Beijing to Xi'an Transport Guide: High-Speed Train vs Flight Compared

For most travelers going from central Beijing to central Xi'an, the high-speed train is the simpler choice and usually gets you there sooner, even though the scheduled journey is twice as long as the flight. A G-train covers the route in about 4 hours 10 minutes at its fastest, while a flight is scheduled at roughly two hours. But add in the trip out to the airport, check-in, baggage collection, and a 40 km ride back into Xi’an, the train usually comes out as the faster journey. But there are certain situations where it makes more sense to fly; we’re going to cover them all below. 

Quick Verdict: Should You Take the Train or Fly?

If you’re going from central Beijing to central Xi’an, the train wins. I'm always an advocate for taking the train, as there's something just so relaxing about being able to go from city center to city center, avoiding the stress of airports entirely. But there are plenty of other situations where the flight makes more sense. 

When it comes down to it, the choice can be pretty simple. As I said above; if you're traveling from central to central, the train is faster, and more comfortable. If you're staying near the airport, flying into Beijing from another country, or are just after a cheap way to get between the two cities, it might make more sense to fly.

Door-to-Door Time: Why a Two-Hour Flight May Not Be Faster

It might be obvious to state, but a two-hour flight on paper is not a two-hour journey. Below, you’ll find the same trip calculated two different ways, departing from a hotel near Wangfujing in central Beijing and arriving at a hotel near the Bell Tower in Xi'an.

Beijing to Xi'an by High-Speed Train from Beijing West

Beijing to Xi'an by Flight from Beijing Capital

And if you were to swap those metro legs after a flight to Xi’an for a private airport transfer, the total time would come down to roughly 6 hours and 45 minutes, still longer than the door-to-door train journey, but much closer.

And if you were to depart from Daxing Airport rather than Capital Airport in Beijing, the total time increases even more, because Daxing is about 46 km south of Beijing’s center whereas Capital is only 25 km away.

Beijing and Xi'an Stations vs Airports: Which Is Closer?

There’s not just one Beijing airport, nor just one train station. It’s important to compare route times and prices from all of them. 

Another thing to consider when looking at your options is that there’s a high-speed rail station inside the terminal at Daxing Airport you, with services to Beijing West in under half an hour. That means if you land at PKX from abroad and are looking to move on straight to Xi’an, it could be a more affordable option, although not much faster since you’re already at the airport.  

Image from China Airline Travel

Ticket Price vs Total Trip Cost

Rail fares on this route are regulated and stable, which means you have a pretty good idea of what the ticket will cost. 

• A second-class seat runs around ¥450 to ¥600
• A first-class seat is roughly ¥700 to over ¥950. 

The price of flights from Beijing to Xi’an varies more widely with date and the total demand. Below, some things you need to take into consideration to calculate a rough total cost of the journey.

So even when a flight ticket might be cheaper than the train, when you add up the total cost of the journey, it might not just be longer, but also more expensive.

High-Speed Train Experience: Booking, Passport, Luggage and Seats

To book the high-speed train from Beijing to Xi’an, you’ll need to use your passport, ensuring the name and passport number match exactly. Tickets usually go on sale 15 days before the train’s scheduled departure. I'd recommend booking them as soon as they go on sale to get a good seat and price.

Chinese rail is now paperless. So that means your ticket is tied to your passport, which you’ll scan at the station entrance and again at the boarding gate. Beware of the automated gates though, as they don’t reliably read foreign passports. If yours is rejected, look out for the staffed manual channel. And as a backup, keep a screenshot of your booking on your phone in case the signal drops out. 

Like elsewhere in the world, there’s no baggage drop for the train; you’re responsible for dragging it through the station, onto the train, and depositing it in the luggage area if available or the overhead racks. Allowance is 20 kg per adult and 10 kg per child, and no single item can exceed 130 cm in combined length, width, and height. 

Second class tickets give you a power socket and enough table for a laptop. First class has noticeably more room, and on a four-hour journey, the upgrade is one of the better small purchases in Chinese travel, particularly if you plan to work.

Flight Experience: PEK or PKX, Check-In and Baggage

Remember, it’s important to consider which Beijing airport you might be departing from when looking at the price of flights, as they’re quite far apart. 

Check-in at the airport is mostly the same as everywhere else. Chinese nationals can use digital readers that scan passports, but just like in the train station, they often don’t work with foreign passports so you might need to find the staffed counter to collect your boarding pass.

Chinese domestic carry-on allowances are tighter than you may expect. You only get 5 kg for economy, and the checked allowances and fees vary depending on the airline and your fare bundle. When arriving in Xi’an, budget at least 30 minutes from wheels-down to walking out with a checked back, and then 55 to 90 minutes from there into the city depending on whether you take the taxi or the metro. 

Image sourced from Unsplash

How to Book the Best Beijing to Xi'an Option

1. Enter your travel dates on Trip.com and run both searches side by side.
2. Make sure to pay attention to the full station or airport name, not just the city name.
3. Calculate door-to-door time from your hotel at both ends.
4. Add up every cost you can: fare, bags, seat selection and ground transport.
5. Check change and refund conditions, then pay.

Also remember that names and document numbers must match your passport on both rail and air bookings. If you’re traveling around a Chinese public holiday, tickets are much more sought-after, so book further ahead than you normally would.

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