Station Visiting Hours and Ticketing
Opening Hours
- General Station Hours 6:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m., daily
- Ticket Counters Typically 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.; self-service machines may have extended hours
- Recommendation Arrive at least two hours before departure, especially during holidays or peak seasons
Ticketing Options
- At the Station Purchase at ticket counters or self-service kiosks with passport or Chinese ID
- Online Book through the official 12306 Railway app (Chinese) or third-party platforms like Trip.com
- Ticket Types Hard seat, soft seat, hard sleeper, soft sleeper, standing tickets
- Collection Foreigners must collect tickets at the station with valid passports
Ticket prices vary by destination and train type; booking in advance is highly recommended, particularly during busy travel periods.
Station Layout and Facilities
Structure and Accessibility
- Main Building Tang-style architecture with glazed tiles, spacious waiting areas, and bilingual signage
- North Square Designed for efficient passenger flow and direct connections to various transport modes
- Barrier-Free Access Ramps, elevators, tactile paving, accessible restrooms, and wheelchair services
- Luggage Storage Left-luggage counters near the entrance; starting from CNY 10 per day
Security and Navigation
- Security Checks All passengers undergo screening; keep your passport and ticket handy
- Signage Clear Chinese and English signs throughout the station
- Assistance Service desks available for additional help; translation apps are useful
Amenities
- Waiting Rooms 12 dedicated areas with seating, climate control, and charging stations
- Food & Shopping Local Shaanxi cuisine, fast food, souvenir shops, and convenience stores
- Wi-Fi Free Wi-Fi and 5G coverage throughout the station
- Cultural Exhibits Train culture zones featuring the evolution of Chinese railways
Transportation Connections
Rail Services
- Conventional Trains Connects to major cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Lhasa, Lanzhou)
- High-Speed Rail Limited services from Xi’an Railway Station; most high-speed trains depart from Xi’an North Railway Station
Metro
- Line 4 Direct connection at Xi’anzhan Metro Station
- Line 1 Wulukou Station, approximately 500–700 meters from the railway station
- Future Expansion Metro Line 7 will further improve connectivity
Bus and Airport Connections
- City Buses Extensive routes to city landmarks and tourist sites
- Tourist Bus 5 (306) Direct to Terracotta Warriors from the east square
- Airport Shuttle Bus 2 Direct connection to Xi’an Xianyang International Airport
Taxi and Ride-Hailing
- Taxi Stands Located outside main exits, with a starting fare of 9 RMB for the first 3 km
- Ride-Hailing Apps like Didi widely used; show your destination in Mandarin for clarity
Nearby Historical Sites and Attractions
Xi’an City Wall
- Overview Best-preserved ancient city wall in China; encircles the old city for 13.7 km
- Hours 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
- Admission 54 RMB; discounts for seniors/children
- Tip Rent a bicycle for a unique perspective
Muslim Quarter
- Location West of the Bell Tower, accessible by bus or taxi
- Highlights Street food, markets, Great Mosque, vibrant multicultural atmosphere
Bell Tower & Drum Tower
- Landmarks Ming Dynasty monuments at the city center
- Admission Bell Tower 30 RMB, Drum Tower 30 RMB, combined 50 RMB
- Entertainment Traditional music performances
Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum
- Distance About 40 km east of Xi’an Railway Station
- Getting There Tourist Bus 5 (306), taxi, or private tour
- Hours 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
- Admission 150 RMB for adults
Shaanxi History Museum
- Metro Access Short ride from the station
- Hours 9:00–17:30 (Nov–Mar), 8:30–18:00 (Mar–Nov), closed Mondays
- Admission Mostly free, book in advance
Practical Travel Tips
- Peak Seasons Avoid Golden Week (first week of October) and Chinese New Year for lighter crowds
- Digital Payments Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted; cash is still useful for small purchases
- Language English signage present, but staff may have limited English—use translation apps
- Weather Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable travel conditions
- Luggage Paid storage available; free options at some tourist centers
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the station’s opening hours?
A: 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily; ticket counters typically 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Q: How can I purchase tickets?
A: Buy at station counters, self-service kiosks, or online via 12306 and Trip.com.
Q: Is the station accessible for travelers with disabilities?
A: Yes, with ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and staff assistance.
Q: What’s the best way to reach the Terracotta Warriors?
A: Take Tourist Bus 5 (306) from the east square or use a taxi/private tour.
Q: Are left-luggage services available?
A: Yes, near the main entrance, with fees starting from CNY 10 per day.
Visual Guide
Interactive Map: View Xi’an Railway Station and nearby attractions
Summary Table: Key Transportation and Ticketing Facts
| Connection Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Metro | Line 4 (direct), Line 1 (Wulukou, 700m walk), future Line 7 |
| Bus | Multiple city routes; Tourist Bus 5 (306) to Terracotta Warriors; Airport Shuttle Bus 2 |
| Taxi | Bell Tower: ~12 RMB; North Station: ~50 RMB; Airport: ~120–150 RMB |
| Online Ticketing | 12306 (Chinese), Trip.com (multilingual) |
| Ticket Collection | At station with passport or Chinese ID |
| Security | Mandatory screening for all passengers |
| Waiting Rooms | 12 rooms, assigned by train number |
| Luggage Storage | Available on-site |
