Xian Subway/Metro: Lines, Prices, and How to Buy Tickets

Written by Clementine | Updated October 22,2025

The Xi’an Metro, serving the city of Xi’an with its urban rail transit system, has developed into the backbone of transportation in the northwest region since 2011. Currently, the Xi’an Metro system consists of 9 lines, covering multiple important areas of the city, with a total operating length exceeding 300 kilometers and nearly 200 stations. As of December 31, 2023, the highest daily passenger volume of the Xi’an subway was 4.7 million people.

The operational subway lines include Line 1, Line 2, Line 3, Line 4, Line 5, Line 6, Line 8, Line 9, Line 14, and Line 16. Besides, Lines 10, and 15 are currently under construction.

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• Xi’an Metro Logo
• Xi’an Metro Lines in Operation
• Xi’an Metro Ticket Price
• Xi’an Metro Ticket Types
• How to Plan a Xian Tour Using Xian Metro?
• Essential Tips for Riding the Xi’an Metro
• FAQs about taking a Metro in Xian
• Plan Your Xian Trip with China Xian Tour

Xi’an Metro Logo

The logo of Xi’an Metro looks like a seal as a whole. The white part adopts the shape of Xi’an’s iconic building – the Ancient City Wall. The oval on the inside represents both the city gates of the wall and the design of the subway tunnel. Together, they form an “M” shape, which is the internationally recognized symbol of metro systems. The walls extending outward on both sides of the Xi’an Ming City Wall resemble rivers and blood vessels, symbolizing the vibrant vitality and growth of the metro system.

Station Sign

Xi’an Metro is the only subway system in China that sets up individual logos for each station. These designs appear on station pillars, prominent locations within the station, platform screen doors, directional signs, etc., along with station names written in the Kai font (楷体, a regular script).

Xi’an Metro Lines in Operation

Major Line 1 Stations: Xianyangxi (Xianyangxi Railway Station) – Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine – Shanglinlu – Fenghe Forest Park – Sajinqiao – Beidajie – Wulukou – Kangfulu – Tonghuamen – Banpo – Fangzhicheng

Major Line 2 Stations: Caotan – Xi’anbei (Xi’an North Railway Station) – Xingzheng Zhongxin (Administrative Center) – Shitushuguan (Public Library) – Daminggongxi  (Daming Palace West) – Beidajie – Zhonglou (Bell Tower) – Nanshaomen – Tiyuchang (Shaanxi Stadium) – Xiaozhai – Changninggong

Major Line 3 Stations: Yuhuazhai – Kejilu – Xiaozhai – Dayanta (Giant Wild Goose Pagoda) – Qinglongsi (Qinglong Temple) – Xianninglu – Changlegongyuan (Changle Park) – Tonghuamen – Chanbazhongxin – Shuangzhai – Baoshuiqu

Major Line 4 Stations: Xi’anbei (North Railway Station) – Xingzheng Zhongxin (Administrative Center) – Daminggong (Daming Palace Site of Tang Dynasty) – Xi’an Railway Station – Wulukou – Dachaishi – Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology – Dayanta (Giant Wild Goose Pagoda) – Hangtianxincheng

Major Line 5 Stations: Matengkong – Qinglongsi (Qinglong Temple) – Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology – Nanshaomen – Northwestern Polytechnical University – Fengqing Park – Epanggong South – Happy Valley – Chuangxingang

Major Line 6 Stations: Xi’an Guoji Yixue Zhongxin (International Medical Central Hospital) – Shaanxi Provincial Gymnasium – Mutasi – Ganjiazhai – Keji Road – Northwestern Polytechnical University – Bell Tower – Dachaishi – Fangzhicheng

Major Line 8 Stations: Shitushuguan – Wanshoulu – Zhiwuyuan – Hanyao – Qujiangchixi – Dianshita – Shengtiyuguan – Kejierlu – Yanpingmen – Kaiyuanmen

Major Line 9 Stations: Fangzhicheng – Fenghuangchi – Yingwusi Park – Xi’an Polytechnic University (Lintong Campus) – Huaqing Pool – Qinling West

Major Line 14 Stations: Airport West (T1, T2, T3) – Airport T5 (Closed) – Xi’an North Railway Station – Wenjingshan Park – Xi’an Technological University – Olympic Sports Center – Shuangzhai – Heshao

Major Line 16 Stations: Qinchuangyuan Center – Shanglinlu – Xi’an International Football Center -Happy Valley – Shijingli

Operation Time of Xi’an Metro

Xi’an Metro Ticket Price

Xi’an Metro adopts a distance-based fare system. The initial fare is RMB 2 for up to 6 kilometers (inclusive of 6 kilometers), which means RMB 2 for 0-6 kilometers. For distances between 6 to 10 kilometers, the fare is RMB 3; for 10 to 14 kilometers, it is RMB 4; for 14 to 20 kilometers, it is RMB 5; for 20 to 26 kilometers, it is RMB 6. For distances exceeding 26 kilometers, an additional RMB 1 is charged for every 8 kilometers traveled.

The highest ticket price in the Xi’an subway system is RMB 13 (Chuangxingang Station/Qinling West Station – Airport West Station).

Passengers using the Xi’an metro card (Local Public Transport Card) to ride the metro enjoy a 10% discount. If each adult passenger carries two children less than 130cm tall (inclusive of 130 centimeters) or under the age of 6 years old (inclusive of 6 years old), children will be free of charge. If more than two children are brought along, tickets must be purchased for the additional passengers.

Xi’an Metro Ticket Types

Single Journey Tickets: Single journey tickets are not eligible for discounts. They are collected by the ticket gates upon exiting the station. Single journey tickets purchased at metro stations can be refunded if they are unused, the ticket is intact, and the ticket information is legible. Refunds can be processed at any metro station on the day of purchase.

Xi’an Electronic Metro Card: Passengers can buy Xian metro tickets through Alipay or the Xi’an Metro APP.

One-Day Pass: The ticket price is RMB 15. Passengers can ride all Xi’an Metro lines unlimited times within 24 hours from the first entry through the ticket gate. The ticket cannot be used by multiple people simultaneously. The ticket will not be collected upon exiting and can be kept as a souvenir.

Three-day Pass: The ticket price is RMB 40. Passengers can ride all Xi’an Metro lines unlimited times within 72 hours from the first entry through the ticket gate. The ticket cannot be used by multiple people simultaneously. The activation time of the ticket starts from the first use at the entry gate. If the ticket is not activated from the date of purchase, it remains valid for use within 2 years.

Learn more information on How to Get to and Travel around Xian.

How to Plan a Xian Tour Using Xian Metro?

If you are planning a trip to Xi’an using the local metro, you need to know the subway lines and the tourist attractions they cover. For most of the time, you can find the suitable routes based on your Xian itinerary. For example, you can visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the Tang Paradise together by taking Metro Line 3 to and get off at Dayanta Station. If you’re visiting the Bell Tower and the Muslim Quarter, take Metro Line 2 and get off at the Zhonglou Station.

For the visit to Terracotta Warriors, it is a bit complicated, you can take Metro Line 1 to Fangzhicheng, transfer to Lintong Tourism Line No. 613, and get off at the Bingmayong Bus Station. With the convenient metro in Xian, tourist is able to easily shuttle between the major attractions and their hotels. Enjoy a cheap and worry-free journey in Xian!

Metro Line 2: The Ancient City Core (Bell Tower, North Railway Station)

Xian metro line 2 traverses the north and south of Xian. It connects Xian North Railway Station with several famous tourist attractions in Xian. Tourists can get to Bell Tower and Muslim Quarter in Zhonglou Station, Xian City Wall in Yongningmen Station, Small Wild Goose Pagoda and Xian Museum in Nanshaomen Station and Shaanxi History Museum in Xiaozhai Station. So it is renowned as the underground golden travel route.

Metro Lines 3 & 4: Pagodas and History (Giant Wild Goose Pagoda)

Both metro Line 3 and Line 4 have a stop at Dayanta Station. After exiting, tourists will see the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda standing in front of them. And after passing through the scenic area, you will arrive at the Datang Everbright City. Besides, travelers can get off at Datangfurongyuan Station by Line 4 to reach Tang Paradise. In these scenic areas, you will feel like travelling back to the prosperous Tang Dynasty.

Metro Line 9: Gateway to the Terracotta Warriors

Metro Line 9 connects Xian with Lintong District, where the Terracotta Warriors is located. To get there, tourists can take metro line 9 to Qinlingxi Station exit C and take bus line 617 to Bingmayong Erchechang stop. Another choice is to get off at Huaqingchi Station and leave from exit C, then transfer to bus line 602 to Qinbingmayong stop. Huaping Palace is also a famous scenic spot along the line. After getting off at Huaqingchi Station exit C, you will reach there directly.

Metro Line 14: Airport & Sports Center Express

Metro line 14 is an important transportation line, because it connects Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) and Xi’an North Railway Station, the two large transportation hubs in the city. 

Essential Tips for Riding the Xi’an Metro

Payment Methods for Tourists (Beyond Single Tickets)

In Xian, it is very convenient to take a ride by scanning the code through apps like Alipay and Xian Metro APP. After downloading and registering for Alipay, add your international credit card, find the travel or transportation section, set the city to “Xian”, and then follow the prompts to activate the metro code. When entering and leaving the station, scan this code, it will calculate the fee automatically. Xian Metro App can log in directly with an Alipay or Wechat account, so it supports Alipay and Wechat Pay. After login, click the Ride button on the home page to obtain the metro code. For domestic travelers, China T-Union is widely used, because it can be used in many cities in China.

Accessibility and Luggage

To facilitate the travelers with heavy luggage, almost all the stations of Xian metro lines are equipped with elevators or escalators, especially in the important stations like train stations, the airport and scenic spots. Another notable matter is the security checks at station entrances. It is a standard feature in all Chinese metro systems, so please queue up and accept the check. Besides, for the safety of passengers, opened white wine, knives, live animals (except guide dogs and police dogs), fireworks and inflatable balloons are strictly prohibited.

Navigation and Language

Foreign travelers do not have to worry about the language problems, because all station signs include English and Pinyin, passengers can find the location and direction easily. In addition, the voice broadcast and the display screens on the trains and platforms include Mandarin, Pinyin, and English. So you will not miss the critical information.

FAQs about taking a Metro in Xian

What is line 2 of Xian metro?

Line 2 is the first line put into operation in Xian. It runs from north to south through the city’s central axis and connects several important business circles, scenic areas and Xian North Railway Station. Undoubtedly, it is the major line of the metro system.

How fast is the Xian Metro?

The highest operation speed for all metro lines is above 80 km per hour. Usually, it takes about 2 – 3 minutes to travel one stop.

How to use Xian Subway?

First, buy a single journey ticket on the ticket vending machine or obtain a QR code through Alipay or Xian Metro apps. Then scan your ticket or QR code when entering. Then follow the instructions to the correct platform and wait in line outside the safety line. After arrival, passengers using the single journey ticket need to insert the ticket into the machine. And passengers who use the QR code can scan it again to exit, the fee will be charged automatically.

What are the operating hours for the Xi’an Metro lines?

It varies according to lines. Generally, the first train sets out at about 06:00 and the last train sets out at 10:00 – 00:00. And on public holidays, the operation hours may be extended.

How frequent are the trains, especially during rush hour?

Different lines have different intervals. Line 2, 3, and 6 usually have the minimum time, which is about 2 minutes. And line 1, 4, 5, 8 depart about every 3 – 4 minutes. Other lines have longer intervals, which range from 5 – 7 minutes.

Plan Your Xian Trip with China Xian Tour

Xian is an ancient capital full of historic charm, making it a hot tourist city in China. To enjoy an unforgettable and meaningful tour, a reasonable itinerary is very important. So it is highly recommended to travel with China Xian Tour, we are experienced in planning a trip based on tourists’ needs. And our local guide is quite knowledgeable, who can give you detailed explanations during the tour, so you can immerse yourself in the history and culture of the city. So do not hesitate to contact us!