Getting Around Xi’an: The Complete Transportation Guide
Introduction
Xi’an is more compact than Beijing or Shanghai — the historic core (inside the Ming-era City Wall) is only 84 square kilometers, and most major attractions are within a 30-minute radius. That said, the city’s layout (a grid inside a massive square wall) can be disorienting for first-time visitors. This guide covers every way to get around Xi’an: the efficient Metro, the convenient Didi, the tourist buses to the Terracotta Army, and the unforgettable experience of cycling atop the 600-year-old City Wall.
Xi’an Metro: Clean, Cheap, and Covering the Essentials
Overview
Xi’an has 8 Metro lines (with more under construction). It’s clean, safe, and cheap (¥2–¥6 per ride). For the average tourist, the Metro will handle most of your in-city transport needs.
Fares
| Distance | Fare (¥) |
|---|---|
| 0–6 km | 2 |
| 6–10 km | 3 |
| 10–14 km | 4 |
| 14–20 km | 5 |
| 20+ km | 6 |
How to Pay
- Single-Ride Token: Buy at vending machines in station lobbies. Most machines have English interface. ¥2–¥6.
- Xi’an Metro Card (Jiaotong Ka / 交通卡): ¥100 deposit + credit. Tap in and out. Available at Customer Service centers.
- Alipay/WeChat Pay QR Code: Open the app → “Transport” (出行) → select “Xi’an Metro.”
Key Metro Lines for Tourists
| Line | Key Stops for Tourists | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Line 2 | Bell Tower, South Gate (Yongning Gate), North Gate | The main north-south line through the city center. Essential. |
| Line 3 | Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayanta), Xiaozhai | Goes to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda — crucial for that visit. |
| Line 4 | Xi’an North Railway Station | Connects to the high-speed rail station. |
| Line 1 | Fangzhicheng (transfer to Terracotta Army bus) | Follow this for the cheap public transport option to the Terracotta Army. |
| Metro Line 14 (Airport Line) | Airport, North Railway Station | Connects the airport to the city. ¥16. |
Metro Tips
- Rush Hour: 7:30–9:30 AM and 5:30–7:30 PM are crowded on Lines 2 and 3. Avoid if possible.
- Exits: As in all Chinese cities, the exit you choose matters. Check the station map before you exit.
- Metro Man App: Available in English for route planning.
Didi: The Best Way to Get Around Xi’an
Using Didi in Xi’an
Didi works well in Xi’an. The app interface is the same as in Beijing/Shanghai (see our Beijing Getting Around guide for detailed setup instructions).
Typical Didi Costs in Xi’an
| Route | Express (¥) | Comfort (¥) |
|---|---|---|
| Within city center (3–5 km) | 10–25 | 20–40 |
| City center to Terracotta Army | 80–120 | 120–180 |
| City center to Haxi North Railway Station | 40–60 | 60–90 |
| City center to Airport | 100–150 | 140–200 |
Xi’an is noticeably cheaper than Beijing or Shanghai for Didi rides.
Didi Tips
- Screenshot your destination in Chinese and show it to the driver.
- The Terracotta Army trip: Many Didi drivers will wait for you (for a fee, typically ¥50–¥80). Negotiate this before you start the trip back.
- Surge pricing: Rare in Xi’an compared to Beijing/Shanghai, but can happen during rain or holidays.
Getting to the Terracotta Army: Detailed Options
The Terracotta Army is 40 km east of Xi’an. Here are your options:
Option 1: Tourist Bus 5 (Bus 306) — Budget Option
- Take Metro Line 1 to Fangzhicheng Station (the eastern terminus).
- Exit the station and look for Bus 306 (marked “Tourist Bus 5” in English too).
- The bus takes 50–60 minutes and costs ¥7. It drops you at the Terracotta Army parking area.
Pros: Cheap, straightforward.
Cons: Can be crowded. No a/C in older buses.
Option 2: Didi — Convenience Option
A Didi from the city center to the Terracotta Army costs ¥80–¥120 one-way. The driver may offer to wait for you (¥50–¥80 for 3–4 hours). This is often worth it — you’re guaranteed a ride back, and you don’t have to navigate the bus system.
Option 3: Organized Day Tour — Hassle-Free Option
Many companies offer day tours that include transport, guide, and lunch. Search on [GetYourGuide affiliate link] or [Klook affiliate link].
Cost: ¥200–¥400 per person.
Includes: Round-trip transport, English-speaking guide, entrance ticket, lunch.
Xi’an City Wall: A Unique Transport Experience
Cycling on the City Wall
The Xi’an City Wall is the most complete ancient city wall in China — 13.7 km in circumference, 12 meters tall, and 15–18 meters wide at the top. You can cycle the entire loop — a spectacular 2–3 hour experience.
Bike Rental:
- Standard bicycle: ¥45 for 2 hours.
- Electric bike: ¥90 for 2 hours.
- Deposit: ¥200 (refundable) or leave your passport.
Where to rent:
- South Gate (Yongning Gate): The most popular. Best renovation, evening light show.
- East Gate, West Gate, North Gate: Also have rental stations.
Tips:
- Sunset rides are spectacular. The light on the wall and the view over the city rooftops is magical.
- Bring water. The wall is exposed — no shade on most sections.
- The full loop takes 2–3 hours by bike. If you only want to do a section, rent at the South Gate, cycle 3–4 km east or west, and return to the South Gate.
Walking on the City Wall
If cycling isn’t your thing, walking on the wall is also spectacular. A full 13.7 km walk takes 4–5 hours. Most people walk a 2–3 km section.
Buses in Xi’an
Tourist Bus Lines
| Bus | Route | Cost (¥) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Bus 5 (Bus 306) | Train Station → Terracotta Army | 7 | Most popular. Metro Line 1 to Fangzhicheng, then bus. |
| Tourist Bus 6 (Bus 307) | Train Station → Huaqing Hot Springs | 8 | Goes to Huaqing Hot Springs (near the Terracotta Army). |
City Buses
Xi’an has an extensive city bus network. As elsewhere in China, it’s challenging for non-Chinese speakers. Use the Metro or Didi instead.
Walking in Xi’an: One of China’s Most Walkable Cities
Where Walking Works Best
Inside the City Wall: The area within the Ming-era City Wall is compact and walkable. The Bell Tower, Drum Tower, Muslim Quarter, and the South Gate are all within 2 km of each other.
The Muslim Quarter: Best explored on foot. The narrow alleys (Beiyuanmen Street and side alleys) are pedestrian-only (or mostly so).
The City Wall: As described above — walking or cycling on the wall itself is a unique experience.
Walking Tips
- The City Wall defines the city. If you get lost, head toward the wall — you can then orient yourself (the Bell Tower is at the center, the South Gate is south, etc.).
- Summer heat: Xi’an gets very hot in summer. Bring water and a hat. Avoid midday walking in June–August.
- Winter cold: Xi’an gets very cold in winter. Dress warmly — the wall is exposed and windy.
Getting to/from Xi’an’s Airport
From Xianyang International Airport (XIY) to City Center
| Method | Cost (¥) | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro Line 14 (Airport Line) | 16 | 40 min | Budget travelers, those near a Metro station |
| Airport Shuttle Bus | 25–30 | 60–90 min | Those staying near a shuttle route |
| Taxi | 100–150 | 45–90 min (traffic) | Those with luggage, groups |
| Didi Express | 90–140 | 45–90 min | Those comfortable with the app |
Our recommendation: If you’re staying near a Metro station, take Metro Line 14. If you have luggage or are staying in the city center (not near a Metro station), take a Didi.
Getting to/from Xi’an’s Railway Stations
Xi’an North Railway Station (for high-speed trains)
- Metro: Line 4 goes directly to Xi’an North Station.
- Didi: ¥40–¥60 from the city center.
Xi’an Railway Station (for conventional trains)
- Metro: Line 4 goes to the Railway Station.
- Didi: ¥20–¥40 from the city center.
Transportation Apps Summary
| App | Purpose | English Support |
|---|---|---|
| DiDi (via Alipay) | Ride-hailing | Partial |
| Alipay | Payment + transport mini-programs | Partial |
| Apple Maps / Baidu Maps | Navigation | Apple Maps: Good; Baidu: Chinese only |
| Trip.com | Train and flight booking | Full English |
| Metro Man | Metro route planning | English |
Final Transportation Tips
- Xi’an is compact. Unlike Beijing (which sprawls endlessly), Xi’an’s core is walkable and Metro-accessible. You can see a lot without spending much on transport.
- The City Wall bike ride is unmissable. Even if you only have 2 days in Xi’an, make time for this. It’s one of the best experiences in the city.
- Didi is cheaper than in Beijing/Shanghai. Budget travelers can afford Didi more easily in Xi’an.
- Carry cash as backup. ¥200–¥300 in small bills.
- Ask your hotel. Your hotel concierge is your best transportation resource. They can book Didi, print maps, and give real-time advice on traffic.
Last updated: July 2026