Beijing to Xian Train or Flight: How to Travel in 2025 (Multiple Options)

Are you wondering how to travel between Beijing and Xi’an in 2024? Based on my own experience traveling between the two cities many times, I’d like to share with you the best (and fastest…and cheapest) modes of travel and why I recommend the high-speed Beijing to Xian train.

Xi’an (written as both “Xian” and “Xi’an”) was once the eastern terminus of the Ancient Silk Road and capital of the Qin, Han, and Tang Dynasties. It’s a fascinating city that offers travelers a window into China’s imperial past and ethnic diversity.

In 1421, the Chinese capital was moved to Beijing by the Ming Dynasty, where it has remained ever since. Because of this rich history, both Beijing and Xi’an have become extremely popular China travel destinations.

Thankfully, traveling between Xian and Beijing is simple.

Since you’re going to be traveling between the two cities, I’m going to share with you a number of fast and budget-friendly ways to make the journey, primarily focused on the Beijing to Xian train.

These include:

If you’re in the planning stages of your journey, you’ll also benefit from this comprehensive China travel guide, available as an ebook and paperback.

*Note: All the travel methods below are applicable whether you travel from Beijing to Xian or you travel from Xian to Beijing.

Note: Some links in this article are affiliate links, which means that at no extra cost to you, I may be compensated if you choose to use one of the services listed. I only recommend what I’ve personally used, and I appreciate your support!

Transportation Options Overview

Traveling from Beijing to Xi’an offers various transportation options, each catering to different preferences and budgets. Whether you prefer speed, comfort, or cost-effectiveness, there’s a suitable mode of travel for you.

• High-Speed Trains: The most popular option, high-speed trains, run frequently from Beijing West Railway Station to Xi’an North Railway Station. These trains can whisk you away on a 755-mile journey in just 4.5 to 6 hours. Ticket prices for a second-class seat range from CNY 515.5 to 577.5, while a first-class seat costs between CNY 824.5 and 922.5. For those looking to travel in luxury, a business-class seat is available for CNY 1,627.5 to 1,915.5. High-speed trains are a fantastic choice for their speed and convenience, making them a favorite among travelers.
• Flights: If you prefer flying, numerous flights operate from Beijing Capital International Airport to Xi’an Xianyang International Airport. The flight duration is around 2 hours, but remember to factor in the additional time for airport procedures. Flight ticket prices vary depending on the airline, time of booking, and travel season, ranging from CNY 600 to 2,200. While flights can be more expensive, they are a good option if you need to reach your destination quickly.
• Overnight Trains: For budget-conscious travelers, overnight trains are a great option. These trains take around 12 to 15.5 hours to travel from Beijing West Railway Station to Xi’an Railway Station. Ticket prices for a hard sleeper range from CNY 254.5 to 268.5, while a soft sleeper costs between CNY 398.5 and 422.5. If you’re really looking to save, a hard seat is available for CNY 148.5 to 156.5. Overnight trains are not only cost-effective but also save you one night’s accommodation fee, making them a practical choice for budget travelers.High-Speed Beijing to Xian Train (Recommended)

High-Speed Beijing to Xian Train from Beijing West Railway Station (Recommended)

Taking the high-speed Beijing to Xian train is the recommended way to make this trip.

As you travel at speeds of up to 250-300 km/hr (155-185 mph), you can finish the 755 mile journey 4.5 – 6 hours!

Although not as fast as a plane as far as travel time goes, you save so much time and stress by avoiding having to get to an airport 2 hours in advance and long security lines.

The high speed stations servicing the lines for the Beijing to Xian train are also conveniently located within the city, as opposed to airports which are way outside both of these cities.

This means less travel time and a cheaper taxi fare should you decide to take a taxi in China!

The cheapest tickets you can buy will have you sitting in coach class. Folks willing to splurge $250 can enjoy the swanky business class.

In my experience, the coach seats are comfortable enough and make for a pleasant journey.

You can use the ticket booking widget above or try to purchase China train tickets directly online. Be sure to select a “G” train when booking as this specifically refers to high-speed trains.

Train Station Information

Understanding the key train stations involved in your journey can make your travel experience smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you need to know:

Beijing West Railway Station: Located in Fengtai District, Beijing, this station serves both high-speed trains (G-trains) and normal trains (T, K & Z trains) to Xi’an. It’s well-connected to the city center via Metro Line 7 and Metro Line 9, making it easily accessible. Whether you’re catching a high-speed train or a normal train, Beijing West Railway Station is your starting point.

Xi’an North Railway Station: Situated in Weiyang District, Xi’an, this station is the hub for high-speed trains. It’s about 20km from the downtown area and 50km from the famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses. The station is connected to the city center by Metro Line 2, ensuring a convenient journey to and from the station.

Xi’an Railway Station: Located in Xincheng District, Xi’an, this station operates normal trains (K-trains, Z-trains, and T-trains) to various cities. It’s a key station for those traveling on standard trains, providing easy access to the city center and beyond.

Travel From Beijing to Xian by Airplane (Easiest)

Beijing to Xian flights are another obvious mode of transportation here. I doubt you forgot it was an option 🙂

In most cases, this is the most expensive option (unless you prefer business class tickets on the high-speed train) but since it’s familiar, traveling by plane is often the easiest.

The Beijing to Xian flight is only around 2 hours, but after factoring in travel time to the airport, checking-in, security…

Traveling by plane is almost the same amount of time -if not longer- than taking the high-speed Beijing to Xian train.

This also assumes that there are no flight delays, which as we all know can add considerable travel time to your trip.

Overall, I recommend taking the high-speed train over flying between Xian and Beijing, but that’s just my preference.

The only circumstance where I would take a plane is if you need to be at your destination on the same day and tickets for the bullet train are all sold out.

Should flying sound like the best option for you, I recommend booking travel from Beijing to Xi’an via Ctrip/Trip.com, which has some of the best prices in my experience.

Travel Xian to Beijing by Overnight Train (for budget travelers)

For budget travelers not in a hurry, taking a 12-hour overnight Beijing to Xian train is a great means of travel. Overnight trains are not only cost-effective but also save you one night’s accommodation fee, making them a practical choice for budget travelers.

Sleeper trains run through the evening and you have your own private bunk to sleep away the journey. Soft sleepers provide a more comfortable option for travelers, with private compartments and better amenities.

The biggest perk from traveling in a sleeper car is that it is incredibly budget friendly. Although the costs are similar to the high-speed options – especially if you opt for a soft sleeper ticket – you save a night’s worth of hotel expenses with the overnight option

You can also save more money by opting for a hard sleeper ticket, which lacks the luxury of a private compartment and has six beds in a single space rather than four.

READ MORE: Learn about different classes of China trains, including how comfortable they may be and what to expect.

Whatever you do, avoid taking a hard seat for the sake of saving money

Picture yourself sharing seats with hundreds of people in a single carriage without being able to get a single wink of sleep during the entire journey. You are likely to be in plenty of pain from sitting in the hard seat all night long too and is not worth the savings.

The last thing to remember here is when buying Beijing to Xian train tickets is that most of the standard (i.e. slow) services are labeled with a “T”, a “K” or just numbers.

Getting to and from the Train Station or Airport

Navigating to and from train stations and airports can be a breeze with the right information. Here’s how you can get to your destination efficiently:

• Beijing West Railway Station: To reach the city center from Beijing West Railway Station, you can take Metro Line 7 or Metro Line 9. Taxis and local buses are also readily available outside the station, offering convenient options for your onward journey.
• Xi’an North Railway Station: From Xi’an North Railway Station, you can take a taxi or bus to the downtown area, which takes around 50 minutes. The station is also connected to the city center by Metro Line 2, providing a quick and easy route to your destination.
• Beijing Capital International Airport: To get to the city center from Beijing Capital International Airport, you can take the Airport Expressway, which takes around 30 to 40 minutes. Taxis and local buses are also available outside the airport, ensuring a smooth transition to your next stop.
• Xi’an Xianyang International Airport: From Xi’an Xianyang International Airport, you can take a taxi or bus to the downtown area, which takes around 40 to 50 minutes. The airport is also connected to the city center by Metro Line 14, offering a convenient and efficient travel option.

By understanding these transportation options and how to navigate to and from key stations and airports, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey from Beijing to Xi’an.

Tips for Enjoying China Transportation

So you’ve decided to take the Beijing to Xian train (high speed or standard). Congrats! There are several tips I want to share to ensure your journey is a pleasant one.

1. Stock-up on snacks and instant noodles (this is the classic meal to have) before getting to the station as food and drinks on trains are overly priced. This is especially the case on sleeper trains where the dining car charges an insane amount of money for mediocre food. The trip can be a long one, so you will get hungry. Do your self a favor and stock up on food essentials before taking your China train!
2. Another tip is to bring along a pack of cards to play games with fellow travelers. There is plenty of space to interact with other travelers on trains and card games can liven the journey. You may even attract a small crowd of Chinese and learn how to play the local favorite card game, Kill the Landlord. (true story)
3. If possible, bring headphones and an eye mask. In the hard sleeper compartment, you don’t have control over the lights. Sometimes they stay on late into the night. I also love using a good pair of noise cancelling headphones since there are constant noises throughout the night on a train.

Finally, taking a train between Xian and Beijing is not all fun and games. In order to enjoy your journey, you should also be aware of what can go wrong on your trip.

• Tickets should be purchased well in advance. Often times, both soft sleeper and hard sleeper tickets sell out a week or more before the train leaves. This leaves you no options but to deal with the hard seats. So remember to get your train tickets early!
• Don’t plan on having a perfect night’s sleep. While the bunks are comfortable enough, I always managed to be stuck with someone who snored obnoxiously throughout the night.

Being properly prepared is key. This is why I wrote the book Travel to China | Everything You Need to Know Before You Go. Overall, with proper planning, your trip on a Beijing to Xian train is likely to be smooth and fun.

Final Thoughts on Chinese Transportation

As I shared above, my advice for travelers is to seriously consider the high-speed Beijing to Xian train. It’s easy, fast and reasonably priced.

My second choice of travel is to take a sleeper train, which reduces your hotel expenses by a full day.

That said, I understand that for some people, flying is the most comfortable way to travel. Thankfully, the Beijing and Xian flights are readily available and easy to book.

Once you’ve booked all your transportation for your trip to China, do you have everything you need for your trip? Read through my 9 reasons to consider travel insurance for China. And don’t forget to grab a good travel journal to keep track of your journey!