How to get from Xi’an Xianyang Airport to Terracotta Army
Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) to the Terracotta Army (Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum) is easy once you choose your mode: budget-friendly bus combo via downtown, quick metro + tourist bus, a direct taxi/ride-hail/private transfer, or a guided tour with pickup. Use the step-by-steps and map links below.
At A Glance (Xi’an Xianyang Airport to Terracotta Army)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🚌 Airport Shuttle → Xi’an Railway Station + Tourist Bus 306 | ~1h–1h15 to station + ~1h bus | Lowest cost, easy landmarks |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~CNY 25–40 total (shuttle ~CNY 25 + 306 bus ~CNY 10–15) | ||
| 🚇🚌 Airport Metro (Line to Beikezhan/Xi’an North) → Metro to Xi’an Railway Station + 306 | ~1h10–1h30 total to station + ~1h 306 | Predictable frequency, budget |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~CNY 20–30 metro + ~CNY 10–15 bus | ||
| 🚖 Taxi / Ride-hailing / Private Transfer (Door-to-door) | ~1h15–1h45 (traffic) | Fastest & simplest with luggage |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~CNY 220–380 per car (time/vehicle dependent) » get quotes | Welcome Pickups (check availability) | ||
| 🧭 Guided Tour with Airport/Hotel Pickup | ~6–8h (half-day/day tour) | Hassle-free, expert guide |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~CNY 350–900 pp (shared/private, inclusions vary) » compare tours | Klook options | Trip.com activities | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest/Most Convenient: Taxi/ride-hailing or private transfer from XIY straight to the museum entrance.
- Cheapest: Airport shuttle to Xi’an Railway Station + Tourist Bus 306.
- Predictable frequency (no waiting for shuttle): Metro to downtown + 306.
- Guided experience: Join a tour for commentary and skip-the-line style logistics (varies by product).
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Tickets & timing: Terracotta Army is popular—aim to arrive early. Many tours include timed entry; compare options on GetYourGuide, Klook, or Trip.com.
- Ride-hailing: DiDi works widely in Xi’an; for fixed English quotes consider GetTransfer.
- Cash & connectivity: Mobile payments dominate, but keep some cash for buses. Download offline maps; coverage can dip outside the city.
- Luggage: If going straight from the airport, pack light or ask a tour/driver to keep luggage. If overnighting after, compare Xi’an hotels on Booking.com.
🚌 Option #1 — Airport Shuttle → Xi’an Railway Station + Tourist Bus 306 (Cheapest)
Lowest cost Simple landmarks Two vehicles
- Overview: From XIY, take the airport shuttle to Xi’an Railway Station (East Square). Walk to the signed stop for Tourist Bus 5/306 to the Terracotta Army (terminus near ticket office).
- How to book (with price): Pay onboard/in person: shuttle ~CNY 25; 306 ~CNY 10–15. For alternative transfers or backups, you can prebook a city transfer on Klook or GetYourGuide.
- Pros: Very cheap, runs frequently. Cons: One interchange; 306 can be busy at peak times.
Step-by-step: Shuttle + Tourist Bus 306
- From arrivals at XIY, follow signs to the official Airport Shuttle Bus stands and board the line for Xi’an Railway Station.
- Ride to the East Square of Xi’an Railway Station; walk to the clearly marked stop for Tourist Bus 5/306.
- Pay the conductor/driver and stay aboard to the last stop near the Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum entrance area.
- Follow signs to the ticket/security check and onward to Pits 1–3 & Bronze Chariots Hall.
Getting to the main embarking points (Airport & Xi’an Railway Station East Square)
- Airport shuttle stands: Immediately outside terminal exits (look for “Airport Bus”). Staff guide you to the right line.
- 306 bus stop: On the East Square of Xi’an Railway Station, signed as Tourist Bus 5/306.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚇🚌 Option #2 — Metro to Downtown + Tourist Bus 306 (Predictable, Budget)
Frequent Budget One transfer
- Overview: Take the Airport Metro/Intercity line toward the city (common interchange at Xi’an North Railway Station/Beikezhan), then metro to Xi’an Railway Station and connect with Tourist Bus 5/306.
- How to book (with price): Tap a transit card/QR; expect ~CNY 20–30 metro fares total + CNY 10–15 for 306. If you prefer a booked city transfer to the station, compare on Klook or GetYourGuide.
- Pros: Trains run frequently and are traffic-proof. Cons: More walking/stairs with luggage vs. shuttle.
Step-by-step: Metro + 306
- From XIY, follow signs to the metro/rail station and board the airport line toward the city (look for trains to Beikezhan/Xi’an North).
- Transfer onto city metro lines to reach Xi’an Railway Station (station names shown in English).
- Exit to the East Square and board Tourist Bus 5/306 to the Terracotta Army terminus.
- Walk into the museum area and follow signage to the main pits.
Getting to the main embarking points (Airport Metro & Xi’an Railway Station)
- Airport metro: Connected by walkways from arrivals; buy a ticket or scan a transit QR.
- Xi’an Railway Station: Use exits leading to East Square for the 306 stop.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚖 Option #3 — Taxi / Ride-hailing / Private Transfer (Fastest Door-to-Door)
No transfers Best with luggage Higher cost
- Overview: Go straight from XIY to the Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum by taxi, DiDi, or a prebooked car. Drivers drop at the main visitor area.
- How to book (with price): Taxi/DiDi typically CNY 220–380 per car depending on traffic/time. For fixed English quotes and larger vehicles, compare GetTransfer (Xi’an). You can also check availability on Welcome Pickups.
- Pros: Fastest, easiest with kids/elders. Cons: Costly vs. bus/metro; traffic at peak hours.
Step-by-step: Direct Car
- From XIY arrivals, follow signs to the official taxi queue or request a DiDi to the museum (search “Terracotta Army” or the museum’s full English name).
- If prebooking, enter flight number and arrival time on GetTransfer to arrange meet-and-greet.
- Ride ~1h15–1h45 via expressways; pay tolls if required (usually included in fixed quotes).
- Get dropped at the visitor entrance area and walk to ticket/security.
Getting to the main embarking points (Airport & Museum)
- Airport pickup: Use the signed taxi ranks or rideshare zones outside arrivals.
- Museum drop-off: Use the main visitor parking/drop area near the ticket hall.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🧭 Option #4 — Guided Tour with Pickup (Most Informative)
Expert guide Hotel/airport pickup Fixed schedule
- Overview: Join a small-group or private tour with transport, guide, and flexible time at the pits. Many operators can arrange airport pickup if you land in the morning.
- How to book (with price): ~CNY 350–900 per person depending on group size and inclusions. Compare itineraries on GetYourGuide, Klook, and Trip.com.
- Pros: Seamless logistics, rich context. Cons: Less DIY flexibility; departure times fixed.
Step-by-step: Tour Day
- Select a tour with clear inclusions (tickets, lunch, pickup point) and confirm airport pickup if needed.
- Share flight details or hotel address with the operator; keep messaging app active on arrival.
- Meet your guide/driver at arrivals or your hotel lobby and drive directly to the museum.
- Tour the pits and exhibitions; return to your chosen drop-off (airport/hotel/train station).
Getting to the main embarking points (Airport/Hotel Pickup)
- Airport meet: Guide holds a sign in arrivals; some providers wait at a designated curb.
- Hotel pickup: Most downtown Xi’an hotels are within the pickup zone; outlying areas may incur a supplement.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Xi’an Xianyang Airport to Terracotta Army)
How long does it take from the airport to the Terracotta Army?
About 1h15–1h45 by car depending on traffic; ~2–2.5 hours with shuttle/metro plus Tourist Bus 306.
Is Tourist Bus 306 the same as Bus 5?
Yes—“Tourist Bus 5/306” refers to the same service from Xi’an Railway Station East Square to the Terracotta Army.
Can I go directly after landing?
Yes. If you land early, a direct taxi/transfer is simplest. If landing midday, shuttle/metro + 306 also works—just check museum closing times.
Where do I buy tickets?
At the museum ticket office or included with tours. Many tours on GetYourGuide, Klook, and Trip.com bundle entry and guiding.
What about luggage?
Travel light if heading straight from XIY. If staying in Xi’an after, consider checking into your hotel first (browse options on Booking.com) and then visiting.
Any tips inside the museum?
Start with Pit 1 (largest), continue to Pits 2 & 3, then the Bronze Chariots Hall. Early morning or late afternoon light is best; weekdays are quieter.