Xi’an Xianyang International Airport: Flights and How to Get

Written by Clementine | Updated September 11,2025

Xi’an Xianyang International Airport is located in Xianyang City, approximately 35 km northwest of the city center of Xi’an. The airport currently has 3 terminals, and passengers can easily transfer between them using the free shuttle buses, with a transfer time of 3-5 minutes.

Xian Xianyang International Airport has established aviation business relationships with 62 domestic and international airlines, offering a total of 313 routes that cover more than 170 cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Nanjing, Zhangjiajie, Hong Kong, Macau, Seoul, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Osaka, Los Angeles, and many more. This makes it very convenient for people to get to Xian by plane.

• Xi’an Xianyang International Airport Address: Dizhang Town, Weicheng District, Xianyang City, Shaanxi Province
• Xi’an Xianyang International Airport Code: XIY
• Major Airlines: China Eastern Airlines, Hainan Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Tianjin Airlines, Joyair, Shenzhen Airlines

Content Preview

• • • Check-in Time at Xian Xianyang International Airport
    • Terminals at Xi’an Xianyang International Airport
    • Domestic Flights to Xian
    • Regional & International Flights to Xian
    • Visa-free Transit in Xi’an
    • How to Plan a Xian Tour from Xian Airport
    • Xian Xianyang International Airport Transportation
    • Public Services & Facilities at Xian Xianyang International Airport Transportation
    • FAQs about Xian Airport
    • Plan Your Perfect Xian Trip with China Xian Tour

Check-in Time at Xian Xianyang International Airport

For domestic flights, the check-in process at Xi’an Airport begins 180 minutes before the scheduled departure time and closes 40 minutes before take-off. It is advisable to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight.

For international flights, the check-in process starts 90 minutes before the scheduled departure time and closes 40 minutes before take-off. You’re suggested to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before your international flight.

Terminals at Xi’an Xianyang International Airport

Xi’an Xianyang International Airport currently has three terminals: T1, T2, and T3. T1 and T2 started operations in 1991 and 2003 respectively, primarily handling domestic flights. T3, which commenced operations in 2012, serves both international and some domestic flights, in which the first floor is the arrival hall and the second floor is the departure hall.

The newly constructed T5 Terminal, also known as the East Terminal, has been completed and is expected to be operational in the second half of 2024. The East Terminal features both departure and arrival functions on its two floors, covering an area of 700,000 square meters – more than twice the combined area of the existing T1, T2, and T3 terminals. Upon completion, the airport’s annual passenger handling capacity is projected to reach 83 million people.

Domestic Flights to Xian

Xi’an Xianyang International Airport operates numerous domestic flights, connecting to major cities across the country, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Chongqing, and more. The table below displays some of the domestic cities served by direct flights to XIY.

Regional & International Flights to Xian

Xi’an Xianyang International Airport is very rich in international flights, which connect Xi’an with many important international cities such as Moscow, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Singapore, Los Angeles, and so on. International travelers can take direct international flights to Xi’an.

These international flights provide convenience for tourists to plan a trip to Xi’an. In addition, people from Hong Kong and Macau can also take direct, stopover or connecting flights to Xian. Here are some popular flight schedules for your reference.

Visa-free Transit in Xi’an

Since December 2024, a 240-hour visa-free policy has been implemented for travelers from 54 countries. Foreign visitors who have a layover in Xi’an with an international connecting flight to a third country can have a China tour to the designated cities within 240 hours (10 days). This policy is an upgrade of the former 144-hour visa-free transit starting from December 1, 2019.

How to Plan a Xian Tour from Xian Airport

If you’re considering a tour in Xian, taking advantage of the 144-hour visa-free transit policy offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. Here’s a guide to help you plan a perfect Xian tour.

2-Day Xian Tour:

Begin your day at the awe-inspiring Terracotta Army, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Marvel at the life-sized soldiers, horses, and chariots that have guarded Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s tomb for over two millennia. Afterward, visit the ancient City Wall, a well-preserved fortification offering panoramic views of the city. Conclude your day at the Muslim Quarter, immersing yourself in its bustling markets and savoring local delicacies.

Most of Xi’an’s major attractions can be explored within 2 days, including the Terracotta Warriors, the City Wall, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the Muslim Quarter, the Shaanxi History Museum, and the Tang Dynasty Show. You can marvel at life-sized soldiers, horses, and chariots that have guarded the tomb of Qin Shi Huang for over two thousand years. Biking on the ancient city wall offers a panoramic view of the city. Explore bustling markets and savor local cuisine in the Muslim Quarter.

3-Day Xian Tour:

If you have more time, you can extend your Xian trip by visiting Mt. Huashan, one of the Five Great Mountains in China, famous for its steep hiking trails. Or, you can visit the enchanting Hanyangling Museum, showcasing Han Dynasty tombs and artifacts.

With careful planning, you can make the most of your Xian tour under the convenient 144-hour visa-free transit policy, ensuring a memorable journey through China’s historical gem.

Recommended Xian Tours:

• Best Xian Day Tour
• One-Day Xian Tour to Terracotta Army+City Wall+Muslim Quarter
• 2 Days Essence Xian Tour Package
• Mt. Huashan Exploration Day Tour by High-speed Train

Xian Xianyang International Airport Transportation

Xi’an Xianyang International Airport has convenient transportation options, allowing travelers to reach the Terracotta Warriors, the train station, and the city center using airport shuttle buses, metro, and taxis.

Xian Xianyang International Airport to Terracotta Warriors

The Terracotta Warriors are approximately 70 kilometers away from the airport. Visitors can opt for a combination of airport shuttle bus and city bus (2 hours/costs 34 RMB): take the airport shuttle bus to Lintong and transfer to Bus 602 to get off at the Bingmayong Station.

Or you can choose the metro and city bus (2.5-3 hours/costs 15 RMB): Take Metro Line 14 – Get off at Xian North Railway Station and transfer to Metro Line 2 – Get off at Beidajie and transfer to Metro Line 1 – Get off at Fangzhicheng – Transfer to take Lintong Tourism Line No. 613 – Get off at the Terracotta Warriors. This is the cheapest way from the airport to the Terracotta Warriors.

Of course, taxis are the most convenient way to get from Xi’an Airport to the Terracotta Warriors, and also the most expensive. The journey takes about 70-80 minutes and costs about 200-250 RMB.

Xi’an Xianyang International Airport to Xian City Center

Xianyang Airport provides shuttle buses to Xi’an city center at 25 RMB. The earliest bus generally departs at 8:20 in the morning, with the final destination being the Bell Tower Hotel, taking about 80 minutes for the entire journey. If you plan to go directly to the Shaanxi History Museum, you can take the bus departing at 10:00 (buses depart every hour).

With the opening of Metro Line 14, independent travelers now have a more convenient option to travel from the Xian Airport to the Xian downtown. You can take Metro Line 14 at the airport and get off at Xi’an North Station, where you can transfer to popular destinations such as the Bell Tower and Xiaozhai on Metro Line 2. Ticket prices vary depending on where you get off the station, ranging from about 2 RMB to 7 RMB.

Alternatively, you can choose to take a taxi to the city center, which is the most convenient option. Below are reference prices from Xi’an Airport to some popular attractions in the city center:

Note: If you take a taxi from Xi’an Airport during peak hours (07:00-09:00 & 17:00-19:00), you may encounter traffic congestion. Please allow ample time to ensure a smooth journey.

If you want a faster, safer, and more comfortable airport transfer, please click Xian Airport Transportation to find out details about airport car rental. You can also see more Xian Car Rental services.

Public Services & Facilities at Xian Xianyang International Airport Transportation

Currency Exchange

Xian Xianyang International Airport offers a currency exchange service.

Service Hour:

T2 Terminal: 8:30 – 21:30

T3 Terminal: 6:00 – 21:30

Locations: Luggage carousel area, Arrival Hall of T2, Gate 322 of Departure Hall of T3, Security Check Area of International Departing Hall of T3.

ATMs

T1: Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) in the Departure Hall.

T2: Agricultural Bank of China (ABC), China Construction Bank (CCB), Bank of Communications (BCM), Postal Savings Bank of China (PSBC), Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), and Bank of China (BOC) at Gate 224 in the Departure Hall.

T3: Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), China Construction Bank (CCB), Postal Savings Bank of China (PSBC), Bank of Communications (BCM), Agricultural Bank of China (ABC), and Bank of China (BOC) at Gate 322 in the Departure Hall.

GTC: China Construction Bank (CCB).

Mobile Charging

Charging stations and shared power banks are available in the departure and arrival halls of each terminal.

WiFi

Free WiFi service is available at Xian Airport. You need to have a China mobile phone number to receive the password for connecting to the internet.

Nursery Room

The nursery provides mothers with a private space for changing diapers, breastfeeding, or temporary rest.

Locations:

T1 Terminal: Behind the security checkpoint.

T2 Terminal: Opposite Gate 9 within the security zone.

T3 Terminal: Available at various locations including opposite Gate H40, opposite Gates H13 and H08, near Starbucks on the second floor of South Concourse, and opposite Gate H22 on the first floor of South Concourse.

Additional Services: Provide diapers for passengers (babies).

Luggage Storage

Locations: The Departure Hall of T2 and the International Departure Hall of T3

Restaurants

There are KFC (6:00-23:00), Burger King, Pizza Hut, Subway, coffee, and some Chinese restaurants at T2 and T3.

Lost and Found

Service Hours: 09:30-18:00 (Monday to Friday)

Hotlines: T2: 029-88796107 / T3: 029-88796675

Locations: Departure Hall of T2 Terminal, Departure Hall of T3 Terminal

Police Office

Passengers can apply for temporary boarding certificates and seek help in case of emergencies here.

Locations: Departure Hall of T2 Terminal; Next to the VIP security checkpoint on the second floor of the Departure Hall in T3 Terminal

Hotlines: 029-88796219 (T2), 029-88790754 (T3)

FAQs about Xian Airport

Which terminal is international at Xian Airport?

It is T5 Terminal. Since February 20, 2025, all international flights have been transferred to the T5 Terminal for operation.

Does Singapore Airlines fly to Xian?

There are a few flights from Singapore to Xian, but they are not direct flights and usually require a transfer at Beijing or Shanghai. Singapore Airlines (SQ) operates the connecting flights with China Eastern Airlines (MU). The flight time is 11 – 12 hours.

How can I transfer between terminals within the airport?

For passengers transferring between T2, T3 and T5, there are free rainbow shuttle buses at gate 213 in T2, at gate 316 in T3 and at gate 512 in T5. For passengers who accidentally enter the wrong terminal, the express shuttle buses are available at gate 224 in T2, at gate 326 in T3 and at gate 533 in T5. If you are inside the quarantine area, the airside transfer shuttle bus can take you to transfer directly between the boarding gates of different terminals without undergoing security checks again. Passengers can also take the metro line 14 between Jiachang Xi Station and Jichang Station to transfer between T1, T2, T3 and T5.

How early should I arrive for my flight?

To ensure you board the flight smoothly, at least 2 hours is needed for domestic flights and 3 – 4 hours for international flights to finish check-in, consignment, security check and other necessary procedures.

Are there special procedures for carrying large power banks?

According to the latest regulation in 2025, it is prohibited to carry power banks without the 3C certification, those with unclear 3C markings, or those from recalled models and batches. As for energy limits, power banks ≤100Wh can be carried directly, while for those >100Wh and ≤160Wh, each passenger can carry two at most. And those >160Wh are prohibited. Besides, the power banks can only be carried in the cabin and are not allowed to be put in the checked baggage. If your power bank does not meet the requirements, you can store it at the temporary storage area in Terminals T2, T3, or T5 for free for up to 7 days or use the SF Express service.

Is a short layover enough to visit Xi’an attractions (e.g., the Terracotta Army)?

If your layover time is less than 8 hours, it is strongly not recommended, because a round-trip between the airport and the Terracotta Army needs over 2.5 hours, and the travel time is much less after deducting the time of handling procedures. And if you have more than 8 hours, you can have a trip to the downtown area, but a reasonable plan is also necessary.

Plan Your Perfect Xian Trip with China Xian Tour

Xian is an ancient capital city integrating the ancient charm with modernity perfectly. No matter you plan a layover tour or a city tour, as a travel agency based in Xian, we can help you plan a satisfying itinerary at a reasonable price according to your preferences. Also, we can assign an experienced guide and a driver to ensure a happy and smooth travel experience. So contact China Xian Tour now!