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.

Xi’an Metro Map 2027: Subway Lines, Stations & Tourist Guide

Written by Clementine Updated October 08,2026

If you’re visiting Xi’an for the first time, make sure to save the latest Xi’an Metro map on your phone.

Once you arrive in the city, you’ll find that this exceptionally convenient transport system can take you to every corner you may be heading to. It’s well connected to most major sights, including the Bell Tower, Xi’an City Wall, and Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, and transportation hubs like Xi’an North Railway Station and the airport.

Xi’an now has 12 metro lines, but there’s no need to learn them all. For most sightseeing trips, a handful of lines and stations will cover the places you’re likely to visit. For foreign visitors, signs inside the stations are in both Chinese and English, so following the route is fairly easy even if you don’t speak Chinese.

This Xi’an metro guide shows you which stations to use for the city’s main attractions, how to get to and from the airport and railway stations, and what to keep in mind before your first ride.

Xi’an Metro at a Glance

English Name: Xi’an Metro / Xi’an Subway
Operating Lines: 12
Total Length: About 422 km
Number of Stations: 246
Station Signs: Chinese + English
Fares: From CNY 2 (about USD 0.28), based on distance
Security: Security check required before entering

Xi’an Metro Map 2027: Key Lines & Stations for Tourists

xian-metro-system-map — The latest Xian Metro Map works for planning a 2027 trip If new lines open before your visit check official updates before you travel

3 Xi’an Metro Lines Most Tourists Should Know

Line 2:Xi’an North Railway Station, Bell Tower, Yongningmen.
Line 4: Xi’an North Railway Station, Xi’an Railway Station, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda.
Line 14:Xi’an Xianyang International Airport, Xi’an North Railway Station.

explore-more-in-xian-by-metro — Best Xian Metro Lines for Tourists

Xi’an Metro Stations for Major Attractions

You don’t need to memorize the whole Xi’an Metro network to get around. For sightseeing, it’s easier to think in terms of attraction → metro station.

Attraction / Place	Common Metro Station
Bell Tower	Zhonglou
Drum Tower	Zhonglou
Muslim Quarter	Zhonglou / Sajinqiao, depending on the entrance
Xi’an City Wall (Yongning Gate)	Yongningmen
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda	Dayanta
Grand Tang Mall	Dayanta
Xi’an North Railway Station	Xi’an North Railway Station
Xi’an Railway Station	Xi’an Railway Station
Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY)	Airport T5/ Airport West T1, T2, T3

Tip: Save the Chinese names of your hotel and the places you’re visiting on your phone. They’ll come in handy in case you need to ask for directions, take a taxi, or change metro lines.

Getting Around Xi’an by Metro: Airport, Railway Station & Terracotta Warriors

Xi’an Airport Metro: Getting into the City

The Xi’an Airport Metro connects Xi’an Xianyang International Airport with the city on Line 14. If you’re staying around the Bell Tower, Yongningmen, or Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, you’ll usually need to transfer along the way.

With light luggage and an arrival time that works with the metro, taking the train is a reasonable choice. For late-night arrivals or traveling with lots of luggage, a taxi, ride-hailing car, or pickup service may be easier.

xian-metro-airport-line — Xian Airport Metro Line 14

Getting from Xi’an North to the City Center

If you’re traveling from Xi’an North Railway Station to the Bell Tower or Yongningmen, Line 2 toward Changninggong is a great option. If you’re staying elsewhere, you’ll likely need to change lines based on your hotel’s location.

One thing to double-check before you leave: Xi’an North Railway Station and Xi’an Railway Station are not the same station. When you’re catching a high-speed train, make sure you’re heading to the right departure station shown on your ticket. It can save you an unnecessary trip across the city.

Can You Take the Xi’an Metro to the Terracotta Warriors?

You can take the metro for only part of the trip, since there isn’t a line running straight to the Terracotta Warriors. You’ll need to switch to other transportation for the rest of the journey.

The Terracotta Warriors are in Lintong, well outside the city center. When planning the trip, keep the day flexible and leave time for ticket reservations, the visit itself, and a possible stop at Lishan Garden. If it’s your first visit, check our Xi’an Terracotta Warriors Guide first, then decide whether public transportation or a private vehicle works better for your day.

xian-to-terracotta-warriors — Xian to Terracotta Warriors

Xi’an Metro Tips for First-Time Riders

Xi’an Metro for Foreigners: What to Check Before You Ride

The Xi’an Metro has signs and information in both Chinese and English, so it’s fairly easy for international visitors to follow. Before your first ride, just get these five things straight:

Boarding Station → Line → Direction → Transfer Station → Destination Station

Once you’re on the platform, check the line color, train direction, and terminal station name to make sure you’re going the right way. Don’t rely on the line number alone—the direction and terminal station matter, too.

If you get stuck, you can simply show your destination to a station staff member.

take Metro Line 14 to Xi’an North Railway Station — Take Metro Line 14 to Xian North Railway Station

Where to Stay for Easy Xi’an Metro Access

For a first trip to Xi’an, Bell Tower and Yongningmen are both convenient choices. Bell Tower is in the heart of the old city, while Yongningmen is close to the City Wall and good for evening walks and night views.

If you’re going to take a morning train, consider staying near Xi’an North Railway Station. When choosing a hotel, its distance from downtown can’t tell everything. Being 5–10 minutes on foot from a metro station is often more useful.

2 DAYS

2 Days Xian Small Group Tour (with Mount Huashan)

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A two-day small group tour combining Terracotta Warriors and a challenging hike up Mount Huashan, one of the world's steepest and most dramatic peaks.

How to Buy Xi’an Metro Tickets

Buying a metro ticket in Xi’an is pretty straightforward. You’ll see rows of ticket machines once you enter the station. Go to one of them and follow the instructions to choose a single-ride ticket. Don’t worry too much about the language; most machines have an English option. If you run into trouble, the customer service center is there to help.

The Xi’an Metro fare depends on how far you travel. From Xi’an Xianyang International Airport to Bell Tower, expect to pay about CNY 8–10 (USD 1.2–1.5) per person. From Xi’an North Railway Station to Bell Tower, it’s about CNY 4–6 (USD 0.6–0.9) per person.

Alipay, WeChat Pay, and metro ride codes may require real-name verification or a linked bank card. If you’re only staying in Xi’an for a few days, single-ride tickets are usually the easiest way to go.

Other Important Tips for Tourists

Skip the Rush Hour When You Can

Xi’an’s metro gets pretty crowded during weekday morning and evening rush hours, especially around Bell Tower, Xiaozhai, and Xi’an North Railway Station. If you can plan your trip flexibly, try to travel outside those times. It’s especially worth doing if you’re carrying large bags.

Check the Exit Before You Leave the Station

Many Xi’an Metro stations have multiple exits, and the wrong one may put you farther from where you want to go. For your first visit to Xi’an City Wall, we recommend entering through Yongningmen (South Gate): take Metro Line 2 to Yongningmen Station and use Exit D1 or A1.

Give Yourself Extra Time for Flights and Trains

When you’re heading to Xi’an North Railway Station or Xi’an Xianyang International Airport, don’t plan around the metro ride alone. Also factor in the time for walking, getting into the station, going through security, and making any transfers.

As a rule of thumb, get to the station about 1 hour before a high-speed train, 2 hours before a domestic flight, or 3 hours before an international flight. Holiday travel usually calls for a little more time, particularly during rush hour or with bulky luggage.

HALF DAY

Half Day Xian City Tour by Metro or Bus with Guide

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Metro or a Car? Choose Based on Your Trip

For Bell Tower, the City Wall, and Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, the metro is an easy way to get around.

If you’re going to the farther-out sights like the Terracotta Warriors, things get a bit more involved. You may need to take care of reservations, transfers, and sightseeing logistics. In that case, a car would be an easier option.

You can contact our travel consultants who will help you plan around your hotel and itinerary, combining metro rides, private vehicles, and walking where each works best.

Explore Xi’an with China Xian Tour

The Xi’an Metro covers many of the places most visitors want to see, and once you know the main lines and stations, getting around is pretty straightforward. For farther-out sights, a private vehicle may be a better fit, especially when you have several stops in one day.

Consider traveling to Xi’an with China Xian Tour, and we can help put those pieces together around your hotel, schedule, and sightseeing plans, so you don’t have to spend your trip figuring out transportation at every turn.