Xi'an Train Stations: Where and How to Take a Train?

As China's former imperial capital and the historic starting point of the Silk Road, Xi'an draws millions of visitors every year, all eager to marvel at the Terracotta Army and the ancient city walls that have stood for millennia.

The capital of Shaanxi has several railway stations, with three handling the majority of the traffic. There's Xi'an North Station for high-speed trains, Xi'an Railway Station (central) for conventional and some high-speed services, and Xi'an South Station for connections to the southwest.

To help you make the most of your trip, Trip.com has put together a comprehensive guide to the main railway stations in Xi'an.

Main Train Stations in Xi'an

📌 Click the itinerary link in the table to book your ticket now!

Now, let's take a closer look at the key railway stations you won't want to miss for your travels and adventures in Xi'an.

Xi'an North Railway Station – 西安北站

Standing tall at the northern edge of the city in the Weiyang District, Xi'an North Railway Station is a transport hub that truly reflects the city's grand ambitions. Opened in 2011, it spans over 330,000 m² and ranks among the largest high-speed railway stations in China!

With its 34 platforms and dozens of daily departures to Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, or Guangzhou, it handles almost all G and D trains leaving from Xi'an.

How do I get there?

How to book your tickets?

For this station or any others in Xi'an, you have three options:

• Book on Trip.com (Recommended ✅): The easiest way to book tickets online. Book in a few clicks and get an e-ticket linked to your passport. Available in English and other languages, and supports credit card or PayPal payment. Book in 3 minutes, get your ticket in 10 minutes. Just scan your passport to board the train.
• Via the 12306 app: This is China's official railway platform. It now has an English interface, so it's easier to use. However, you may need to wait 3–5 days for identity verification before you can buy tickets. Once set up, it works well.
• At the on-site ticket counters: Go to the ticket office at the station (usually on level 1, follow station signs). At larger stations, you can usually find a counter for international travellers with English-speaking staff. Bring your passport, choose your train, and pay at the counter. It's best to allow extra time, especially during busy periods.

How to catch your train?

Catching your train from Xi'an North Railway Station, or indeed any of the city's other main stations, couldn't be easier!

• Please arrive 45 to 60 minutes before departure (earlier during busy periods);
• Go through identity verification and security checks at the entrance (passport required, luggage X-rayed);
• Head to the waiting area and check the departure screens for your train and boarding gate;
• Proceed through the ticket gates when boarding starts (usually 15–30 minutes before departure; passport required);
• • Foreign passport holders: use the Manual Channel and show your passport to staff.
  • Foreign Permanent Residence ID card holders: use self-service or manual channels.
• Follow the signs to your platform and find your carriage and seat.

For a more detailed step-by-step guide, please see below.

Services available at the station

Just like most train stations, you'll find plenty of services and shops on-site to make your journey that little bit easier:

• 🍜 Dining: Shaanxi cuisine restaurants (biang biang noodles, roujiamo), national chains, Starbucks, and KFC are all available on levels 1 and 2.
• 🛍️ Shopping: Pharmacy, newsagents, local speciality shops, and Xi'an souvenirs
• 🧳 Luggage storage: Level 1, main hall (~15–20 CNY/day)
• 📶 Wi-Fi: free throughout the station
• 🏧 ATM: cash machines are available on levels 1 and 2, and international cards are accepted.
• 🚿 Showers: available in the VIP area (~30 CNY/30 mins)

VIP Lounge (First Class Waiting Room)

Xi'an North Railway Station features a DragonPass VIP lounge, renowned for its comfort and tranquillity. It is accessible to first and business class passengers upon presentation of their ticket, as well as to DragonPass members.

Once you're there? Enjoy self-service hot and cold drinks, snacks, magazines, high-speed Wi-Fi, charging points, and super-comfortable armchairs.

Access is valid for 2 hours; other travellers can gain entry for approximately 105 CNY (~£11).

Main routes from Xi'an North

Xi'an Railway Station – 西安站

It stands right at the foot of the Old City's northern ramparts, just a few hundred metres from the Heping Gate (one of the most iconic entrances to Xi'an's ancient city wall). Opened in 1934, Xi'an Railway Station is one of the oldest still in operation in north-west China. While it no longer handles high-speed trains, it remains a busy hub for conventional long-distance (T and K) trains to Lanzhou, Urumqi, the north-east, and overnight services to Beijing.

Its location right in the historic heart of Xi'an (a 10-minute walk from the Bell Tower and just a stone's throw from the Muslim Quarter) makes it the most convenient station for tourists staying in the old city centre.

How do I get there?

Services available at the station

Here too, you'll find plenty of services and shops available if you arrive at the station early or are just passing through:

• 🍜 Dining: discover Shaanxi culinary specialities, noodle bars, snack bars, and traditional restaurants located around the station and in the main hall.
• 🛍️ Shops: pharmacy, newsagent, regional snack and souvenir stores
• 🧳 Luggage storage: main hall (~15 CNY/day), super handy for exploring the Muslim Quarter before you head off!
• 📶 Wi-Fi: free throughout the station
• 🏧 ATMs: cash machines are available at the main entrance and in the central hall
• 📍 A tourist hotspot: just a 15-minute walk from the Bell Tower and 5 minutes from the Muslim Quarter Night Market.

VIP Lounge (First Class Waiting Room)

The lounge at Xi'an Central Station is simple yet effective, offering comfortable armchairs, hot drinks, power sockets, and Wi-Fi.

This is open to first and business class passengers, with paid access available to other travellers for approximately 40 CNY (~£4.30).

Main routes from Xi'an Railway Station

Xi'an South Railway Station (Yinzhen) – 引镇站

Nestled in the south-west of Xi'an, this station plays a quieter yet highly useful role in the city's railway network. Formerly known as Xi'an South Railway Station, it has been renamed Yinzhen and specialises in conventional trains (T and K) heading to south-western destinations (Chengdu, Chongqing, Ankang, and Hohhot).

With 3 platforms and 7 tracks, it is far more compact than Xi'an North Railway Station, but a convenient choice for travellers staying in southern Xi'an or anyone wanting to avoid the crowds at the main stations.

How do I get there?

Services available at the station

At Xi'an South Railway Station, you'll find a wide range of services on-site:

• 🍜 Dining: Shaanxi cuisine restaurants and snack bars at the entrance and in the lobby
• 🧳 Luggage storage: main hall (~15 CNY/day)
• 📶 Wi-Fi: free in the station
• 🏧 ATM: cash machines at the main entrance
• 🚌 Bus shuttles: lines S786 and 752 to the city centre

VIP Lounge (First Class Waiting Room)

The VIP lounge at Yinzhen station is simple yet functional. It's open to first and business class passengers—a welcome perk in this modest-sized station where public areas are a bit more limited.

Main routes from Xi'an South (Yinzhen)

Six Tips for Easy Train Travel from Xi'an

💡 Choose your station based on your destination

Xi'an North is the main hub for all high-speed G-trains to Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai and Guangzhou. The central Xi'an Railway Station operates classic overnight conventional trains to Lanzhou, Urumqi and Northeast China. Yinzhen Station serves a small number of routes to the southwest. Always double-check the exact name of your departure station on your ticket before taking the metro!

💡 Book as soon as your dates are confirmed

Xi'an is one of China's most popular travel destinations. During peak season (April–October), as well as Golden Weeks and Chinese New Year, tickets for popular routes like Xi'an–Beijing or Xi'an–Chengdu can sell out within hours of bookings opening (15 days before departure). Book on Trip.com as soon as your itinerary is set.

💡 Allow 45 to 60 minutes before your departure

All Chinese railway stations require a security check at the entrance and a passport and ticket verification before you can access the platform. For the North Station, which has vast halls, allow a little extra time to find your waiting room with peace of mind.

💡 Keep your passport handy

Your passport is required for station entry and boarding. Keep it in an outer jacket pocket rather than buried at the bottom of your bag.

💡 Don't mix up G-trains and conventional trains

A G-train from Xi'an to Beijing takes 4 hours 30 minutes and departs from the North Railway Station. A T or K train for the same journey takes between 10 and 12 hours and departs from the central station. The letter at the beginning of your train number determines your departure station.

💡 Get your connection ready before you arrive at the station

Wi-Fi is free at all train stations in Xi'an, but you'll need a VPN to access Western apps. Make sure to grab a China eSIM before you set off!

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