Introduction
Xi’an, the capital of Shaanxi province, is one of China’s most important historical cities and the starting point of the Silk Road. Famous for the Terracotta Army, getting to Xi’an from Shenzhen is convenient with multiple transportation options available.
Transportation Options Overview
- By Plane: The fastest option, with flight duration of about 2.5-3 hours
- By High-Speed Train: Comfortable option, taking approximately 10-12 hours
- By Overnight Train: Economical choice, saving daytime travel time
By Plane
Flying is the quickest way to travel between Shenzhen and Xi’an.
- Airports: Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX) to Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY)
- Flight Duration: About 2.5-3 hours
- Airlines: Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, and Shenzhen Airlines operate frequent flights
- Ticket Price: Approximately CNY 500-1800, depending on season
- Airport Transfer: From SZX airport, take metro Line 11 or airport shuttle bus to the city center.
By High-Speed Train
High-speed train is a comfortable option between Shenzhen and Xi’an.
- Stations: Shenzhen North Railway Station (Shenzhenbei) to Xi’an North Railway Station (Xianbei)
- Travel Time: Approximately 10-12 hours
- Ticket Price: Approximately CNY 700-1200
- Seat Classes: Second class, first class, and business class
By Overnight Train
For budget-conscious travelers.
- Travel Time: Approximately 24-28 hours
- Accommodation: Hard sleeper or soft sleeper
- Ticket Price: Approximately CNY 350-700
Recommendation
- For Speed: Take a flight for the quickest journey
- For Comfort: Take the high-speed train, which offers spacious seats
- For Budget: Take an overnight train to save on both transportation and accommodation
Tips for Travelers
- Booking: Book tickets 1-2 weeks in advance, especially during peak travel seasons
- Platforms: For trains, use the official 12306.cn website or app. For flights, use Ctrip, Trip.com, or official airline websites
- Season: The best time to visit Xi’an is spring (April-June) or autumn (September-October)
Last Updated: July 2026
Note: Schedules and prices are subject to change. Please verify current information on official booking platforms before traveling.