Xi'an Train Station Guide: Location, High-Speed Trains & Map

In the heart of Shaanxi Province, Xi'an train station is a hub for travelers, boasting several all over China.

You can purchase tickets at the station ticket office or self-service kiosks by showing your passport and selecting your travel details. Additionally, you can book online in advance through Trip.com, which lets you choose trains, enter passenger info, pay, and receive confirmation before pickup.

In this guide, we provide all the necessary information on Xi'an train station, including routes, tickets, and how to get there, ensuring your trip is more efficient than ever before.

What to Know about Xi'an Train Stations?

Xi'an is served by two main railway stations that handle almost all passenger traffic, along with a secondary station used for local routes. Knowing which station your train departs from or arrives at is essential for a smooth journey.

1. Xi'an Railway Station (西安站) – Central & Historical Hub

Located just north of the historic City Wall in downtown Xi'an, Xi'an Railway Station is the most convenient option for reaching central attractions and hotels.

• Train Types: Handles a mix of high-speed bullet trains (G/D series) and conventional slow trains (K/T/Z series).
• Metro Access: Directly connected via Metro Line 4 (Xi'an Railway Station stop).
• Location Advantage: Ideal for quick access to the Bell Tower, Muslim Quarter, and central city hotels.

2. Xi'an North Railway Station (西安北站) – Main High-Speed Rail Hub

Situated about 12 km (7.5 miles) north of the city center, Xi'an North is one of the largest bullet train hubs in Asia and handles the vast majority of long-distance high-speed traffic.

• Train Types: Exclusively serves high-speed G and D series trains connecting Xi'an to major national hubs like Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Zhengzhou, and Guangzhou.
• Metro Access: Directly accessible via Metro Line 2 and Metro Line 4 (Xi'an North Station stop).
• Airport Link: Directly connects to the Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) via the intercity rail line.

3. Xi'an South Railway Station (西安南站) – Secondary Station

Located far south in the Chang'an District, Xi'an South is a smaller station with limited operations.

• Train Types: Operates a few conventional slow trains.
• Traveler Note: Rarely used by international tourists due to its distance from main attractions and limited transport options.

How to Purchase Xi'an Train Tickets?

Source: Wikipedia \ Learn about the steps to buy train tickets at Xi'an Train Station

You can easily book train tickets at the Xi'an train stations or on Trip.com for more convenience. Here’s how:

5 Steps to buy train tickets at a station

• Step 1 - Arrive early at the train station
• • Xi’an Railway Station address: 44 Huancheng N. Road Xincheng District, Xi'an, Shaanxi China
  • Xi'an North Railway Station address: Yuanshuo Road, Weiyang District, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
• Step 2 - Locate the ticket office: Upon arrival at the station, locate the ticket office. Signage is usually clear.
• Step 3 - Prepare your documents: For foreign travelers, a passport is necessary.
• Step 4 - Select your train: Decide on your travel details, including the destination, train number, date, time of departure and seat class.
• Step 5 - Make payment: You can use cash or popular online payment methods including Wechay payment and Alipay to make payment.

Tips: If you don't speak Chinese, it may be helpful to use a translation app or bring a note with your travel details written in Chinese.

6 Steps to buy train tickets on Trip.com

Buying train tickets online provides convenience and efficiency. You can book cheap train tickets on Trip.com in advance in case there’s a rush to buy tickets the station.

• Step 1 - Visit the Trip.com website or App and select the train section
• Step 2 - Enter travel details: Input your departure city and destination city. Select your travel date. Click on the "Search" button to view available options.

• Step 3 - Choose your train: Review the departure times, duration, and types of seats available.

• Step 4 - Enter passenger info and contact info: Enter the passenger details, including ID type, ID number, name, phone number and more. Then click “Book”.

• Step 5 - Make payment: Choose your preferred payment method (credit/debit card, PayPal, etc.). Enter the payment details and complete the transaction.
• Step 6 - Receive confirmation: Once the payment is successful, you will receive a confirmation with your booking details.

What Are the Major High-Speed Train Routes of Xi'an Train Station?

Source: Xinhua Net official

Check the popular train route of Xi'an train station and select the one that suits you best.

Major High-Speed Rail Routes from Xi'an

Seat Classes & Helpful Booking Tips

• Second Class (二等座): Standard 3+2 seating layout. Comfortable, affordable, and the most popular choice for travelers (prices listed in the table above).
• First Class (一等座): Spacier 2+2 seating layout with extra legroom—typically costs 50%–60% more than Second Class.
• Business Class (商务座): Premium lay-flat seats with lounge access and complimentary snacks—typically costs ~3x the Second Class price.
• Double-Check Your Departure Station: The vast majority of high-speed bullet trains depart from Xi'an North Railway Station (Xi'an Beizhan). However, select high-speed and intercity routes depart from Xi'an Railway Station (Xi'an Zhan) near the historic City Wall, so double-check your booking before heading to the station!

If you're curious about how to buy China train tickets, check the following articles to learn more:

✅If you're curious about how to stay connected in China, check out the following packages!

What Are the Types of Xi'an Station Trains?

Source: China Discovery official \ Learn about a variety of trains types

Xi'an's train stations serve a variety of train types, including normal trains (Z, T, K) and high-speed trains (D and G). Here is a summary of these trains and some of the routes that pass through Xi'an:

What Facilitis Does Xi'an Train Station Offer?

Source: Wikipedia \ Take good use of the facilities at Xi'an Train Stations

Xi'an Railway Station (西安站 - Xi'an Zhan) offers a comprehensive range of modern services and facilities designed to accommodate both domestic passenger traffic and international tourists.

Luggage & Security

• Luggage Storage (寄存处): Left-luggage counters are available in both the North and South Squares as well as inside the main waiting halls. Prices typically range from ~$3 to $8 AUD (¥15–¥40 RMB) per piece per day depending on bag size.
• Security Screening: Standard Chinese railway security checkpoints are located at all main station entrances. Be prepared to scan your passport/ID and bag through X-ray machines.

Ticketing & Entry

• Ticket Offices (售票厅): Located near the main entry gates. Automated ticket machines are situated throughout, though international travelers using passports usually need to use the manual service windows for ticket purchases, refunds, or complex changes.
• E-Ticket Passport Gates: Electronic ticketing is fully implemented. Foreign passengers can scan their valid passport directly at the automatic gates at entry and boarding, provided the ticket was booked online using the same passport details.

Waiting Halls & Comfort

• Spacious Waiting Area (候车大厅): Multi-level waiting areas equipped with ample seating, digital departure/arrival information screens, and clear English and Chinese signage.
• Business & VIP Lounges (商务/VIP候车室): Available for First Class / Business Class ticket holders or specific bank/card members, offering quiet seating, complimentary snacks, and drinks.
• Baby Care & Family Rooms: Dedicated quiet spaces for nursing mothers and families traveling with young children.

Dining, Shopping & Amenities

• Food & Beverage: A wide variety of dining options, ranging from Western fast food (e.g., KFC, McDonald's) to local Shaanxi specialties (such as Rougamo / Chinese hamburgers and Biangbiang noodles), grab-and-go bakeries, and convenience stores (e.g., Lawson, 7-Eleven).
• Drinking Water: Free hot and ambient-temperature drinking water dispensers are located near restrooms throughout the waiting halls (bring a refillable bottle or thermos).
• Restrooms: Modern public restrooms with both squat and Western-style toilets, along with accessible facilities.

Connectivity & Power

• Free Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal (usually requires a Chinese mobile number or SMS verification code to connect).
• Charging Stations: Portable power bank rental kiosks (e.g., Powerbank/Energy stations) and free USB charging poles/seats are distributed across the waiting halls.

Accessibility & Special Assistance

• Barrier-Free Access: Wheelchair ramps, tactile paving, accessible elevators connecting different floors, and dedicated barrier-free restrooms.
• Green Channel (绿色通道): Priority boarding channels for elderly passengers, pregnant women, passengers with disabilities, and travelers with infants.

How to Get to Xi'an Train Station?

Source: Chinaairline Travel official \ Learn about the ways to get to Xi'an Train Stations

Xi'an Railway Station (西安站 - Xi'an Zhan) is located right next to the northern edge of the historic City Wall in central Xi'an. Because of its downtown location, reaching the station is quick and easy via public transportation or taxi.

1. By Metro (Subway) – Most Convenient

• Metro Line: Line 4
• Station Name: Xi'an Railway Station (西安站)
• How it works: Take Metro Line 4 directly to the station. Once you exit the train, follow the clear overhead signage to the station square and departure halls.

Transfers from major transit hubs:

• From Xi'an North Station (西安北站 - High-Speed Rail): Take Line 4 directly (no transfers needed; approx. 30–35 minutes).
• From the Bell Tower (钟楼) / Downtown: Take Line 2 to Beidajie Station (北大街), transfer to Line 1 to Wulukou Station (五路口), and transfer to Line 4 for one stop (or take a short 10-minute walk north from Wulukou).

2. By Taxi or Rideshare (DiDi)

Taxis and DiDi are readily available throughout the city.

• Drop-off Point: Ask the driver to drop you off at the North Square (北广场) or South Square (南广场) drop-off zones of Xi'an Railway Station (西安站).
• Approximate Travel Times & Costs:
• • From Bell Tower / Muslim Quarter: ~15–20 minutes | ~$5–$8 AUD (¥20–¥35 RMB)
  • From Giant Wild Goose Pagoda: ~25–30 minutes | ~$8–$12 AUD (¥35–¥50 RMB)

3. From Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY)

If you are coming directly from the airport:

• By Airport Bus (Direct Line): Take the dedicated Airport Shuttle Bus heading to Xi'an Railway Station. Tickets cost around ~$5 AUD (¥25 RMB) and the journey takes about 60–75 minutes depending on traffic.
• By Metro/Intercity Train: Take the Airport Intercity Line / Metro Line 14 to Xi'an North Railway Station, then transfer to Metro Line 4 directly down to Xi'an Railway Station (approx. 70–80 minutes total).
• By Taxi/DiDi: Takes around 45–60 minutes and costs approx. ~$30–$40 AUD (¥130–¥170 RMB).

Where to Stay near Xi'an Trains Stations?

Source: Wikipedia \ How many traisn stations does Xi'an have?

Xi'an Railway Station

Xi'an Railway Station is a major transportation hub in the region. As an important node in China's railway network, it connects numerous major cities across the country, providing convenient rail services. The station is well-equipped with facilities such as waiting rooms, ticket halls, and dining areas, ensuring a comfortable travel experience for passengers.

For official ticket info and bookings, use the China Railway 12306 website: https://www.12306.cn/en/

Hotels near Xi'an Railway Station

Xi'an North Railway Station

Xi'an North Railway Station is a prominent high-speed railway station. It serves as a major hub for high-speed rail services, connecting Xi'an with numerous key cities across the country. The station features modern facilities, including spacious waiting areas, advanced ticketing systems, and various dining and shopping options, ensuring a comfortable and efficient travel experience for passenger.

Hotels near Xi'an North Railway Station