How to get from Beijing to Xian
Beijing to Xi’an is a classic China route. Choose between fast G/D high-speed trains, time-saving flights to XIY, atmospheric overnight sleepers, budget long-distance buses, or a private car/charter if you want door-to-door flexibility. Use the step-by-steps and map links below to plan smoothly.
At A Glance (Beijing to Xian)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🚄 High-Speed Train (Beijing South → Xi’an North) | ~4h30–6h (direct G/D trains) | Speed, comfort, city-center to city-edge |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~CNY 515–1,000 (2nd→1st/business) » compare trains | Trip.com (tickets) | ||
| ✈️ Flight (PEK/PKX → XIY) + Airport Rail/Transfer | ~2h flight + ~45–70m into city | Fastest when flight times align |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~CNY 400–1,200 one-way (seasonal) » search flights | Trip.com fares | ||
| 🚆🌙 Overnight Sleeper Train (Beijing West → Xi’an Station) | ~11–12.5h | Budget + arrive central in the morning |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~CNY 180–600 (hard seat→soft sleeper) » check night trains | Trip.com (sleeper) | ||
| 🚌 Long-Distance Bus (Overnight) | ~12–14h (traffic-dependent) | Lowest fares when rail/air sold out |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~CNY 250–450 (seat class/operator) » compare buses | ||
| 🚐 Private Car/Charter (Door-to-Door) | ~11–13h (+ breaks) | Groups, lots of luggage, custom stops |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~CNY 3,500–6,500 per vehicle » get quotes | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest overall door-to-door: High-speed train—frequent, comfortable, reliable.
- Latest arrival or fare deals: Fly to XIY, then airport rail/transfer to downtown.
- Budget + save a day: Overnight sleeper train—sleep on the move, arrive central.
- When everything’s sold out / tight budget: Long-distance bus.
- Door-to-door & custom itinerary: Private car/charter (consider sharing cost with a group).
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Buy early for weekends/holidays: Trains sell fast—compare on 12Go or Trip.com; flights on Booking.com Flights.
- Transfers & ride-hailing: Use Didi in both cities. For fixed-price private rides, check GetTransfer.
- Seat classes: HSR has 2nd/1st/business; sleepers are hard/soft (open vs. compartment). Choose for comfort vs. price.
- Luggage & dayrooms: If sightseeing before departure, consider hotel day-use near stations (compare on Booking.com Beijing / Booking.com Xi’an).
- Tours on arrival: For the Terracotta Army and city highlights, browse GetYourGuide or Klook.
🚄 Option #1 — High-Speed Train (G/D) Beijing South → Xi’an North (Most Popular)
Fast Frequent Assigned seats
- Overview: Direct G/D trains depart Beijing South Railway Station (BJS) to Xi’an North Railway Station (XAB). Clean, on-time, power sockets, snack trolleys.
- How to book (with price): ~CNY 515–1,000 depending on class/date. Compare and book on 12Go or Trip.com. Official: 12306 (China Railway).
- Pros: Fastest city-to-city; many departures. Cons: Xi’an North is outside the center (but metro connection is easy).
Step-by-step: High-Speed Train
- Get to Beijing South Railway Station by metro/taxi (arrive 40–60 minutes early for ticket pickup/ID check).
- Buy e-tickets on 12Go or Trip.com; select seat class and preferred departure.
- Board your G/D train; keep passport handy. Enjoy 4.5–6 hours of comfortable ride.
- Arrive at Xi’an North; follow signs to Metro Line 2 or meet your hotel transfer/ride-hail.
Getting to the main embarking points (Beijing South & Xi’an North)
- Beijing South: Connected to metro Lines 4 & 14; taxis and Didi at the forecourt.
- Xi’an North: Metro Line 2 heads directly toward Bell Tower/Muslim Quarter area.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
✈️ Option #2 — Flight (PEK/PKX → XIY) + Airport Rail/Transfer (Fastest Airtime)
Short flight Many daily Airport transfer needed
- Overview: Fly from Beijing Capital (PEK) or Daxing (PKX) to Xi’an Xianyang (XIY). Then take airport rail/bus or a private transfer to downtown.
- How to book (with price): From ~CNY 400–1,200 each way. Compare fares on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com. For XIY→city, browse Klook transfers or fixed quotes on GetTransfer.
- Pros: Quick airtime, wide choice of departures. Cons: Total time similar to HSR once airport transfers/security are included.
Step-by-step: Flight
- Reach PEK or PKX by metro/airport express, taxi, or Didi (allow ample time for security).
- Book and check in online via Booking.com Flights or compare on Trip.com.
- On arrival at XIY, take the airport rail/bus to Xi’an North/Bell Tower area, or meet a prebooked transfer/Didi.
- Head to your hotel and drop bags before sightseeing.
Getting to the main embarking points (PEK/PKX & XIY)
- Beijing airports: Capital (PEK) serves most international; Daxing (PKX) is south of the city with a fast new metro link.
- Xi’an airport: XIY is ~35–45 km from downtown; rail/bus/transfer options well signposted.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚆🌙 Option #3 — Overnight Sleeper Train Beijing West → Xi’an Station (Budget + Time-Saver)
Saves daytime Central arrival Older rolling stock
- Overview: Classic Z/T/K sleepers run from Beijing West Railway Station to Xi’an Railway Station (near the city walls). Choose soft sleeper for the most comfort.
- How to book (with price): ~CNY 180–600 depending on class/date. Compare on 12Go or Trip.com. Official: 12306 (China Railway).
- Pros: Night travel saves a hotel; arrive centrally in the morning. Cons: Slower; shared cabins unless booking entire compartment.
Step-by-step: Overnight Sleeper
- Go to Beijing West Railway Station by metro/taxi (arrive 45–60 minutes early for ID check and platform gates).
- Book a soft/hard sleeper via 12Go or Trip.com; request lower berths if motion-sensitive.
- Board, keep valuables close, lights dim after departure; attendants exchange your ticket for a berth card.
- Arrive at Xi’an Railway Station; walk/taxi/metro to the Bell Tower/Muslim Quarter in minutes.
Getting to the main embarking points (Beijing West & Xi’an Station)
- Beijing West: Served by metro Lines 7 & 9; multiple security checks—pack liquids smartly.
- Xi’an Station: At the north end of the old city walls; buses, metro, and taxis outside.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚌 Option #4 — Long-Distance Bus (Overnight, Cheapest When Rail/Air Are Full)
Budget Many daily Longest travel time
- Overview: Overnight coaches link Beijing (major bus terminals) with Xi’an bus stations. Reclining seats, AC, rest stops along the expressway.
- How to book (with price): ~CNY 250–450. Compare departures on 12Go or ask at your hotel for the current terminal for Xi’an-bound services.
- Pros: Cheap, last-minute option. Cons: Less comfort/sleep; timing varies with traffic.
Step-by-step: Long-Distance Bus
- Confirm your Beijing bus terminal (routes can shift); go by metro/taxi with passport and cash/app payment.
- Buy/collect your ticket (seat class) at the counter or via 12Go.
- Board 20–30 minutes before departure; keep valuables on you and expect several rest stops.
- Arrive at a Xi’an bus station; connect by metro/taxi to your hotel.
Getting to the main embarking points (Beijing terminal & Xi’an bus station)
- Beijing: Use metro for most terminals, then short walk; Didi for late departures.
- Xi’an: Local buses/metro lines connect stations to the old city.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚐 Option #5 — Private Car/Charter (Door-to-Door Flexibility)
Door-to-door Custom stops Most expensive
- Overview: Charter a sedan/MPV/van for the whole corridor. Handy for families, lots of luggage, or multi-stop sightseeing en route.
- How to book (with price): ~CNY 3,500–6,500 per vehicle depending on size/season. Compare fixed quotes on GetTransfer. Within cities, Didi works well for short hops.
- Pros: Zero transfers; your schedule. Cons: Much pricier; long day on the road.
Step-by-step: Private Car/Charter
- Request quotes with pickup/drop addresses and timing on GetTransfer; choose vehicle size (luggage count matters).
- Confirm inclusions (tolls, fuel, driver hours, night surcharges) and payment method.
- Share exact pickup pin and keep messaging open; schedule rest/meal stops along the expressway.
- Arrive directly at your Xi’an hotel—no station/airport transfers needed.
Getting to the main embarking points (Door-to-door)
- Pickup in Beijing: Any hotel/airport/rail station; drivers track delays if you land that morning.
- Drop in Xi’an: Downtown (Bell Tower, Muslim Quarter) or hotels near the city walls.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Beijing to Xian)
High-speed train or flight—which is quicker door-to-door?
HSR is ~4.5–6 hours station-to-station and avoids airport transfers; flights are ~2 hours in the air but total time is similar once you add security and the XIY→city leg.
Which stations do I use?
High-speed: Beijing South → Xi’an North. Overnight sleepers: Beijing West → Xi’an Railway Station (central).
How far is XIY from downtown?
About 35–45 km; airport rail/bus/transfer options take ~45–70 minutes.
Can foreigners buy train tickets online?
Yes via authorized platforms like Trip.com or 12Go. You’ll need your passport; some routes still require station ID verification.
Is there luggage storage near stations?
Large stations often have lockers/counters; alternatively, consider hotels near the station via Booking.com Xi’an for day-use/early check-in.
What’s the best area to stay in Xi’an?
Near the Bell Tower/Muslim Quarter for sights and food, or near Xi’an North if you’re transiting by HSR. Compare options on Booking.com.