Xi'an Transportation Guide: How to Get Around?

Getting from Point A to Point B isn't difficult, thanks to the robust Xi'an transportation system that connects most of the major attractions and can help you explore the city and beyond. Whether you opt to take buses, taxis, trains, or bicycles, this guide will help you learn how to get around Xi'an in no time.

A tower on the Xi'an City Wall

Transportation Methods in Xi'an

Many of the city's major attractions, like the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and the Xi'an Tang Paradise, are located around the same area, so if you time your day right, you can visit several of them all at once. If you need to travel between destinations, you have plenty of options.

Taxi

A taxi in Xi'an

Taxis are an easy and convenient way to get around Xi'an. Official taxis that go around the city come in two colors: green and yellow, and yellow or blue with a white stripe. The official taxis are easy to recognize, with a 'taxi' sign on the top of the vehicle.

Flagging down a taxi is a common way to get a ride. The starting fare is between 9 and 10 RMB, and there is an additional cost per kilometer. You can also use the ride-sharing app 'Didi', which is just like Uber in China.

Pros of Taxis:

Taxis are a convenient way to get around, and you'll usually find many in the downtown core. You can always flag down a cab if you miss the last bus or train. You can also reserve your taxi in advance for early airport visits.

Cons of Taxis:

Many taxi drivers won't be able to make change, so you'll need to use smaller bills. You can also pay over WeChat or AliPay. You might also encounter issues with drivers who don't want to use the meter and instead want you to pay a flat fee for your trip. Taxi drivers may not speak English, although they should know where major destinations are around Xi'an.

Bicycle

Bike on the Ancient City Wall

Why not get a little bit of extra exercise while you're on vacation? Xi'an is a very bikeable city, and there are bike lanes on many streets downtown. You can also bike on the Xi'an City Wall, which is an excellent experience and a fun way to appreciate the ancient area of this city.

There are several ways to rent bikes in Xi'an, and you can pay through Alipay or WeChat, making it an exceptionally easy and convenient way to get around.

Pros of Bicycles:

Riding a bike can be a tourist activity in its own right. It is a fun way to see the city and exercise at the same time, and it tends to be cheaper than taking a taxi.

Cons of Bicycles:

It can take longer to get to your destination, and not all streets have bike lanes on them.

Bus

Xi'an's buses run very regularly in the downtown area. With 500 operational lines, you're likely to find one that drops you very close to your destination. Depending on where you're going, buses will start running around 6 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. and finish between 7:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. Holidays may affect the bus schedule, so always check in advance.

You can pay for buses in a few different ways, such as purchasing a Xi'an Public Transporation Card or paying the driver directly. A single bus ride usually costs 2 RMB. You can also use Alipay or WeChat to pay for your fare, and both the buses and metro have self-service QR code scanning. Simply look for the “Xi'an Ride Code” on WeChat to activate the QR code, or go to Alipay's 'Transport' section, select Xi'an in the top-right corner, and activate the electronic card for metro and bus travel.

Pros of the Bus:

There are many local buses that you can take to get where you need to go, plus tourist buses that travel to different areas of interest, including the Terracotta Army Museum. You can also find a sightseeing bus that will take you around to all of Xi'an's top areas.

Cons of the Bus:

The buses stop running around 11 p.m., making them a difficult or impossible choice for people with late-night activities. Some buses don't have signage in Chinese or English, so you'll need to know your destination in both languages when riding.

Metro

Avoid the above-ground traffic and head beneath the streets. The Xi'an metro is a simple way to get around and great for avoiding gridlock during rush hour. You can buy several different types of tickets, including single-journey, one-day, and three-day passes. If you're planning on traveling a lot during the day or over the course of a few days, it's wise to purchase a pass, as it will save you time at the ticket booth.

Metro lines run between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m., and trains are incredibly efficient. Depending on your destination, they arrive every five to ten minutes.

Pros of the Metro:

The metro is one of the easiest ways to get around, especially in rush hour traffic. It runs on a tight schedule, and the signage is generally in Chinese and English.

Cons of the Metro:

The metro can get really crowded between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., and there can be crimes of opportunity, like pickpocketing, on crowded trains. It also closes at 11 p.m.

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Popular Attractions on the Metro Line

The Bell Tower in Xi'an

There are ten subway lines throughout Xi'an, and eight of them lead to tourist attractions. Knowing which lines to go to will help you plan your journey around Xi'an.

• Metro Line 2: Multiple attractions at Yongningmen Station, including Shuyanmen Street and the best place to climb the Xi'an City Wall. You can also visit the Xi'an Museum at Nanshaomen Station.
• Metro Line 3 and 4: The Shaanxi History Museum at Xiaozhai Station, the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, and Tang Paradise at Giant Wild Good Pagoda Station.
• Metro Line 1: The Bell Tower at Bell Tower Station and Sajinqiao Food Street at Qiaozikou Station
• Metro Line 9: The Terracotta Warriors Museum at Qinling West Station
• Metro Line 8: The Xi'an Museum and Small Wild Goose Pagoda at Nanshaomen Station
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How to Get to Other Places From Xi'an

Xi'an Railway Stations

A cabin of a bullet train

Xi'an has three railway stations: the Xi'an Railway Station, the Xi'an North Railway Station, and the Xi'an South Railway Station. Using these trains, you can find high-speed trains to different destinations in China, including Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, and Shanghai. High-speed trains are an excellent way to get around the country.

Xi'an Xianyang International Airport

Just 40 kilometers from Xi'an city center, the Xi'an Xianyang International Airport is a hub for domestic flights to places like Beijing, Chongqing, and Harbin and international flights to Hong Kong, Seoul, and Helsinki. You can easily get between the airport and Xi'an by taxi or metro.

Getting Around Xi'an is Easy and Convenient

Xi'an is a world-class city with some of the best transportation options available in the country. Whether you're cruising around on two wheels, making your way to your destination underground, or using the comprehensive bus system, it's easier than you think to get around. We can empower you to travel confidently and create personalized itineraries for a smooth trip. Contact us or email us at trip@odynovotours.com to get started today.