Hong Ma
Three hours. That's how long my clients waited at Xi'an North Station last week—not for the train, but for a taxi that never came. Forget the glossy brochures: if you don't know the exact metro line number, you're stuck paying 150 yuan for a 30-yuan ride.
Most bullet train guides will tell you to "just take a taxi." But here's what they miss: Xi'an North Station has two separate taxi queues—one for official cabs (cheap) and one for black cars (scam). And if you don't have WeChat Pay, buying a train ticket can turn into a 40-minute queue at the counter.
Here's the truth: With the right route, you can go from the bullet train platform to the Terracotta Army entrance in under 90 minutes for less than 20 yuan. No tour group needed. Let me show you exactly how.
What's Inside This Guide
How to Buy Bullet Train Tickets to Xi'an Without WeChat
I'll be honest: the official 12306 app is a nightmare for English speakers. The English version exists but crashes often. Here's what actually works:
Option 2: Hotel Concierge – If you're staying at a decent hotel, the front desk can buy tickets for you. Just hand them cash and your passport. They usually charge zero extra.
Option 3: Station Counter – Bring your passport, find the "Foreigners" window (usually marked with a globe icon). The staff often speak minimal English, so have your destination written in Chinese: 西安北 (Xi'an Bei) or 西安 (Xi'an main station).
Pro tip: Avoid buying tickets during Chinese holidays (Spring Festival, National Day) unless you book 15 days in advance. Trains sell out.
Xi'an North Station: Navigate Like a Local
Xi'an North Station is huge—two levels, 18 platforms. Newcomers always get lost. Here's the cheat sheet:
| Gate/Exit | Where It Leads | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Exit D (North Square) | Metro Line 2, Bus stop 266 | Going to city center (Daming Palace, Bell Tower) |
| Exit A (South Square) | Taxi stand (official), Long-distance bus | Taxis to Terracotta Army or airport |
| Exit B (West) | Bus stops 108, 182 | Local buses (cheap but slow) |
| Exit C (East) | Short-term parking, ride-hailing pickup | If you ordered a Didi (Chinese Uber) |
One more thing: the public toilets near the waiting hall are always packed. Walk to the far end of the station (near platform 18) for cleaner, empty ones.
Best Bullet Train Routes to Xi'an
Xi'an is connected to most major Chinese cities by high-speed rail. Here are the most popular routes for international travelers:
| From | Duration | Frequency | Price (Second Class) | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing West | 4.5 hrs | ~30 trains/day | 515 yuan | Book G-series trains (e.g., G651) for fewer stops |
| Shanghai Hongqiao | 5.5–6 hrs | ~20 trains/day | 670 yuan | Night trains have sleepers—save a hotel night |
| Chengdu East | 3–3.5 hrs | ~25 trains/day | 260 yuan | Scenic route through Qinling Mountains |
| Luoyang Longmen | 1.5 hrs | ~40 trains/day | 120 yuan | Great for a day trip from Xi'an |
| Lanzhou West | 2.5–3 hrs | ~15 trains/day | 230 yuan | Connects to Qinghai Lake tours |
Note: Prices fluctuate by season. Off-peak (November–February) can be 20% cheaper. I always check Trip.com first.
From Station to Terracotta Army: The Fastest Combo
Most tourists rush to the Terracotta Army right after arriving. Here's how to do it without wasting time:
Step 1: Metro to Bell Tower (30 min, 6 yuan)
Take Line 2 from Xi'an North Station (Exit D) to Bell Tower station. Exit C puts you right on the main shopping street.
Step 2: Bus to Terracotta Army (1 hr, 7 yuan)
From Bell Tower, walk east to the Xi'an Railway Station Bus Terminal (not Xi'an North!). Take Bus 306 (also called Tourist Line 5). It's a direct express—no stops in between. The last bus back leaves at 7:00 PM sharp.
Plan B (If You're Tired)
Take a Didi (ride-hailing) from Xi'an North directly to the Terracotta Army. It costs about 120 yuan and takes 50 minutes. Use the Chinese app or ask your hotel to call one. Never take a taxi from the queue at South Square—they often overcharge.
5 Common Mistakes Foreigners Make (And How to Avoid Them)
- Buying tickets at the station without a backup. The counter line for foreigners can be 30+ minutes. Always try Trip.com first, or book the night before at your hotel.
- Exiting through the wrong door. Exit D for metro, Exit A for official taxis. If you exit B, you'll wander into a sea of bus stops with no signs in English.
- Trusting the "free" shuttle to Terracotta Army. They'll take you to a jade museum and try to sell you overpriced souvenirs. No thank you.
- Not checking the train's final stop. Some G-trains continue to Chengdu. If you fall asleep, you'll wake up 300 km away. Set an alarm.
- Forgetting to download offline maps. The station Wi-Fi requires a Chinese phone number to log in. Download a map of Xi'an North Station before you arrive.
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