Beijing to Xian: Train or Plane? Which Is Better?

For most travelers heading from central Beijing to central Xi'an, the high-speed train is the simpler choice and usually gets you there sooner, even though the scheduled journey is twice as long as the flight. A G-train covers the route in about 4 hours and 10 minutes at its fastest, while a flight is scheduled at roughly two hours. But once you factor in the trip to the airport, check-in, baggage collection, and a 40 km ride back into Xi’an, the train usually ends up being the faster journey. Still, there are certain situations where it makes more sense to fly; we’re going to cover them all below. 

The Bottom Line: Is It Better to Take the Train or Fly?

If you’re traveling from central Beijing to central Xi’an, the train wins. I’m always an advocate for taking the train, as there’s something so relaxing about being able to go from city center to city center, avoiding the stress of airports entirely. But there are plenty of other situations where flying makes more sense. 

When it comes down to it, the choice is pretty simple. As I mentioned above, if you're traveling from city center to city center, the train is faster and more comfortable. If you're staying near the airport, flying into Beijing from another country, or are just looking for a budget-friendly way to get between the two cities, flying might make more sense.

Door-to-Door Time: Why a Two-Hour Flight Might Not Actually Be Faster

It might seem obvious, but a two-hour flight on paper is rarely a two-hour journey in reality. Below, we’ve broken down the same trip calculated two different ways, starting from a hotel near Wangfujing in central Beijing and ending at a hotel near the Bell Tower in Xi'an.

Traveling from Beijing to Xi'an by High-Speed Train from Beijing West Station

Flying from Beijing Capital to Xi'an

And if you were to swap those metro legs after a flight to Xi’an for a private airport transfer, the total time would come down to roughly 6 hours and 45 minutes—still longer than the door-to-door train journey, but much closer.

And if you were to depart from Daxing Airport rather than Capital Airport in Beijing, the total travel time increases even more, because Daxing is about 46 km south of Beijing’s city center, whereas Capital is only 25 km away.

Beijing and Xi'an: Are Train Stations or Airports Closer to the City Center?

Beijing isn't just home to one airport or one train station—there are several! It’s well worth your time to compare routes, travel times, and prices across all of them to find the perfect fit for your adventure.

Another thing to consider when weighing your options is that there’s a high-speed rail station right inside the terminal at Daxing Airport, with services to Beijing West in under half an hour. That means if you land at PKX from abroad and are looking to head straight to Xi’an, it could be a more affordable option—though not much faster, since you’re already at the airport.

Photo courtesy of China Airlines

Ticket Price vs. Total Trip Cost

Rail fares on this route are regulated and consistent, so you’ll have a great idea of exactly what your ticket will cost before you book.

• You can snag a second-class seat for about ¥450 to ¥600
• A first-class seat will run you anywhere from roughly ¥700 to over ¥950.

Flight prices from Beijing to Xi’an can fluctuate quite a bit depending on the date and overall demand. Below, I’ve outlined a few things to keep in mind so you can get a better idea of the total cost for your trip.

So, even if a flight ticket seems cheaper than a train ride, once you factor in the total cost of the journey, you might find that flying isn't just more time-consuming—it could actually be pricier, too.

High-Speed Train Adventures: Booking, Passports, Luggage, and Seating

To book your high-speed train from Beijing to Xi’an, you’ll need your passport handy—just be sure the name and number match exactly. Tickets typically go on sale 15 days before departure, so I’d recommend booking as soon as they’re available to snag the best seat and price!

Train travel in China is now paperless. This means your ticket is linked directly to your passport, which you’ll scan at the station entrance and again at the boarding gate. Just a heads-up: automated gates don't always reliably read foreign passports. If yours is rejected, simply head to the staffed manual channel. And as a handy backup, keep a screenshot of your booking on your phone in case you lose signal.

Just like elsewhere in the world, there’s no baggage drop for the train; you’ll be responsible for carrying your own luggage through the station, onto the train, and stowing it in the designated luggage area or overhead racks. The allowance is 20 kg per adult and 10 kg per child, and no single item can exceed 130 cm in combined length, width, and height.

Second-class tickets come with a power socket and just enough table space for your laptop. First-class, however, offers noticeably more room—and on a four-hour journey, that upgrade is one of the best small investments you can make for travel in China, especially if you’re planning to get some work done.

Your Flight Experience: Navigating PEK or PKX, Check-In, and Baggage

Keep in mind that Beijing has more than one airport, and they’re located quite far apart! Be sure to check which one you’ll be departing from when comparing flight prices to ensure you're getting the best deal for your trip.

Airport check-in is mostly the same as everywhere else. While Chinese nationals can use digital readers to scan their passports, just like at the train station, these often don’t work with foreign passports—so you might need to head to the staffed counter to pick up your boarding pass.

Chinese domestic carry-on limits are stricter than you might anticipate. Economy passengers are restricted to just 5 kg, and checked baggage allowances and fees can fluctuate significantly based on the airline and your specific fare class. Once you touch down in Xi’an, plan for at least 30 minutes from landing to collecting your checked bag, followed by another 55 to 90 minutes to reach the city center, depending on whether you opt for a taxi or the metro.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

How to Book the Best Way to Travel from Beijing to Xi'an

1. Pop your travel dates into Trip.com and run both searches side by side to compare!
2. Be sure to double-check the full name of the station or airport—don't just rely on the city name!
3. Factor in the full door-to-door travel time from your hotel at both ends of your journey.
4. Factor in every possible expense: airfare, baggage fees, seat selection, and ground transportation.
5. Take a moment to review the change and refund policies, then you're all set to complete your booking!

Also, keep in mind that the names and document numbers on your rail and air bookings need to match your passport exactly. If you’re planning to travel during a Chinese public holiday, tickets get snapped up fast, so be sure to book even further in advance than usual!

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