional trains.

Stations & Services

Xi'a North Railway Station (Xi'anbei): Modern hub for high-speed rail (G and D trains). Connections to Beijing (4.5-6 hrs), Shanghai (6-7 hrs), Chengdu (3-4 hrs).
Xi'a Railway Station (Xi'a Zhan): Serves conventional trains (K, T, Z trains) for longer-distance sleeper services. Closer to the city center.
Get your tickets beforehand, especially for popular routes and holidays. You can purchase tickets online via Trip.com for easier booking.

Long-Distance Buses & Driving

Long-distance coaches serve regional routes, while self-driving is generally not advisable for tourists.

Considerations

Xi'an has several long-distance bus stations, connecting to metropolitan areas and towns within Shaanxi and neighboring provinces.
Self-driving is not recommended for most foreign tourists inside China; a Chinese driving license is a requirement.
Traffic can be dense, and navigation challenging without language proficiency. Rely on trains, metro, buses, and ride-sharing.

Border Crossing Info

This section is not applicable to Xi'an.

No Direct International Land Borders

Xi'an is an inland city in China.
It does not have direct international land borders.
Most international travelers will arrive by air.

Sea/River Arrivals

This section is not applicable to Xi'an.

No Major Waterways

Xi'an is an inland city and does not have immediate access to the sea.
There are no major navigable rivers supporting public boat taxis or water transportation for inter-city travel.
Recreational boating may be available on lakes in parks, but not as a mode of transport.

Departure Information

No specific exit fees or taxes are typically levied for international departures beyond those included in your airfare or train ticket.
For international flights from XIY, arrive at least THREE hours prior to scheduled departure. For domestic flights, 2 hours.
For high-speed trains, arrive 60-90 minutes before departure for safety and navigation.

Expect rigorous security checks at airports and train stations.
Power banks must be in carry-on luggage and adhere to capacity limits (typically <100 Wh or 20,000 mAh).
For eligible international tourists, a VAT refund scheme applies to specific purchases. Claim a refund from designated airport counters.

Getting Around Xi'an

Public Transit Overview

Xi'an's public transport network is robust, moving travelers across the city efficiently and affordably.

Systems

Metro: Modern, clean, and expanding with 10 operational lines. Fast, reliable, English signage prevalent.
Buses: Extensive network reaching areas not covered by metro. Slower due to traffic. Less English signage. Very cheap.
Route maps at stations, in cars, online, and via apps. Important hubs: Beidajie (Line 1 & 2), Xiaozhai (Line 2 & 3), Longshouyuan (Line 2 & 4).

Ticketing & Accessibility

Understand ticketing options and accessibility features.

Fare Information

Metro: Single-journey passes from vending machines (cash/mobile pay). Xi'an Metro Card (长安通) rechargeable at counters. Mobile payment apps (Alipay/WeChat Pay) via QR code scan.
Bus: Flat rates, typically ¥1 or ¥2. Pay with exact cash, Metro Card, or mobile apps.
Metro operates 6:00 AM to 11:30 PM, high frequency (3-5 min peak). Buses vary, typically 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

Accessibility

Newer metro stations and trains are generally accessible (elevators, ramps). Older bus stops and certain older buses may have limited accessibility.

Walking & Cycling

The Muslim Quarter and City Center are pedestrian-friendly. The Xi'a City Wall offers safe cycling. Few dedicated bicycle lanes on busy streets.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis and Didi Chuxing offer convenient, door-to-door service. Didi is dominant and offers an English app. Official taxis are metered. Avoid unmarked cars.

Navigation Tip

Download a metro map app for Xi'an or the comprehensive Baidu Maps/Amap apps. These display real-time public transport directions.

How to Get to Xian