How to Get to the Terracotta Army from Xi’an

Written by Fercility Jiang Updated Jan. 17, 2023

Find out how to get to the Terracotta Army Museum from downtown Xi'an, the airport, and the railway stations (buses, taxis, private transport, and tours).

The Terracotta Army, also known as Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum Site Museum, is located in Xi'an.The 2,000-year-old army of clay statues includes life-size soldiers, archers, horses, weapons, and utensils.

You can reach the Terracotta Army by taking a bus, driving yourself, or booking a private tour with us to enjoy a hassle-free visit.

Getting to the Terracotta Army from Downtown Xi'an

  • Terracotta Army location: 42 kilometers (26 miles) east of Xi'an, in Lintong District
Xi'an Transfer Service

Plan A: Private Transport (most convenient/recommended)

  • Distance: 42 kilometers (26 miles)
  • Travel time: 1 hour

Plan B: Tourist Bus Line 5 (Bus 306)

  • Bus stop: Xi'an Railway Station
  • Operating hours:
  • 07:00–19:00 from Xi'an Railway Station
  • 08:10–19:00 return from the Terracotta Army
  • Frequency: every 5–10 minutes
  • Travel time: approximately 1 hour 50 minutes
  • Fare: 7 yuan
Chinese Bus

Plan C: Bus 914 or 915

  • Bus stop: East Square at Xi'an Railway Station
  • Operating hours:
  • 06:00–21:00 from Xi'an Railway Station's East Square
  • 05:30–20:00 return from the Terracotta Army
  • Travel time: 1 hour 50 minutes
  • Fare: 7 yuan

Plan D: Taxi

  • Distance: 42 kilometers (26 miles)
  • Travel time: 1 hour
  • Fare: dependent on the taxi meter
Recommended Tours:

Get to the Terracotta Army from Xi'an Xianyang International Airport

Get to the Terracotta Army from Xi'an Airport

The Terracotta Army is 66 kilometers away from Xi'an Xianyang International Airport, taking about 55 minutes to reach by car. Below are the two most common ways to get to the Terracotta Army from Xi'an Xianyang International Airport. Read more on Xi'an Transportation.

Plan A: Airport Shuttle Bus+ Tourist Bus Line 5 (Bus 306)

  • Operating hours (shuttle bus): 07:00–02:00 (the next day)
  • Frequency: every 20–30 minutes
  • Travel time: approximately 3 hours
  • Fare: 25 yuan +7 yuan
Xi'an Taxi

Plan B: Taxi

  • Distance: about 40 kilometers
  • Travel time: 1 hour
  • Fare: dependent on the taxi meter
Recommended Tours:

Get to the Terracotta Army from the Railway Stations

Chinese Bullet Train

Departure: Xi'an Railway Station

Plan A: Tourist Bus Line 5 (306)

  • Bus stop: Xi'an Railway Station
  • Operating hours: 07:00–19:00 from Xi'an Railway Station
  • 08:10–19:00 return from the Terracotta Army
  • Frequency: every 5–10 minutes
  • Travel time: approximately 1 hour 50 minutes
  • Fare: 7 yuan

Plan B: Bus 914

  • Bus stop: East Square at Xi'an Railway Station
  • Operating hours:
  • 06:00–21:00 from Xi'an Railway Station's East Square
  • 05:30–20:00 return from the Terracotta Army
  • Travel time: 1 hour 50 minutes
  • Fare: 7 yuan

Plan C: Bus 915

  • Bus stop: East Square at Xi'an Railway Station
  • Operating hours:
  • 06:00–21:00 from Xi'an Railway Station's East Square
  • 05:30–20:00 return from the Terracotta Army
  • Travel time: approximately 2 hours
  • Fare: 7 yuan

Departure: Xi'an North Railway Station

Xi'an North Railway Station Exit

Plan A: Free Shuttle Bus (the Most Convenient Way)

  • Bus stop: West Square at Xi'an North Railway Station
  • Operating hours: 08:00–16:00 from Xi'an North Railway Station
  • 10:30–19:30 return from the Terracotta Army
  • Frequency: 1 hour
  • Travel time: 1 hour

Required information for boarding: You need the railway ticket displaying the date and your ticket for the Terracotta Army. (You can purchase tickets for the Terracotta Army at the Tourists' Service Center on level 1F at Xi'an North Railway Station.)

Plan B: Xi'an North Railway Station to Xi'an Railway Station + Bus 306

Transportation route 1: Metro Line 2 from Xi'an North Railway Station to Xi'an Railway Station + Tourist Bus Line 5 (Bus 306)

Transportation route 2: Bus 266 from Xi'an North Railway Station to Xi'an Railway Station + Tourist Bus Line 5 (Bus 306)

  • Travel time: 2 hours
  • Fare: 10 yuan
  • Travel time: 1 hour 50 minutes
  • Fare: 9 yuan
Recommended Tours:

Tour with Us

Chinahighlights Pick-up service

If you don't want to waste time on finding a reputable taxi or public buses to reach the attraction, queuing for tickets, reading maps, or trying to make sense of Chinese signs, a private tour is a great option.

You can tailor-make a unique trip through China Highlights, allowing you to see the Terracotta Army at your own pace. It's a nice idea if you wish to see more in less time.

Xi'an Terracotta Army Musuem Tour

What you can expect:

  • Your own guide, driver, and vehicle
  • Visit the attraction without any detours
  • Skip the long line
  • Get a closer view of the Terracotta Army
  • No shopping detours

Here are some sample itineraries for inspiration:

Further Reading

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