The best ways to travel from Beijing to Xi'an are by high-speed train or by flight. High-speed trains offer a smooth and comfortable journey, while flights are ideal if you want to save time.
This guide will help you choose the option that best fits your plan and answer some common questions.
Should I Choose High-Speed Train or Flight？
Choose the High-Speed Train If You...
High-speed trainIf you want a smooth, comfortable, and low-stress way to travel, especially for families, the high-speed train is a reliable choice.
It is less affected by weather, and the overall travel time often feels close to flying because you could board with much less waiting. The Beijing–Xi'an journey usually takes around 4 to 6 hours.
You could enjoy wider seats than on most domestic flights and watch the scenery change as you head toward central China. Trying high-speed rail is also something many people enjoy while traveling in China.
Second-class seats are the most economical. If you want more space, first-class offers a quieter and more comfortable setting.
Second-class seatsIf budget is not a concern, business-class provides the best experience with fully reclining seats, a dedicated waiting lounge, and complimentary meals.
Business-class seatsIf you'd like to sit together, just let us know. We'll do our best to arrange adjacent seats for you, though on busy routes or during holidays, availability can't always be guaranteed.
Trains to Xi'an usually depart from Beijing West Railway Station. You will arrive at Xi'an North Railway Station, the city's main high-speed rail hub.
You could check the schedule information below.
| Departure Station | Arrival Station | First/Last Train | Daily Trains | Duration | Average Frequency | Seat Type | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Beijing West Railway Station |
Xi'an North Railway Station |
7:00–19:00 | About 17 | 4–6h | Every 42 min | 2nd class | ¥577.5 ($82) |
| 1st class |
¥922.5 ($130) | ||||||
| Business class | ¥1933 ($273) |
Choose a Flight If You...
If you're short on time, for example planning a weekend trip between Beijing and Xi'an, flying is the most time-efficient option. The 2-hour flight helps you save valuable time in transit.
Beijing has two international airports, Capital International Airport (PEK) and Daxing International Airport (PKX). Both operate frequent flights to Xi'an, and there are about 70 departures per day.
In Xi'an, all flights land at Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY).
To avoid wasting precious hours, private transfers including pre-arranged airport pick-up are the most convenient choice. This allows you to spend more time exploring Xi'an itself rather than navigating transportation.
FAQ：
1. Is a one-day Beijing–Xi'an round trip realistic?
Yes, a same-day round trip between Beijing and Xi'an is possible, but expect a long day with an early departure and a late return.
To make the most of your time, we recommend arriving in Xi'an around 10:00–11:00 am, which gives you enough time to visit the Terracotta Warriors and the Ancient City Wall at a comfortable pace.
Our guests visited the Terracotta WarriorsIf you'd like to add more attractions, such as the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda or the Muslim Quarter, an overnight stay in Xi'an is strongly recommended.
Our One-Day Xi'an Tour with Airport Transfers is designed to help you save time efficiently, with private transfers and a local guide who leads you along the most efficient sightseeing route.
2. Can foreigners book China bullet train tickets online with a passport?
Yes. With your passport, you could buy tickets on the 12306 website or use the Railway 12306 app, which has an English option.
Tickets usually go on sale 14 days in advance. Normally, booking a week ahead is sufficient, but during peak seasons such as the Spring Festival, May Day, or National Day, it's best to book as soon as tickets become available.
If you prefer not to handle the booking yourself, our private tour can take care of it and help you reschedule both before and during your trip if your plans change.
3. I want to visit Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai. What's the best order to arrange these visits?
For the most efficient travel, we recommend going from Beijing to Xi'an, then to Shanghai.
Beijing is usually the international entry point, so it's convenient to start there. You could reach Xi'an quickly by high-speed train or flight, and from Xi'an, Shanghai is easily accessible by flight.
This sequence also lets you explore China's deep historical roots in Beijing and Xi'an first, then experience its modern prosperity in Shanghai.
Explore Xi'an with China Highlights
Traveling from Beijing to Xi'an is much smoother when everything is planned ahead.
You could leave the details to us. We can arrange airport or train station pick-up and design an itinerary that fits what you want to see and do. Just contact us if you'd like a hassle-free trip.
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