Free Xi'an Transit Itinerary Builder (XIY Layover Planner)

Getting from Xi'an Airport (XIY) to the City

Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) is approximately 40 km northwest of the city center. The newest and fastest route is Metro Line 14 (Airport Express), which connects directly from XIY to Fengdong New City Station, from where you transfer to Metro Line 1 toward Bell Tower and South Gate. The full journey from XIY to Bell Tower Station takes approximately 55–65 minutes and costs around ¥12. Trains run every 10 minutes during peak hours.

The airport shuttle bus (机场大巴) is a budget-friendly option that runs several routes into central Xi'an — Route A1 to Zhonglou (Bell Tower) takes 50–70 minutes depending on traffic and costs ¥30. Taxis from XIY to central Xi'an cost ¥100–140 and take 40–60 minutes; ride-hailing via DiDi is available outside arrivals. Highway express coaches to the city center also depart regularly from the ground floor.

For travelers heading to the Terracotta Warriors (Lintong District), the most efficient route is not via the city center. From XIY, take the airport shuttle or taxi to Xi'an North Railway Station (西安北站), then Metro Line 9 directly to the Terracotta Army Museum Station (Huaqing Pool direction). This saves 30–40 minutes compared to passing through downtown first.

Xi'an 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit: What You Need to Know

Xi'an is covered under China's 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit policy for eligible passport holders transiting through XIY between two different countries or regions. The permitted activity area spans Xi'an and Shaanxi Province, giving transit visitors full access to the city's ancient walled center, the Terracotta Warriors at Lintong, and the scenic landscapes of the surrounding region.

To qualify, you must hold a passport from one of the 54+ eligible countries, possess a confirmed onward ticket departing from any qualifying Chinese international airport within 240 hours, and not hold a Chinese visa or residence permit. You may enter and exit through different qualifying Chinese cities — for example, fly in via XIY and depart from Shanghai or Beijing — or use XIY for both arrival and departure.

At XIY, follow signs for the '240-Hour Visa-Free Transit' (过境免签) lane at immigration. Present your passport, the onward ticket, and your hotel booking. Within 24 hours of check-in, your hotel will register your stay with local authorities — this is a standard procedure handled automatically at most hotels. Keep a copy of your hotel confirmation and onward flight throughout your stay.

• Permitted area: Xi'an and Shaanxi Province (interconnected transit zone)
• Must hold a confirmed onward ticket to a third country/region within 240 hours
• Hotel registration required within 24 hours of entry

Top Xi'an Attractions for Transit Visitors

The Terracotta Warriors (秦始皇兵馬俑) is China's most impressive archaeological site and Xi'an's undisputed highlight — three enormous vaulted pits house thousands of life-size terracotta soldiers guarding Emperor Qin Shi Huang's mausoleum. Plan 3–4 hours on-site; the museum is in Lintong District, about 35–40 km east of central Xi'an. Admission is ¥150. Buy tickets online in advance during peak season (April–October) as same-day tickets can sell out. Combine with the adjacent Huaqing Hot Springs (华清宫) for an efficient day trip.

The Ancient City Wall (城墙) is the best-preserved city wall in China — a 14-km-long structure you can walk or rent a bike to circumnavigate over 2–3 hours. The south gate (Yongningmen) area is particularly photogenic at dusk. The Muslim Quarter (回民街) is a 10-minute walk northwest of Bell Tower and offers arguably the best street food in Xi'an: lamb skewers, roujiamo (Chinese 'burger'), biangbiang noodles, pomegranate juice, and persimmon cakes all within a dense maze of alleys.

The Bell Tower (钟楼) and Drum Tower (鼓楼) stand at the center of the old city and are best visited at night when lit up — the Bell Tower Square hosts occasional evening performances. For a deeper dive into the history that makes Xi'an uniquely significant, the Shaanxi History Museum (陕西历史博物馆) is free with reservation and holds Tang Dynasty court artifacts and ancient bronzeware that rival any world-class collection. The Big Wild Goose Pagoda (大雁塔) is a 10-minute metro ride south and is surrounded by a pleasant park with musical fountains.

• Under 12 hours: Muslim Quarter + Bell Tower area, Ancient City Wall walk or bike ride, Shaanxi History Museum
• 24 hours+: Full Terracotta Warriors day trip, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, City Wall at dusk, evening food crawl in the Muslim Quarter