How to Get Around Xi’an: Metro, Airport & the City Wall
The short answer: take the metro — it covers all major sights and is cheap. For the airport, Metro Line 14 goes direct. Taxis are cheap (¥8.5 flag-fall) but traffic jams at peak hours make the metro faster.
The Metro: Your Best Friend
Xi’an’s metro is modern, cheap, and English-signed — it covers all the major sights.
- Lines you’ll use most: Line 2 (Bell Tower, city wall, Muslim Quarter), Line 3 (Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Qujiang), Line 4 (Daming Palace, railway station), Line 14 (airport).
- Payment: Scan Alipay’s or WeChat Pay’s transport QR code at the gates.
- Fares: ¥2–8 per ride.
- Peak hours: 7:30–9:30 AM and 5:30–7:30 PM — packed.
Airport Transfer: Xianyang Airport (XIY)
Xianyang Airport is about 40 km from the city — not close, but well connected.
- Metro Line 14: Connects the airport directly to downtown — the best option.
- Airport bus: ¥25 — a budget alternative to the metro.
- Taxi/Didi: 40–60 minutes depending on traffic, ¥100–150.
Taxis & Didi
- Flag-fall: Only ¥8.5 — short trips are very affordable.
- Didi (滴滴): Shows the fare upfront — more transparent. Set your pickup point carefully.
- Warning: Traffic jams at peak hours are brutal — metro first, taxi second.
The City Wall: Cycle the Old City
The best way to see Xi’an’s old city: rent a bike at the city wall gates and cycle the full 13.7 km perimeter. It takes about 1.5–2 hours with stops.
- Best time: Sunset — the golden hour over the old city is spectacular.
- Cost: Bike rental ~¥45 for 3 hours; wall entry ¥54.
Day Trips
- Mount Hua (华山): 2 hours by high-speed rail — the famous Plank Walk in the Sky. Take the cable car if you’re not fit.
- Terracotta Army: Tourist bus (Line 5/306) or a Didi (~¥150), about 1 hour.
Common Pitfalls
- Peak-hour traffic: The city center jams up badly — the metro is almost always faster.
- Airport distance: Xianyang is 40 km out — don’t plan a tight connection.
- City wall bikes: Rent at the gates, not from street vendors — the official rental is cheaper and better maintained.
FAQ
How do I get from the airport? Metro Line 14 direct, or the ¥25 airport bus.
Is the metro good? Yes — covers all major sights, cheap and English-signed.
Are taxis cheap? Yes — ¥8.5 flag-fall, but avoid peak hours.
Can I cycle the city wall? Yes — 13.7 km, about 1.5–2 hours, sunset is best.
How do I get to Mount Hua? 2 hours by high-speed rail.
Last updated: October 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from Xianyang Airport to Xi'an city?
Metro Line 14 connects the airport (about 40 km out) directly to downtown. The airport bus costs ¥25 — a budget alternative. A taxi or Didi takes 40–60 minutes.
Is the Xi'an metro good?
Yes — it covers all major sights and is cheap and English-signed. Metro first, taxi second: traffic jams at peak hours are brutal.
Are Xi'an taxis cheap?
Yes — the flag-fall is only ¥8.5, so short trips are very affordable. But avoid taxis at peak hours when traffic jams make the metro faster.
Can I cycle the Xi'an city wall?
Yes — rent a bike at the gates and cycle the full 13.7 km perimeter. It takes about 1.5–2 hours with stops. Sunset is the golden hour.
How do I get to Mount Hua from Xi'an?
High-speed rail takes about 2 hours. Take the cable car up and down if you're not fit — the Plank Walk in the Sky is demanding.