By Air
Multiple convenient options for international travelers reaching Xi'an from anywhere in the world.
Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY)
IATA Code: XIY | Location: 35km northwest of city center | Terminals: T1/T2 (domestic), T3 (international)
Airport to City Center
- Metro Line 14: 45 min to city center (9 CNY) — recommended
- Airport Shuttle: 70-90 min to South Gate (25-35 CNY)
- Taxi: 60-90 min, 150-200 CNY to downtown
Direct International Flights
| From | Airline | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore | Singapore Airlines | 5 hours |
| Seoul | Korean Air, Asiana | 2.5 hours |
| Bangkok | Thai Airways | 4 hours |
| Hong Kong | Cathay Pacific, HK Express | 3 hours |
| Taipei | China Airlines | 3.5 hours |
Transit via Shanghai (PVG) — Best for Most Travelers
Shanghai Pudong is China's major international hub with the most flight options. Combine your arrival with a high-speed rail journey to Xi'an:
- Flight: From your country → Shanghai Pudong
- High-speed rail: Shanghai Hongqiao → Xi'an North (4.5-6 hours, 660-900 CNY)
- Benefit: Often cheaper than direct flights, scenic journey, E-visa pilot zone available
Southeast Asia Connection via Shenzhen
Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX) is an excellent gateway connecting Southeast Asia to mainland China, with special focus on the growing China-Laos tourism corridor.
Lao Airlines: Shenzhen ⇄ Vientiane (万象)
The newly launched direct route connecting China and Laos, perfect for travelers wanting to combine temple tours with Xian's Terracotta Warriors.
- Route: Shenzhen (SZX) → Vientiane (万象, VTE)
- Airline: Lao Airlines (老挝航空)
- Frequency: Multiple weekly flights
- Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Regional Transit Routes via Shenzhen
| From | Transit | To Xi'an |
|---|---|---|
| Bangkok (BKK) | Shenzhen | Flight (3h) or High-speed rail |
| Ho Chi Minh (SGN) | Shenzhen | Flight (3h) or High-speed rail |
| Kuala Lumpur (KUL) | Shenzhen | Flight (3h) or High-speed rail |
| Phnom Penh (PNH) | Shenzhen | Flight (3h) or High-speed rail |
| Vientiane (VTE) | Shenzhen | Flight (3h) or High-speed rail |
Shenzhen to Xi'an Options
By Air
Duration: 3 hours
Price: 800-1500 CNY
Book: 12306.cn or airlines
By High-Speed Rail
Duration: 8-9 hours
Price: 900-1200 CNY
Route: Via Guangzhou South
By High-Speed Rail
China's world-class rail network offers comfortable and scenic journeys to Xi'an from major cities across the country.
Major Routes
| From | Duration | Price (2nd/1st Class) | Daily Trains |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing West | 4.5-5.5 hours | 515-800 CNY | 15-20 |
| Shanghai Hongqiao | 6-7 hours | 660-900 CNY | 10+ |
| Guangzhou South | 8-9 hours | 750-950 CNY | 5+ |
| Chengdu East | 3-4 hours | 420-650 CNY | 10+ |
| Zhengzhou East | 2 hours | 175-350 CNY | 20+ |
Xi'an Railway Stations
Xi'an North (西安北站)
Metro: Lines 2, 4, 14
Serves: High-speed trains
Location: North of city
Xi'an Station (西安站)
Metro: Lines 1, 4
Serves: Regular trains
Location: Near city center
How to Book Train Tickets
- Website: 12306.cn (English version available)
- App: Download "12306" — supports international mobile numbers
- Payment: International credit cards accepted
- Tip: Book 1-2 weeks ahead for popular routes
Visa & Entry Information
China offers visa-free entry to citizens of 50 countries, making Xi'an more accessible than ever.
30-Day Visa-Free Entry (50 Countries)
Europe (35)
UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Portugal, Greece, Switzerland, Austria, Poland, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and 23 more
Asia-Pacific (9)
Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Brunei, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman
Americas (6)
USA, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru
New Visa-Free Additions (2026)
Cambodia Turkey Philippines
These countries have recently been added to the visa-free program!
240-Hour Transit Visa-Free
Even if your country is not on the 50-country list, you may qualify for 240-hour transit visa-free:
- Duration: Up to 10 days in China
- Entry point: Xi'an Xianyang Airport is designated
- Coverage: Travel within 24 provinces allowed
- Requirement: Confirmed onward ticket to third country
Getting Around Xi'an
Efficient local transportation makes exploring Xi'an convenient and affordable.
From Airport to City Center
| Method | Duration | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro Line 14 | 45 min | 9 CNY | Recommended — fastest |
| Shuttle Bus | 70-90 min | 25-35 CNY | To South Gate area |
| Taxi/Didi | 60-90 min | 150-200 CNY | Use Didi app |
Metro System
Xian's subway is the fastest and most reliable way to navigate the city.
| Line | Key Attractions |
|---|---|
| Line 2 | South Gate, Bell Tower, North Railway Station |
| Line 4 | Big Wild Goose Pagoda, North Railway Station |
| Line 9 | Huaqing Palace |
- Hours: 6:00 — 23:00
- Cost: 2-7 CNY per trip
- Payment: Single journey tokens, mobile pay, or transport card
Taxi & Ride-Hailing
Didi (Chinese Uber)
Download: Before your trip
Interface: English available
Payment: Cash, Alipay, WeChat
Taxi Rates
Base fare: 8-10 CNY
Per km: ~2 CNY
Night: +20% after 23:00
Public Bus
- Cost: 2 CNY (regular), 5 CNY (AC)
- Bus 306: Railway Station → Terracotta Warriors (7 CNY)
- Note: Limited English — use translation app