Planning your first days in Xi’an? The Xi’an metro is one of the easiest ways to move between the Bell Tower, City Wall, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Xi’an North Railway Station, and even Xi’an Xianyang International Airport. For foreign travelers, it is clean, affordable, and much easier than trying to read Chinese bus routes.
But there is one small catch: Xi’an’s rail network has expanded quickly. A map you saved two years ago may already be outdated. As of 2026, the operating network includes Lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, and 16.
This guide explains the metro map, key lines, major stations, airport and high-speed rail connections, ticket tips, and when it is better to choose a private car with an English-speaking guide.
Start With the Xi’an Metro Map
Before you arrive, save an updated Xi’an metro map on your phone. Do not only rely on the map inside a navigation app, because internet connection, app language, and station exits can become confusing when you are standing underground with luggage.
For first-time visitors, these are the most useful lines:
- Line 2: Bell Tower, Yongningmen, Xiaozhai, Xi’an North Railway Station
- Line 3: Giant Wild Goose Pagoda area and Qinglong Temple
- Line 4: Xi’an North Railway Station, Daming Palace, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Qujiang area
- Line 6: Bell Tower, Muslim Quarter area, Tang West Market
- Line 9: Huaqing Palace and transfer route toward the Terracotta Army
- Line 14: Xi’an Xianyang International Airport and Xi’an North Railway Station
A local tip: do not plan your whole day by distance on the map only. Some stations are close to attractions, but the walk from the exit can still take 10–20 minutes. In summer, that feels much longer. In winter, windy open squares around railway stations can also slow families down, especially with children or older travelers.
For a broader city plan, you may also find this useful: how to plan a trip to Xi’an.
Lines, Stations and Transfers
The table below gives a practical overview of the Xi’an subway lines most travelers will see on the current network. First and last train times can change slightly by station, direction, holidays, or temporary operation adjustments, so always check the station screen before your final ride of the day. Line 8, the loop line, began initial operation in December 2024 and has made many cross-city transfers easier.
| Line | Start – End | Typical first / last train | Main transfer stations | Popular places on or near the line |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Line 1 | Xianyang West Railway Station – Fangzhicheng | Around 06:00 / 23:05–23:30 | Beidajie, Tonghuamen, Wulukou, Fangzhicheng, Shanglin Road | Sajinqiao food area, Banpo Museum, Fangzhicheng transfer for eastern Xi’an |
| Line 2 | Caotan – Changninggong | Around 06:00 / 23:45 | Xi’an North Railway Station, Beidajie, Bell Tower, Xiaozhai, Nanshaomen | Bell Tower, Yongningmen, City Wall, Xiaozhai shopping area |
| Line 3 | Yuhuazhai – Bonded Zone | Around 06:00 / 23:00–23:15 | Xiaozhai, Dayanta, Qinglongsi, Tonghuamen | Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Qinglong Temple, Xiaozhai |
| Line 4 | Xi’an North Railway Station – Hangtian Xincheng | Around 06:00 / 23:00 | Xi’an North Railway Station, Wulukou, Dachaishi, Dayanta | Daming Palace, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Tang Paradise, Qujiang Pool |
| Line 5 | East Railway Station / Yanming Lake – Innovation Harbour | Around 06:00 / 23:13–23:15 | Qinglongsi, Lijiacun, Nanshaomen, South Laodong Road | Qinglong Temple, Small Wild Goose Pagoda area, Tang West Market |
| Line 6 | South Railway Station – Fangzhicheng | Around 06:00 / 23:10–23:15 | Bell Tower, Dachaishi, Fangzhicheng, Guodu West | Muslim Quarter area, Bell Tower, Tang West Market, Xingqing Palace Park |
| Line 8 | Loop Line | Around 06:10 / late evening, varies by station | Many transfers with Lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 10 | Grand Tang Mall area, Qujiang, Botanical Garden, outer city districts |
| Line 9 | Fangzhicheng – Qinling West | Around 06:00 / 22:00–23:08 | Fangzhicheng | Huaqing Palace, Lintong area, transfer onward to Terracotta Army |
| Line 10 | Jingshangcun – Zhaohui Square | Around 06:00 / 22:30–23:17 | Jingshangcun, Xi’an Technological University area | Chanba and northern city districts |
| Line 14 | Heshao – Airport West T1/T2/T3 | Around 06:00 / 22:20–22:30 | Xi’an North Railway Station, Shuangzhai, Wude Road | Xi’an Xianyang International Airport, Xi’an North Railway Station |
| Line 15 | Xiliu – Dongzhaoyu | Around 06:00–06:15 / 22:45–23:00 | Guodu West, Hangtiancheng, East Chang’an Avenue | Chang’an University Town, Aerospace City, southern suburbs |
| Line 16 | Qinchuangyuan Center – Shijingli | Around 06:00–06:15 / 22:00–22:15 | Shanglin Road, Happy Valley | Happy Valley, Fengdong area, Shijingli cultural district |
Line 14 is especially important for travelers because it connects the airport area with Xi’an North Railway Station, where many high-speed trains arrive and depart. Line 9 is useful for Lintong, Huaqing Palace, and onward travel toward the Terracotta Army area.
Tour packages including Xi’an: Xi’an tours
How to Reach Top Attractions
For most classic sightseeing days, the metro works best when you combine it with walking, short taxi rides, or a private transfer. The city center is easy; the Terracotta Army is where many travelers begin to feel the limits of public transport.
Bell Tower and Drum Tower
Take Line 2 or Line 6 to Bell Tower Station. This is the heart of old Xi’an and a good starting point for an evening walk. Use the correct exit, because the underground passages can be large and busy. From here, you can walk toward the Drum Tower and Muslim Quarter.
Useful travel guide for you: top attractions in Xi’an
Tour packages including Xi’an: Xi’an tours
Xi’an City Wall
For the South Gate, take Line 2 to Yongningmen Station. This is one of the most convenient metro-to-attraction routes in the city. If you plan to cycle on the wall, avoid arriving too late in the afternoon during peak seasons, because bike rental, sunset photos, and gate closing times can affect your visit.
Useful travel guide for you: Xi’an City Wall cycling
Tour packages including Xi’an: Xi’an tours
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and Grand Tang Mall
Take Line 3 or Line 4 to Dayanta Station. This area is beautiful at night, but it also gets crowded. If your hotel is near the Bell Tower, the metro is usually faster than driving during evening traffic. However, after the night show or a long dinner, a private car can be much more comfortable.
Tour packages including Xi’an: Xi’an tours
Muslim Quarter and Local Food Streets
Take Line 2 or Line 6 to Bell Tower Station, then walk. For food, do not only stay on the busiest tourist street. Smaller nearby lanes often feel more local and relaxed. If you are traveling with children, vegetarians, or guests who avoid certain ingredients, an English-speaking guide can help you order more confidently.
Useful travel guide for you: Xi’an Muslim Street guide
Food guide: best Xi’an food to try
Terracotta Army
This is the big one. You can take the metro toward Fangzhicheng, transfer to Line 9, and continue toward the Lintong area, then use a bus or taxi for the final section. It is possible, but not always smooth for first-time visitors.
For many guests, especially families and older travelers, a private car is simply better. You avoid transfer stress, save time, and can combine the Terracotta Army with Huaqing Palace, a hands-on Terracotta Warrior workshop, or a local lunch without watching the clock all day.
Useful travel guide for you: Terracotta Army and Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum
Private travel option: China private car service
Airport and High-Speed Rail
Xi’an has two transport hubs that matter most to international travelers: Xi’an Xianyang International Airport and Xi’an North Railway Station.
From Xi’an Xianyang International Airport to the City
Take Line 14 from Airport West Station. It connects with Xi’an North Railway Station, where you can transfer to Line 2 or Line 4 for many downtown hotels. This is useful if you travel light and arrive during normal operating hours.
Useful travel guide for you: Xi’an airport transport guide
That said, airport arrival is where comfort matters. After a long international flight, many travelers do not want to buy tickets, move luggage through transfers, and search for the correct exit. If your flight lands late, or if you are traveling with kids, parents, or several suitcases, a private airport transfer is often worth it.
From Xi’an North Railway Station to the City
Xi’an North Railway Station is connected to Line 2, Line 4, and Line 14. If your hotel is near the Bell Tower, Line 2 is usually the simplest choice. If your hotel is in Qujiang or near the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda area, Line 4 may be more convenient.
Useful travel guide for you: Xi’an rail stations guide
Local experience from our Xi’an planning team: when guests arrive by high-speed train at lunch time, we often arrange a private transfer directly to the hotel, then begin sightseeing after a short rest. It sounds simple, but it protects the first day from becoming a tiring “station-navigation-luggage-hotel-check-in” puzzle.
Tickets, Apps and Riding Tips
For ticketing, you can usually use ticket machines, mobile payment apps, or a transport QR code. However, foreign travelers may face small problems: passport verification, foreign card binding, app language settings, or not knowing which station name to search.
Before your trip, read this practical guide: how to use metro in China as a foreign traveler. It explains the general system used in many Chinese cities and is helpful before you try the Xi’an subway for the first time.
A few practical tips:
First, keep your hotel name and address in Chinese. Station staff may not understand the English hotel name, but they can help much faster if you show the Chinese address.
Second, check exits before leaving the paid area. In Xi’an, the wrong exit can add a long walk, especially around Bell Tower, Dayanta, Xiaozhai, and railway stations.
Third, avoid peak commuting hours if possible. Morning and evening rush hours are not ideal for families, large luggage, or slow walking.
Fourth, do not plan tight transfers before a show, train, or airport departure. A metro ride may only take 30 minutes, but walking, security checks, waiting time, and finding exits can easily add another 20–30 minutes.
FoyoChinaTrip can arrange a balanced plan using metro where it saves time and private car service where it protects comfort. For travelers who want a smooth Xi’an stay without losing the local feeling, our custom China tours can combine route planning, English-speaking guides, private transfers, attraction tickets, food recommendations, and family-friendly pacing.
Recommended Xi’an Tours
Xi’an is not a city to rush. The metro helps you move around, but the real value comes from understanding what you are seeing: the Qin Empire at the Terracotta Army, Tang Dynasty culture around the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, food traditions in the Muslim Quarter, and the living rhythm of the old city wall.
For first-time visitors, these plans work especially well:
One-Day Classic Xi’an Tour
Terracotta Army, City Wall, Bell Tower area, and a local food stop. Best for travelers with limited time who still want the essential story of Xi’an.
Two-Day History and Culture Tour
Day 1 for the Terracotta Army and hands-on warrior workshop. Day 2 for the City Wall, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Muslim Quarter, and a Tang-style evening experience.
Family-Friendly Xi’an Tour
A slower route with City Wall cycling, dumpling or noodle tasting, Terracotta Warrior making, and fewer rushed museum stops. This is usually better than squeezing in too many sites.
Xi’an Plus China Highlights
Xi’an combines naturally with Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai, Zhangjiajie, or Guilin. If you are planning a first China trip, this route may help: 14-day China tour for first-time visitors.
Explore more options here: Xi’an tours. For a fully customized itinerary with private car, English guide, train or airport transfer, and local experience planning, contact us.
FAQ
The best way is to mix metro, walking, short taxi rides, and private transfers. Use the metro for Bell Tower, City Wall, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Xi’an North Railway Station, and the airport. Choose a private car for the Terracotta Army, late-night arrivals, family trips, older travelers, or days with luggage.
Yes, major stations have English signs, and trains are clean and organized. The harder part is not the ride itself, but choosing the correct exit, handling mobile payment, and managing transfers with luggage.
You can use Line 9 toward the Lintong area and then continue by bus or taxi. For first-time visitors, a private car is usually easier and more time-efficient, especially if you also want to visit Huaqing Palace or add a local experience.
Line 2 is the most useful downtown line because it connects Xi’an North Railway Station, Bell Tower, Yongningmen, and Xiaozhai. Lines 3 and 4 are useful for the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda area, Line 6 is helpful for Bell Tower and Muslim Quarter access, Line 9 serves Lintong, and Line 14 connects the airport.
Yes. For most first-time travelers, staying near Bell Tower, Yongningmen, Xiaozhai, or the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda area works well. For more hotel area advice, read: top places to stay in Xi’an.
