Getting Around Xi'an: A Practical Visitor's Guide
Xi'an is a major city with a well-developed public transport network. The old walled city lies at the heart of Xi'an, with the Bell Tower marking the center. From there, four main streets radiate outward in the cardinal directions: North, East, South, and West Street. For navigating the city, you have several reliable options, each suited to different travel styles and destinations.
The Metro System
The metro is the easiest and most convenient way to get around Xi'an, especially if your destination is served by a line. A single metro ride costs ¥5. Before entering, expect bags to be x-rayed and water bottles to be scanned separately by security staff.
Xi'an has eleven metro lines serving different parts of the city:
- Line 1 runs east–west across the city
- Line 2 runs north–south, connecting Xi'an North Railway Station, the Bell Tower, and the Shaanxi History Museum area
- Line 3 serves the Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayanta station)
- Line 4 runs north–south, mostly to the east of Line 2
- Line 5 runs east–west in the southern part of the city
- Line 6 runs east–west, serving southwestern suburbs
- Line 8 forms a ring line around the city
- Line 9 serves the northeastern suburbs and the Terracotta Warriors
- Line 10 serves the northern suburbs
- Line 14 connects the airport with Xi'an North Railway Station
- Line 16 runs north–south in the western suburbs
To pay for metro fares, you can either purchase a single ticket at the station or use the Changantong card (长安通), which locals use and is more convenient for multiple journeys. You can obtain a Changantong card at any metro station with a valid ID and a process fee; ask staff at the reception desk for assistance. Alternatively, you can scan your phone using WeChat Pay or Alipay at the fare terminal, though this takes slightly longer than using a card.
Buses
Buses are plentiful throughout Xi'an and travel everywhere at short intervals. Regular buses cost ¥1 per ride regardless of distance, while air-conditioned buses (marked with a snowflake symbol) cost ¥2. Main bus lines typically run every 5–10 minutes.
For tourists, several bus lines are particularly useful. Bus #610 (also labeled "游8" or "Tourist #8") connects the railway station, the Bell Tower, the Small Goose Pagoda, Xi'an Museum, the Shaanxi Historic Museum, and the Big Goose Pagoda. This line is less frequent than some others, so you may occasionally wait longer. Bus #609 connects the Bell Tower, the South Gate, and the Big Goose Pagoda.
To help navigate bus routes, visit the Tourism Office Center near the Drum Tower, where you can request a free city map showing bus lines.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis (出租车, chūzūchē) are broadly available throughout the city and offer a reliable alternative if you are uncertain about navigation or prefer not to use packed buses. They are particularly useful during times when buses are less convenient. Taxis are generally inexpensive and widely available, though they may be harder to find during rush hours.
Walking
The old city inside the city walls is compact and walkable. The rectangular wall surrounds the historic core, making it easy to explore on foot. The four main streets radiating from the Bell Tower provide clear orientation.
Getting from the Airport to the City
Xi'an Xianyang International Airport is located approximately 40 kilometers northwest of the city center. You have several options for reaching the city:
By Metro: Line 14 of the Xi'an Metro runs directly from the airport to Xi'an North Railway Station (at the metro station named "Beikezhan (Beiguangchang)"), where you can connect to Lines 2 and 4, as well as to the long-distance rail network. This is a convenient and economical option.
By Taxi: Taxis are available at the airport and cost approximately ¥150 to the Bell Tower downtown. If you prefer a climatized Japanese black taxi rather than a standard green taxi, expect to pay ¥50–75 more. Both types of taxis wait at the same pickup location.
By Airport Bus: Airport buses operate from 08:00 until 01:00. A ticket costs ¥25 and the journey takes about one hour. Several bus lines serve different destinations, but the most useful are Airport Bus No. 1 (terminating near the Bell Tower area on West Street) and No. 2 (to the railway station). Buses depart as soon as they fill up, and as long as there is an arriving flight, a bus will be available—making this a reliable option even for late-night or early-morning arrivals.
To the Terracotta Warriors from the Airport: While getting to the Terracotta Warriors from the airport is more complex than reaching downtown, it is possible. You can take Airport Bus #2 (¥27) to Xi'an Railway Station, then board bus 306 to reach the Terracotta Warriors. Alternatively, a taxi costs approximately ¥85 plus tolls of ¥15.
Using Public Transport Effectively
For most journeys within Xi'an, the metro is your fastest and most comfortable option if your destination is on a line. Buses offer extensive coverage and are very affordable, making them ideal for shorter trips or areas not served by metro. If you are uncertain about your route or prefer a more direct journey, inexpensive taxis provide flexibility. During peak hours, the metro and buses can be crowded, so plan accordingly if you prefer less congested travel.