The gateway to northwest China, Shaanxi is the bridge that connects eastern with western, and northern with southern China, and right at the centre of this is the provinces bustling capital city of Xian. With an effective, modern and ever expanding road, rail and air transportation network, getting to and around Xian will be a breeze.

Cycling is a great way to explore the beautiful city of Xi'an!

Our XianTransportation Guide provides you with all the information you need to know about getting around in Xian. Use our guide to find a variety of ways to get to your chosen Xian tours & activities. For for some handy hints on travel in China see our China Transportation Guide.

Xian Transportation Guide

Getting to Xian

By Air

Xianyang International Airport (XIY), located in the neighbouring city of Xianyang, serves Xi'an as well. It is 50 km (about 31 miles) to the northwest of downtown Xi'an. It services 68 daily domestic flights from China's most frequented destinations as well as 25 international flights.

The fourth busiest airport in China, XIY services international flights from 10 Asian cities. Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Korea and Japan run flights to and from XIY. Macao and Hong Kong are also connected to XIY.

Several international flights from the rest of the world have been introduced in recent times. 2005 saw the introduction of flights from America, Britain, Canada, France and Germany with transfers at Beijing. 2006 saw the addition of eight more international routes from America, Asia and Europe, this time via Shanghai. XIY has now become the western Chinese airport with the highest number of international connections.

There is a café, a restaurant and many duty free shops in Xianyang International Airport. Shuttle buses ferry passengers back and forth between the city and the airport at a fee of 26 Yuan per person. Taxis are also available at the slightly higher cost of 100 to 120 Yuan.

By Train

Xi'an Railway Station is one of the most important railway stations in China's domestic railway system. Xi'an lives up to its reputation of being the gateway to the northwest by being the main junction between northwest and southwest China, and also connecting eastern and western China.

The Xi'an Railway station is located in the northern part of the city. It is a 30-minute car ride from downtown Xi'an. For a more economical ride, there are buses available at every main street and the bus ride costs between 1 to 2 Yuan. The taxi ride from the city centre costs a little less than 10 Yuan. However，you have to walk a little because the taxis are not allowed to park in front of the railway station.

The very few English speaking staff and the crowds at the ticket windows make ticket purchasing a little difficult for overseas travellers. It is advisable to buy tickets a week in advance if possible, especially during peak tourist seasons. Another option is to use the travel services offered at all star-rated hotels. They make the necessary purchases for a small service charge.

By Bus

Xi'an is very well connected by road in every direction. 300 counties and cities in 18 provinces are connected to Xi'an by long distance buses. The long distance bus terminal in Xi'an is southwest of the railway station and is known to be one of the best stations in China. Passengers normally buy tickets on the day of travel.

Though travelling by bus is much cheaper than by air or train, overseas visitors are advised to avoid this mode of transport for the sheer hardship and fatigue it brings on. Travelling by air or by trains is more advisable.

Getting around Xian

By Taxi

Taxis in Xi'an are usually green in colour. They can be hailed in the city's streets and lanes. Taxi rates vary, depending on the model of the vehicle and the time of the day.

During the day, the flag down rate of a Santana 2000, Santana, Jetta and Citroen ZX is 6 Yuan for the first 2 km (1.2 miles) with an addition of 1.5 Yuan for every increasing kilometre (0.6 mile). At night after 11 pm, the rate changes to 7 Yuan and 1.8 Yuan for every additional kilometre. There is an additional charge for waiting too, with every five-minute wait increasing the per kilometre rate. The more superior taxis such as the Zhonghua, Passat, Oriental Sun and the Honggi charge 8 Yuan for the first 2 km and 2.4 Yuan for every additional kilometre.

Though taxi drivers use the meter within the city, for travel outside the city limits visitors are advised to fix an amount before travelling. Trips to the airport, the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum etc. would fall in this category. It is also recommended that visitors write down their destination in Chinese since English speaking taxi drivers are rare.

By Bus

Xi'an's commuter system is very well developed. Public buses are the main mode of daily transport and since most of them are self-service, it is wise to keep some change ready. Tickets are usually 1 to 2 Yuan per person. Mini buses charge between 0.5 to 4 Yuan, depending on the distance. It is important to take care of all belongings, as pickpockets are known to frequent bus routes, stealing from both visitors and residents.

Visitors will find bus route number 610 very convenient. Starting at the railway station, this bus line goes past almost all the well-known locations. The Bell Tower, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the Drum Tower, Daxingshan Temple, Qujjang Ocean World, Revolution Park, Shaanxi Provincial History Museum, Small Wild Goose Pagoda, and Tang Paradise all fall on this route. Tickets cost 1 Yuan per person and there are halts near the entrance of all these locations.

Another convenient bus line is Tour line 5, which runs between the railway station and the Terracotta Warriors Museum, the mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang being a pass-by stop. Round-trip tickets cost 8 Yuan while a one-way ticket costs 5 Yuan.

Walking

A great way to get around Xi'an is on your own two feet. Walk around this relatively small and compact city taking in the sights and sounds as you lose yourself in the ambiance of the city.

Cycling

Just like walking, cycling is a great and healthy option for getting around Xi'an. Hire a bike, and take to the roads... but take care on the cities busy streets!