Beijing to Xi'an: Bullet Train or Flight?

Beijing to Xi'an takes about 4.5-6 hours by high-speed train, centre to centre, linking the capital with the Terracotta Army and the old Silk Road city. Fares run from around EUR 65; flights are faster in the air but add airport time. Here is how they compare.

Distance	About 1,100 km
Fastest overall	High-speed train (about 4.5h)
Fastest in air	Flight (about 2h)
Don't miss	The Terracotta Army outside Xi'an

Mode	Departures/day	First-last departure	Fastest	Typical fare	Top operators
Train	36	06:38-20:41	4h 10m	USD 33-109	China Railway
Flight	60	02:35-23:00	1h 15m	USD 96-374	China Eastern Airlines, Air China, China Southern Airlines
Prices checked November 1, 2026 from 5244 scheduled departures.

Mode	Operator	Duration	Approx fare	Overnight
Train	China Railway High-speed (G-train) Fastest G-trains run about 4.5 hours, centre to centre, very frequent.	about 4.5 to 6 hours	approx €65 to €110	No	Check on 12Go →
Flight	Air China / China Eastern / Hainan Faster in the air; add transfers and security at both ends.	about 2h plus airport time	approx €55 to €130	No	Compare on Kiwi →

Fares are approximate and shown for comparison. Confirm live prices and times on 12Go before booking.

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How long is the high-speed train from Beijing to Xi'an?

About 4.5 to 6 hours depending on the service, centre to centre, with frequent daily departures.

Is the train or plane better from Beijing to Xi'an?

The high-speed train is comfortable and central, while the flight is faster in the air but adds airport transfers. Many travelers prefer the train for the ease.

How do I reach the Terracotta Army from Xi'an?

The site is about an hour from central Xi'an by bus or tour, northeast of the city near Lintong.

Hotel options and prices come from Agoda and update at booking time; sample data shown if live pricing is unavailable. Transport fares are estimates, confirmed on 12Go.