Xi’an Metro Guide 2026: Map, Lines & Fares

Xi'an is an old city that was the capital of 13 dynasties. This place is full of history and culture. If you want to get around Xi'an, the metro is a way to do it. The Xi'an metro will get you where you need to go, and it is affordable.

Xi’an Metro Map and Lines

As of 2026, the Xi'an Metro network has 12 lines that cover over 422 kilometres, which makes the Xi'an Metro network one of the growing metro systems in China.

Here are the Xi'an Metro lines you will probably use when you are a tourist:

• Line 2 (Red): This is the north-south backbone. The red line stops at the Bell Tower, South Gate, which is also known as Yongning Gate, and Xiaozhai. The red line is really useful for visitors.
• Line 3 (Purple): The purple line runs through the south of the city. When you are on the line, you should get off and see the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and the Tang Dynasty attractions.
• Line 4 (Green): The green line connects the south with Xi'an North Railway Station. It also goes to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda area.
• Line 8 (Orange, Loop): This is Xi'an's loop line. The orange line goes around the Tang Dynasty city, and is great for getting to the Grand Tang Mall and the Qujiang area.
• Line 9 (Camel): People call it the "tourist line". It takes you all the way to Lintong, the home of the Terracotta Warriors and Huaqing Pool.
• Line 14 (Teal): This line is the airport express. It connects Xi'an Xi'anyang International Airport with the city centre. The line is super convenient for travellers going to and from the airport.

The metro maps on the trains and at the platforms are in Chinese and English. You will easily find your way.

Xi’an Metro Key Stations

💡 Pro Tip: Stay near a major interchange like Xiaozhai or Bell Tower to save travel time!

Xi’an Metro Operating Hours

The Xi'an Metro runs most of the day, giving you plenty of flexibility to explore:

• First trains: Around 6:00 AM from both ends of each line
• Last trains: Approximately 11:00 PM – 11:30 PM, varying by line
• Peak hours: 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM and 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM on weekdays
• Frequency: Every 2–4 minutes during peak hours, 4–8 minutes off-peak

Airport Line (Line 14)

• First train to the airport: Around 6:00 AM
• Last train to airport: Approximately 10:30 PM
• Journey time: 45–50 minutes from the city centre

Word of warning: If you plan to stay out late, double-check the last train time for your line. Exact times are displayed on electronic boards inside each station.

Xi’an Metro Tickets, Passes and Fares

The Xi'an Metro is really great because it does not cost a lot of money to use. You can go around the city on the Xi'an Metro for just a little bit of money. It is very cheap compared to what you would pay in Singapore.

Single Journey Tickets

Xi'an uses a distance-based fare system. The further you go, the more you pay, but even the longest journeys are cheap:

The maximum fare across the entire network is only ¥13 (about S$2.47)—less than a kopi in Singapore for a cross-city journey!

Children under 1.3 metres ride for free when accompanied by an adult (maximum two children per adult).

Day Passes

If you're doing a lot of sightseeing, day passes are an absolute steal:

💡 My recommendation: If you're in Xi'an for 3 days or more, definitely get the 3-day pass. It works out to just over S$2.50 per day for unlimited travel.

How to Pay for Xi’an Metro?

Xi'an offers multiple payment options to suit every traveller:

Alipay Metro Code

If you have Alipay set up (highly recommended for any trip to China), this is by far the most convenient option. No cash, no tokens—just scan and go.

To set it up: open Alipay → go to "Transport" → switch to "Metro" → get the "Xi'an Electronic Metro Card". That's it!

Scan the QR code at the entry and exit gates. The fare is automatically deducted after your ride. Works on buses too!

Single Journey Tokens

Buy from automatic ticket vending machines at every station (they have English options). Youll get a small plastic token. Tap in, insert to exit. Simple!

Xi'an Metro App

The official app offers route planning, QR code payments, electronic day passes, and real-time schedules. Download from the App Store or Google Play.

Changan Tong Transportation Card

Xi'ans version of the EZ-Link card. Works on metro and buses, with a 10% discount on rides. Requires a ¥20 (S$3.80) deposit. Best for longer stays.

How to Take Xi'an Metro?

Taking the metro in Xi'an is really easy. Here is what you do:

1. Plan your route. You can use the Xi'an Metro app. Look at a map to see which lines you need to take.
2. Next, you go through security. Like at the airport, you put your bags through a machine that checks them.
3. Then you tap in. You can use your phone, a card, or a special token to get through the turnstile. When you hear a beep, you can walk through.
4. Now you need to find the platform. Just follow the signs with colours. Make sure you are going the way.
5. When you are on the platform, just wait for the train. Stand behind the line on the floor. Let people get off the train before you get on.
6. The metro ride is nice. There are signs and announcements that tell you what is going on. And they are in two languages, so you will always know what is happening.
7. If you need to get on a line you will need to transfer. Just follow the signs that say "Transfer". You might have to walk a bit, but the signs are easy to follow.
8. Finally tap out. Use your phone or card. Token again to get out of the metro.

That is it. After you take the metro a couple of times, you will be like a pro.

Reaching Top Attractions by Xi'an Metro

Almost every major attraction in Xi'an is easily accessible by metro.

• Terracotta Warriors: Line 9 to Huaqing Pool or Qinling West Station. About 1 hour from the city centre.
• Bell Tower & Drum Tower: Line 2 to Bell Tower Station. Right in the heart of the city.
• Giant Wild Goose Pagoda: Line 3 or 4 to Big Wild Goose Pagoda Station. 10-minute walk to the pagoda.
• Xi'an City Wall: Line 2 to Yongning Gate Station (South Gate). Rent a bicycle and cycle around!
• Muslim Quarter: Line 2 to Bell Tower Station, or Line 1 to Sajinqiao Station (the locals' favourite).
• Shaanxi History Museum: Line 2 or 3 to Xiaozhai Station. About a 10-minute walk.
• Grand Tang Mall: Line 3 or 4 to Big Wild Goose Pagoda Station, or Line 8 to Datang Buxingjie Station.
• Airport: Line 14 to Airport West Station. 45–50 minutes from the city centre.

Useful Tips for Taking Xi’an Metro

• Try to avoid the times when you are travelling. The times from 7:30 to 9:00 in the morning and 5:30 to 7:30 in the evening on weekdays are very crowded.
• Make sure you choose the exit when you are at a big station. These stations have many exits. So check the map to see which one is closest to where you want to go.
• If you are using Alipay or the metro app to pay for your trip, keep your phone charged.
• Remember, you cannot eat or drink on the trains. So finish your food before you get on the train.
• It is an idea to carry some small change with you, just in case you need it. Cash is always a backup.