Located to the west of Beijing, Xi'an attracts many tourists due to its profound history. Xi'an was the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and the capital city of 13 dynasties spreading intermittently across a 1,100-year period, which provides a good window for you to learn about China's imperial past and Chinese civilization.
Beijing is also close to Xi'an and it is easy to travel from one city to the other. Therefore, many travelers choose Xi'an as an extended destination for their tours from Beijing. Here, we will describe how you can travel from Beijing to Xi'an.
Travel from Beijing to Xi'an by High-Speed Train (Recommended)
Traveling from Beijing to Xi'an by high-speed train is the best way.
The high-speed trains run at a speed of over 300 kph (186 mph). It takes 4½–6 hours for the 756-mile journey from Beijing to Xi'an.
If you travel by airplane, you should arrive at the airport at least 2 hours in advance. A 2-hour waiting time plus a 2-hour flight time means you will spend the same amount of time traveling as you would if taking a high-speed train.
The high-speed train stations are located within the city, while airports are often outside the city. It is more convenient to travel around the city from the high-speed train stations. See How to Plan a Beijing and Xi'an Trip (Itinerary, Cost)
Xi'an North Railway Station- Distance: 1,216 kilometers (756 miles)
- Duration: 4½–6 hours
- Terminals: Beijing West Railway Station, Xi'an North Railway Station
- High-speed train schedule: running from 06:20 to 19:00, and departing once or twice every hour
- Ticket: US$75–250
- Tickets should be purchased 1 week before departure.
Xi'an North Railway Station to Xi'an's Main Attractions
| To | Transportation |
|---|---|
| The Terracotta Army | By taxi: about 1 hour's journey By public transportation: Metro Line 2 – Line 1 – bus 307 (about 2 hours 20 minutes) |
| The Bell Tower (city center) | By taxi: about 45 minutes' journey By public transportation: take Metro Line 2 (about 30 minutes) |
| Shaanxi History Museum | By taxi: about 1 hour's journey By public transportation: take Metro Line 2 (about 50 minutes) |
| Big Wild Goose Pagoda | By taxi: about 1 hour's journey By public transportation: Metro Line 2 – bus 24/610 |
- Muslim Street and Xi'an Ancient City Wall are within walking distance of the Bell Tower.
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Travel from Beijing to Xi'an by Airplane (Easiest)
It will take 2 hours to get from Beijing Capital International Airport to Xi'an Xianyang International Airport. For travelers, it is stressful to have to get to the airport 2 hours in advance. If your airplane is delayed, it will add extra waiting time. Xi'an Xianyang International Airport is located outside Xi'an city, so you will spend more time on transportation when you arrive.
- Distance: 1,035 kilometers (643 miles)
- Duration: 2 hours
- Terminals: Beijing Capital International Airport, Xi'an Xianyang International Airport
- Flight schedule: about 30 flights per day
- Ticket: The air fares vary between flights, seasons, and departure times.
Xi'an Xianyang International Airport to Xi'an's Main Attractions
| To | Transportation |
|---|---|
| The Terracotta Army | By taxi: about 1 hour's journey By public transportation: airport shuttle bus (Fangzhicheng line) – bus 307 (about 3 hours) |
| The Bell Tower (city center) | By taxi: about 55 minutes' journey By public transportation: airport shuttle bus (the Bell Tower line) (about 1½ hours) |
| Shaanxi History Museum | By taxi: about 1 hour's journey By public transportation: airport shuttle bus (Shaanxi History Museum line) (about 1 hour 50 minutes) |
| Big Wild Goose Pagoda | By taxi: about 1 hour's journey By public transportation: airport shuttle bus (the 2nd Ring Road Jianguo Restaurant line) – Metro Line 3 (about 2 hours) |
Travel from Beijing to Xi'an on an Overnight Train (Cheapest)
Hard SleepersIt is the cheapest way to travel from Beijing to Xi'an. It is a 12-hour journey. While you are sleeping, you are transferred to the other city.
There are different types of seats on an overnight train: hard seats, hard sleepers, soft sleepers, and advanced soft sleepers (only some overnight trains have these).
If you choose to travel on an overnight train, avoid taking a hard seat. It is a terrible experience to share a small space with six people and you will get hardly any sleep. Hard sleepers, which have six beds in a small compartment, and soft sleepers, which have four beds in a private room, are better. Advanced soft sleepers are definitely the best. These allow two people to share a room but the cost is expensive.
You'd better purchase your ticket in advance if you want to book a hard sleeper or soft sleeper.
- Distance: 1,200 kilometers (745 miles)
- Duration: 12 hours
- Terminals: Beijing West Railway Station, Xi'an Railway Station
- Train schedule: departing at 18:50, 20:12, and 20:40 every day
- Ticket: US$21–116
Xi'an Railway Station to Xi'an's Main Attractions
| To | Transportation |
|---|---|
| The Terracotta Army | By taxi: about 40 minutes' journey By public transportation: bus 915/914 (about 1 hour 40 minutes) |
| The Bell Tower (city center) | By taxi: about 15 minutes' journey By public transportation: bus 229/205 (about 30 minutes) |
| Shaanxi History Museum | By taxi: about 25 minutes' journey By public transportation: bus 5/30 (about 50 minutes) |
| Big Wild Goose Pagoda | By taxi: about 25 minutes' journey By public transportation: bus 41 (about 55 minutes) |
Tips for Spending a Long Time on the Train
1. Prepare some food and drinks. You may get hungry during the long journey. The food and drinks served on the trains are overpriced. You can prepare some snacks, bread, and instant noodles before boarding the train.
2. Take a book or a pack of cards to pass the time. Playing cards is the most common pastime for Chinese people taking the train. It is a good way to interact with local people and experience China's train culture.
3. Take an eye mask and earplugs. You can't sleep as well on a train as you would in a hotel. The light in a hard sleeper compartment is controlled uniformly and people move around a lot. An eye mask and earplugs will be helpful.
Let Us Create a Hassle-Free Tour from Beijing to Xi'an
Explore Xi'an with us!We will help you book the transportation as per your preferences, arrange the private transportation during your Xi'an visit, and provide a knowledgeable English-speaking local guide for you.
Check out our most popular tours in Xi'an:
- 3-Day Essential Xi'an Tour - includes seven must-see attractions and three exclusive experiences to get an insight into the city and its people
- One-Day Private Tour in Xi'an - visit the Terracotta Army, Xi'an Ancient City Wall, and Muslim Street
- Or let us tailor-make your unique tour according to your interests and requirements.