Traveling through China is one of the most rewarding experiences you can give yourself—whether you’re fascinated by ancient temples, futuristic skylines, vibrant food markets, or peaceful riverside parks. But what truly elevates your experience in xian is knowing how to move confidently and efficiently through the city.

China’s major cities—including xian—offer some of the world’s most advanced, clean, affordable, and punctual transportation systems. Navigating them smoothly unlocks local neighborhoods, hidden food spots, cultural districts, and gives you the freedom to explore beyond the standard tourist routes.

This guide is your complete, all-season, all-city, foreign-friendly transportation handbook. Whether it’s subways, high-speed trains, city buses, taxis, bikes, ferries, or even long-distance travel—you’ll learn everything you need to get around xian like a local.

1. Understanding the Transportation Culture of xian

China’s urban transport system is built on four pillars:

1. Efficiency

2. Integration of digital services

3. Affordability

4. Mass accessibility

No matter which district of xian you’re exploring, nearly every area is reachable through a combination of subway + bus + taxi/ride-hailing. The abundance of options means you never have to worry about being stuck or paying inflated tourist prices.

What makes travel in xian special for foreigners?

• Most signs are bilingual (Chinese and English)

• Subways and high-speed trains are world-class

• Digital payment options are increasingly foreigner-friendly

• Maps and timetables are reliable and accurate

• Public transportation is safe, punctual, and clean

• Affordable pricing means you can explore freely without budget stress

If you’re used to cities where public transit stops running early or arrives unpredictably, xian will feel like a dream.

2. The Metro / Subway System — Your Best Friend in xian

The subway (Metro) is the smartest, fastest, and most comfortable way to get around xian. Almost every major attraction, shopping area, or historic district is connected by the metro.

Why Travelers Love the Metro in xian

• Fast & frequent: trains are usually 2–5 minutes apart

• Affordable: typical fares range from 2–7 RMB depending on distance

• Air-conditioned and clean

• Clear bilingual signage

• Integrated with all major transit apps

• No traffic jams

• Safe even late at night

Buying Tickets

You can choose:

• Single-ride tickets (at vending machines, accepts cash/metro cards)

• Metro transportation card (rechargeable, great for 3–7 day trips)

• QR code mobile payments (WeChat Pay / Alipay)

• Tourist passes (sometimes available for unlimited rides)

Metro Etiquette and What to Expect

• Queues form naturally; follow arrows at platform doors

• Let passengers exit first before boarding

• Eating and drinking on the metro are generally discouraged

• Elderly and pregnant passengers are given priority seating

• Security checks (bag x-ray) are required at all station entrances

Who should use the metro?

• Budget travelers

• Adventure explorers

• Anyone wanting to avoid traffic

• Families—strollers are welcome

• Slow walkers—there are escalators everywhere

If you remember only one thing:

In xian, the metro is King.

3. Taxis & Ride-Hailing Services — Convenient and Reliable

Sometimes you want door-to-door service, especially at night or when carrying luggage. That’s where taxis and ride-hailing apps shine.

Taxis

Traditional taxis are:

• Safe

• Metered

• Available day and night

• Affordable compared to many Western countries

Tips for taking a taxi in xian**

• Always look for licensed taxis with a meter

• Carry your destination written in Chinese characters

• Taxis may prefer cash or mobile payments

• Avoid unlicensed “black cars” outside stations or airports

• Many drivers speak limited English—translation apps help

Ride-hailing Apps

The most common is:

• Didi Chuxing (滴滴出行) — often called the “Uber of China”

Didi offers:

• Express cars

• Premier cars

• Ladies-only rides (in some cities)

• Taxi-hailing integrations

• Airport pickup scheduling

As a foreign traveler, you can often:

• Register using your passport

• Pay with international credit cards or link them to WeChat/Alipay

When ride-hailing is the best choice

• When you're traveling late at night

• When metro lines have closed

• When traveling to suburban areas

• When it’s raining heavily

• When you’re carrying heavy luggage

4. Buses — The Most Local Experience

While buses can be slower than the metro, they offer:

• Scenic above-ground routes

• Very low fares (1–3 RMB)

• Stops in places the subway does not reach

They are ideal when:

• You want to explore off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods

• You're traveling shorter distances

• You're sightseeing and want to enjoy the view

How to Use Buses in xian

• Many buses offer English route displays

• Most accept mobile payment (scan QR code when boarding)

• Some accept cash (prepare exact change)

• Seats fill quickly during rush hour

• Air-conditioning may vary depending on season

Tips for Smooth Bus Travel

• Use a map app to track your stop

• Board at the front, exit at the back (in most cities)

• Priority seating for elderly, disabled, and pregnant women

• Keep personal belongings close during crowded times

Buses are slower but great for watchers of everyday life.

5. High-Speed Trains — Explore Beyond xian

China’s high-speed railway network (高铁 gāotǐ) is one of the largest and fastest in the world. If you're in xian, you can reach nearby cities or tourist destinations in 30 minutes to 3 hours.

Why High-Speed Trains Are Amazing

• Speeds up to 350 km/h

• Clean, comfortable, quiet

• Punctual with near-zero delays

• Affordable compared to flights

• Easy online ticket booking

• English announcements on board

Types of High-Speed Trains

Buying High-Speed Train Tickets

You can purchase:

• At railway station counters (passport required)

• Online through official platforms

• On apps like Ctrip (Trip.com), WeChat Travel Service, or Alipay

At the Station: What to Expect

• Security check for luggage

• Ticket + passport verification

• Gates close 5 minutes before departure

• Platforms are clearly marked in Chinese & English

• Quick boarding process, assigned seats

Perfect for:

• Day trips

• Visiting smaller towns or villages

• Traveling between megacities

• Combining multiple cities in your China itinerary

6. Bicycles & E-Bike Sharing — Feel the Rhythm of Local Life

One of the best travel experiences is exploring xian on two wheels.

China’s bike-sharing culture is famous worldwide.

Popular bike-sharing brands

• Meituan Bikes (美团单车)

• Hello Bike (哈啰单车)

• Alipay-supported bikes

You scan a QR code, unlock a bike, ride as long as you like, and park it at legal designated spots.

Why biking is great:

• Perfect for parks, riversides, and university districts

• Cheap (usually 1–3 RMB per 30 minutes)

• Small, flexible, environmentally friendly

• E-bikes help with long distances or hills

Things to know:

• Always ride in bike lanes (widely available)

• Wear a helmet if possible (hotels sometimes provide)

• Follow traffic lights

• Avoid peak traffic hours for safety

Biking is a great way to feel the daily rhythm of xian.

7. Walking Around xian — Slow Down and Observe

China’s major cities are incredibly walkable, with:

• Wide sidewalks

• Pedestrian shopping streets

• Scenic river and lake walks

• Safe nighttime environments

• Frequent street-level crossings

Walking is the best way to discover:

• Hidden cafés

• Local markets

• Street art

• Neighborhood temples

• Night markets

Tip: Always carry water. Even in winter, you will walk more than expected!

8. Ferries & Water Transport (If Applicable)

If xian has rivers, lakes, or coastal ports, ferries may be part of the experience.

Water transport can be:

• Scenic

• Affordable

• Fast (sometimes faster than taxis)

• A cultural experience

Examples (depending on city type):

• River-crossing ferries

• Seaside island routes

• Lake cruises

• Tourist night cruises

Perfect for sunset or night views.

9. Airport Transportation — How to Enter and Leave xian Smoothly

Most Chinese airports are well-connected by:

• Airport Express Trains

• Airport shuttle buses

• Metro lines

• Ride-hailing services

• Taxis

Best options:

Airport Express Train

Fastest + no traffic.
Perfect if you're staying near a connected metro station.

Metro

Cheapest option, good for budget travelers.

Taxi or Didi

Door-to-door comfort after a long flight.
Great if you have heavy luggage or arrive late.

Shuttle Bus

Ideal for hotels or districts that don’t have direct metro access.

10. Payment Methods for Transportation

Depending on the service, you can pay through:

• Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay — now foreigner-friendly)

• Cash (still accepted for buses, taxis, metro machines)

• Bank cards (limited acceptance on some buses)

• Transit cards (rechargeable, can be used on metro + bus + some taxis)

Tip: Always carry a small amount of cash as a backup.

11. Useful Apps You Should Download

These apps make transportation in xian effortless:

Navigation

• Baidu Maps

• Gaode Maps (Amap)
  (Better than Google Maps inside China)

Ride-hailing

• Didi Chuxing

Translation

• Google Translate

• Youdao Translate

Train Tickets

• 12306 official

• Ctrip (Trip.com)

Metro info

• Each metro network often has its own app with English support

12. Safety Tips for Traveling Around xian

China is one of the safest large destinations in the world. Still, smart habits help.

• Keep bags in front of you on crowded buses or metros

• Use official taxis or Didi

• Avoid riding bikes without bike lanes

• Watch traffic when crossing streets — scooters may appear quickly

• Keep your phone charged

• Take photos of your hotel address in Chinese

13. Suggested Transportation Strategy for xian

If you want the smoothest experience:

Daily within the city

• Metro: primary mode

• Ride-hailing: evenings, suburban trips

• Bus: scenic routes or short hops

• Walking: old towns, markets, parks

• Bikes: daytime exploration in safe lanes

Intercity

• High-speed train: first choice

• Flights: long-distance or cross-province

This mix gives the best balance between speed, cost, and comfort.

14. Sample One-Day Travel Plan Using Multiple Transportation Modes

Here’s an example of how a traveler might move through xian:

1. Morning

• Take the metro to a historic old town

• Explore streets on foot

2. Midday

• Take a bike share along a riverside trail

3. Afternoon

• Ride a bus to a local food market

4. Evening

• Take a ferry for night skyline views (if applicable)

5. Night

• Use Didi to return to your hotel

Multimodal travel = more fun + more memories.

15. Final Thoughts — Move Like a Local, Explore Like a Traveler

xian is a city built for movement. Whether you choose the futuristic metro, colorful buses, convenient ride-hailing, or the romantic pace of a bicycle, you’ll experience a different side of the city with every ride.

Traveling around xian isn’t just about going from point A to point B —
It’s about discovering the soul of a city that blends tradition and innovation, ancient streets and high-speed railways, local neighborhoods and world-class infrastructure.

Master the transportation system, and the entire city becomes yours to explore.

Are you ready to move freely through xian?
Your adventure starts with the next ride.