How to Get to Terracotta Army from Hong Kong?
Built over 2,200 years ago, the Terracotta Army in Xi'an attracts countless visitors from around the world with its remarkable craftsmanship and profound historical significance. Each life-sized terracotta warrior stands as a testament to ancient Chinese history, making the site a must-see destination.
Generally, from Hong Kong to Xi'an, direct flights take about 3 to 4 hours, while a direct high-speed train journey lasts around 11 hours. Since direct options are limited, many travelers find it more convenient to travel via Shenzhen, which offers more departure options and flexible scheduling. However, given the considerable distance from Hong Kong to Xi'an, roughly 1,800 kilometers (1,120 miles), a day trip is not practical. Whether you fly or take the train, you'll arrive in the afternoon or evening, so plan for at least two days: spend your first evening exploring Xi'an's vibrant downtown, then visit the Terracotta Army, which is about an hour's drive from the city center, the following day.
Flying from Hong Kong to Xi'an offers two main options:
Option 1: Direct flights from Hong Kong International Airport to Xi'an Xianyang International Airport are available, but services are limited, sometimes just one flight a day, with a maximum of three. The flight takes about 3 - 4 hours and lands between 14:30 and 18:00. Fares generally range from CNY 2,000 to 4,000, depending on the season and airline.
Option 2: Alternatively, a more flexible choice is to fly through Shenzhen. There are frequent direct flights from Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport to Xi'an, running from early morning to late evening, with flight durations of about three hours and fares ranging from CNY 1,000 to 2,000.
To reach Shenzhen Airport, start by taking a high-speed train from Hong Kong West Kowloon Railway Station to Shenzhen North Railway Station or Futian Railway Station. The trip lasts 15 to 30 minutes, with second-class fares of CNY 68 - 75.
From Shenzhen North Station, you can take Metro Line 5 to Qianhaiwan, then transfer to Line 11 to reach Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport, taking about one hour. From Futian Station, Line 11 goes directly to the airport in roughly 40 minutes.
The only direct high-speed train from Hong Kong to Xi'an departs from West Kowloon Station at 9:02 and arrives at Xi'an North Railway Station at 20:04, taking about 11 hours. Usually, a second-class seat costs CNY 1,095.5. Given the late arrival, it's wise to depart a day ahead if you're planning to visit the Terracotta Army the next day.
You can also travel via Shenzhen: take approximately 20 minutes on a high-speed train to Shenzhen North or Futian Station, then transfer to a Shenzhen–Xi'an high-speed train. While Shenzhen offers slightly more departures than Hong Kong, four daily trains, with the last one leaving at 12:43, the journey still takes 10 to 11 hours, and trains arrive in Xi'an in the evening, making an overnight stay in Xi'an necessary. Typically, second-class fares on this route range from CNY 894.5 to 955.
Note: Transfer times between trains usually range from 20 to 40 minutes, so select trains that fit your schedule.
See Hong Kong - Xi'an High Speed Train
Since both flights and trains from Hong Kong arrive in Xi'an in the afternoon or evening, you'll have a great chance to explore Xi'an before resting. Xi'an's downtown attractions are conveniently close to each other, making an evening walk perfect.
Consider starting at the Muslim Quarter, where you can sample local delicacies and soak in the lively atmosphere. After sunset, take a walk along the ancient Xi'an City Wall, where over a thousand years of history feel especially vivid under the night sky, offering a peaceful view of the city. As night falls, head to the Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City, the heart of Xi'an's nightlife. When the lanterns light up the old-style architecture, the area becomes truly enchanting. Nearby, the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda glows in harmony with the surrounding streets. For a classic Xi'an experience, visit the Bell Tower, which looks majestic under the evening lights. It's a favorite spot for photos, especially for those wearing traditional Hanfu. After a restful night, you'll be ready to visit the Terracotta Army the next morning.
From central Xi'an, you can reach the Terracotta Army in about 1 - 2 hours using one of the following options:
Duration: about 1.5 hours
Cost: CNY 12
You can take Metro Line 6 to Fangzhicheng Station, transfer to Line 9 to Huaqing Pool Station. Take Exit C and walk about 200 meters (220 yards) east to Huaqing Pool Bus Station, and board Lintong Tour Bus 613 to the Terracotta Army Museum.
Duration: about 1 hour
Cost: CNY 30 for a single way
This direct tour bus service usually picks up passengers at two convenient downtown locations: the East gate of Yisushe Grand Theater near the Bell Tower and the Dayanta Vienna Hotel near the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. Departures from 8:00 to 14:00, while return trips from the museum operate between 13:00 and 18:00. Buses depart every 30 minutes. For a smooth experience, look for official staff wearing red vests, and tickets can be purchased onboard.
Cost: CNY 160 - 220
Duration: about 1 hour
For groups of three to four people, a taxi offers the most comfortable and time-saving option. You'll be dropped off right at the museum entrance, with no need to navigate transfers or wait for scheduled departures.
Tip: If you stayed near the airport or high-speed rail station, there are also convenient transport options to the Terracotta Army, with a total travel time of around 2 hours.
See more details in How to Get to Terracotta Army from Xi'an?
Further Reading:
• How to Get to Terracotta Army from Beijing?
• How to Get to Terracotta Army from Shanghai?
• 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
 |
| Terracotta Figures in Pit 1 |
Generally, from Hong Kong to Xi'an, direct flights take about 3 to 4 hours, while a direct high-speed train journey lasts around 11 hours. Since direct options are limited, many travelers find it more convenient to travel via Shenzhen, which offers more departure options and flexible scheduling. However, given the considerable distance from Hong Kong to Xi'an, roughly 1,800 kilometers (1,120 miles), a day trip is not practical. Whether you fly or take the train, you'll arrive in the afternoon or evening, so plan for at least two days: spend your first evening exploring Xi'an's vibrant downtown, then visit the Terracotta Army, which is about an hour's drive from the city center, the following day.
Step 1: Get to Xi'an from Hong Kong
1. By Plane
Option 1: Direct flights from Hong Kong International Airport to Xi'an Xianyang International Airport are available, but services are limited, sometimes just one flight a day, with a maximum of three. The flight takes about 3 - 4 hours and lands between 14:30 and 18:00. Fares generally range from CNY 2,000 to 4,000, depending on the season and airline.
 |
| Hong Kong International Airport |
Option 2: Alternatively, a more flexible choice is to fly through Shenzhen. There are frequent direct flights from Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport to Xi'an, running from early morning to late evening, with flight durations of about three hours and fares ranging from CNY 1,000 to 2,000.
To reach Shenzhen Airport, start by taking a high-speed train from Hong Kong West Kowloon Railway Station to Shenzhen North Railway Station or Futian Railway Station. The trip lasts 15 to 30 minutes, with second-class fares of CNY 68 - 75.
From Shenzhen North Station, you can take Metro Line 5 to Qianhaiwan, then transfer to Line 11 to reach Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport, taking about one hour. From Futian Station, Line 11 goes directly to the airport in roughly 40 minutes.
2. By High-speed Train
You can also travel via Shenzhen: take approximately 20 minutes on a high-speed train to Shenzhen North or Futian Station, then transfer to a Shenzhen–Xi'an high-speed train. While Shenzhen offers slightly more departures than Hong Kong, four daily trains, with the last one leaving at 12:43, the journey still takes 10 to 11 hours, and trains arrive in Xi'an in the evening, making an overnight stay in Xi'an necessary. Typically, second-class fares on this route range from CNY 894.5 to 955.
Note: Transfer times between trains usually range from 20 to 40 minutes, so select trains that fit your schedule.
|
|
See Hong Kong - Xi'an High Speed TrainStep 2: Explore Downtown Xi'an and Enjoy the Night View
Consider starting at the Muslim Quarter, where you can sample local delicacies and soak in the lively atmosphere. After sunset, take a walk along the ancient Xi'an City Wall, where over a thousand years of history feel especially vivid under the night sky, offering a peaceful view of the city. As night falls, head to the Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City, the heart of Xi'an's nightlife. When the lanterns light up the old-style architecture, the area becomes truly enchanting. Nearby, the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda glows in harmony with the surrounding streets. For a classic Xi'an experience, visit the Bell Tower, which looks majestic under the evening lights. It's a favorite spot for photos, especially for those wearing traditional Hanfu. After a restful night, you'll be ready to visit the Terracotta Army the next morning.
|
|
Step 3: Get to the Terracotta Army from Downtown Xi'an
Option 1: Metro + Bus
Cost: CNY 12
You can take Metro Line 6 to Fangzhicheng Station, transfer to Line 9 to Huaqing Pool Station. Take Exit C and walk about 200 meters (220 yards) east to Huaqing Pool Bus Station, and board Lintong Tour Bus 613 to the Terracotta Army Museum.
 |
| Xi'an Metro Station |
Option 2: Direct Tour Bus
Cost: CNY 30 for a single way
This direct tour bus service usually picks up passengers at two convenient downtown locations: the East gate of Yisushe Grand Theater near the Bell Tower and the Dayanta Vienna Hotel near the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. Departures from 8:00 to 14:00, while return trips from the museum operate between 13:00 and 18:00. Buses depart every 30 minutes. For a smooth experience, look for official staff wearing red vests, and tickets can be purchased onboard.
 |
| Tourist Bus to Terracotta Army |
Option 3: Taxi
Duration: about 1 hour
For groups of three to four people, a taxi offers the most comfortable and time-saving option. You'll be dropped off right at the museum entrance, with no need to navigate transfers or wait for scheduled departures.
Tip: If you stayed near the airport or high-speed rail station, there are also convenient transport options to the Terracotta Army, with a total travel time of around 2 hours.
 |
| Taxi in Xi'an |
See more details in How to Get to Terracotta Army from Xi'an? Further Reading:• How to Get to Terracotta Army from Beijing?
• How to Get to Terracotta Army from Shanghai?
• 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
Recommended Tours
- Last updated on Mar. 26, 2026 by Doris Xue -