How to get to Terracotta Warriors from Xi’an Airport/Train Station?
How to Get from Xi’an Airport or Train Station to the Terracotta Warriors: Your Foolproof Adventure Guide!
No Mandarin Degree Required — Just Fun & Efficiency!
Hey there, fearless American explorers! 🧭 So you’ve landed in Xi’an, fired up to see those epic 2,200-year-old Terracotta Warriors… only to realize: “Wait… how do I actually get there from this airport/train station?!”
Don’t sweat it — I’ve got you covered like a well-fitted emperor’s robe. 🫅 Here’s your no-BS, step-by-step guide to dodge scams, save cash, and launch your warrior-spotting mission like a pro.
🛬 PART 1: From Xi’an Xianyang Airport (XIY)
(Your “Welcome to China!” spot)
You just survived a 14-hour flight. You’re jet-lagged, possibly caffeine-deprived ☕, and surrounded by signs in Chinese. Deep breaths! Here are your rides to clay-soldier glory:
🚌 Option 1: The “Lazy Explorer’s Dream” — Direct Airport Bus
- What it is: A comfy shuttle bus going STRAIGHT to the Terracotta Warriors. No transfers. No stress.
- Why you’ll love it:
- CHEAP (¥30/$4.50 USD).
- Drops you at the museum entrance.
- Luggage space ✅, AC ✅, napping ✅.
- How to find it:Follow signs for “Airport Bus” or “Long-Distance Bus” in Arrivals.
At the counter, smile and say: “Terracotta Warriors, please!” (Or show this: 兵马俑 Bīngmǎyǒng).
Buy a ticket for the “Terracotta Warriors Line” or “Lintong Line.” - Pro Tip: Buses run every 30–60 min. Trip time: ~1.5 hours.
🚕 Option 2: The “VIP Express” — Taxi or DiDi (Uber of China)
- What it is: Door-to-door service. Fast. Easy. Perfect for groups or impatient legends.
- Why choose it:
- SPEED (~1 hour).
- No dragging bags through bus stations.
- Cost:
- ¥200–300 ($30–45 USD) + toll fee (¥15–20).
- How to book:Taxis: Queue at official taxi stands. Show driver: “秦始皇陵博物院” (Qín Shǐhuáng Líng Bówùguǎn).
DiDi (download app!): Type “Terracotta Warriors Museum.” Pay via app (international cards work!). - ⚠️ Warning: Avoid “black taxis” haggling outside — SCAM ALERT!
🚇🤯 Option 3: The “Budget Hero Challenge” — Subway + Bus (For Masochists Only)
- Only attempt if: You love puzzles, have 3+ hours to kill, and own knee braces.
- Route:
- Airport → Xi’an North Station (Subway Line 14).
- Subway Line 2 → City Center.
- Bus #306 (Tourist Bus 5) → Warriors.
- Cost: ¥10 ($1.50 USD)… but your sanity? Priceless. 😅
- Skip this unless you’re a broke backpacker with infinite patience.
🚄 PART 2: From Xi’an Train Stations
🚉 A) Xi’an North Railway Station (Bullet Train Hub)
(Where speedy trains from Beijing/Shanghai arrive)
✅ Best Option: Subway + Bus #306
- Subway Line 2 (inside station) → Beidajie Station.
- Switch to Subway Line 1 → Wulukou Station (near old train station).
- Walk to “Xi’an Railway Station East Square.”
- Find Bus #306 (Tourist Bus 5) — big blue/white bus screaming “TERRACOTTA WARRIORS!”
- ¥7 ($1 USD), 1-hour ride. Relax and stare at rural China!
🚕 Taxi/DiDi Option:
- Cost: ¥150–200 ($22–30 USD).
- Time: 1 hour. Tell driver: “Bingmayong” (Soldier-horse-tomb).
🚂 B) Xi’an Railway Station (Old School Station)
(Historic, chaotic, next to city walls)
🚌 Bus #306 — Your Holy Grail!
- Walk to: East Square (right outside station).
- Spot: The chaotic queue for big blue/white buses labeled 游5 (306).
- Hop on, pay ¥7 cash (or scan Alipay), grab a seat.
- 1 hour later: BOOM — warriors!
Why #306 rocks:
- Runs every 10 mins.
- Drops you at the museum gates.
- Drivers ignore traffic laws (kidding… mostly). 🚦💨
🧳 PART 3: Your Terracotta Survival Kit
- 🗺️ Apps to Download:
- DiDi (Chinese Uber).
- Google Maps OR Baidu Maps (works better in China).
- Translate app (for taxi confessions like “I need coffee!”).
- 💵 Payment:
- Cash (¥) for buses & small vendors.
- Alipay/WeChat Pay — hook up your Visa/Mastercard!
- ⏰ Timing:
- GO EARLY! Warriors open at 8:30 AM. Beat crowds + heat.
- Allow 3–4+ hours to explore the site. It’s HUGE.
- 👟 Comfort Wins:
- Wear walking shoes (you’ll clock 5+ miles).
- Pack water, sunscreen, and a power bank (photo ops galore!).
🚫 NO-NO’s: Traps to Avoid!
- 🚫 “Too-Good-To-Be-True” Tours:
Random guys shouting “Warriors! Cheap bus!” = SCAM. They’ll take you to fake souvenir factories. - 🚫 Unmarked Taxis:
Only use official queues or DiDi. - 🚫 “Other” Terracotta Sites:
Your GPS destination: Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum. That’s the real deal.
🏁 Final Tip: Your Warrior-Ready Game Plan
| Starting Point | Best Route | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport (XIY) | Direct Airport Bus | ¥30 ($4.50) | ~1.5 hours |
| North Station | Subway + Bus #306 | ¥10 ($1.50) | ~1.5 hours |
| Railway Station | Bus #306 from East Square | ¥7 ($1) | ~1 hour |
| ANYWHERE | DiDi/Taxi | ¥150–300 ($22–45) | ~1 hour |
Ready? Let’s Do This!
You’re officially armed and ready. Whether you’re rolling like an emperor (taxi) or adventuring on a budget (bus #306) — those silent clay soldiers are waiting.
Go blow your Instagram up 🔥, soak in the history, and yell “Holy Terracotta!” when you see Pit 1.
(They’ve heard worse… probably).
Have an epic trip — and tag me in your warrior selfies! 📸 ✌️
