How to Get to Terracotta Army from Beijing?

The Terracotta Army, located in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most significant archaeological finds in history, drawing countless international tourists every year. From Beijing, the distance to Xi'an is roughly 1,100 kilometers (680 miles), with travel times approaching a two-hour flight or a five-hour high-speed train. 

To visit the Terracotta Army, you need to first arrive in Xi'an, then transfer to the museum in Lintong District. Your choice of transportation will depend on factors such as budget, schedule, and personal preference. Here are some available options, from flights and high-speed trains to overnight sleeper trains, along with subsequent travel to the site, ensuring a smooth and memorable trip.
 

Terracotta Army Pit 1 in Xi'an

 For most travelers, the high-speed train offers the best combination of speed, comfort, and affordability. Most services depart from Beijing West Railway Station, with daytime G-series high-speed trains taking just 5 to 6 hours to reach Xi'an North Railway Station, perfect for enjoying the passing scenery of the North China Plain: vast expanses of farmland stretching to the horizon, dotted with occasional villages and rows of poplar trees. Generally, Second-class tickets range from CNY 484.5 to 577.5.    

 

Beijing West Railway Station

Beijing High-speed Rail Carriage

 
 See more about Beijing - Xi'an High Speed Train
 For budget-conscious travelers or those who want to save on accommodation, overnight sleeper trains offer a practical alternative. If you prefer to maximize your sightseeing time, consider an overnight D-series bullet sleeper train, taking about 12 hours. Usually, the first-class sleeper trains cost CNY 458 to 488, while the second-class fares range from CNY 300 to 320. You'll board the train at Beijing West Railway Station or Beijing Fengtai Railway Station the previous evening, rest overnight, and arrive at Xi'an Railway Station or Xi'an North Railway Station the next morning, ready to explore, essentially saving a night's accommodation while still arriving fresh.

 More Details in Beijing - Xi'an Overnight Sleeper Train
 Flying is the fastest and most comfortable way to cover the Beijing-Xi'an route, with many daily flights from Beijing Capital International Airport and Beijing Daxing Airport to Xi'an Xianyang International Airport taking just about 2 hours. Usually, tickets range from CNY 400 to 3,000 depending on timing and carrier. 

However, considering travel to and from airports, especially distant Beijing Daxing Airport, check-in time, and potential weather delays, the total journey often reaches 4 to 5 hours.  

 

Beijing Daxing Airport

 Once arrive in Xi'an, you need to travel to the Terracotta Army Museum in Lintong District from your arrival station. Here are the detailed routes:
 Airport Express Bus: Take the Airport-Lintong Line for CNY 45, which takes about 2 hours. 
Direct Taxi: A taxi is faster and more convenient·, with a duration of 1 hour, but costs more, around CNY 200 - 300.

Tip: If you arrive in Xi'an late at night, pre-booking a ride-hailing service is recommended for a smoother transfer.
 Direct Minibus: You can take a direct minibus from the North Coach Station near the Xi'an North Railway Station for CNY 30 one-way, taking about one hour. 
Convenient Taxi Service: Hiring a taxi is a flexible alternative, costing between CNY 160 and 220 and also taking roughly 1 hour.

Tip: The direct minibus usually operates until 17:30 with every 15-minute departures. If you're in a group, taking a taxi may be more convenient and cost-effective, especially outside minibus operating hours.
 

Mini Bus in Xi'an North Railway Station

Xi'an Metro

 

Metro + Bus: Take Metro Line 4 to Wulukou Station, transfer to Line 1 for Fangzhicheng Station, then switch to Line 9 to Huaqing Pool Station and get out from Exit C. Then walk 200 meters (220 yards) east to catch bus 613, taking about 2 hours total for CNY 12. 

Quick Taxi Ride: A taxi takes just about 1 hour and costs CNY 120 - 200.
 

Tourist Bus 613

See more about How to Get to Terracotta Army from Xi'an? 
 Many travelers pressed for time wonder if it's possible to visit the Terracotta Army from Beijing in a single day. The answer is yes, but it will be tiring. Here is the recommended itinerary: 
 You can either catch a morning flight from Beijing Capital International Airport or Beijing Daxing Airport around 7:00, arriving at Xi'an Airport by 9:00, or take an overnight D-series bullet train departing from Beijing West Railway Station around 20:00 the previous day, which arrives at Xi'an Railway Station around 8:00 the next morning. This gives you a full day to explore the Terracotta Army and possibly other sites.
 After landing at the airport or train station, you can head directly to the Terracotta Army, arriving between 10:00 and 11:00. Plan for a 3 - 4 hour visit to fully experience this world-famous attraction. If time allows, you can stop by the nearby Huaqing Palace. Travelers departing by train can visit the Bell Tower, just a 30-minute ride from the station, while those taking a flight can visit the Western Airport Museum located in Terminal 5 before departure.

Note: The Western Airport Museum operates from 9:00 to 19:00 from Tuesday to Sunday, with last admission at 18:30.
 

Xi'an Bell Tower in Evening

Exhibit in the Western Airport Museum

 The last evening flight departs at 22:00 and takes about 2 hours. Alternatively, the latest overnight sleeper train leaves at 23:12 and takes approximately 13 hours and 30 minutes to reach Beijing.

Tips:
1. It's best to book Terracotta Army tickets online at least one day in advance.
2. If traveling with seniors or children, consider a two-day tour to make it more relaxed.

  Further Reading:
•    How to Get to Terracotta Army from Shanghai?
•    How to Get to Terracotta Army from Hong Kong?
•    Best Time to Visit Terracotta Army
•    Where are the Terracotta Warriors Located?
•    Where to Eat - Restaurants Near the Terracotta Army？
•    How to Visit Terracotta Army - A Perfect One-Day Tour Plan
•    Top 20 FAQs about Terracotta Army