Traveling from Beijing to Xi’an is one of the most popular routes for visitors to China. If you’re planning to explore both cities, choosing the right transportation is certainly a priority.
You may face questions like: how to travel between them? Should I take a high-speed train (also called a bullet train) or a flight? How much do they cost? How can I secure a ticket?
For most first-time travelers, the high-speed train is the best option. This article will answer those questions and give you more information necessary for a perfect Beijing to Xi’an trip.
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- How Far Is Beijing from Xi’an?
- Beijing to Xi’an: High-Speed Train vs Flight
- Beijing to Xi’an High-Speed Train
- Beijing to Xi’an Flight
- Beijing and Xi’an Transportation Hubs
- Can You Drive from Beijing to Xi’an?
- Explore Beijing and Xi’an with China Xian Tour
- FAQs About Traveling from Beijing to Xi’an
How Far Is Beijing from Xi’an? Distance, Travel Time & Cost
Beijing and Xi’an are about 900 km (560 miles) apart in a straight line. However, the actual distance by road is approximately 1,080 km (670 miles).
So it usually takes around 4 hours by high-speed train, around 2 hours by flight (5 hours if plus the time spent on transferring to/from the airport, security check, etc.), 11.5-13 hours by overnight train, and 12-14 hours by car.
The travel time and cost vary depending on your transportation choice:
Transportation |
Travel Time |
Approximate Cost |
High-speed train |
4.5-6 hours |
RMB 480-600 (USD 67-83) for second class |
Flight |
About 2 hours in the air (5-7 hours door to door) |
RMB 500-1,200 (USD 70-165) one way |
Overnight sleeper train |
11.5-13 hours |
RMB 300-400 (USD 42-55) for sleeper berth |
Self-driving |
12-14 hours |
Around RMB 1,400 (USD 195) including fuel and highway fees |
If you prefer a more budget-friendly trip, the Beijing to Xi’an bullet train offers the best balance of speed, comfort, and price. If you just happen to travel during airline promotion season, flight tickets can sometimes be at a similar price to high-speed train tickets.
Visit Beijing's Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven, hike Mutianyu Great Wall, then speed to Xi'an by high-speed train for Terracotta Warriors and ancient City Wall cycling.
Beijing to Xi’an: High-Speed Train vs Flight
Indeed, many travelers’ first thought is: “Isn’t flying faster?” However, once you include the time needed for airport transfers, security checks, waiting time, and other processes, it turns out that the high-speed train is actually the more time-efficient and hassle-free choice.
Therefore, it is not enough to just compare the time spent on the way. Comparing the entire journey from door to door is better.
The travel time and cost vary depending on your transportation choice. Here’s a more detailed list for reference:
Comparison |
Flight |
High-Speed Train |
Total door-to-door time |
About 5-7 hours |
About 5-6 hours |
On-time performance |
More affected by the weather and air traffic |
More reliable |
City transportation |
Airports are usually farther from downtown |
Closer to the city center, shorter transfer time |
Ticket price |
About RMB 500-1,200/ USD 70–167 (prices vary significantly) |
About RMB 480-600/ USD 67–84 for a second-class seat |
Luggage |
More restrictions during security checks |
Easier and more convenient to carry luggage |
Recommendation |
★★★★ |
★★★★★ |
If this is your first China tour and you expect to minimize transfers and arrive on time, you might prefer the high-speed train.
However, if you are able to secure a rather cheap flight ticket or need to connect with an international flight, then we’d suggest taking a flight to travel from Beijing to Xi’an.
In fact, over 90% of visitors have chosen the high-speed train. It is punctual, with convenient metro connections at both Beijing and Xi’an stations. So the overall travel experience is usually better than flying.
Beijing to Xi’an High-Speed Train: Schedule, Ticket Prices & Booking Guide
High-speed train is considered the best way to travel from Beijing to Xi’an. With frequent departures, fast travel times, and comfortable seats, it is also widely liked by international travelers.
How Many High-Speed Trains from Beijing to Xi’an Run Daily?
Currently, the schedule for high-speed trains running between Beijing and Xi’an is convenient, with more than 20 G-series trains every day. And there are additional services during peak travel periods.
Trains usually operate from around 6:30 AM to 7:00 PM. The fastest train takes about 4 hours and 10 minutes to reach Xi’an North Railway Station from Beijing.
Ticket Price Reference:
- Second-class seat: About RMB 480-600 (USD 67-83)
- First-class seat: About RMB 760-950 (USD 105-132)
- Business-class seat:RMB 1,550+ (USD 215+)
Prices are not fixed but vary slightly depending on the train and seat type. During peak travel periods and holidays, popular trains (those with shorter travel duration and a more reasonable slot) could sell out in advance.
How Can Foreign Travelers Buy High-Speed Train Tickets?
The official platform for foreign visitors to buy tickets is China Railway 12306.
When booking, you’ll need to use your passport for real-name ticket registration. In most cases, you can enter the station by scanning your passport directly, without printing a paper ticket.
However, at some stations, passport scanning may not work. If this happens, use the staffed channel next to the gates.
For popular travel dates, such as the May Day holiday and National Day holiday, it is recommended to book your tickets at least 15 days in advance.
Beijing to Xi’an Flight: Schedule, Ticket Prices, & Booking Guide
Although the flight time from Beijing to Xi’an is only about 2 hours, whether it can be an ideal option still depends on airport transportation, waiting time, and flight punctuality.
If you find a discounted flight ticket or need to connect with an international flight, it’s more advisable to fly from Beijing to Xi’an.
How Much Time Does a Beijing to Xi’an Flight Take?
The typical flight process includes:
- Arriving at the airport about 2 hours before departure
- Around 2 hours of flight time
- Collecting luggage after landing
- About 1 hour to reach downtown Xi’an
Therefore, it can take a total of 5-7 hours to travel from your hotel in Beijing to your hotel in Xi’an. It is not significantly faster than taking the high-speed train.
How Can Foreign Travelers Buy Flight Tickets?
It is most convenient for foreign travelers to purchase tickets through the airline’s official websites. You’ll need a passport for both booking and check-in.
A tip for finding cheaper flights: airfares are often lower from Tuesday afternoon to early Wednesday morning. The most expensive tickets are often set on Fridays and Sundays as they are the peak travel days. If possible, try to avoid flying during these days for better deals.
Visit China's golden triangle of Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai, covering imperial palaces, ancient terracotta warriors, and futuristic skylines in just eight unforgettable days.
Beijing and Xi’an Transportation Hubs: Stations, Airports & City Transfers
Transportation connections greatly affect your travel experience. To plan a smooth and comfortable journey, it is important to know the locations and transportation options to/from the main railway stations and airports in advance.
Main Railway Stations for Beijing to Xi’an Travel
Beijing departure stations:
- The main station for Beijing to Xi’an high-speed trainsdepart from Beijing West Railway Station. Metro Lines 7 and 9 directly reach the station.
- Beijing Fengtai Railway Station also has some high-speed trains. You’ll need a 50-minute taxi ride to travel from the city center.
- Beijing North Railway Station and Qinghe Railway Station only have a few service It is unlikely you’ll depart from these two stations. Beijing North Railway Station is connected by Metro Lines 2, 4, and 13. Qinghe Railway Station can be reached by Metro Line 13.
Xi’an arrival stations:
- Most high-speed trains arrive at Xi’an North Railway Station, which is about 15 km from the city center (Bell Tower area). You can take Metro Line 2 and Line 4 to downtown from this station. The estimated travel time is around 30 minutes, and the journey costs about RMB 4 (USD 0.55).
- A small number of trains arrive at Xi’an Railway Station. It is closer to the ancient city wall. You can take Metro Line 4 first and transfer to Metro Line 6 to arrive at the Bell Tower.
Airports for Beijing to Xi’an Flights
Beijing airports:
- Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK): About 25-30 km from downtown Beijing. 40-50 minutes by car.
- Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX): About 46-50 km from downtown Beijing. 50-70 minutes by car.
Xi’an airport:
Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) is the main airport serving Xi’an. It is about 40 km from downtown. After arrival, the following options can easily take you to the city center:
- Metro Line 14 and transfer to Line 2(~1h 20min, RMB 10/ USD 1.4)
- Airport shuttle buses(~60-90min, RMB 25/ USD 3.5)
- Taxi(~50-60min, RMB 100/ USD 14)
From the airport, you can go to the Bell Tower in about 1h 20min by metro. Going to the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda takes about 1.5h by metro.
How to Connect to Your Next Xi’an Itinerary
If you plan to visit the Terracotta Warriors the next day, it’ll be better for you to stay near Bell Tower or Yongning Gate the night before. These areas are perfect starting points for a day tour or to take transportation to the attraction.
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Can You Drive from Beijing to Xi’an?
For travelers who prioritize freedom and flexibility, which allows them to explore attractions along the way, renting a car does sound perfect.
The driving distance between Beijing and Xi’an is about 1,100 km (680 miles), and the whole journey usually takes around 12-14 hours of continuous driving.
In most cases, it is recommended to split the trip into at least two days, so that you can avoid a tiring long-distance drive while also getting plenty of time to explore the cities and sightseeing spots that you’ll pass by.
However, for first-time international visitors to China, self-driving is usually not the most recommended option.
It needs more complex preparation, such as rental procedures, navigation, understanding local traffic rules and dealing with highway conditions. Most importantly, you’ll need to get a temporary Chinese driving license.
The high-speed train is generally faster, easier, and more convenient for most travelers.
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Explore Beijing and Xi’an with China Xian Tour
When traveling to Beijing and Xi’an, high-speed train, flight, or self-driving are all convenient transportation options available for you to choose from. However, for most travelers, the high-speed train is certainly the best choice for its ideal performance in speed, comfort, and convenience.
Still, you may feel that booking tickets, arranging transfers, and connecting transportation are difficult to manage by yourself. Don’t worry, China Xian Tour is here, ready to help. We’ll make sure you enjoy a smoother journey with expert assistance in transportation arrangements and trip planning. So reach out to us right now!
FAQs About Traveling from Beijing to Xi’an
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions from international travelers planning a trip from Beijing to Xi’an.
What is the best way to get from Beijing to Xi’an?
For most travelers, the high-speed train is the best way to travel from Beijing to Xi’an. And flights are not necessarily faster than high-speed trains.
The train offers a good balance of speed, comfort, price, and convenience, and it’s more punctual than other modes of transportation.
Although the flying time takes only about 2 hours, you’ll need to go through many other procedures, which makes the total travel time similar to taking the train.
How early should I book Beijing to Xi’an high-speed train tickets?
In most cases, it’ll be enough to book about 7 days in advance. However, if your trip to China coincides with the peak seasons, such as the May Day holiday, National Day holiday, and Chinese New Year, we would suggest that you book as early as possible.
How many days should I spend in Beijing and Xi’an?
Both destinations have a great number of attractions. So a classic Beijing-Xi’an itinerary usually takes 7-9 days:
- Beijing: 4-5 days
- Xi’an:2-3 days
If you have more time, you can continue your trip to other popular cities such as Chengdu or Shanghai. They are also conveniently connected by high-speed trains and are worth visiting.
Explore Beijing's Forbidden City and Mutianyu Great Wall, speed to Xi'an for Terracotta Warriors and Muslim Quarter food, then reach Chengdu for adorable pandas.
