Xi'an Metro Map 2026: Lines, Fares & Station Attractions

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Xian Metro Map

As one of China's oldest cities, Xi'an is also a city with a highly developed modern transportation network. For travelers from Malaysia, understanding the Xi'an Metro is one of the most convenient and economical ways to explore the city. The Xi'an Metro currently operates multiple lines, connecting Xianyang International Airport, the Bell Tower, the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, transportation hubs near the Terracotta Warriors, as well as major commercial districts and tourist attractions. Whether you are visiting Xi'an for the first time or planning an in-depth experience of this ancient capital, you can easily reach most popular destinations via the Xi'an Metro. This Xi'an Metro guide will provide tourists with detailed information on metro lines, fares, operating hours, and practical riding tips to help make your travel in Xi'an more convenient and smooth.

Xi'an Metro Map and Line Overview

Xi'an Metro Map

Source: Eastchinatrip

If you are a Malaysian tourist familiar with the Kuala Lumpur MRT, you will find the Xi'an Metro just as efficient, with an added touch of the ancient capital's charm. Modern facilities, clean stations, and a network that covers the entire city make getting around Xi'an both simple and pleasant. This guide will help you navigate the Xi'an Metro network with confidence and ease.

System Overview

The Xi'an Metro currently has 9 lines in operation (with more under construction!), connecting the city center, major residential areas, key tourist attractions, and Xi'an Xianyang International Airport. Traveling by metro is not only fast and affordable, but it's also the perfect way to reach iconic landmarks like the Bell Tower, the Muslim Quarter, and the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, allowing you to explore this ancient capital with ease and without worrying about traffic jams.

Major Subway Lines

  • Line 2 (Blue): Runs north-south through the city, cutting through the city center and connecting key landmarks such as the Bell Tower, the Ancient City Wall (Yongningmen Station), and Xi'an North Railway Station.
  • Line 1 (Red): Runs east-west, taking you effortlessly to Daming Palace, Sajinqiao, and the Banpo Museum.
  • Line 3 (Light Green): This is a super convenient route that takes you effortlessly to the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, the Shaanxi History Museum, and the Xiaozhai shopping district.
  • Line 4 (Teal): Connects the north and south of Xi'an, with stops near the Qujiang Tourist Area and the Tang Paradise.
  • Line 14 (Purple): Directly connects Xi'an Xianyang International Airport with the North Railway Station (Xi'an North Station), making travel to and from the airport quick and convenient.

Major Transfer Points and Interchange Stations

  • Beikezhan (Xi'an North Railway Station): As a key transportation hub connecting the subway and high-speed rail, this is the perfect starting point for your convenient regional exploration.
  • Zhonglou Station: This is the heart of the subway system and the perfect starting point for exploring downtown Xi'an and the Muslim Quarter.
  • Dayanta Station: The closest station to one of Xi'an's most famous landmarks—the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda.

Thoughtful Travel Navigation Tips

The design of the Xi'an Metro is incredibly user-friendly, with travelers in mind at every turn; bilingual signage in both Chinese and English ensures you can travel worry-free. The ticket vending machines are highly convenient, supporting not only cash but also Alipay and WeChat Pay. Need to plan your route or get real-time updates? Baidu Maps, Amap (Gaode Maps), or the Trip.com app are your go-to assistants. To ensure you stay connected throughout your journey, don't forget to prepare a reliable eSIM card so you can easily check maps and travel information anytime, anywhere!

Xi'an Metro Ticketing Guide: A Complete Guide to Metro Cards and Payment Methods

Chongqing Metro Payment Guide

Once you understand the ticketing system, taking the metro in Xi'an is actually very simple. This guide will help you easily navigate metro payments, making your trip to Xi'an even smoother.

Optional Ticket Types

  • Single Journey Ticket (Token): The ideal choice for a one-way trip. You can easily purchase them at ticket vending machines in all subway stations.
  • Tourist Pass: Xi'an doesn't currently offer a dedicated subway tourist pass, but for short trips, single-journey tickets or a top-up card are perfectly sufficient!
  • Contactless bank cards: Since most machines do not support foreign credit or debit cards, we recommend switching to tokens or metro cards to make your travel smoother and worry-free!

Transport Card

  • Chang'an Tong: This is the main all-in-one transit card in Xi'an. Whether you're taking the metro or the bus, it makes getting around to major attractions a breeze. Just a quick tap at the turnstile is all you need to enter and exit—no more waiting in long lines to buy tickets!
  • Where to buy: Available at subway station service counters throughout the city and at designated convenience stores.

Fares & Top-ups

  • Fare range: Xi'an Metro fares are very affordable, with a starting price for short trips of about 2 RMB (approximately A$0.45), and a maximum fare of about 8 RMB (approximately A$1.70) depending on the distance traveled.
  • Top-up method: You can easily top up your Chang'an Tong card at any major subway station. The minimum top-up amount is usually 20 RMB (approximately A$4.30).

Digital Payment

Mobile Payments: Alipay and WeChat Pay are the most common payment methods in Xi'an. However, these apps usually require linking a bank account within China or setting up international credit cards. For international travelers, unless you have already set up these payment methods in advance, getting a "Chang'an Tong" card is definitely a simple and reliable choice.

Best choice for travelers

For short-term visitors, getting a "Chang'an Tong" card is definitely the most convenient and practical choice. Topping up the card with about 100 RMB (approximately A$21.50) will easily cover your subway travel for several days, so you'll never have to waste time queuing for tickets again!

Friendly Reminder

  • Rush Hour Crowds: During peak hours, subway cars can get very crowded, especially at popular stations like Bell Tower, Xi'an North Railway Station, and Giant Wild Goose Pagoda.
  • Overseas bank cards: Ticket machines usually don't accept them, so it's recommended to carry some cash with you for easy top-ups.
  • Refund Policy: You can apply for a refund for your Chang'an Tong card, though specific regulations may vary. We recommend asking the service counter staff for detailed information when you purchase your card.

A Guide to Subway Stations Near Popular Attractions in Xi'an

Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum

With an efficient metro system, getting around Xi'an becomes super simple! As a tourist from Malaysia, I found that by just taking the metro, I could easily visit the city's major historical landmarks, bustling food streets, and shopping districts—it's truly convenient. Here are a few key stations that every traveler should know:

Station NameDescriptionLandmarks & TransportationSubway Lines

Clock Tower — The Heart of the City Center 🏙️

In the heart of Xi'an, surrounded by shopping malls, restaurants, and historical landmarks.

Bell Tower, Drum Tower, Muslim Quarter

Line 2, Line 6

North Street —— Core Transportation Hub 🚇

A major transportation hub located right next to bustling commercial districts and the city center

North Street Commercial District

Line 1, Line 2

Yongning Gate (South Gate) — Stroll along the ancient city wall 🏰

The entrance to the Xi'an City Wall is a fantastic starting point for cycling or strolling along the ancient fortifications.

Xi'an City Wall (South Gate)

Line 2

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda —— A Cultural Landmark 🕊️

One of the most famous historical and religious sites in Xi'an

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Daci'en Temple, Tang Paradise

Line 3, Line 4

Xiaozhai — Shopping and Museum Hopping 🛍️

A hotspot for shopaholics and culture lovers

Shaanxi History Museum, Xiaozhai Commercial District

Line 2, Line 3

Daminggong West – Experience the Imperial Legacy 🏯

Visit the ruins of the Tang Dynasty palace complex

Daming Palace National Heritage Park

Line 4

Xi'an North Railway Station — The Gateway to Your Journey 🚄

This is the core transportation hub for transfers between high-speed rail and the subway.

Xi'an North Railway Station

Line 2, Line 4, Line 14

Xi'an Xianyang Airport — The Gateway to Your Journey ✈️

Take the subway directly to the airport for a stress-free and convenient trip!

Xi'an Xianyang International Airport

Line 14

Xi'an Metro: Operating Hours, Frequency, and Peak Hours

As a Malaysian tourist traveling in Xi'an, I found the metro system here to be incredibly punctual, reliable, and well-connected, making it a breeze to plan a full day of sightseeing. Whether you're looking to catch an early train to visit the Terracotta Warriors, explore cultural landmarks in the city center, or head back after a late-night stroll around the Bell Tower, the Xi'an Metro is the most convenient and affordable choice for getting around.

Opening Hours

The Xi'an Metro operates from early morning until late at night every day, providing convenient transportation services for local residents and tourists alike.

DayFirst busLast trainMajor Lines

Weekdays

6:00 AM

11:30 PM

Line 1, Line 2, Line 3

Weekend

6:00 AM

11:30 PM

Line 1, Line 2, Line 3

Departure Frequency

  • Peak hours: Every 3-5 minutes — Frequent train service, minimal waiting time.
  • Off-peak hours: Every 7–10 minutes — Still super convenient, making sightseeing and leisurely travel a breeze.

Recommended off-peak times

Peak seasonTime RangeBusiest StationTravel Tips

The busy morning hours

7:30 AM – 9:00 AM

Bell Tower, Beidajie, Xi'an North Railway Station

If you're traveling with large luggage or with children, it's best to avoid this place.

The hustle and bustle in the twilight

5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

Bell Tower, Xiaozhai, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda

We recommend traveling during off-peak hours to make your journey more relaxed and comfortable.

Must-Have Apps for Real-Time Updates

To get the latest metro schedules and plan your route, you can use the official "Xi'an Metro" app, Amap, or Baidu Maps (though the interface is primarily in Chinese). The Trip.com app and Google Maps are also very helpful for international travelers. To stay connected during your trip, we highly recommend preparing a reliable China eSIM card to make your travels even easier!

Travel tips for different times of the day

  • Early morning departure (✈️): Taking Line 14 to Xi'an Xianyang International Airport is the perfect way to catch your flight.
  • Morning Serenity (📸): Beat the crowds and take advantage of this perfect time to explore popular spots like the City Wall or the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda.
  • Night cycling (🌃): Perfect for heading to the Bell Tower, Muslim Quarter, or Tang Paradise to fully soak in Xi'an's vibrant nightlife and check out the tempting street food.
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Xi'an Metro Map: Practical Tips, Etiquette, and Insider Guide

Xi'an Metro Map: Practical Tips, Etiquette, and Insider Guide

As a tourist traveling in Xi'an, I was not only impressed by the efficient metro system here, but also deeply moved by the orderliness and courtesy shown by the locals. When in Rome, do as the Romans do—understanding and observing local customs and etiquette will not only make your journey smoother but also help you better integrate into the local way of life.

🚶 Platform and train etiquette

When waiting for the metro in Xi'an, remember to stand behind the yellow safety line and queue up patiently. Follow the "let passengers off before boarding" rule—locals in Xi'an take this very seriously. If you're getting off soon, you can stand closer to the doors, but be careful not to block others. The priority seating signs in the carriages are very prominent, so please remember to leave these seats for the elderly, pregnant women, or passengers with limited mobility.

📵 Etiquette on the train

Please set your phone to silent mode, and remember to wear headphones when watching videos or listening to music. Keep your voice low and be polite when chatting. Eating and drinking are not allowed on the subway, so it's best to finish any snacks before entering the station. If you have a suitcase or a large backpack, please keep it close to you to avoid blocking the aisle, especially during peak hours, so everyone can have a smoother journey.

💡 Local Tips

  • Late morning or early afternoon is the best time to travel, as the trains are less crowded and the journey is more comfortable and relaxing.
  • Line 2 is a fantastic choice for exploring the city center, with stops along the way at the Bell Tower, Yongningmen (Ancient City Wall), and Xi'an North Railway Station.
  • Take Metro Line 3 or Line 4 to easily reach cultural landmarks like the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and the Tang Paradise, and kick off your exciting journey.
  • Major interchange stations like Beidajie and Bell Tower can get very crowded—we recommend adjusting your travel time slightly earlier or later to avoid peak hours and travel during off-peak times.
  • Here's a local tip: There are tons of attractions near the Big Wild Goose Pagoda station, and the exits can be a bit confusing, so be sure to check the station exit map before you head out!
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Best Places to Stay in Xi'an

Xi'an Hotels

5 star

9.6/10Excellent10083 Reviews
The bell tower The drum tower/The Xi’an Circumvallation Xi'an|0.3km from downtown
Great hotel. Nice, modern and clean. The room was good too. Comfy bed with medium firmness. Great shower and toilet with auto wash. Aircon worked very well. The tv was a projector onto a big projector screen but we had no idea how to use it as it was in Chinese. The lights had some variations but none that let us control the lights we actually wanted on. This could be improved. Location was excellent to the Bell Tower area. Metro stop on the doorstep but a bit of a walk to the actual train line. Muslim Quarter a 10 min walk. Breakfast catered for the Chinese palette. My husband loved it.  There was a free laundry room which was very handy and we got all our dirty clothes washed and dried in about an hour. Check out going well when they gave us a bag of sweets which we thought was really lovely until we realised it was effectively a bribe when the staff (very politely) insisted we do a 5 star review there and then. That request ironically was the one thing I did not like at all. Do not ask try to force your customers to review what you want them to. Reviews are personal and should reflect their experience plus it’s rude!
FromUS$ 69
9.6/10Excellent13118 Reviews
Beiguan/Longshou District Xi'an|3.5km from downtown
Facilities: Cozy and comfortable Cleanliness: Spotless Ambiance: Pleasant fragrance Service: Attentive and warm. The hotel's location is convenient, and it's one of the best hotels I've stayed at in the Xi'an market so far. Transportation to any scenic spot is very easy. The staff service is well-trained, and the management actively assists employees in taking care of guests. It's excellent and a highly recommended high-quality hotel.
FromUS$ 66
9.4/10Outstanding1130 Reviews
The bell tower The drum tower/The Xi’an Circumvallation Xi'an|1.3km from downtown
I stayed for 4 nights to celebrate my birthday while traveling in Xi'an. I asked the hotel if they could arrange a birthday cake, and they readily agreed! Not only was the cake large, but it was also delicious – even better than ones you buy outside. I'm so grateful to the hotel for that. The breakfast was also very substantial. From the front desk to room service to the breakfast staff, everyone provided wonderfully comfortable and thoughtful service. I'll definitely stay here again next time I visit Xi'an. The only minor drawback was that the swimming pool had some floating lint when I checked in back in April, but it cleared up by the third day of my stay.
FromUS$ 74
9.4/10Outstanding6363 Reviews
The bell tower The drum tower/The Xi’an Circumvallation Xi'an|0.64km from downtown
Staying at Dongshe Hotel is a must when visiting Xi'an! The location is superb, close to the Bell and Drum Tower and the subway, making it incredibly convenient for sightseeing and enjoying local cuisine. The rooms are spotless, offering a great stay experience. Breakfast is rich and varied, catering to both Western and Chinese tastes, with plenty of local specialties available; there's even a complimentary afternoon tea. The hotel also provides free laundry facilities, which is a huge plus for long trips. Excellent value for money – I highly recommend it to all travelers.
FromUS$ 89
9.6/10Excellent4747 Reviews
The bell tower The drum tower/The Xi’an Circumvallation Xi'an|1.85km from downtown
Very satisfied! Facilities: All the fixtures are brand new. The shower pressure is great and very comfortable. There's no old or worn-out feeling as some negative reviews mentioned, only understated luxury. Cleanliness: It's cleaned very well every day, and they even noticed we had a child and thoughtfully left two extra bottles of water, which was very attentive and considerate. Ambiance: The antique-style decor is in keeping with the age of the hotel, and both the kids and elders really enjoyed this style. Since we're in a thousand-year-old capital, of course, we want to stay in a hotel with historical charm! There's a bronze carriage in the lobby and Tang Sancai pottery in the room, giving a feeling of traveling back 5000 years. My child even said our hotel is like a museum! Service: From check-in to check-out, every staff member we encountered was smiling and had an excellent attitude.
FromUS$ 97

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Business travel

9.2/10Very Good2575 Reviews
The bell tower The drum tower/The Xi’an Circumvallation Xi'an|0.24km from downtown
The room isn't huge, but it has everything you need, with a compact layout. What really stands out is the unlimited complimentary bottled water available next to the elevator on every floor, which makes the hotel feel very generous. The staff are also quite friendly. The Rou Jia Mo (shredded pork burger) at the hotel breakfast is absolutely delicious – much better than what you'd find at most small shops in Xi'an! The bun is chewy without being dry, and the meat is juicy; it really tastes great. The location is also convenient, about a five-minute walk to Metro Line 2. Overall, it's highly recommended!
FromUS$ 43
9.2/10Very Good9089 Reviews
The bell tower The drum tower/The Xi’an Circumvallation Xi'an|0.66km from downtown
I chose this hotel primarily for its convenient location. It's really easy to get to all the tourist spots I wanted to visit; I could just take a leisurely stroll there. There are plenty of food and drink options nearby for longer excursions too. Plus, seeing so many women walking around in Tang Dynasty costumes really added to the atmosphere! The room itself was spacious enough, making it a great choice.
FromUS$ 34
9.4/10Outstanding4449 Reviews
The bell tower The drum tower/The Xi’an Circumvallation Xi'an|0.21km from downtown
My first time trying this place, and I thought it was great! I booked the cheapest room, which I think was a 16-person dorm, but the front desk lady upgraded me to a 12-person one. I even extended my stay for another night. The environment inside is quite peaceful. Everyone in the common areas is pretty respectful, except for a few loud shouts during billiards sometimes! Oh, and there were a lot of foreigners, couples mostly, chatting among themselves – it had a nice vibe. Since it was my first time, I wasn't familiar with everything and didn't prepare toiletries. When I went to shower, I even saw two guys coming out of the same stall, which honestly stunned me a bit. However, the privacy in the restrooms and shower rooms is excellent; they're all enclosed. The hot water comes on quickly, the water pressure is strong, and everything is clean. Everyone seemed pretty well-behaved. I mostly kept to myself, though, and didn't really interact with anyone. At one point, a foreigner asked me in English if he could use a stool. I honestly didn't understand anything he said, but I got his meaning and just waved my hand. He must have thought I was refusing him because he started to leave. I was so flustered I couldn't speak, just waving my hands around like fans, trying to convey my meaning. He must have seen my panic and understood, so he moved the stool. Only then could I relax and continue drinking my hot water alone. (I saw the front desk staff, both a guy and a lady, speaking English with the foreigners, and I was so envious! Ugh, I can only read English; I can't understand or speak it. I really need to practice my listening and speaking skills. I'll try my luck again next time.) Overall, I think it's a pretty good place. Oh, and its location is fantastic, right by the Bell Tower. But make sure you exit the correct subway station, or else a directionally challenged person like me will spend almost an hour wandering around trying to find it!
FromUS$ 7
9.3/10Very Good2981 Reviews
International Exhibition Center/Chanba Xi'an|10.85km from downtown
The hotel was pleasant overall, with comfortable and spacious rooms. While the rooms were a bit dated, they were well maintained and provided a relaxing stay. The breakfast was decent, although the selection of Western options was somewhat limited. Overall, it was a good experience and I enjoyed my stay.
FromUS$ 72
9.2/10Very Good1832 Reviews
Yongning Men/Xi'an Museum Xi'an|1.76km from downtown
Love love love this hotel!!! I stayed with my friend in a 2 bed 2 bath room for 8 nights and it was extremely spacious and comfortable. The rooms were very clean and the beds super super super comfy ( I could sleep it in all day but my itinerary was super full). The photos online are quite true to the actual room. They had extremely good service too, starting from the airport pickup, where they were on time and the car was spacious and luxurious! We did the 5 seater sedan at RMB100, the price is comparable to a didi premium but the difference is that they would track your flight and made sure to you were taken care of. The hotel even had Butler service and was very attentive, I could even get them to help store my friend's birthday cake sent from the local cake shop and send it up to us when we were back. The laundry service was handy for a long stay, it was easy to use (and we were on the same floor so it felt like home to just go to and from our room to the laundry room). They even had special prices for popular shows, easily saving more than 50% of the listed price. Thanks for being a home away from home! PS the cats on the 2nd floor is super cute!
FromUS$ 33

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Breakfast

9.5/10Outstanding3127 Reviews
The bell tower The drum tower/The Xi’an Circumvallation Xi'an|0.47km from downtown
Overall, the room was good. It's right next to the subway station and very close to the Bell Tower, making it super convenient for getting around. The only minor issue was that the air conditioning in the room was a bit noisy, but since I was so tired from exploring all day, I fell asleep right away, so it didn't really bother me. The main reason for my good review is the excellent service – the staff at the front desk, both the young ladies and gentlemen, were very enthusiastic, and the cleaning auntie was also very meticulous and thorough.
FromUS$ 40
9.6/10Excellent3760 Reviews
Datang West Market/West Xi'an Xi'an|3.84km from downtown
Service: Every lady at the front desk was kind and extremely attentive. We checked out a bit late, and they extended our checkout time to 3 PM, which was really thoughtful. The staff even helped us with our luggage to the car and offered us drinks. Cleanliness: The room was tidy and comfortable, and the bedding and bath amenities were very clean. However, the pillows had a slight odor of hair oil. Environment: The surrounding area has convenient transportation. The Xigong University subway station is just a few minutes' walk away, including a pedestrian overpass. There are also street food vendors just a few steps away. My only complaint is that Xi'an surprisingly doesn't have shared e-bikes, only shared bicycles. Riding a bicycle to tourist attractions will make you question your life choices. I recommend taking a taxi or, if you're looking for a more affordable option, combining it with subway transfers.
FromUS$ 20
9.4/10Outstanding3631 Reviews
Xiaozhai/Shaanxi History Museum Xi'an|3.97km from downtown
The front desk staff were very thoughtful, the room was clean and tidy, and the bed was comfortable. Any issues were resolved with a quick call. It's a great place for friends traveling together, with a convenient location less than 100 meters from the subway station and plenty of food and drink options nearby. I'll definitely choose this place again next time! ✨✨
FromUS$ 23
9.5/10Outstanding736 Reviews
The bell tower The drum tower/The Xi’an Circumvallation Xi'an|0.86km from downtown
I did a lot of research for my trip to Xi'an and finally settled on this hotel. The location is absolutely unbeatable. Xiangzimiao Street is right downstairs, full of unique shops. It was so convenient to explore late into the evening and just walk a few steps back to the hotel. The biggest surprise was the fourth-floor terrace. Having breakfast there in the morning was a real 'wow' moment! It faces directly onto the Yongning Gate city wall, and the view is just incredible. Every photo I took looked great, and so many people asked me which hotel it was when I posted them. The breakfast tasted delicious, and I recommend the beef noodles. Honestly, just sitting there and eating felt so atmospheric. The room itself was very clean, the bedding was comfortable, and the bathroom's wet/dry separation was well-done. My only minor regret is that the bar street downstairs can be a bit noisy at night, but the hotel provides earplugs, so I was still able to sleep. Overall, it's excellent value for money, and I'd definitely stay here again when I bring my parents next time.
FromUS$ 58
9.3/10Very Good2405 Reviews
The bell tower The drum tower/The Xi’an Circumvallation Xi'an|0.34km from downtown
Right across from the Drum Tower, the location is excellent. The room was clean, tidy, spacious, and bright, with a separate wet and dry area in the bathroom. The staff cleaned punctually every day. When checking out, the front desk lady even asked if I needed two bottles of warm mineral water, which was very thoughtful. The only minor drawback is that the room isn't soundproof. However, I still love staying at Ji Hotel; I like its layout, the small tea table, and the black tea is good too.
FromUS$ 46

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Hi, I am Zora from Shanghai, I've explored many spots across China, and also taken me further abroad including Australia, Malaysia, Finland and so on. For me, travel is about connecting deeply with each place. As a true travel enthusiast, I love diving deep into all the travel hacks, from booking secrets and ride-hailing discounts to travel promotions. I'm here to share every trick I know, guaranteed to help you save big and travel smart. Let's explore the world cleverly together!

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