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Xian Transportation



Getting to Xian

 By Air → Xian Xianyang International Airport
 By Train → Transportation & Tips of Xian Railway Station
 By Long-Distance Bus

Getting Around Xian

 By City-Bus → IC Card
  Tour Special Bus & Frequently Used Bus & Suburban Bus
 By Taxi & Bicycle
 By Subway → Xian Subway Map

In ancient times, as the beginning of the Silk Road, Xian was one of the transport junctions in China. Now, it is the axis from the east to the west China even to the countries in the western Asia. The extensive transportation system consisting of aviation, railways and highways connects Xian with the rest of the Chinese cities conveniently.

Before 1949, there were a few of flights arriving in Xian even in Shaanxi Province. In the 1990's, when more and more travelers came to Xian, local aviation has received a big boost. In 1991, the newly built Xianyang Airport was equipped with more comprehensive facilities and services, making Xian one of the most important aviation hubs in China. From the July, 1992, the scheduled routes from Xian to Hong Kong which were operated by Northwest Airlines built a new way of international communication for the inland city. Later that year, in October, the first international airline of Shaanxi Province was put into use, which connected to Nagoya, Japan via a transfer at Shanghai. Now, Xian Xianyang International Airport is one of the top ten airports in China. There are about 20 aviation companies opening numerous air routes to more than 70 domestic and 17 international destinations.

In the 1930s, the city also saw Shaanxi Province's first railway between Tongguan and Xian constructed. It is one vital section of the Long-Hai Railway which links the east coast to the western hinterland, passing through five provinces of China. At present, Xian is the junction of several railways, taking transportation of the neighboring cities, such as Zhengzhou, Lanzhou and Chengdu. Xian Railway Station was originally built in 1934, praised to be one of the extra large passenger stations of China. In addition, it is a vital station along the New Euro-Asian Continental Bridge.

Being the capital of 13 dynasties in ancient times, the overland transportation of Xian has a long and splendid history. Once, Xian was the largest commodity communication and trade center on the Silk Road, stretching to the Middle East and the Mediterranean. However, the first highway was constructed in 1921 while automobiles were put into use the next year. In 1990, the 23.9 kilometers (14.9 miles) Xi (Xian)-Lin (Lintong) Expressway was accomplished, which was the first expressway in Shaanxi Province. Currently, Xian has a dense highway system, expanding to the other parts of Shaanxi Province as well as the nearby cities. In addition, with the full use of the Xian Express Loop Highway in 2000, these peripheral highways are connected to the urban area of Xian City effectively.

Travelers' Voices on Xian Transportation

1.

Oct. 13,2009 08:39 Reply

Mr.Waqas(Pakistan) said:

I' getting admission in Xi'an Jiaotong Universiy and I want to get all information about travelling in the Xian city, Would there be any sort of language problem if I want to do some shopping etc out there in Xian. and how can I get to Urumqi from Xi'an if i want to travel to Pakistan by road. I guess I can come to Urumqi by train and then can I come to Pakistan by road from there? What do you suggest me? And if yes, how much will it cost?

Oct. 13,2009 21:06
Mr.ANDY2008(China) replied:

You can travel from Xi'an to Urumqi by train, yet few people go from Urumqi to Pakistan by road,

2.

Sep. 18,2009 00:42 Reply

Mrs.wendy(USA) said:

how far is xian from hong kong or beijing? We are planning a trip this summer and would appreciate your guidance. Can you take a train from HKG to Xian?

Sep. 18,2009 03:06
Mr.Frankie replied:

You could see the three cities location at http://www.travelchinaguide.com/map/china_map.htm Although Xi'an is a little closer to HK than Beijing, the HK Airport supplies more and cheaper flights to Beijing than to Xi'an. So, I think your itinerary should be Hong Kong -->Beijing-->Xi'an.
Hong Kong to Beijing: please take a flight. The flights' infor could be searched at http://www.travelchinaguide.com/china-flights/
Beijing to Xi'an: many flights for your choice everyday, too. On the other hand, you could take a night train from Beijing to Xi'an easily. Well, the train infor could be searched at http://www.travelchinaguide.com/china-trains/

3.

Aug. 13,2009 01:59 Reply

Mr.Wicker said:

Shaanxi Province will launch its first free tourist bus service starting from August 16. Tourists can take the tourist bus for free as long as they purchase admission tickets for tourist attractions. The free tourist buses leave from Tang Paradise in Xian at 08:00, 09:00, 10:00 and 11:00. The free buses will run from Tang Paradise to Famen Temple and Taibai Mountain.

4.

Aug. 10,2009 20:07 Reply

Ms.Phillips(Ukraine) said:

How can I easily travel to the Terracotta Warriers from the city centre? And how long would that take? Thanks.

Aug. 10,2009 21:25
Mr.Frank replied:

Hi Ms, if you are located in the city center currently, it is suggested that you could take a city-bus or a taxi to the east square of the Xi'an Railway Station firstly. Here you could find the tour special line 5 and buses of Nos.914&915 drive you to teh terracotta warriors and horses directly.

For the Line 5's infor, please refer to: http://www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/xian/transportation/tour-bus.htm
For 914 & 915, please refer to: http://www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/xian/transportation/town-bus3.htm

5.

May. 28,2009 07:43 Reply

Mrs.revecca(united states) said:

I would like know how to get to Xian from Beijing International airport or if by train

May. 30,2009 20:16
Mr.peng(uk) replied:

by air: Beijing capital airport--Xianyang(xian city) International airport. Then you can take coach to Xian city Central.

by train:Beijing capital airport to Beijing West train station(xi ke zhan) by coach or taxi. Then you can take train to Xian Train Station. It will cost you about 11 hours.

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