At a Glance

Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) is the major airport serving Northwest China and the ancient capital of Xi'an. Located 40km northwest of the city, it's the perfect starting point for visiting the world-famous Terracotta Warriors using the 240-hour visa-free transit policy.

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Transit Desk Location

Terminal 3, International Arrivals. Look for bilingual "240-Hour Transit" signs.

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Processing Time

15-35 minutes. Smaller airport means faster processing than Beijing/Shanghai.

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To City Center

Airport shuttle bus (¥25, 60 min) or taxi (¥120-150, 40-50 min).

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To Terracotta Warriors

Direct taxi ~1 hour (¥150-200) OR via city + tour bus (longer but more economical).

Airport Layout & Terminals

XIY has three terminals, but most international travelers use Terminal 3.

Terminal 2 (T2)

  • Primarily domestic flights
  • Some regional international routes (to nearby Asian countries)

Terminal 3 (T3)

  • Main hub for international long-haul flights
  • 240-hour transit desk located here
  • Modern, well-signed in English
  • Direct access to ground transportation
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Terminal Check

Always verify which terminal your flight departs from when leaving Xi'an. T2 and T3 are connected by free shuttle bus (10-15 min).

240-Hour Transit Process at XIY

Step 1: Disembark & Follow Signs

Exit your aircraft and follow signs for "International Arrivals" or "Transit Visa". Staff can direct you if unsure - show your onward ticket.

Step 2: Locate Transit Desk

Before regular immigration counters in Terminal 3. English signage: "24/72/144/240-Hour Visa-Free Transit". Queue is usually short.

Step 3: Submit Documents

What you need:

  • Passport (6+ months validity)
  • Onward flight ticket (within 240 hours)
  • Arrival card (provided on flight or at desk)
  • Hotel booking (recommended, sometimes requested)

Step 4: Processing

Officer reviews your documents (15-35 min). May ask basic questions: "Why Xi'an?" → "To see Terracotta Warriors!" is a perfect answer.

Step 5: Stamp & Go

Receive transit permit stamp. Double-check dates! Collect luggage and head into Xi'an.

Getting from Airport to Xi'an

ℹ️

No Direct Metro Connection (Yet)

Unlike Beijing or Shanghai, Xi'an airport does NOT have a direct metro connection. Metro Line 14 extension is planned but not yet complete. Your options are bus or taxi.

🚌 Airport Shuttle Bus (Recommended Budget Option)

Cost: ¥25 (~$3.50) | Time: 50-70 minutes

  • Multiple routes to different parts of Xi'an
  • Most popular: Route to Bell Tower / City Center
  • Buses depart every 30 minutes from arrival hall
  • English announcements for major stops
  • Comfortable and reliable

🚕 Taxi

Cost: ¥120-150 to city center | Time: 40-50 min

  • Official taxi rank outside Terminal 3
  • Have hotel address in Chinese ready
  • Avoid unofficial touts - use official queue only
  • Didi (ride-hailing) also works well

🗿 Direct to Terracotta Warriors

Option 1 - Direct Taxi: ¥150-200, ~1 hour. Convenient but expensive.

Option 2 - Via City: Take bus to Xi'an Railway Station, then tourist bus 914/915 to Warriors (¥7, 1 hour). Total savings: ~¥100.

Insider Tips for XIY

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Make the Most of Your Xi'an Transit

  • Warriors first: If you only have 1 day, prioritize the Terracotta Warriors. Go early (8am) to beat crowds.
  • Book Warriors tickets online: Official website or Trip.com. Saves time at entrance.
  • Muslim Quarter at night: Best time for food and atmosphere (7-10pm).
  • City Wall bike rental: Early morning (7-9am) or late afternoon (4-6pm) for best light and fewer tourists.
  • Cash essential: Many local restaurants and tourist buses only take cash. Have ¥200-300 ready.
  • Airport food: Limited options compared to bigger airports. Eat in the city!

Hotels Near Xi'an Airport

Airport Hotels

  • Tangcheng Hotel: Connected to T3, ¥500-700/night
  • Capsule hotels: Available in terminals for short rests

Better Option: Stay in City

Xi'an's attractions are all in the city center. Unless you have a very early morning flight, stay near:

  • Bell Tower area: Central, walking to many sites
  • South Gate: Near City Wall, great atmosphere
  • Muslim Quarter: Best for food lovers

Hotels range from ¥150 (budget) to ¥800+ (luxury).