Travel Guide

Xi'an Airport Transfer Guide

How to get from Xi'an Xianyang International Airport to city center. Metro, bus, taxi options with prices and travel times.

Xi'an Airport Transfer Guide

How to get from Xi'an Xianyang International Airport to city center. Metro, bus, taxi options with prices and travel times.

8-10 min read Updated May 18, 2026 Transport Guide

Getting to Xi'an from the Airport

Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (西安咸阳国际机场, XIY) is located about 25 kilometers northwest of the city center. Here are your options for reaching downtown Xi'an.

Quick Summary

Metro (Recommended): 45 min, 7 CNY
Airport Bus: 60-90 min, 25-35 CNY
Taxi/Didi: 60-90 min, 150-250 CNY

Option 1: Metro (Best Value)

Line 14 connects the airport directly to Xi'an North Railway Station with no transfers.

DetailInformation
Travel Time~45 minutes
Price7 CNY
FrequencyEvery 8-10 minutes
Operating Hours6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
DestinationXi'an North Railway Station

How to Use the Airport Metro

1 Exit Arrivals

Follow signs for "Metro" (地铁) after you collect your luggage.

2 Buy Token

Use the ticket machine, select "北客站" (North Railway Station). English available.

3 Take Line 14

Platform is clearly marked. The metro runs every 8-10 minutes.

4 Transfer if Needed

At North Railway Station, you can transfer to Line 2 (Bell Tower) or Line 4 (Daming Palace).

Pro Tip

Buy an "One Day Pass" (15 CNY) or "Three Day Pass" (40 CNY) at the airport metro station if you plan to use the metro frequently. Unlimited rides for the duration!

Option 2: Airport Bus

Airport buses run from the airport to several locations in the city.

RoutePriceDurationFirst/Last
Airport → South Street (南梢门)25 CNY60-90 min6:00 AM / 9:00 PM
Airport → East Street (建国路)25 CNY60-90 min6:30 AM / 9:00 PM
Airport → High-Tech Zone35 CNY60-90 min8:00 AM / 7:00 PM
Airport → North Railway Station25 CNY50-70 min8:00 AM / 8:00 PM

Where to Find Airport Buses

Exit the terminal and look for the bus stops outside Arrivals Gate 5. Tickets are sold at the bus station counters inside the terminal.

Option 3: Taxi / Didi

Official Taxis

Didi (Recommended)

Beware

Only use official taxis (white/green/blue) from the taxi stand or book through the Didi app. Avoid unlicensed taxis approaching you inside or outside the terminal.

Comparison Table

OptionPriceTimeBest For
Metro Line 147 CNY45 minBudget travelers, solo
Airport Bus25-35 CNY60-90 minHotel near bus stop
Didi100-180 CNY60-90 minGroups, convenience
Taxi150-250 CNY60-90 minLate arrivals, luggage

Getting from City to Airport

Metro

Take Line 2 to Xi'an North Railway Station, then transfer to Line 14 (direction: 机场西). Total: ~60 minutes, 7 CNY.

Airport Bus

Buses leave from South Street and other locations. Book through the "Xi'an Airport Bus" WeChat mini-program or buy tickets at the bus stop.

Didi/Taxi

Book through Didi app or catch a taxi. Allow 90 minutes due to traffic.

Essential Phrases for Airport Transfers

我要去西安市区
Wǒ yào qù Xī'ān shìqū
I want to go to downtown Xi'an
到钟楼多少钱?
Dào Zhōnglóu duōshao qián?
How much to Bell Tower?
请到...酒店
Qǐng dào... jiǔdiàn
Please take me to the... hotel (show address)
地铁站在哪里?
Dìtiě zhàn zài nǎlǐ?
Where is the metro station?

Related Guides

Before You Go

Essential preparation tips for your Xi'an adventure

Getting Around

Complete transportation guide for Xi'an

Food & Dining

Where to eat and what to try in Xi'an

Frequently Asked Questions

Best way from airport to downtown?

Metro Line 14: 40 min, 7-9 RMB. Didi/taxi: 80-120 RMB, 40-60 min. Airport shuttle: 25 RMB.

Taxi cost from airport?

80-120 RMB plus 10 RMB surcharge. Avoid unlicensed drivers inside the terminal.

Metro connection to airport?

Yes, Line 14 connects directly. Transfer at Xi'an North to Line 2 for Bell Tower. About 1 hour total.

Shuttle bus from airport?

Line 1 to Bell Tower, Line 2 to Xi'an North. 25 RMB, 60-90 min. Runs first to last flight.

How early to arrive at airport?

Domestic: 2 hours. International: 3 hours. Security lines long during peak hours.